Packing Tips for the What Ifs | How to Plan a Long Motorcycle Trip

How to Plan a Long Motorcycle Trip || Packing Tips for the What Ifs [ EP-6 ]
This is not a packing list by any means, I do have a list of the things that I personally take on my website , but the purpose of this video is to line out the things you should be thinking about when planning your trip.

Things I mentioned in this video:

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[kurtpenner]

Love that small detail how AZ opens with "Hello, beautiful people."

[knerdrider]

For non-cell phone communications, I carry a handheld amateur radio with me on trips, as well as a list of repeater stations along the way. You do need a license to use amateur freqs, but I’ve had one since I was a kid. Best of all, except for the equipment, it’s free.

[myjudge]

I saw the lights during the video and wondered if we would see the vehicles. I like the outro on the videos.

[dalehunt]

Just had to make own comment but agree with most do great work as your videos are well produced and narrated! Rock Straps are my go to tie downs. I also carry a small spider net always on bikes for quick tie down in a zip lock bag to lessen tangling and I have a zip lock bag if needed! I'm afraid to knee my bike because it's kicked me a a couple of times! 🤠

[marcoluoma]

Love this series, and it’s helpful for me planning my first coast-to-coast trip. I can’t agree about synthetic clothes, though. In my experience, wool is warmer, doesn’t stink after only day, and keeps me warm even when it’s damp.

[Slyck]

My motto: "I'm not lost - I'm exploring!"

[davidcurtis]

Amanda, another great video and yes I have watched Tim’s latest as well. But this video had me laughing out loud at the end when your convoy went by. The look of irritation on your face spoke so clearly to others invading our private space.i too would have scowled at them. Love your enthusiasm and wit and always appreciate the real world advice. Keep up the great work while also enjoying life the way you want to. Ride safe and take care.

[scottsellers]

First, I love your free spirit, and your videos! I haven't done my first moto trip yet, but have years of bicycle touring under my belt. I hope it's ok to pass on a few tips. Always make a list, check off the things you didn't use when you return, and never carry them again. Don't be afraid to use the post to send things home you are not using, mail it back home instead of carrying it a thousand miles! 1000% agree on the first aid kit! Think about the kind of injuries you may need to treat on the road! I found out the hard way I was lacking material to treat large abrasions. Be safe! You are blessed!

[richardmourdock]

Good series. Makes me want to hit the road soooo very badly. I would only add when traveling with buds, after five miles we do the "pass and inspect" maneuver looking over each others bike to see that everything is cinched down. Great tip on ditching the blue jeans. Quick dry stuff is the best. I've come to wearing my textured riding pants while on the road then going to the synthetics, lighter, cooler and if it is cold, an undergarment of spandex works great. Not envying the weather reports from Missoula environs lately. Spring will come Amanda.

[masculineworld]

Very useful, ride safe and we are waiting for more videos

[LindsayDaly]

Ah the footage from our horseback ride! I didn't know that about horses, so us making that little stop makes more sense in retrospect haha.

[RollModel]

If I could suggest-- 
1) use your bike space. I keep small 12x9 Lomo dry bags on the inside of the pannier rack. I keep tool tubes on engine guards. Having more "small" bags allow for keeping things low and tight. So use the under-the-seat storage, the space inside the engine guard and rack, the fender bags, etc. It is amazing how much space you have without using LARGE bags. I only keep a top box is so that I have a seat when camping, and a place to lock my electronics and helmet securely-- but the cost is weight up high like a pillion. Getting big bags take up space, shift how you turn and ride, etc. When you overpack it really shifts how you ride and adds annoying packing and unpacking.
2) The only motorcycle specific gear you need are boots, pants, jacket, gloves and helmet. Everything else is cheaper to get from camping stores and such. Best quality, cost effective, light rain gear is going to be found at a camping/sports shop. Heated glove liners for other sports will be cheaper than getting motorcycle specific heated gloves. Everything from socks to balaclavas will be cheaper (and often better).
3) On a long trip, keep a GPS. Phones are amazing, but they often don't get signal, where a GPS almost ALWAYS will. It may be some space, but it has proven valuable. Especially if you get a motorcycle friendly one that looks for the small roads. They also pair all your devices together.
4) I know they are for motorcross, but those soft neck protectors are great multipurpose tools. They are tiny neck supports allowing you to rest your helmet on your brace (this is the all soft ones, not the ones with the metal supports). They supposedly stop hyperflexion in an accident; but on a daily, they make it easier for your muff, snood, scarf, etc. make a better seal under the helmet to reduce wind noise by 50% or more. They are good for not letting your helmet scuff the ground or roll away. A thousand other uses
5) Toilet paper. Not only for the obvious reasons when you aren't near public facilities, but cleaning gear, emergency thermal padding in jackets, etc.
6) a liter of fuel. It isn't just for running the bike. It is great for campfires, and some camp stoves and helping another biker.
7) the right attitude. with enough duct tape, 550 cord, a leatherman and water you can combine it with the right attitude to get through almost anything.
8) karma. If someone else needs help, stop and help. If you need help, ask someone to stop and help you. It takes about an extra lomo tank bag, but I keep an accident kit, survival kit, extra poncho, repairs supplies not only for me, but for the possibility someone else may need it. Kindness has been a great resource to use when I have been in trouble before.

[lenkomsa]

I really enjoy your videos. Safe travels and keep up the good work.

[jeffhudspeth]

Pack light. Don’t be afraid to go to the laundromat. You can meet some really interesting people there.

[easybutton]

I am playing catch up on your videos. Corona is great for catch up. I am "working" from home. I thought I was an amature photographer and now I know that I do not even rank as an amature. Thanks for the inspiration.

[thomaskerr]

Run out a few clicks and re-cinch. Got it!

[TravisSteeves]

Interesting fact about horses. Learnt something new lol. I like and agree with your packing cube suggestion! Great tips, awesome video! Keep the rubber side down and always keep safe 😃

[DavidSmith-dzwv]

another great video Amanda, Bee stings On a motorcycle SUK!!! and when they get inside your jacket your vocabulary increases substantially

[Steve-pstw]

Load straps from harbor freight work well instead of bungee chords. They are cheap and hold really well. Provided you have spots for the hooks.

[HippoDrones]

Chris is a great guy and has a lovely outlook on life. Packing less is a really good plan too, keep the weight down and top up when you need to! :-)