Need Touring accessories

[4 Paws_imp]

Big fan of soft luggage here. Prefer the clean lines of the CB1100 without saddlebags. I have a variety of bags picked up over the years and use one to fit the days plans. goodwill has an online store worth checking out. Amazing stuff if you keep looking.
For commuting and grocery store runs a tail bag does give you convenience and simplicity. I used an expandable fabric bag that attached to saddlebags of the same brand.
I much prefer dry bags or military surplus bags lashed on with straps for day or weekend (or longer) trips. A collapsable cooler is quite useful in a variety of ways. Also a bungee cargo net. A good waterproofing fabric method here : http://www.motherearthnews.com/diy/water...z2kOO1svbj
GPs - using a Zumo 550 (10 years on same unit!) and RAM mount system. Wife has a $100 Garmin from Amazon on her bike with a RAM mount also, excellent choice. Love the GPS because it tells me if the road coming up is a long one (worth taking) or short. Lots of folks mount their smart phones but I just don't want to risk mine. Hardwired, auxiliary port also has a USB outlet. Flashlight in tank bag (always) is LED and has a built-in power pack for USB charging too. soperbrightleds.com
I love tank bags with map pockets. When riding for pure pleasure I'm usually just wandering the back roads with a general direction in mind - away from traffic and towards fun roads. I fold a state road map (free upon request at state online tourism site) and put it in the map pocket with the region I'm heading towards showing. It shows me the location of the small towns I'm near in relation to my general target.
Tents? A gazillion choices, too many personal preferences. Pad - best you can buy, or a collapsable cot. Hammock anyone? Redverz gear tents? Get a collapsable chair (Kermit?) at a minimum and the biggest rain fly you can afford.
Advrider.com has lots of threads on the camping and equipment subject. JamieZ has an excellent thread on budget travel.
CB1100 a good choice for longer rides. I use an Alaskan Sheepskin seat pad, helps. Still a candyass after all these years.