packing for a tour

happycrappy

happycrappy

Well-known member
Site Supporter
So, I've confirmed my target of Cape Breton on my KLR. I'm limited to a 70 litre water proof duffel bag, some small saddles and a wolfman tank bag. I'm planning on tenting as much as possible, and not cooking at all. Approx. two weeks out on the road; anyone have suggestions for stuff to bring? I wasn't sure how frequent laundry facilities will be; I'm taking the US route through Maine up to New Brunswick. I'd like to travel as light as possible
 
CAA Plus
LED flashlight
Lotsa layers mostly dryfit - easy to wash and dries quick
You'll likely want polyprop long underwear - Cape Breton can be wicked and the mountains can get chilly - good to sleep in as well
Offline map app
a 12volt socket is a good thing for charging stuff

Battery tender might be good ( they are small ) and many campsites have a power outlet available. Motorcycle jumper cables maybe as well.
Spare clutch/brake lever if you don't have barkbusters and plan any dirt roads.
Small vice grips are useful

Can't tell you much on the camping side as don't do it but one of those immersion heaters might be nice.
Bulk power bars - ones that don't melt.


oh yeah ...your passport ;)
 
MacDoc said:
CAA Plus
LED flashlight
Lotsa layers mostly dryfit - easy to wash and dries quick
You'll likely want polyprop long underwear - Cape Breton can be wicked and the mountains can get chilly - good to sleep in as well
Offline map app
a 12volt socket is a good thing for charging stuff

Battery tender might be good ( they are small ) and many campsites have a power outlet available. Motorcycle jumper cables maybe as well.
Spare clutch/brake lever if you don't have barkbusters and plan any dirt roads.
Small vice grips are useful

Can't tell you much on the camping side as don't do it but one of those immersion heaters might be nice.
Bulk power bars - ones that don't melt.


oh yeah ...your passport ;)
Click to expand...

Excellent, thank you. I just bought spare levers the other day, and did a full maintenance on the bike (new chain coming friday). Any suggestions for your favourite offline map app?
 
I like ForEver Map. - you need to download each area before you go.
TomTom is great if you want voice guidance but $$

The 12 volt outlet with a USB adapter will keep your phone charged - GPS eats batteries.
get a fused one

It's nice if you have a friend to ride with you the first half hour or so and keep an eye on your gear from behind.....
If not get off after a bit and check it all.

Polysporin and maybe a baby medkit- nothing worse than a small cut on a finger getting sore and infected.

Something like Catcrap for your shield/glasses.
I like clear safety glasses as an additional layer when it all fogs up in misty rain. $8 or so at the safety supply store.
 
Last edited:
There are YouTube videos on the interwebs if you google "packing for motorcycle tour".
 
Schneller said:
There are YouTube videos on the interwebs if you google "packing for motorcycle tour".
Click to expand...

I'd rather not wade through countless crap vids, thanks. Much rather use a local motorcycle forum, input my destination, bike, and equipment used. Thanks anyway
 
Don't forget a tire patch kit and a small compressor just in case. I bought the SLIME compressor at Walmart for like $15 never needed it but glad it's always there just in case. Tire patch kit maybe around $10 also at Walmart. Camera is obvious but you don't want to forget that in the excitement and maybe a small tripod.

- can of lube plus chain cleaning supplies
- spare filter plus enough oil for one oil change


Have a great trip and be sure to post some pics and a ride report. Have fun!
 
MacDoc said:
CAA Plus
LED flashlight
Lotsa layers mostly dryfit - easy to wash and dries quick
You'll likely want polyprop long underwear - Cape Breton can be wicked and the mountains can get chilly - good to sleep in as well
Offline map app
a 12volt socket is a good thing for charging stuff
Click to expand...


I would bring a head lamp instead of a flash light. If I ever had to work on something in the dark, having hands free is much much better then trying to prop up a flash light somewhere, and then deal with the shadows of working infront of the light.

As MacDoc said, layers, lots of layers. Keeps you versatile from hot to cold. Make sure you have some good rain gear.

For camping, a must for me is an air matte. When on a longer trip, getting good sleep is important, and a good matte keeps you off the ground, makes it comfortable and packs relatively small. Just roll it up and strap it to the back seat.
 
I'm planning to put as many things as possible in zip lock bags for organizational purposes and to keep the water out.
 
mimico_polak said:
Don't forget a tire patch kit and a small compressor just in case. I bought the SLIME compressor at Walmart for like $15 never needed it but glad it's always there just in case. Tire patch kit maybe around $10 also at Walmart. Camera is obvious but you don't want to forget that in the excitement and maybe a small tripod.

