Travel Light On Your Motorcycle: The Minimalist Rider's Guide

Travelling light on a motorcycle is a skill that can be learned and perfected over time. It requires careful planning and preparation, especially when it comes to packing. The key is to bring only the essentials and to be resourceful and creative with your luggage options. This ensures that you can still enjoy the riding experience without being weighed down by unnecessary items. Whether you're camping or staying in hotels, the goal is to pack light and pack right, making your journey safer and more enjoyable.

Roll clothes, don't fold

When packing for a motorcycle trip, it's important to consider how to make the most of your limited luggage space. One popular method to maximise space is to roll your clothes instead of folding them.

Firstly, lay your garment on a flat surface and smooth out any wrinkles or creases. For items with sleeves, such as shirts or tops, fold the sleeves inward along with an inch or two of fabric down the length of the top. The width of the shirt should match the width of your packing cube. Then, lift the bottom of the shirt and fold it upwards so that it meets the top, forming a neat rectangle. For shirts and tops, you may need to fold in the sides as well, depending on their size.

Once you have your rectangle, it's time to roll! Tightly roll the shirt from the crease, starting from the bottom and working your way up. You can secure the roll with a small rubber band or hair tie, or simply place it with the loose hem facing down and press it into your packing cube. This technique works well for thinner items of clothing, such as t-shirts, pants, underwear, and skirts.

Rolling your clothes can help to save space and prevent wrinkles, but it may not work for all types of garments. Bulky items like sweaters, for example, may take up more space when rolled. For these items, it's better to fold them neatly and use a compression sac or cube to save space. Natural fabrics like cotton, linen, and wool are also more prone to wrinkling, so it's generally better to fold these items and place them in zippered packing cubes to keep them secure and reduce the risk of wrinkles.

By combining both rolling and folding techniques, you can make the most of your luggage space and keep your clothes organised and wrinkle-free.

Wear the bulkiest items

When packing for a motorcycle trip, it's important to be mindful of the weight and bulk of the items you're bringing. One strategy to maximise space and minimise weight is to wear some of your bulkiest items instead of packing them.

Firstly, consider the climate of your destination and the weather conditions you're likely to encounter. If it's going to be cold, wear your bulkiest jacket or coat instead of packing it. This will not only save space but also keep you warm while riding. Similarly, if it's going to be rainy, wear your raincoat or bring a lightweight, compact rain poncho that you can easily carry with you.

Secondly, think about your footwear. Motorcycle riding boots can be bulky, so wear them instead of packing them. If you're bringing an extra pair of shoes, consider wearing your bulkiest or heaviest pair and packing a lighter pair. This will save space and weight in your luggage.

Additionally, utilise your body as storage space by wearing items that have multiple pockets, such as cargo pants or a photographer's vest. These garments provide extra storage compartments for small items like maps, phones, wallets, and other essentials. This helps distribute the weight more evenly across your body and keeps your hands free for riding.

Finally, don't forget that you can also wear extra layers of clothing. Instead of packing a thick sweater or hoodie, wear it as a base layer under your jacket. This will provide extra warmth and save valuable space in your luggage. Remember to choose breathable and moisture-wicking fabrics to stay comfortable while riding.

Pack travel-sized toiletries

Packing travel-sized toiletries is essential when travelling light on a motorcycle. Here are some tips to help you optimise your packing:

Choose the Right Containers

The key to packing toiletries is to use travel-sized containers. However, the standard "travel-sized" containers of 3 oz/100ml are often too big and can take up valuable space. Instead, opt for smaller containers that can hold just enough product for your trip. Stackable pots, individual pots, and cylinder soft tubes are great options that save space and prevent leaks. Remember to only fill the containers 2/3 full and use plastic wrap under the lid for extra leak protection.

Downsize Beyond Travel-Sized Containers

Don't be afraid to downsize even further! Contact lens cases, for example, can be used to carry small amounts of products like foundation or cleanser. You can also use empty lip gloss containers or small deodorant sticks to carry solids like lotion or sunscreen.

Replace Liquids with Solids

To comply with TSA regulations and save space, consider replacing liquid products with solid alternatives. Solid shampoo and conditioner bars, toothpaste tablets, and lotion bars are all great options that can help you reduce waste and meet carry-on liquid requirements.

Plan and Measure

Before packing, experiment at home to figure out how much product you actually use. Log your usage throughout the duration of your trip to determine the right amount to bring. This will help you avoid overpacking and save valuable space.

Choose Multi-Use Products

To further optimise your packing, choose multi-use products or items that can work double-duty. For example, Dr. Bronner's Magic Soaps can be used as hand soap, body wash, and even shampoo. Choosing multi-use products will help you minimise the number of items you need to pack.

Be Strategic with Your Packing

When packing your toiletries, separate your items into groups and use different coloured or sized bags for each group. This will help you stay organised and make it easier to find what you need. Additionally, use plastic wrap to cover the openings of bottles to prevent leaks, and always double-check your packing list before you leave!

Keep documents together

Keeping your documents together is essential when travelling light on a motorcycle trip. It is important to keep them all together in a plastic wallet to stop them from getting creased. This way, you can easily access them when needed and avoid the stress of searching through your bags.

Make sure to include all necessary documents, such as ID, cash, insurance information, roadside assistance info, and your motorcycle key. If you are travelling across borders, ensure you have the required visas and passports readily available. Keep them in a secure, waterproof location, such as an inside jacket pocket or a small bag that can be easily accessed.

Additionally, consider making digital copies of important documents and storing them on your phone or another electronic device. This provides a backup in case of loss or theft. You can also email them to yourself so that you can access them remotely if needed.

Keeping your documents organised and together will ensure a smoother and more enjoyable trip. It is one less thing to worry about, allowing you to focus on the adventure ahead.

Use lightweight luggage

Using lightweight luggage is a great way to save space and weight when packing for a motorcycle trip. It's important to choose luggage that is durable yet lightweight, so you can easily carry it up to your hotel room. Look for bags with multiple compartments and pockets to maximise storage space and keep your items organised.

When packing, it's crucial to be strategic about what you bring. Opt for lightweight clothing and items that can be rolled instead of folded to save space. Place heavy items like chains and tools at the base of your bags, and keep them close to the bike rather than on your back. If you're taking a rucksack, only pack light items and clothing in it, and make sure it has chest and waist straps to distribute the weight evenly.

To save space, consider using compression bags or ziploc bags to compress and organise your clothes. You can also use black bin liners inside your bags to keep your belongings dry and removable. Try to pack multi-purpose items, such as a skull cap that can be used for wicking sweat in the summer and keeping you warm in the winter.

Don't forget to pack essential fluids like engine oil and brake fluid in travel-sized bottles. These can be purchased at a chemist. By choosing lightweight luggage and packing efficiently, you'll be able to travel lighter and more comfortably on your motorcycle trip.

Frequently asked questions