It feels like the perfect time to do a write up on packing for a long-distance motorcycle trip. I left Sedona, Arizona, two weeks ago for a motorcycle journey to British Columbia on my BMW GS1200. I didn’t quite pack everything I own, but close to it. Having recently taken a hiatus from my day job there is no time frame for returning to Arizona other than when the weather changes in the Fall. With this being the case packing had to be tight, yet diverse enough for every possible type of weather that I may encounter.
My philosophy has always been less is better. This holds even more true when you have such minimal storage space on a motorcycle. There is no need to have every centimeter packed to the gills. Having a bit of remaining space allocated is important in the event you need to add gear or choose to pack sloppily after camping in the rain. That buffer space should be held sacred. So, here is everything I am bringing along this journey.
Currently 10 days into this trip with 8 nights of camping in numerous weather conditions and I have remained quite comfortable. Another barometer of success is when someone walks by my campsite as I am laying in my hammock reading a book and they comment “WOW, you fit ALL that on your motorcycle?”
I just smile and reply with a “yup.” I am now in northern California and will start hitting possibly more wet and cold weather so I will see how my gear continues to stack up against the elements as I travel further north with no real itinerary. The main objective of this trip is to slow down, enjoy the moment, be present, and meet up with old and new friends along the ride.
Let me know if there is a piece of gear you feel I am missing or that you hold close during your long-distance motorcycle trips. I am always interested in improving my packing and living conditions while on the motorcycle.
Hey, a quick photo from this trip…there are two Joes, a deer, and two wild turkeys in the picture below.
Never miss an ExNotes blog:
Those of you who subscribe to Motorcycle Classics magazine may have seen my article on…
By Joe Berk I felt a mix comforting mix of “been there, done that” and…
By Joe Berk Mike Venturino was one of the greatest gun writers who ever lived. …
By Joe Berk The Harley WLA at the National Infantry Museum was a lot prettier…
By Joe Berk Here's a quick look at what I've found to be three Mosin-Nagant…
By Joe Berk Boy oh boy oh boy! Talk about an interesting barn find! We…