I have already talked about various aspects of long distance motorcycle journeys, what to do when riding solo and what to do when riding as a group. Today I am going to cover another important topic – Packing for a long ride.

Depending on what you pack and how you pack, your trip can be wonderful or a series of distasteful memories. Some riders like to take their entire household with them while some ride with just about enough money and a change of clothes for the end of the day. Over the years I have learned on how to lessen my luggage from a 72 litre saddle bags and another 15-20 litre backpack to a 32 litre backpack and a small tank bag.

I am not going to details and provide you a packing list now but essential a few words of wisdom on how to pack to avoid constant packing and unpacking, and having the least amount trouble due to your luggage.

Solo Rider versus Rider with a Pillion

Irrespective of the fact whether you are riding solo – you are the only rider on your steed or you are riding with a pillion your luggage should be classified into two categories - A main luggage and a constant use luggage.

A main bag is the one that should be only required that will only be required at the end of day’s ride. All your clothes, sleeping bag, and any other gear that you will not required during riding shall go into this bag. If you are riding solo then this bag can be tied using bungee cords or nets to the rear seat of the bike.

However if you are riding with a pillion then I would advise for saddle bags or panniers/carriers attached to the rear seat depending on your bike. Each of you can pack your luggage on either side of saddle bag or the carriers.  Bear in mind that each of the side bearing the luggage weighs the same for proper balance which is the key to a safe ride.

For constant use during the ride, have a small bag that you can carry on your back or a better option in this case would be a magnetic tank bag.  This bag can be used for your constant use items like soap, hand towels, bike documents, camera, snacks et al.

Mounted Carriers versus Saddle Bags

Each has its own set of pros and cons. While Carriers can be mounted over only specific bikes like Royal Enfields, saddle bags fit all.

Though carriers fit onto only few bike, are heavy, take a lot of space when idle and are a hindrance in  while riding in traffic. They usually have slots for tents, sleeping bag, for storing petrol cans, and the main bags as well.

Saddle bags on the other hand can be taken off when you are not riding or can double up as your carry bag and offer flexibility there is always a fear of them getting overburdened and torn. Also in the course of a ride at times they tend to slide from the rear seat on to the front while braking or riding downhill.

Tank Bag

Until recently I used to make do with a small bag on my back for my constant use during the ride. But riding 300-400 kilometers a day with a bag weighing a couple of kilos including luggage takes a toll on your back. Tank bag is a real boon here. It not only takes the load off your back but also leaves you completely free and relaxed. And you also have the option of putting in some more stuff in there which you would not, thinking of the load you will have to carry. In fact if you riding just for a day or two, a spare change of clothes, water, camera, first aid and a few snacks will all fit into a tank bag.

Whatever be the style of you riding and packing the essential thing is to pack minimal and light. Having less possessions means being able to unpack and pack quickly as well as having less to take care of off and less to lose.

So pack less, pack light and make sure that it holds pretty neat and tight to your steed and ride into the sunset and memories.

How do you pack for a long ride? Leave a comment and share with me somethings that I may have missed 

Last updated by Venkat Ganesh at July 27, 2021.