How much stuff to take on a long road trip?
#11
![Default](https://www.hdforums.com/forum/images/icons/icon1.gif)
Bring the Tide wash in the sink stuff.
Then socks n underwear can be washed in the sink. Hotel prices in Canada can be high in some parts.
If you're heading to Western Canada, (AB, or BC) pm me. I'll see if I can throw some hints your way.
Visa / MasterCard for gas. Most everywhere has pay at the pump.
Have an awesome trip and a digital camera and spare digital card.
Harry
Then socks n underwear can be washed in the sink. Hotel prices in Canada can be high in some parts.
If you're heading to Western Canada, (AB, or BC) pm me. I'll see if I can throw some hints your way.
Visa / MasterCard for gas. Most everywhere has pay at the pump.
Have an awesome trip and a digital camera and spare digital card.
Harry
#13
![Default](https://www.hdforums.com/forum/images/icons/icon1.gif)
Definitely bring the leather jacket. You'd be surprised with the temperature swings you will encounter.
I have found over the years that I bring less and less clothing each trip. When you're out on the road you can wear the same clothes for a few days. For me regardless of how long the trip will be I limit my packing to two pairs of socks and undies plus the pair I'm wearing, one pair of jeans plus the pair I'm wearing and a couple long sleeve tee-shirts. That's about it.
As far as the previous comment about "balancing" your load, yes do it within reason, but weighing each saddlebag is way overkill. My left saddlebag is permanent storage for bike cleaning supplies, tools, and a few bottles of water. It weighs about 25-30 pounds and even when the right saddlebag is empty it has little to no adverse effect on the bikes handling, and definitely not a noticeable lean. Remember we're talking about a 900 lb. bike to start with. A few extra pounds left or right of center don't have much impact.
I have found over the years that I bring less and less clothing each trip. When you're out on the road you can wear the same clothes for a few days. For me regardless of how long the trip will be I limit my packing to two pairs of socks and undies plus the pair I'm wearing, one pair of jeans plus the pair I'm wearing and a couple long sleeve tee-shirts. That's about it.
As far as the previous comment about "balancing" your load, yes do it within reason, but weighing each saddlebag is way overkill. My left saddlebag is permanent storage for bike cleaning supplies, tools, and a few bottles of water. It weighs about 25-30 pounds and even when the right saddlebag is empty it has little to no adverse effect on the bikes handling, and definitely not a noticeable lean. Remember we're talking about a 900 lb. bike to start with. A few extra pounds left or right of center don't have much impact.
#15
![Default](https://www.hdforums.com/forum/images/icons/icon1.gif)
One thing I would recommend is to take a small bag w/shoulder strap along with your main one. In the small bag keep the stuff you need easy access to and carry with you when off the bike. Camera, spare batteries, flashlight, gloves, snacks, medicines, documents, towels, glasses, etc. This way you don't have to unpack the other bags looking for something and it's easy on and off.
#16
#17
![Default](https://www.hdforums.com/forum/images/icons/icon1.gif)
Definitely bring the leather jacket. You'd be surprised with the temperature swings you will encounter.
I have found over the years that I bring less and less clothing each trip. When you're out on the road you can wear the same clothes for a few days. For me regardless of how long the trip will be I limit my packing to two pairs of socks and undies plus the pair I'm wearing, one pair of jeans plus the pair I'm wearing and a couple long sleeve tee-shirts. That's about it.
As far as the previous comment about "balancing" your load, yes do it within reason, but weighing each saddlebag is way overkill. My left saddlebag is permanent storage for bike cleaning supplies, tools, and a few bottles of water. It weighs about 25-30 pounds and even when the right saddlebag is empty it has little to no adverse effect on the bikes handling, and definitely not a noticeable lean. Remember we're talking about a 900 lb. bike to start with. A few extra pounds left or right of center don't have much impact.
I have found over the years that I bring less and less clothing each trip. When you're out on the road you can wear the same clothes for a few days. For me regardless of how long the trip will be I limit my packing to two pairs of socks and undies plus the pair I'm wearing, one pair of jeans plus the pair I'm wearing and a couple long sleeve tee-shirts. That's about it.
As far as the previous comment about "balancing" your load, yes do it within reason, but weighing each saddlebag is way overkill. My left saddlebag is permanent storage for bike cleaning supplies, tools, and a few bottles of water. It weighs about 25-30 pounds and even when the right saddlebag is empty it has little to no adverse effect on the bikes handling, and definitely not a noticeable lean. Remember we're talking about a 900 lb. bike to start with. A few extra pounds left or right of center don't have much impact.
Do plan on possible colder temps as passing through the mountains and/or at night the temps can drop surprisingly even in summer.
#18
#19
![Default](https://www.hdforums.com/forum/images/icons/icon1.gif)
Sounds like a great trip. I've contemplated one like this myself, but not in a position to do it yet... I've thought I'd pack light, as many have recommended. Wash things every other night. Have plenty of room for stuff (T's and such) I'd buy along the way. If I got too much 'stuff', ship some home. I'd have a list of dealers with me, and their locations. I'd keep tools to a minimum. GPS. A road atlas, too (since there's no substitute for having a hardcopy map, and since it's a flat book, stows easy). Make a list beforehand of itinerary, including planned sights you'd like to see. When I do it, I won't be moving to a schedule, but to my inclination.
Good luck, and be safe.
Alan
Good luck, and be safe.
Alan
#20
![Default](https://www.hdforums.com/forum/images/icons/icon1.gif)
When I do a week long trip a have a packing list that covers everything including the kitchen sink. I then decide as I'm packing the bike if I really have room for it. The best advice I've read in this post is know who you are riding with when you cross the boarder. Hard to say what a stranger could be carrying that could cause you trouble and ruin the trip.