Packing advice
Road Master
Joined: Jan 2013
Posts: 1,228
Likes: 34
From: Wisconsin
+1 on glider11, use ziplock plastic bags
I used gallon, quart and 2 gallon ziplock plastic bags for everything I wanted to stay dry on a Fall 2012 route 66 trip and a Spring LA to Milwaukee trip. I got rained on both times and nothing was wet, using throwover saddlebags and leather t-bags.
I have used this method for years taking my family on week long wilderness kayaking trips. We have less room than the bike and we take along food for the week. For Kayaking we put all the ziplock bags into small clear vinyl dry sacks I buy by the case from REI. If you plan to keep the bike above water I'd skip that part, I did.
When packing put the ziplock bag on a hard floor, put both knees on it, and seal it. 5 cent compression bag.
regards
dean
I have used this method for years taking my family on week long wilderness kayaking trips. We have less room than the bike and we take along food for the week. For Kayaking we put all the ziplock bags into small clear vinyl dry sacks I buy by the case from REI. If you plan to keep the bike above water I'd skip that part, I did.
When packing put the ziplock bag on a hard floor, put both knees on it, and seal it. 5 cent compression bag.
regards
dean
Tourer
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 334
Likes: 5
From: Central IN
+1 again on ziplock bags
We use the 3 gallon size. Found out that if you leave just about 1/2" of it open, roll it tight and then seal it, makes for a vacuum style bag that takes up less room.
Cruiser
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 142
Likes: 0
From: Beaverton, OR
My wife rode 4,000 miles with me in 2011 every day was 100+ in full leathers. I was on an 8 week ride she got one saddle bag for her clothes. Things like swim suits, walking shoes and my 3 liter camel back went in the bag on the tour pack rack. My camera gear, extra gloves, liners and her purse in the tour pack. It was a great trip, had I known that we would have had all that nice weather we would have left the leather pants at home but it has rained on me in Colorado before. When she flew home from OK City I got some room for scotch!
Road Warrior
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 1,355
Likes: 32
From: Houston, Texas
We wear one and pack two. We also throw a jacket in when off the bike, but the leathers are worn, and rain gear accessible. I start with the most worn shirt, and if I buy a new one or two on the trip, dispose of the old ratty one.
Right saddle bag is for rain gear, leathers, etc. Left bag for bike things. She gets the tour pack, and I get the bag that goes on the tour pack. Works well...
My wife will send a box of things to the destination / "home base" if we are staying in one place and riding from there. It minimizes her frustration in deciding what to take and what to leave behind. That is me of the reasons I have not succumbed to the idea of getting a trailer...only expands the wardrobe!
Right saddle bag is for rain gear, leathers, etc. Left bag for bike things. She gets the tour pack, and I get the bag that goes on the tour pack. Works well...
My wife will send a box of things to the destination / "home base" if we are staying in one place and riding from there. It minimizes her frustration in deciding what to take and what to leave behind. That is me of the reasons I have not succumbed to the idea of getting a trailer...only expands the wardrobe!
Last edited by tphillips; Apr 24, 2013 at 10:47 PM.
Road Warrior
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 1,973
Likes: 9
From: Colorado Springs CO
Lots of good tips. Wear old underwear and throw it as you use it...that is assuming you have old underwear.
I bought my compression sacks from Sportsmen wearhouse, they had 3 sizes, I have the large and mid size. They work well but so do the ziplock bags and they are cheaper. Tend to use compression sacks for the dirty clothes.
I bought my compression sacks from Sportsmen wearhouse, they had 3 sizes, I have the large and mid size. They work well but so do the ziplock bags and they are cheaper. Tend to use compression sacks for the dirty clothes.
As you see she wants to take everything......next investment is going to be a trailer. This pic was taken last year coming back from Key West during a rainstorm. Front end gets a little light with all that weight in the back. Needless to say we are over the recommended weight requirements.
Road Captain
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 670
Likes: 22
From: Umatilla, Fl
The wife and I did a handful of trips packing the minimal items and it worked. What became the problem was her picking items up during the trip. Yes I know you can get them shipped but shipping a half a dozen or more items back home is a pain in the . . . to me. Really became a problem when some of them were for the granddaughter who we were more then likely headed to visit. Solution - a trailer. Now she has room to pack what she wants (although I still limit the items she wants, we don't need the sink and silverware!) What makes it nice is pulling in to the restaurant, opening the trailer and dumping the jackets and helmets, locking it and go.
Tourer
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 498
Likes: 28
From: Iowa
Didnt read all the posts, so if someone already said this, apologize. I have taken a waterproof bag and attached it to the rails on the saddlebags. Not a big bag, maybe
4-5" wide and 15-18" long. Attach it with bunge cords or whatever works for you.
4-5" wide and 15-18" long. Attach it with bunge cords or whatever works for you.
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Tourer
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 498
Likes: 28
From: Iowa
Also, if you're out on the road and need some clothing items, go to a Goodwill store. You can get good quality stuff for very good prices. Got caught out in some cold weather once, went to GW, bought sweatpants and put them on under jeans and that helped a ton.
Road Warrior
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 1,349
Likes: 142
From: Sioux Center, Iowa
As you see she wants to take everything......next investment is going to be a trailer. This pic was taken last year coming back from Key West during a rainstorm. Front end gets a little light with all that weight in the back. Needless to say we are over the recommended weight requirements.