So I'm going to Sturgis For the first time this year. I live in the Houston area and in August it is hot. Will I need to take cold weather gear/leather to South Dakota? I've never been there and have no idea what it's like in August. I have a Dekker ii and it's as big as they come, but I'll be two up for two weeks so space is at a premium and I'd rather not pack it if I don't need to.

 

Bring rain gear and yes the mornings can be chilly. I used to live in the Hills. Mornings can be in the 60's, but it heats up well later in the day. Most of what you will need you can just buy there. As for the rain gear, you will need it for rain (every year), and it can seal out the drafts and warm you up too.

 

I am taking rain gear, I just didn't know how cold it typically is. 60's in the morning is doable though.

 

I don't know where you're staying. I'm usually up above Lead close to 6,000 feet above sea level, and it's pretty cool up there in the mornings, or even during the day if it's a rainy day. The lowlands around Sturgis are at 3,400 feet so it's a bit warmer down there.

 

I don't go ANYWHERE without my leather and rain gear!

While Sturgis can be very hot during the rally week, after sundown the temps drop drastically and some warmer clothing is a good idea.

I've been there several times and some hard storms with high winds (and some hail) are a possibility.

If you're planning on camping, I'd suggest that you take a good plastic ground sheet to place under your tent as well as some good tent stakes.
During one of the storms that we had, we got some water in our tent but one towel completely mopped the water up.

Look at it this way, if you take extra stuff, you'll probably never need it!

 

If storage is a problem while traveling I would make sure leathers/rain gear are packed first. You can buy other clothes at every corner and most likely you will be taking some home with you. You can just buy shirts and hoodies as needed. Do you know where you will be staying? The place that I stay at will ship/receive UPS for you.

 

All of the above and if you are camping, make sure you have a good sleeping bag. My first night there I froze. Had to put pants, socks, and a long sleeve shirt on in the sleeping bag just to stay warm. I was there in 2010 and there were a few mornings that started in the low-mid 50's. I was glad I had my jacket and liner. Definitely bring good tent stakes. My tent was pulled up from the ground, but saved by my camp neighbor (thanks Mitch). Next time I go, I will be prepared with long metal tent stakes instead of the shorter yellow plastic ones.

Have a great time!

BTW, my signature picture is outside of Sturgis headed to Mt Rushmore.

 

It's either hotter than hell or it's raining or hailing. Bring every thing ya got.

 

I'm staying at a college dorm in Spearfish, so no camping gear. I'll just figure to bring leathers then. Thanks for the input.

 

That's the place I stay. Works out great.