When setting off on a motorcycle, whether it be a day trip or a longer tour, there is a very fine line between packing the right amount of gear and packing too much or too little.

Ideally, you want to avoid packing too much and weighing the motorbike down whilst also ensuring you are not underprepared. So, it is all about finding the balance that combines adequate gear, low weight and maximum convenience. With that in mind, here are the top five tips when packing for a motorcycle trip:

1. Avoid Overpacking

When embarking on a motorcycle trip, it can be tempting to pack the kitchen sink but chances are you are overthinking it. A minimalist approach is the key when packing gear and although this may not be easy at first, it will not take long to learn what is essential. In this case, less is more as a minimal amount of gear is easier to organise and keep track of throughout the journey while a heavier load is not going to do mobility any favours.

The top tip to avoid overpacking is to pack everything you think you need and then reassess. Once you actually start loading up you will have a better idea of how much can be carried and it may turn out that only half of what was originally packed is really needed. When trying to fit everything in your luggage, as the space begins to fill, it will likely become clear that some items simply are not essential.

2. Use Inner Bags Or Roll Bags

Inner bags: convenient space saver.

Motorcycle luggage inner bags allow everything to be stored in one place inside a top box or panniers, making it easy to remove all of the gear at once to be taken on the go and freeing up space for the helmet to be stored and locked away. Not only that, their comfortable carry handles means inner bags are easy to remove and carry, the ideal alternative to carting luggage cases around.

If you thought inner bags were convenient, motorcycle roll bags take it a step further. They can be compressed to maximise space and are a great addition to save room for souvenirs and anything else picked up along the way. You never know when you might need that extra bit of space and roll bags are designed for that exact reason, not to mention they are also waterproof. What more could anyone want!

3. Distribute Weight

While it would be advisable to pack light, it is just as important to pack correctly. More weight means less manoeuvrability, making the motorbike harder to handle at higher speeds. However, if heavier items are absolutely necessary for a particular trip, it is important to distribute the weight.

Ideally, a set of motorcycle panniers should be evenly weighted on each side and in general, should not be too weighty. If, for example, you only had panniers, it would be worth considering additional motorcycle luggage options as firstly, they may not be capable of holding all of the gear and secondly, overloaded side cases could affect mobility. A general rule of thumb to keep in mind is storing heavy items at the bottom of the case and at the centre of the bike, so a top box could really come in handy.

4. Use A Tank Bag For Essentials

SHAD's convenient E09 tank bag.

Motorcycle tank bags offer convenient storage for essentials, sitting within arms’ reach and allowing the likes of cards, toll passes, wallets etc. to be accessed quickly without having to stop and get off the motorbike.

The pick of the bunch are SHAD’s click system motorcycle tank bags. Not only do they have a waterproof structure and glove-friendly zippers, they can also be mounted and removed in a matter of just seconds thanks to the innovative click system and can be locked directly to the tank for added security.

5. Pack With Weather In Mind

Weather can be unpredictable at the best of times, you never know what mother nature could have in store next and that is why it is best to prepare for all eventualities. Firstly, ensure you pack waterproof options, no one wants to have to ride in soggy clothing which is an annoyance at the least and a distraction at its worst. That is the priority, but other than that, it would be best to pack layers that can be easily added or removed to adjust to different temperatures.

At the end of the day, it is not Paris Fashion Week, clothing can be used on a cycle and many motorcycle riders tend to follow the rule of three when it comes to clothing. That is a set of clothes to wear, a backup set and a set for cold/wet conditions.