- can of lube plus chain cleaning supplies
- spare filter plus enough oil for one oil change


Have a great trip and be sure to post some pics and a ride report. Have fun!
Click to expand...

no point in carrying oil when there are plenty of canadian tires everywhere. it just adds extra weight and space. taking a filter might even be overkill since some oil changes require a filter change with every 2nd oil change.
 
Dont forget to pack your passport & documents in a ziplock bag. Ask me how I know :D
 
Lots of ziplock baggies (put eveything in them and double bag you passport and phone)
Spare gloves
A small thin piece of metal for your sidestand in campgound.
Take the clothes that you think you need and then cut it in half.
Sunscreen for your face and neck
Sandals for taking your boots off when you stop
Small container of wet windex wipes for your helmet cleaning
A can of chain lube
A small small diameter clear hose 6 foot long to siphon fuel if required (don't laugh as they get used)
A method on your tank bag or elsewhere for easy in and out of cash for toll roads
Don't take oil etc.
Definitely a socket for power on your bike
A couple of water bottles
Tire pressure gauge
A rag to clean the dew of you bike in the morning
A safe, repeatable spot where you put your key EVERYTIME you get off the bike
A spare key somewhere in your belongings
A lockable way to attach your helmet to the bike for your stops during the day
Emergency contact info on a card in your wallet (inside a ziplock bag)
Your digital camera close at hand



happycrappy said:
So, I've confirmed my target of Cape Breton on my KLR. I'm limited to a 70 litre water proof duffel bag, some small saddles and a wolfman tank bag. I'm planning on tenting as much as possible, and not cooking at all. Approx. two weeks out on the road; anyone have suggestions for stuff to bring? I wasn't sure how frequent laundry facilities will be; I'm taking the US route through Maine up to New Brunswick. I'd like to travel as light as possible
Click to expand...
 
wonderings said:
I would bring a head lamp instead of a flash light. If I ever had to work on something in the dark, having hands free is much much better then trying to prop up a flash light somewhere, and then deal with the shadows of working infront of the light.

As MacDoc said, layers, lots of layers. Keeps you versatile from hot to cold. Make sure you have some good rain gear.

For camping, a must for me is an air matte. When on a longer trip, getting good sleep is important, and a good matte keeps you off the ground, makes it comfortable and packs relatively small. Just roll it up and strap it to the back seat.
Click to expand...

I'll second the headlamp, trying to do something with a flashlight in your mouth isn't very fun. Have yet to buy one, but regret it every time I have to pull out my regular flashlight

Mattress is a must for camping, I have a Thermarest Trail Lite. Reasonably priced at $70 and works well.
 
I found Subway was good for food, because I could go there for lunch and eat 1/2 a sub and then eat the other half after I have set up my tent for dinner. Fruit, trail mix and energy bars for breakfast and snacks.
Definitely a headlamp
Heated gear if possible - my heated gear serves as a good layer even if it's not on.
A damp facecloth in a zip lock is also useful for wiping down your visor - rinse it out when possible.
If you have CAA you can get free maps of every province and state, just in case your GPS fails, or to be able to see a macro perspective of your route.
I also keep a photocopy of all my important ID and some small cash hidden on my bike in a ziplock - just in case I lose my wallet.
Earplugs or earbuds that block out wind noise
A kickstand plate for soft or loose ground (ie crushed pop can)

For clothing I prefer natural fibers over dry-fit - I wear eucalyptus or bamboo clothing - feels nicer on the skin, never gets smelly and easy to wash/dry.
 
Last edited:
Love CAA! I went to get my insurance, and they had the coolest travel kits for soap, laundry, shampoo, etc. from travelon - www.travelonbags.com
 

Attachments

  • 375668_10152489524850260_1634609541_n.jpg
    375668_10152489524850260_1634609541_n.jpg
    34.5 KB · Views: 37
- I wear eucalyptus or bamboo clothing - feels nicer on the skin, never gets smelly and easy to wash/dry.
Click to expand...

with heated gear that's a nice option - without heated gear dryfit avoids the risk of hypothermia from damp clothes and dryfit is superfast drying.
Poly for me as much as I like natural fibers came too close so a serious issue with hypothermia in Pennsylvania.
I find dryfit cool when it's hot and keeps warmth in with no moisture when it's cold.

That said I have some bamboo socks that are bulletproof ( tho hard to dry ) and a couple of bamboo shirts that are nice when it's hot in Australia but I don't ride in them.

I like oversize technical ( poly or poly blend ) fishing shirts with big pockets for camera phone etc. Two of those and a couple of dry fit Tshirts, one long sleeve and one short sleeve and thats it for a trip. Wash one wear one - they dry quick. I carry so much computer and photo gear there is not all that much room for clothes plus layers ( rain gear etc )

Have that extra armored shirt now in the mix tho it packs down pretty small if I'm not wearing it. ( sans back plate )
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom