packing for a long trip ran out of space

[Bungie]

Does that mean you're not bringing your bunnie slippers for late night runs to the latrine?

Ever try to run in only LD Comfort shorts and Teknic Violater riding boots in a hard rain in full panic mode?

I'd run right out of the bunnie slippers!

 

[Bounce]

Pack for only a 3 day trip with some things as multi-use (one pair of shoes, etc.). Every 3rd day to laundry. Get rid of things that you don't need (the tux is right out).

thanks,thats some of the best advice I've heard

That's how I do it, though I do take a few tools and a rain liner...depending on the rain forecast.

i dumped the rain gear years ago. i now use a riding jacket and pants that have zippered vents. open for air flow when hot. close when raining or cold. no need for the roadside rain suit boogie and more space freed for important things.

+1 on the Eagle Creek Cube system. I've been using them for years. A Cube will even hold a whole day's clothing (including jeans). A quarter cube is what I use to manage the adapter cable mess in my powered tank bag.

 

[ultimateanswer]

On the subject of cooking gear all I carried for the trip I'm currently in the middle of, 4200 miles in 14 days, I had an old set of saddle bags from my Hyosung GT 650 that I used when I went camping on it. Oddly enough they fit right over the top of the Yamaha top case I have and with the straps secured to the luggage rack on the rear of the bike. It looks a little funky but it is very functional. It holds my camp tools and cooking gear as well as an ampl supply of those strike anywhere fire starters. It may not be te best option for you but it works very well for me. Here is a picture of what it all looks like:

 

[Spud]

I take only a few socks/underwear and throw in a pack of these, you can get at Walmart, etc.

Now, I don't camp when I go, so I use them in a hotel sink/tub, but I understand the fish just love this **** too so use it in a creek or river if camping. A camp ranger can show you the best places :lol:

 

[Wanderer]

Awesome job Ultimateanswer!! My father (another FJR rider) and I talked about this very possibility a few months back when war-gaming a motocamping trip with the wives. I didn't see any reason it wouldn't work, but it's sweet to see it actually put into use.

We also discussed arranging the soft bags to lie on top of the panniers where you have the tent and carpet in the photo.

 

[sportsguy]

Ditch things like soap, toothpaste, bulky shampoo bottles, laundry detergent, etc.

Magellan travel supplies

Love the toothbrush replacements they have - no need for toothpaste or a brush - just carry some of these small, easily packed items for the trip.

Loads of other "make travel easier" stuff there, as well.

LOVE those Cube packing things - excellent idea!

...and what, does no one pack TOILET PAPER when they travel? Perhaps the rolls are too bulky?

Just pack a few extra fabric softener sheets - they can do double duty, and you get the added benefit of smelling great when you're done! (Just kidding, of course... or am I...?)

 

[Wanderer]

...and what, does no one pack TOILET PAPER when they travel? Perhaps the rolls are too bulky?

It's on my list.... hand shovel for diggin the hole and a plastic bag to keep dirt contained too.

 

[TestPilot]

Ditch things like soap, toothpaste, bulky shampoo bottles, laundry detergent, etc.........and what, does no one pack TOILET PAPER when they travel? Perhaps the rolls are too bulky?

Just pack a few extra fabric softener sheets - they can do double duty, and you get the added benefit of smelling great when you're done! (Just kidding, of course... or am I...?)

I always take a tube of toothpaste that only has enough left to last the trip, small shampoo bottles (with O-rings so they don't leak - was interesting going to Bearing & Seals shop to but O-rings for mini shampoo bottles), small bottle of detergent....and a toilet paper roll with only a 'enough' left (in it's own accessible plastic bag in the topbox), AND Johnson Baby Wipes or similar - great for cleaning hands after my standard puncture repair. Also carry some surgical gloves (keep hands clean while attending to said puncture repair). And hand moisturiser - day after day in leather gloves really dries my hands (cracked, painful cuticles are not fun). And all my chargers (phone, camera/s netbook, iPod) go in one quarter cube in either the tankbag or topbox.

 

[ultimateanswer]

Awesome job Ultimateanswer!! My father (another FJR rider) and I talked about this very possibility a few months back when war-gaming a motocamping trip with the wives. I didn't see any reason it wouldn't work, but it's sweet to see it actually put into use. We also discussed arranging the soft bags to lie on top of the panniers where you have the tent and carpet in the photo.

