What to pack
Whether you’re on a quick 3-day trip or a month-long adventure, here's what to pack
After decades and hundreds of thousands of miles on the road, we’ve learned how to pack smart so you don’t have to. The key? Pack light. You’ll spend most days in your riding gear, so just bring light clothes for evenings and rest days — many of our accommodations have laundry facilities if you need to freshen up. If you’re flying in, collapsible luggage is easiest to handle, and you can leave it with our rental partners. Hiring a bike? It’ll come with panniers and a top box. Riding your own? Packing is simpler, but double-check your essentials before setting off.
Flying with your gear? No problem. Carry your helmet in a dedicated helmet bag and use a soft, waterproof duffel for the rest of your kit. Make sure everything is clearly labelled. Don’t forget your phone charger and the correct plug adapter — your phone is your lifeline for navigation, photos, and emergencies. (Details on plug types are included in your tour pack.) Bring a spare bike key, just in case. For payments, carry a mix of credit, debit, cash, and a prepaid currency card — and keep them in separate places to avoid issues if something goes missing. We cover a lot of ground on tour, so it’s worth packing chain lube to apply every 500 miles or so.
Safety and comfort matter most. Always wear high-quality protective gear with waterproof and thermal layers — expect everything from blazing sunshine to icy mountain passes. Wicking base layers help manage sweat and make life on the bike more comfortable (you’ll get two in your tour pack). Don’t forget prescription medicines, glasses (plus a spare pair), toiletries, and earplugs — wind noise can cause fatigue and even hearing loss over time. Keep your travel and bike documents easily accessible — you never know what might be asked for at a border or ferry crossing. A full list of the required documents is included in your tour pack.
And if you’re shopping for new gear in the UK, we offer 10% off at sportsbikeshop.co.uk for returning riders — just ask us for a code before you buy.
Quick-fire advice
A silicone plug lets you wash underwear and wicking shirts in the evening, so you can pack light — and keep your bike light and nimble too. Travel washing liquid works better than hotel soap.
Avoid reactive lenses — they’re slow to darken and can be risky in tunnels or changing light.
Bring a small spray bottle with a soap-and-water mix, plus a cloth, to clean your visor.
Consider packing hydration tablets to add to your water bottle.
You can always buy something on the road — if you’re unsure you’ll need it, leave it behind.
Layering is key to staying comfortable on a bike. Waterproof outer shells and thermal liners should be your go-to.
Pack the right charging cables for your phone and camera — and clear space on both before you leave so there’s plenty of room for new photos and videos.
Hotels often provide shampoo and shower gel, but not always. Bring a small all-in-one bottle just in case, plus some toothpaste.
Convert your currency before you leave home — it can save time and reduce hassle on arrival.