Packing checklist
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Motorcycle touring packing checklistTweet Finally, a handy print-out-and-keep checklist for the weekend motorcycle tourer. This list is based on my recent two day trip. The roads were pretty easy - I went more for the curves than the dirt. The trip started on a Friday afternoon after work. Left the office early and still had to pack, since this was fairly spur of the moment. A two hour ride to the nicest campground I could reach before sunset on a busy but good highway, then a day of playing in mountain passes before making it home just before dusk on Saturday. The packing was for two nights, though, so this would even be what I would pack for two or three nights away (I can't wait for the next long weekend). It was relatively cold during the night, getting down to freezing point, so I packed more warm things than usual. Without including the gear you are wearing, the list is as follows:
Tools and the like: Puncture kit with extra gas cannisters  Standard BMW toolkitDuct tape Bungee cords Cable ties Screwdriver set Spare bulbs First-aid kit Rider manual Of course, this section depends on how far from civilization to intend to take your motorcycle. The number of tools goes up proportionally to the distance you'll have to walk! Camping gear: The more temperate the climate, the less stuff you need to take, but keep in mind that it can get freezing cold anywhere at night if you're wet, not to mention how cold it gets on the motorcycle itself! Two-man tent Sleeping bag Trangia camping stove Fuel for stove Swiss Army knife Fork Spoon Dishwashing liquid & sponge Drying cloth Lighter Head torch Cup Clothes:  Depending on how many people you're going to meet, you can stretch this amount of stuff out for a week, especially if you rinse some of it out along the way. Touring can be a dirty business, sometimes. One pair of jeans Two extra T-shirts Two extra pairs of socks Two extra pairs of underpants (jockeys, not boxers) Sneakers Thick sweater Fleece sweater Beanie Scarf Food: Meat is difficult to transport, so I have to make up the protein deficiency with nuts. And stopping the bike for a couple of burgers whenever I get a chance. Small container for coffee Quick pasta Nut bars (for snacking) In my backpack:  I try to keep this as light as possible, because riding the motorcycle for many hours with a sore back can be hideously painful, but at the same time it's good to keep these close by. Map Water bottle Old, soft T-shirt (for cleaning insects off helmet) Miscellaneous: iPod Earplugs Shades Cellphone charger for bike Laptop and modem Novel/Kindle to read The laptop is completely optional, but it is very handy for researching, planning routes, blogging, etc. On paper this might seem like a lot, but it can easily be supplemented to be enough stuff for a week on the bike. If you are touring longer, you might want to wash a few things. What is more, all of this very easily fit into my BMW telescoping panniers, in the collapsed position, with only the tent being strapped on the back seat.
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