The way "I" came up with it was I was bitchin to my wife about not having enough space to carry my camp gear and she said, "Don't you still have that crummy set of saddle bags with the funky smell in the garage from the old bike?" and I went by God thats an awesome idea! An unintended side effect of that is that the top case doesn't vibrate anymore. I dunno if its just my case or if its a Yamaha thing but when I get moving at any rate of speed on this thing with the top case on it starts shaking and rocking like an old Parkinson's patient in a rocking chair, and with those old bags strapped over the top it puts a damper on it! Win-win as far as I'm concerned!!

 

[Wanderer]

Ours actually came by way of wondering if it would be possible to attach one of these instead of the Givi E460 for uber-storage....

With him being a mechanical engineer by trade and me by virtue of growing up with him we thought of ways to use the existing Givi plate and all that.

It quickly became clear that the pack he owned had some limitations, being soft luggage, and would prevent any opening of the side cases. The logical extension was soft bags resting on top of the sidecases, but quickly realized they would work best on the topcase.

 

[dustyrains]

https://tailwindtrailers.com/

They run about $7000 the last time I checked. The Goldwing crowd swears by them IF you can afford it.

That thing looks long enough to bunk in. And 7 grand? I paid about 4500 for my Bushtec Quantum about 6 years ago.

 

[dustyrains]

On my recent boogie to Montana and back (last fall), I had the opportunity to try out mil spec MRE's. (Meals, Ready to Eat). Worked out pretty well, actually. The built in heater really gets the entree hot, plus usually has enough left over heat to warm your feet on on a cold night in the tent. Plus, there is usually enough left from the evening meal for a quick non cook breakfast the next morning. (raisins, crackers, cookies, coffee, etc). No stove or fuel or pots or dishes to pack, comes with utensils, napkins, desserts, and very reasonably priced at around $7.50 per pack, which as I mentioned, you should actually be able to get two meals out of. I wouldn't want to live on them for weeks at a time, but they sure are great at the end of a long riding day in a campground.

 

[Willie]

getting ready to do a 2,300 mile trip,eight days.where will I put all the stuff that dosent fit in the bags and trunk and tank bag.

have been eliminating all but the essentials and still need more room or a support truck.

dont know how people do it.

riding buddy says dont take any under wear or socks,my idea is you can get four days out of one pair of shorts if turn them inside out and front to back.

if I was riding a harley I could go without any shorts but that takes a real man.

all this dosent include the camping gear in a bag on the passenger seat.

what would you do if the wife wanted to go,no room for her stuff,guess she'll drive the support truck.

that must be why one of my buddies used to haul a trailer when his wife went.

feel free to jump in

These work too, cheap, find em at W World. Holds 2 weeks of clothes IMHO. Did some writing about packingHERE Packnig part about half way down or so or you can read the complete post. Your choice

Willie

 

[FJRGuy]

getting ready to do a 2,300 mile trip,eight days....

Well, heck! 2300 miles is only a 3 day trip!

One tip from one of Peter Egan's books. His buddy would save his worn out T-shirts and undies for the year, and bring them along on the trip. Every day, you either toss them in the fire (if you're camping) or the garbage can (if you're doing the motel thing). Every day on your trip, you have more space in your luggage. Good idea, since you all know Newton's 11th Law Of Ever-Expanding Travel Sh*t. From personal experience, it also makes for interesting conversation around the campfire.

Remind me not to roast marshmallows over his fire!

https://tailwindtrailers.com/They run about $7000 the last time I checked. The Goldwing crowd swears by them IF you can afford it.

While you are at it, might as well get the GoldWing! That thing is huge!

 

[user 213]

getting ready to do a 2,300 mile trip,eight days....

Well, heck! 2300 miles is only a 2 day trip!

Fixed it for you FJRGuy. It's not the mileage causing the problem, it's the duration of his desired trip.

While you are at it, might as well get the GoldWing! That thing is huge!

But if he had a GoldWing, he wouldn't need the trailer, (at least for this trip).

The root issue is too much stuff, not where to put it. Only practice will really help show each rider what they need and don't need. The Forum can help, but you have to do it yourself to realize that 'must have' item never got used and could have been left behind.