Trip essentials

[1096dad]

When you get ready to go on a trip, what are some basic essentials you always take with you? Obviously those with trailers can afford to take a bit more, but what is your "don't leave home without it" list include?

[jmohme]

As you said, those that pull trailers…
So with that said, my essential are already in my trailer and I always have my trailer attached, with a cooler with packs for my cooling vests. Air compressor, first aid kit. Sleeping bag, rain gear. basic tools to handle flat tires and electrical issues, and photo gear.
On the bike I have my iPhone on a Ram mount, and a Camelbak in a cooler in the trunk to keep me hydrated.
The remaining space is reserved for the wife and her essentials, and I won't open that Pandora's box!

[WB-Ron]

Whether it's a short ride or a long trip, I always carry a Larry Light in my trunk.

[CaptLen]

I took some basic tools, first aid supplies, rain gear, (we camped out so there was lots of camp gear) and more clothes than I needed as we rode more and walked around towns less. Fred Rau's "Touring Bible" was very helpful for a first time tripper. My friend did not bring heated gear but I brought my heated vest. Glad I did, because when we couldn't find a motel next to last night and rode over 12 hours it was chilly. PS-only tol Imised was adjustable wrench to adjust highway pegs. Additional hint- I used tiedown straps to hold luggage but they loosened due to tent etc being soft so stopped at Home Depot and bought bungees- worked easily and well.

[jmohme]

Ok, I give. What is a Larry Light?

[WB-Ron]

Ok, I give. What is a Larry Light?

It's a very handy LED flashlight.

[WB-Ron]

It's a very handy LED flashlight.

[Lone Ranger]

I always carry two MSR (large) bottles nestled in Styrofoam ( cut out two holes to stabilize them) to keep them from moving around. I also carry a tool bag (some ideas from Fred) which allows me to take care of tire problems and mechanical problems. Rain gear, crank flashlight, fire starter, compass, jumper cables, cell phone charger, gloves, sweatshirt (incase I need dry top), paper maps, first aid supplies and a few other things I can't remember.

[Yellowbird]

Rain Gear i need to get a kit together but when i am going on a long trip i do bring a lot of extra supplies.

[bandito]

I took some basic tools, first aid supplies, rain gear, (we camped out so there was lots of camp gear) and more clothes than I needed as we rode more and walked around towns less. Fred Rau's "Touring Bible" was very helpful for a first time tripper. My friend did not bring heated gear but I brought my heated vest. Glad I did, because when we couldn't find a motel next to last night and rode over 12 hours it was chilly. PS-only tol Imised was adjustable wrench to adjust highway pegs. Additional hint- I used tiedown straps to hold luggage but they loosened due to tent etc being soft so stopped at Home Depot and bought bungees- worked easily and well.

Just a comment on the tie down straps. I always carry a ratchet tie down strap. Comes in handy if you need to reseat a tire bead if you had to repair a flat and the bead became unseated.

[hparsons]

I think it changes depending on the length of the trip.

[msnden]

For me it depends on the length of the trip & which bike I am on, with the "Wing" I know I am not going to venture to far off the beat'n trail, I don't pack a lot, tent, bag, cot, & now that I have one, a smart phone. I sometimes with throw in my "jetboil" for coffee in the AM, but most times I don't even do that. On the more adventurous rides, the back roads, (which are my favorite) on the KLR, or the "R" my list is quite extensive. I am never without my "Roadcrafter" which is a storage unit in its self, & stores the passport, chapstick, advil, emergency cash, extra key, & many other small items, which are never removed, only replaced as used. Always considerate on enjoying yourselves, should the situation arise, you are never far from a "Wally World" jmop

[jmohme]

It's a very handy LED flashlight.

Oh, I have a couple of those, just not that brand. They are quite handy.

[BgBlk06]

The longer the trip, the more clothes, but every trip I have tools, rain gear, my gps and a credit card. One hour ride or across the county, those are the essentials for me. Kurt

[wingleader09]

I made checklists in Microsoft Word for different types of trips (cool weather, warm weather, camping, etc). This has worked well for me for several years. This way I don't forget anything important.

[flyerq68]

My wife just got me one of these, It's in the bike all the time.

[speckfisher]

My wife just got me one of these, It's in the bike all the time.

http://www.amazon.com/Antigravity-Ba.../dp/B00FDYYK4A

Very neat, I'll be ordering one of these, thanks for the post.

[Rocky]

When I travel by myself. I don't see a need for a trailer to weigh me down. I just take along what I need.

[hparsons]

My wife just got me one of these, It's in the bike all the time.

I too am very interested in this. The only time I've ever needed a jump on any of my 'Wings is when I've forgotten and left the key on. I'm curious if it will jump off a 'Wing that has a good battery that is completely discharged.

[Kiwi]

I'm sort of opposite to this guy.
Very small amount of tools, a puncture kit and a credit card.