The right size saddlebags

[the Ferret]

Eric..Here is a master list, one I used for my Cali trip which was 11 days and 5500 miles. Subtract items not needed for smaller trips

PACKING LIST FOR CALI TRIP

Left Handlebar
Tom Tom GPS

FAIRING LEFT POCKET
Various small multi-tools/adjustable wrench/air gauge/rag/rubber gloves/emergency flasher
3 oz of motor oil in bottle rolled up in a rag
Small flashlight
Tri pod light

FAIRING RIGHT POCKET
2 microfiber cloths
Spray bottle of water for face shield
Spare ignition key taped inside

TANK BAG
Sunglasses (in hard case)
First Aid kit
Chapstick
Bottle of water
Bottle of Aleve
GPS cover
Power cord for GPS
Side stand plate w/string (left pocket)
Mini camera tripod
Trip Log book
Tea bags
Water enhancer
Splenda packs
Spare 8 gig SD card

SEAT BAG (held on with Rok straps)
Heavy gloves (leather gauntlet)
Heavy sweatshirt
Heavy sweatpants
Medium balaclava
1 Silvermax long sleeve shirt
Knit hat
Electric jacket liner

RIGHT SADDLEBAG (IN CLOTH BAG)
Lightweight sleep wear (in plastic bag)
Swimsuit (in plastic bag)
1 pr jeans
2 C9 shorts (in plastic bag)
2 C9 short sleeve shirts ( in plastic bag)
1 turtle neck long sleeve shirt (in plastic bag)
5 pr socks (in plastic bag)
Spare prescription glasses in hard case
Medicine bag with BP/Chol/asst OTC meds,
Tooth paste, tooth brush, shaver, razor
Phone charger
Camera charger
Intercom charger


LEFT SADDLEBAG (IN CLOTH BAG)
Jeans
Gym shoes
Vented Tourmaster jacket



TRUNK
Rain suit (in mesh bag on top held on by rok straps)
Paper Maps
Spare bungie straps
Mesh bag
Towel for drying seat in morning
First aid kit
Motorcycle jumper cables
Ball cap
Vented lightweight gloves
Ramp for getting bike on center stand with flat
List of all Honda dealers
Ran list from ST forum by state (members that can help)
Cable/ lock for bike and tail bag
Can of Plexus for windshield


UNDER SEAT
Spare key to helmet lock & trunk
Tire repair kit

WEAR
Modular helmet/tinted shield/ with intercom
Prescription glasses
Non Vented Tourmaster Jacket
Hi Viz riding vest
Medium weight gloves (deerskin)
Fieldsheer riding pants
C9 shirt
C-9 shorts
Socks
Alpinestars touring boots
Camera on lanyard
Wallet with:
Drivers License
AAA card
HSA & UHC cards
2 credit cards
$ 500 cash
Insurance and registration info
Emergency contact and allergy info
Pic of family
I think it's important for all clothing to do double duty, and layering is important as well. The C9 shirt and C9 shorts can be worn as a base layer... alone if it's hot, or under the sweat pants and sweat shirt if it's cold and all under the field sheer riding pants and Tourmaster jacket. I always pack a long sleeve turtleneck and a balaclava if temps are expected below 50 degrees (btw when washed in the sink and blotted in a towel the C9 gear is usually dry by morning so you only have to pack a couple pairs and they roll up really small..3 pairs for 11 days on the Cali trip.. I also use socks that can be washed in the sink and hung to dry overnight 5 pairs for 11 days and could have carried less). Always carry either heavy and med gloves, or med and light gloves depending on temps expected or to let one dry out if it gets wet from a rain. Jeans can also be worn under the fieldsheer riding pants, and the jeans, long sleeve turtleneck, gym shoes, sweatshirt and ball cap make a good combo for being off the bike and going out to dinner or whatever.

I pack all my clothes rolled really tightly in labeled zip lock bags. And all my meds/toiletries are in a zip lock bag. My electronics chargers are in 1 plastic bag. When using soft luggage I line the saddlebags and trunk with a garbage bag to keep rain out and I don't worry about the rain covers that come with the soft luggage. The only rain cover that concerns me is the one for the tank bag. That one I use. I keep a small bottle of Aleve or Ibuprophin in my tank bag. Usually I don't use the GPS but rely on AAA paper maps instead.

I usually stay at motels that provide a continental breakfast, and try and get one with a pool or jacuzzi. I am usually on the road early and get off the road early (before 5 pm). Around 9-10 hours in the saddle is plenty for me these days.