How to pack light for overnight bike tours

There’s nothing quite like being on the road, especially for a motorbike tour. Part of the thrill is that feeling of freedom, so sometimes, travelling light is key, but realistically, you have to bring some things with you.

That’s why we’re taking a look at how to pack as lightly as possible for an overnight bike tour. This includes all the essentials you’ll need to be comfortable and prepared.

What should you consider when packing your touring bag?

Firstly, be realistic. What do you really need? What can you live without? Can you buy a travel-sized version of something instead?

Secondly, consider how lightly you’re actually packing. Are you able to use extra storage like panniers, or are you restricted even further to just a rucksack? Do you have an underseat storage compartment? What type of bike are you touring with, and what can it handle?

Lastly, can you share the load? If you’re travelling with someone else, they may have space to take something for you, or they may share some of their resources.

Three men on talking while parked during a motorbike tour

What do you need for an overnight bike tour?

The basics

These may feel obvious, but it can be easy to forget them when you’re busy focusing on the details:

Phone (and an appropriate charger)
Identification and essential documents
License
Wallet/purse (and physical money in the relevant currency if necessary)
Keys (for your home, locks and the bike itself)
Itinerary
Toiletries (travel-sized if possible)
Important medication
Spare key for your bike (you never know)

Top tip: put any paperwork you’re bringing into a waterproof wallet to ensure it’s protected.

Clothing

Your riding gear, like leathers, helmet, gloves, etc, doesn’t need to be packed as you’ll be wearing them, but you may want to bring a spare set of clothes (and of course, underwear). You’ll also want to pack a spare pair of socks and pyjamas. It’s unlikely that you’ll need much more than that for an overnight trip, but make sure you take the weather into account.

We’d also recommend packing a spare pair of gloves. They’re essential and can be easily lost, so better safe than sorry.

Tools and spares

You should always have a game plan if (touch wood it doesn’t) something goes wrong. Part of this will be knowing who to call if it’s really stopped you in your tracks, but it will also be having a small toolkit and a couple of spares to get you back on the road as quickly as possible.

You can’t bring everything, but you can bring the basics (or anything you know your specific model needs). This may include tools like:

Puncture repair kit
Pliers
Bolt heads
Change brake pads
Knife or a multitool
Top up oil
Brake fluid
Socket set
Wrench
Tape

Or spares like:

Bungee cords
Spark plug
Clutch cable
Fuses

Harley Davidson parked in carpark with top box

Food and drink

There are always rest stops for proper meals, but having a few snacks to hand isn’t a bad idea to make sure you can replenish your energy along the way. We’d recommend easy-to-pack picks like protein and granola bars as they’ll also help you stay full.

Of course, having a supply of water with you is very important, but you can also bring a refillable canteen for warm drinks like tea or coffee.

Tent and sleeping bag

This will add bulk to your load, but if you haven’t arranged overnight accommodation or you just prefer camping, you’ll need both. You will also need to make sure you know where is safe to camp if that is your plan. Getting rest during a tour is important, so make sure you have the right options.

Cover and lock

Speaking of rest, once you’ve found a safe spot for your motorbike, make sure you have a lock and cover to ensure it’s safe and protected overnight.

Now, we’re talking about packing lightly for an overnight trip here, so these items aren’t essential, but they may be key to your trip. Just be conscious of what you really need.

You may also want to pack:

Laptop or tablet
Camera or GoPro
Towel (if you stay somewhere you can wash)
SatNav or map (if you can’t use your phone)
Hi-viz vest (but this will be an essential if you’re in France)
First-Aid kit

Older motorbike parked on road with packed panniers

How can you pack for a motorbike tour?

As we mentioned above, you can just use a rucksack, or there are panniers. Panniers are a better option for overnight trips as they hold more and you won’t have to carry the physical weight while riding.

There are also other motorcycle luggage options like top boxes and tail bags – they can be used as well as panniers to give you even more storage options. If you need to bring some bulkier items, this combination is your best bet.

Making sure you’re insured while touring

Before your next trip, you’ll need to ensure that you have the right insurance. Bikesure can help you find touring motorcycle insurance that works for you. We also offer affordable motorcycle insurance for when you’re riding locally.
Call us for our best rates on 0800 369 8580 or book a callback at a time that suits you.