Packing List

What to pack? This is a question every traveler asks themselves. There are even schools of thought, packing philosophy if you will, such as, "It's better to have it and not need it, than to need it and not have it."

I've suffered from that affliction many times. I used to go backpacking quite often when I was younger, and carried packs much heavier than necessary because of it. In fact, thinking back on all my backpacking and long-distance motorcycle trips, I can't recall a single instance when I needed something that I hadn't taken with me.

In the decades of my travels, I have developed a packing list that I use when deciding what to take along and what to leave at home. During the days and weeks before departure, I use this list to get organized. Tip: Spend the time creating and using a packing list before you leave, so that when it's time to load your gear, you don't have to worry about things at the last minute; just follow your list, knowing you spent the mental energy to think it through and nail down the details beforehand.

This list is meant to be complete, but that doesn't mean I take everything on the list on every trip. In fact, since there is a mix of different items based on season, trip length, and trip type (car camping vs. motorcycle camping) or even which bike I take, there are no circumstances when I would take everything on the list. I use it as a list of ideas of what I might need to take, and scratch off the items that don't apply.

Speaking of scratching, I have a system. For any given trip, I print out a fresh copy of my packing list. I draw a line through items that don't apply. As I go through my home and gather items, I put a dash - in front of them. The day before departure, when I'm packing items into their various containers and stuff sacks and so forth, I draw a small circle next to the dash. It looks something like this:

Something I don't need
— Something I've located
O— Something I've packed but isn't on the bike yet


When the item gets onto the bike or into the car, I put a check mark in the circle indicating it's done.

Just before I leave, I review my packing list. Any item without a dash is something I never located. Either I decided I don't need it after all, or I wanted to take it but couldn't find it. If it's something I need to purchase before my next trip, I draw a circle around the entire item to highlight it (a highlighter would probably work best). Any item with a dash but not a circle is something I located but didn't pack. Why not? If I changed my mind that I didn't need it, I'll draw a line through the entire item. Any item with a circle without a check mark is something I located but didn't pack on the bike. Why not? Find it, and get it packed.

Once everything on the list is accounted for—all the circles are checked—I'm ready to leave. During my trip, I make note of anything I took along but didn't use. I also make note of consumable items that are running low. This is often toiletries like toothpaste and soap. For food items, I make notes of things I enjoyed or didn't, and adjust my trip menu accordingly. I also keep track of equipment that is wearing out and needs to be replaced, or equipment that just isn't doing a very good job. In that case, I need to do some research to find a better item (examples of this are sleeping bags and pads, tents, gloves, clothes, etc.)

When reviewing items I took along but didn't need, I review why. If I took rain gear, but had sunny weather, that's not a problem. If I took comfort items, such as headphones I never listened to, or food items I never ate, they are up for consideration to be left behind on future trips. One thing I learned from my backpacking days is that items taken along 'just in case' should always be weighed against their usefulness vs. the likelihood they'll be needed. Can the same function reasonably be accomplished using another item I'm already taking along? Is there something else that serves more than one purpose that can be used instead of the single-purpose item? Anything that only does one thing is given strong consideration for leaving behind. Anything that is only used on very rare occasions, and can't serve some other more common purpose, is considered for leaving behind. You get the point. Three of the most versatile tools you can take along on any trip are a credit card, cash, and a smart phone (with charging cable, of course).

They say you only need two tools in life: WD-40 and duct tape. If something moves but shouldn't, use the duct tape. If something should move, but doesn't, use the WD-40.

You can download a printable PDF version of my packing list here.

I organize my packing list into categories. These are items that I have found useful so far, and my list gets modified after every trip. Obviously, your list would vary based on your needs and preferences.

CLOTHING

Riding jacket w/liner

Riding pants w/liner

Convertible summer pants

Wool socks/Liner socks

Casual cotton socks

Riding boots

Walking shoes

Sandals

T-Shirts

Underwear

Long underwear

Turtleneck sweater/shirt

Belts

Shorts / Swim trunks / Swim shirt

Ball cap / Floppy camp hat

Sweatshirt

Fleece sweater/jacket

GoreTex jacket

Bandanas

Balaclava / helmet liner

TOILETRIES

Soap

Shampoo

Toothbrush/Toothpaste

Floss

Q-tips

Tweezers

Nail clippers

Caffeine

Sleep aid

Ibuprofen

Migraine medicine

NeoSporin/Chapstick

Sunscreen

Shaving cream

Razor

Ear plugs

Toilet paper

Bug spray

Micro-fiber towel(s)

Baby wipes / Hand sanitizer

PERSONAL GEAR

Cell phone/charger/cable/case

Digital camera & charger

iPod and iPad or laptop

iPod/iPad charger cable

Earphones w/case

Maps

Journal and pen

Reading book

Wallet

Cash

Credit cards

Itinerary and coordinates

House key

Bike keys

Flask

Sunglasses

Sunglasses bag

BIKE GEAR

Side cases

Top case

Tank bag

Waterproof duffel

Bungie cords

Wheel lock

Air pressure gauge

Air compressor

Bike cover

Motor oil

EQUIPMENT

Garbage bags

LED headlamp

Leatherman multi-tool

Electrical tape

Tool kit

First aid kit

Pledge

Teflon chain lube

Rubber gloves

Shop rags

MISCELLANEOUS

Riding boots

Cold weather gloves

Moderate weather gloves

Warm weather gloves

Spare helmet faceshield

Empty Ziplocks

Work gloves

Laundry soap

Fabric softener sheets

CAMP GEAR

Sleeping bag

Sleeping bag liner

Tent

Tent footprint

Tent stakes

Ponchos

Water filter

Air mattress

Pocket pillow

Mess kit / Aluminum foil

Utensils

Stove and fuel

Lighter

Matches

Dish soap

Rag

FOOD

Snack bars

Dried fruit

Nuts

Jerky

Vitamins

Canned fish

Rice

Freeze dried meals

Bread

Clif bars

Instant coffee / Tea bags

Non-dairy creamer

Coffee mug

Water bottle

Snacks / Candy / Dark chocolate

As a bonus, I also have a to-do list on my packing list as a reminder of things to do before departure.

Change oil and filter

Lube chain

Clean bike windshield

Clean helmet face shield

Withdraw cash

Check tire pressure

Check weather forecasts

Verify lodging reservations

Charge camera and cell phone batteries

Give itinerary to trusted person

Clean jacket and liner

Wipe inside of luggage

Scrub and grease boots

Load contact info into smartphone

Waterproof riding pants, jacket