Another installment in our “How to Pack for Your Motorcycle Trip” video series has been posted and can now be seen on the RIDE Adventures YouTube channel along with other informative videos.
Part 3 of this series touches on the types of clothing you’ll want to bring, and the “philosophy” behind choosing each item:- Organize & Separate: It’ll be a tremendous help if you categorize and separate items with simple nylon or plastic bags. Trusting that you’ll use some type of waterproof outer duffel (like Ortleib’s RackPack) don’t worry about making each interior bag waterproof. Simple bags made by Sea to Summit or even plastic grocery bags can serve a purpose here well. The beauty of having a few extra bags is that, if you’re not using them, they compress down so small and light that they’ll never be in the way.
- Synthetics & Wool: GOOD - A “revolution” of sorts has been taking place in recent years as consumers and manufacturers alike realize the benefits of products made from polyesters, nylons, and wools. If you haven’t worn clothing made from Climalite® by Adidas or similar products from Under Armour, be sure to make the switch for your trip. Because of their incredible durability, moisture-wicking, and quick-drying characteristics, you’ll need to wash these items less frequently. As a result, you get more use out of each item, and have to bring fewer underwear, shirts, and clothing in general to begin with. Smaller, lighter, cheaper!
- Cotton: BAD – Ever notice how quickly a cotton towel or t-shirt can be permanently tainted with that moldy olfactory nightmare after 1 day packed away? Imagine how bad it’ll get when you pack these items away each day, still wet from the day before on your adventure tour. Aside from the stink-factor, cotton doesn’t wick moisture from your skin or hold up from the durability standpoint when compared to synthetics. It can take forever to dry out if you’re in a cold, damp climate, so just leave all your cotton behind.
- Multi-Use Clothing – Strive to find items that can serve multiple purposes where possible. Zip-off convertible pants made by Columbia, rubber sandals by Keen that serve as watersports footwear, and running shorts that work well enough as a swimsuit are just a few examples. Cut down how much clothing you’re bringing, cause that bike will be getting full and heavy quickly!
- Long Underwear is Best – If camping, you might be tempted to buy a sleeping bag liner for those really cold nights where you need an extra 10 degrees of warmth. Skip it. Instead, buy synthetic or wool long underwear that you can use at night, or ride with up in the mountains during the day! One item, 2 purposes, less weight, space better utilized, money saved…you get the point.
Enjoy the video, and be sure to see Part 1 and Part 2 of this video on the RIDE Adventures You Tube Channel!
