How/what do you pack on LONG trips ?
 

My wife and I are going to do a west coast trip from Jacksonville Fl this spring. We;'re both retired so time on the road is not an issue. We have done several 2000+ mile trips the last couple years and have learned a few things that work for us. We do two full days of riding to a destination, then stay there for two days for a break. Our main issue is what to pack for this trip. We need to have clothes for all temperatures and weather so I'm thinking of either getting heated vests or multi-layer jackets/pants. Last trip we took two extra sets of clothes plus what we have on. Besides our clothes we bring tennis shoes, bathroom needs plus misc crap. My main issue the on last couple trips we have a bag that we secure to the luggage rack (with all our clothes) and it makes the bike (2014 Ultra Limited) even more top heavy than it is now. The main reason we put all our clothes in one bag is it makes things easier when getting to and leaving the hotel. We use one saddlebag for my small tool kit and our rain suits. The other bag has shoes/flip flops, bathroom stuff and some misc crap. We use the tourpak for things we usually need during the trip such as gloves, meds or snacks. I'm thinking we're going to need more room for this trip and I don't want to pull a trailer. I was thinking of putting a tow hitch on and putting a hitch rack in it to put the clothes bag in instead of on the tour pack. That will help with being so top heavy and when we get to our destination days we can put the rack in the hotel room out of the way. Can anyone offer any tips that would help on the trip? We're thinking it's going to be at least a 3 week trip so we want to have a routine to make things easier. What works for you ???

Sounds like a great trip, I think I would look at redistributing the weight instead of pulling a trailer. I usually put the heavier stuff in the saddlebags, pack the tour pack with light weight stuff, and use a waterproof bag for my jackets and rain gear on the tour pack rack (they are easy to get to and don't weigh much in comparison, but are bulky). We also don't carry a lot of extras, boots for riding and usually Sperry Top Siders (or the like) for our other footwear, light weight, comfortable, and usually is appropriate for most places we go to and can also be used as slippers. Our clothing is usually something casual, but in most nice places are acceptable. Also it depends on the time of the year you are going, that has a huge influence on how we pack as does the route you take. If you are taking the Southern roads (I try to not get on major highways) in summer you will rarely need heavy winter gear, unless you are going through the Rockies...in July Independence Pass has snow. Also if you are going to stay on the West Coast for a while visiting or sightseeing, you could UPS clothing to your destination and then UPS the dirty clothes back to your home when you leave (I have not done this, a riding partner and his wife have though). Like I said, it sounds like a great trip, have fun and I hope I helped in someway.

Sounds like you have lots of experience on long trips. You did say heated gear, that good stuff light weight good wind breakers. I would use heated gear to replace all of my winter things.

As much as you can fit. Find a motel with a laundry facility and do laundry on one or 2 days.

Is simply planning what you need and buying it out on the road an option? Instead of hauling it across the country. Academy, Walmart? Or ship it somewhere and pick it up later? Hiker style.

I find I need a day of rest about every 4 or five days, so plan my clothes so I can do laundry then. I am a big believer in headed grips and inner jacket. Even on hot days, it can be cool in the morning especially at elevation.... . I ride solo so what works for me, probably wont for you. One thing for sure, if you pack high and further back, it screws with the handling, especially in stop and go rush hour situations. Two summers ago, I did 13,000 miles in ten weeks on one ride, so I tend to over-pack, especially if I am going to get remote like that Alaska run was.

Necessary items are what you must have and cannot get on the road.
!. D/L, registration and insurance certificate.
2. Prescription medications (Be sure that you have them in their proper containers especially of you're crossing the Canadian or Mexican borders).
3. Extra bike key packed in luggage (not in locked saddlebags or tour pack), extra batteries for remote(s) for security system.
4. Cell phone and charger.
5. Major credit card (2 if you have) access to ATM cash availability and enough cash to run you for several days.
6. Never go on a trip without your leathers and rain gear!
7. I pack mostly T-shirts and one or maybe two nicer shirts that can be used for "evening wear" for dinner, etc., and three pairs of leans (plus the pair that I wear).
8. I pack my old underwear and socks and toss them as necessary ;)
9. Tools-Think about what you really need and what you have the ability to use "on the road". A small mini-compressor and a tire repair kit can be a life saver!
Two-up riding requires a lot more thought as it severely limits the amount of clothing each person can take.

I have a cargo trailer (actually my second) and they came in handy when riding two-up on trips and I'd rather pull it than have the bike over-packed but when my wife rides her own bike (Heritage) she has nearly as much storage in her saddlebags and tour pack as I do on my Ultra.

Rule of thumb for packing for a road trip, put everything you both think you'll need on the bed in a pile. Immediately reduce that pile in half, half the clothes and extra what if gear in particular, once you have been out more than a week you'll find you still over packed. Can't tell you what to or not but if your honest from past experience how much shit did you haul around that didn't get used.

It's a bike trip, you need luggage take a cruise instead....