First Time Motorcycle Camping
Hi everyone,
I’m planning a motorcycle camping trip with my girlfriend through Germany, France, and Luxembourg. The trip will be around 5–6 days long.
I do have some camping experience, but so far it’s been pretty basic. I’ve usually gone camping with friends by car—we’d drive to a campsite, set everything up, stay there for 3 to 4 days, and then head back home. I’ve done that 6 times now. This will not be my first time doing a longer trip on a motorcycle, but the first trip with all the gear packed on the bike.
I’ve put together a packing list, but I’m not sure if it’s well balanced.
So I’d really appreciate some advice:
- Am I carrying too much or too little?
- Are there things on my list that I probably won’t need?
- Is there anything important that I might be missing?
- What items would you consider essential for a trip like this?
- Any general tips for motorcycle camping trips of this length?
My Bike is a Suzuki V-Strom DL 650 A Modell Year 2015. She is reduced to 48 HP.
I will add a list below with everything I/we will carry
This Text is written by ChatGPT because of my bad english skills🫣
The following list is also translated from Microsoft Word with a bit of my own writing.
Packing List:
I wear:
Summerjacket (Held Tropic XT)
Summer Gloves (Hero Dessert 2)
Helmet (Nolan N80-8 incl. N-Com)
Scarf and/or balaclava
Summer trousers (FLM, model unknown)
Chest and back protector (Alpinestars Bionic Action)
Mobile phone
Keys for bike & case
The following is stowed in the luggage compartment of the bike:
Documents for various parts (called ABE in Germany)
High-visibility vest
First Aid Kit
Cable ties
Air Compressor (Michelin battery powered)
On-board tools consisting of: ratchet & screwdriver handle (all 1/4 inches), joint, sockets size 7, 8, 10 & 13mm, bits incl. holder (cross, slotted, Allen 4, 5 & 6), 2x lighter, handkerchiefs, marker, small multitool, electrical tape & gloves
The tools are from Aldi, they used to be from a set. The multi-tool is also some kind of cheap multitool, I dont remember the exact make & model.
The following cases are attached to the machine (incl. contents):
Topbox (GIVI V47):
Toilet paper roll
Slippers when you have to get up at night
padock for the bike
Clothing:
Underwear
Socks
2x sweater (depending on weather conditions maybe I wear one)
T-shirts
Rain suit
Second pair of gloves (thicker & warmer ones)
A thicker jacket depending on weather conditions,
Organizer bag:
Charger for 12V socket
2x Lighter
Wallet
Case with papers for the motorcycle (& passport)
Spare key for Bike & Cases
SW-Motech TRAX ADV aluminium panniers in 45 & 37 litre capacity on the sides
Pannier 45 L:
Hammock (manufacturer & model unknown)
Tent (Simex Sport High Peak Mono Dome PU)
Pillow & blanket (some cheap set)
Air mattress (manufacturer "MYXSLOP", Amazon, size: 145cm wide x 196cm long x - 12cm thick)
Air pump for air mattresses and the like (manufacturer "Joyroom", Amazon)
Pegs (included with the tent)
Carabiners & Paracord (collected over the years)
Box with spare batteries, spare battery for headlamp, charger, USB-C & Micro-USB charging cable, Victorinox Huntsman, Gerber Suspension
Campinglantern (Varta Sport L10)
Powerbank (can be charged with solar panel, manufacturer & model unknown)
Pan (make and model unknown)
Monocular (National Geographic 4007922061061)
Headlamp (Forclaz HL900)
Mug (old Enameled Cup)
Warning light (red light, multiple modes. Manufacturer Car XS)
Pannier 37 L:
Camping stove (Cheap thing which you can find everywhere, I think it was this one: SMHLINE® camping stove gas stove set) incl. 2 cartridges gas
Folding bowl (manufacturer Tavaler)
Underlay for the tent (in Germany known as the „Bundeswehr elephant skin“)
Bath towel
Hairbrush
Swimming trunks
Bluetooth Speaker (JBL Charge 5)
Small cutting board
Mora knife (model unknown, I think it's the Companion.)
Writing pad incl. pen
Warning light (red light, multiple modes. Manufacturer Car XS)
Disposable rain poncho
Bundeswehr cookware (only lower part with handle)
2 towels for cuttlery and the like
Towel & washcloth for hygiene
Small metal box with the following contents:
2 decks of cards
1 deck of Uno cards
Dice (5 piece)
Ballpoint Pen
Yathzee Winning Cards
Organizer with the following content:
Shower gel pH-Neutral
Dish soap
Toothpaste & Toothbrush
Sunscreen
Hand Cream
Q-Tips
2 packs of tissues
Insect spray
Instant coffee
Tea
Handle for pans and the like
Cutlery
Kitchenknive
Salt, pepper, and some spices
Dishcloths
Lighter, matches, fire steel
First aid or medicine pack with the following content:
Q-Tips
Medication (cetirizine, IBU, cough suppressant and after sun)
Instruments for the removal of ticks
Disinfectants
Insect Bite Spray
Safety pins
Pads & tampons for my girlfriend
Garbage bags
Scissors for plasters etc.
Disposable Ice Pack
Wound Cleansing Wipes
Adhesive tape for bandages
Wound dressings
Plasters (normal & blister plasters)
Rescue blanket
Disposable gloves
Resuscitation mask
Dry bags are stowed on top of both panniers, in which there are my girlfriend's clothes, sleeping bag and hygiene articles. I will store all food and drink items in the top case.
Thanks a lot in advance for your help!