HD Open Road

Biker’s Survival Kit

Posted on 15. Apr, 2010 by admin in Open Road

As the winter snows begin to melt and the weather warms, bikers across the nation are gearing up for the first rides of the season. Weather it is Daytona Bike week in Florida or Laughlin River Run in Nevada, or a myriad of other runs around the nation, a common question is “what do I need to pack on my bike, and how am I going to get it all on there?” Relax, I will help you build your own Biker’s Survival Kit.

First let’s start with the obvious. You need to consider what type of bike you ride, where you are going to, where you are coming from, and how long your trip is going to take. My bike of choice is a Harley-Davidson Ultra. This gives me lot’s of packing room already built in. But you may be riding a Sporty or customized Softail. You are going to have to adjust how you pack, and what you pack accordingly.

Also, let’s take into account if it is warm or cold from where you are starting, and where you are going. And then factor how long you will be gone.  Clothes can take up a lot of space, but are a necessity! We will call this group our First Line.

Our Second Line will be tools. The wrenches and drivers that will get us back on the road when things don’t go as planned.

Third Line gear will be our safety gear. Med kit, etc. Fourth Line gear will consist of our personal gear (toiletries, etc.). and then we will discuss our Fifth Line gear, shelter.

I am going to use a 10 day Sturgis run for an example. We will break it down along the way for shorter runs, but I think this should give an overall view of the planning process in your Bikers Survival Kit.

First and foremost, you cannot over pack unless it makes riding unsafe. Some of you may tow a trailer. That will greatly increase your load capability, but it isn’t necessary to tow a trailer to pack what is required. I take the view that an average soldier will pack an 80 pound ruck on his back into theater. If I can’t carry it on my back, it doesn’t need to go on my bike.

There are numerous packs made for your motorcycle if you need one. T-Bags makes some real innovative quality bags. There are a lot of others as well. First, figure out what you are going to pack, and then decide how on your bike you may want to carry it before buying a bag. Better to find a bag to fit your needs, rather than adapting your needs to fit your bag.

Maps and communications. Even if you know where you are going, if the ride is more than a day, do yourself a favor and take a map. A good rule of thumb is to also discuss your plan and route with someone, and do not deviate! Especially if you ride alone (as I tend to do). If something happens and you do not show up where intended, it will allow others to find you. Deviate, and the only thing that may find you is the wildlife (not good).

A cell phone is also a really good idea. It is funny to think that I use to ride around the country before there where cell phones. But let’s face it, it just makes sense. If your bike has a CB, having the ability to access it is also a good idea.

Line One Gear – clothing. It will depend on how long you are riding, and the different climates you may encounter along the way. My brother vacuum packs his gear, but I never figured out how you are going to vacuum pack it to put it back.

I know that on a long trip, I can stop and do laundry along the way, so I only need about 4 days clothing (5 for underwear and socks). Pants can be worn for at least two days each. A light jacket or vest, and a heavy jacket will cover the cold (along with gloves). And think layers. So, on a 10 day Sturgis run, I pack two pants, 5 days socks and underwear, 5 days t-shirts, a hoody, Levi jacket, leathers, chaps, and gloves. I carry a rain jacket in a pouch, but I find that my leathers and chaps do well in most rain. If the rain is too heavy, I am finding shelter. A good line of motorcycle rain gear that packs real well is FroggToggs Raingear.

Line Two Gear – tools. The list below is pretty complete for my needs. Just consider that you need a wrench for each part of your bike. The Harley-Davidson tool kit for your bike is pretty complete. To this, I added an air pump (Ultra), wire strippers, multi-tool,  stick loc-tite, electrical tape, and zip ties. You may want to add silicone and duct tape (100 mph tape). I deal with tire problems by using my cell phone. You may want a tire kit (patches, plugs, sealant).

Line Three Gear – Safety kit, or med kit. First, carry a pocket knife. You can thank me later. Also, pack a couple of bottles of water. Get stuck on the side of the road in the desert, you will need it. Energy bars are great too. Or even an MRE (meal ready to eat). And don’t forget the aspirin!

Your med-kit should be self contained (in it’s own kit) to enable you to access it without hunting through your pack. This kit isn’t just for you and your passenger, but think about finding another biker down. Don’t short change yourself here. Make sure that it contains a space blanket (light weight aluminum looking blanket). The first time you see someone in shock, you will understand.

Fourth Line Gear – personal gear. This is your toiletries. This kit will be adapted depending on the length of your trip and your own needs. A couple of items that will belong in your kit is sunscreen and bug repellent. Also, some handy wipes or packable toilet wipes can be real handy.

Fifth Line Gear – Shelter. Again, this is dependent on how long your trip is going to be, are you camping or roughing it in a hotel, and what are the different weather extremes that you may encounter (don’t just plan on sunny warm weather). There are some good backpack and motorcycle friendly camping gear that is available online and at your sporting goods store. I like a mid weight sleeping back, a three man tent, and I carry an Ultralite sleeping cot. I don’t do the ground to well anymore. Some people prefer an air mattress, but they always seem to leak, and don’t fold up small enough for me.

This Biker’s Survival Kit is just a guideline. There are any number of adaptations and different products that will make packing simpler. If you have any suggestions, I would love to hear them. So without further delay, here is the outline:

First Line Gear – Clothing

1. jacket (heavy)
2. jacket (light)
3. pants
4. shirts
5. socks & underwear
6. rain gear
7. leathers (including chaps)
8. gloves
9. eyeglasses (day & night)

Second Line Gear – Tools

1. wrenches, screw drivers, star drivers (Harley-Davidson tool kit)
2. wire strippers
3. multi-tool
4. flashlight & extra batteries
5. stick loc-tite
6. silicone (optional)
7. electrical tape (and duct tape optional)
8. zip ties

Third Line Gear – Safety

1. pocket knife
2. water
3. food (energy bar, MRE, etc.)
4. med-kit

• band aids, gauze strips, gauze pads
• tape
• eye wash
• scissors
• bee sting astringent
• clot
• aspirin
• space blanket
• tweezers

Fourth Line Gear – Personal

1. sun screen
2. bug repellent
3. razor
4. deodorant
5. travel TP or wipes
6. tooth brush & toothpaste
7. wash cloth (always handy)
8. more aspirin (or Motrin, etc.)

Fifth Line Gear – Shelter

1. tent
2. sleeping bag
3. cot, air mattress, or sleeping pad
4. folding table (cloth type) (optional)
5. folding chair (Blue Max Saddle chair is a good choice)
6. flashlight or battery powered lantern
7. backpack pillow and blanket (optional)

Join the forum discussion on this post - (1) Posts

Tags: bikers survival kit, motorcycle camping, motorcycle packing list