Packing Tips from the Pros

Lightweight synthetic clothing – such as T-shirts and underwear – can be washed in a hotel sink and dried overnight on a shower rod or towel rack (cotton fabrics take too long to dry in this manner).

Zipper-lock plastic bags of various sizes can be extremely useful for organizing items in saddlebags and duffle bags. They can make it easier to find and retrieve particular items without unpacking your entire motorcycle. Use the one-gallon size to pack one day's worth of clothes – jeans, undergarments, and shirt. This makes it easier to unpack just what you need.

Don't fold your clothes – roll them. They take up less space that way.

Pack items that have more than one use. For instance, don't pack just a pocketknife; pack a "Swiss-style" knife or multi-tool.

When traveling with other riders, conserve space by comparing packing lists. You may be able to avoid packing some duplicate items.

When traveling (two-up) with a spouse or "significant other", ask yourself tough questions such as: "Can we share a tube of toothpaste?" and "Can I get by using her shampoo for a week?"

On long trips, consider bringing your rattiest underwear (or other clothing) – then just throw it away when you're done with it!

Few things are as easy to pack as money or credit cards. If you're struggling with whether to bring a particular item, consider whether it's worth buying on the road if you end up needing it.

Don't forget to consider the weight of what you're packing, as well as the volume. Whenever possible, lighter is better. (And don't forget to check the cargo weight limits of your bike – as well as the bags and racks – and adjust the tire pressure and suspension accordingly.)

When loading your bike, keep as much weight as possible close to the bike's center of gravity. That means low and toward the tank, distributed evenly from side to side. Remember to check your owner's manual for the cargo weight limits of your bike.

A day or two before you leave, do a dry run. Pack the bike and go for a short ride, then adjust the load as needed.

If you're camping, set up your tent once or twice before you leave (and don't forget to waterproof it). Practice setting it up in the dark. To save space, roll up some of your clothes in your sleeping bag.

Pack all your cold weather and raingear no matter what time of year it is.

Plastic bags make great boot liners if you forgot your gaiters. If you forgot your rain gloves, rubber dishwashing gloves make great, inexpensive substitutes.

A small towel can be wrapped around your neck during a rainstorm to keep water from running down your back – and doubles as a shop rag.