What to take when you ride?

[corksil]

Hey, new to riding.

In my car, I always pack my backpack with all kinds of useful stuff.. knives, lights, rope, tools, food, music, computer etc etc..

However now I'm riding a bike every day, and carrying a backpack gets quite tiresome.

I'm just wondering what you guys carry with you - in a bag, on the bike, whatever.

Off the top of my head, here's my essential list I have to try and pack into a smaller bag now that I'm riding.

-cellphone
-cigarettes
-zippo
-wallet
-knife
-flashlight

Perhaps I should figure out how to stash a knife/flashlight ON the bike so I wouldn't have to put those in a bag... It'd be nice if we had a little more storage because carrying a backpack is quite a chore.

What do you take on every ride?

[xSean13]

If you're going solo and don't want the bag on your back, get a cargo net and strap it on the passenger seat.

[Whiskey]

Tankbag, tailpack or cargo net.

Wallet goes on my back protector's kidney belt, phone in my inside pocket, knife on my keys (anything larger without a valid reason like hunting, fishing or need it for work will get you in trouble here) Don't smoke but do carry a lighter in my leathers & a flashlight will fit in the bike's tail, along with clear glasses/sunglasses toolkit, chain oiler & visor sponge (my Led Lenser P7 does anyway, up at the back & attached to the tail's subframe)

It's a slight change from the army's packing order
Live - backpack
fight - webbing belt/vest
Survive - jacket

[NevadaWolf]

I go off on long solo remote rides and so tend to over carry stuff.

On me, I carry my wallet, SPOT, and always wear a dog tag with emergency contact info.

Under the windscreen is my phone and the gps mounted beside the Koso gauge.
In the tank bag, debit and credit cards, pen, ear plugs (when not wearing them), leatherman, whistle, and minimag, and a Tupperware box filled with munchies.

In the backpack, 2-4L of water, iPad, sweater, and outer layer of my mesh pants.

In the tail bag, boot rain covers, outer jacket, air pump, fix a flat goo, oil, chain lube, WD-40, visor wipes, first aid kit, mag light, knife, sun screen, towel, space blanket.

Under seat cowl, inner rain liners, tire repair kit, disk lock, modified tool kit, and bike papers and owners manual.

Still have a few things I need to find homes for.

[Asspire]

some ideas here:

http://www.ninjette.org/forums/showthread.php?t=114508


My current list for my bag:

lighter
flashlight(s)
first aid kit
bungee cords
duck tape
zip ties
usb cables
multi tool
Tylenol
xena disc lock
ziplock baggies
extra set of clothes
5 hour energy drink
pen(s) (for work)
go pro battery
hi-viz vest
tire plug (rope type)
extra cash
paracord
clear visor
warm golves

in tail storage:
copy of id and ownership
headlight and tail light bulb
tool kit
cash

[rasta]

After reading this thread I feel like I'm horribly underprepared. I carry-

Water
Clif bar
Wallet
Cell phone
Insurance info
OEM tool kit

[tfkrocks]

I carry two different tire patch kits, a portable bicycle pump, tire pressure gauge, zip ties, duct tape rolled onto a pen, index cards, motorcycle multi-tool, registration, proof of insurance, glove liners, and neck guard in a waterproof tail bag. LED flashlight on keys. OEM toolkit and disc alarm under the rear seat.

[eddiekay]

Flat kit
raincoat

[corksil]

Well then, I upgraded my list.

On the bike at all times..

-reg/insurance/safety inspection
-kindle w/books
-galaxy tablet
-toothpaste
-toothbrush
-dental floss
-condoms
-cologne
-warm beanie
-expanding stuff sack
-knife
-zippo lighter
-pack of cigarettes

It feels like I'm forgetting something....

[tfkrocks]

Zip ties and duct tape could do you wonders. Roll some duct tape onto a pen or pencil.

[corksil]

Well if a bike were in proper operating condition with no oil leaks, no worn hoses, no chafed wires, no potential points of mechanical failure --- What would the tape/zip-ties be for?

Not disagreeing, I just tend to be [excessively] minimalist.

Trying to put together an assortment of crap on the bike so whenever I want to ride I can just say "f it" and put on my gear, hop on the bike with empty pockets, and go off in whatever direction I please without feeling like I'm unprepared for life/situation/whatever. (heh heh, notice the toothbrush/cologne/rubbers..)

[Mocha Man]

Almost always take my backpack or tank bag, depending on the day. Regardless, I make sure to always pack sunglasses, a small baggy with first aid essentials like band-aids and burn cream, some extra cash in case I run out of gas, my wallet and my phone. I don't necessarily use all of these but they are nice to have just in case anything goes wrong.

I figure this goes without saying, but I also have all my gear whenever I take my bike out.

[tfkrocks]

Originally Posted by corksil

Well if a bike were in proper operating condition with no oil leaks, no worn hoses, no chafed wires, no potential points of mechanical failure --- What would the tape/zip-ties be for?

Not disagreeing, I just tend to be [excessively] minimalist.

Trying to put together an assortment of crap on the bike so whenever I want to ride I can just say "f it" and put on my gear, hop on the bike with empty pockets, and go off in whatever direction I please without feeling like I'm unprepared for life/situation/whatever. (heh heh, notice the toothbrush/cologne/rubbers..)

In case you break something while you're out riding That's already super minimalist for when things go wrong.

[Joshorilla]

Nothing, because it's impossible for me to be more than an hours walk from my house, or two minutes from someone's house, or twenty minutes from a shop.

So, in my left pocket is my wallet, in my right pocket is my phone, in my front pocket is for the ladies

[corksil]

Originally Posted by Joshorilla

Nothing, because it's impossible for me to be more than an hours walk from my house, or two minutes from someone's house, or twenty minutes from a shop.

So, in my left pocket is my wallet, in my right pocket is my phone, in my front pocket is for the ladies

This is very similar to my approach..

Minimalism.

Ever worry about your wallet falling out of your pocket while riding? I've currently been wearing jeans, with wallet in back pocket and I keep feeling back there to make sure it didn't take a tumble.

[tfkrocks]

Oh didn't notice you live on an island. I guess you're not really in as much danger of being stranded in the middle of nowhere as I would be.

[rasta]

Originally Posted by Joshorilla

in my front pocket is for the ladies

[broilmebk]

Originally Posted by corksil

This is very similar to my approach..

Minimalism.

Ever worry about your wallet falling out of your pocket while riding? I've currently been wearing jeans, with wallet in back pocket and I keep feeling back there to make sure it didn't take a tumble.

I've always had my wallet in the front pocket. Never had a problem with it falling out or getting stolen. Plus, not comfortable with one butt cheek sitting on it. In my other front pocket is my phone and knife.

I ride with a backpack almost all the time, but it's always packed with clothes, shoes, books/notebooks because I go back and forth from work, gym, my home, parents' home. Nevertheless I always make sure I have my multitool and flashlight in it.

[gibtzumich318]

I use this tail bag to avoid a backpack
http://www.revzilla.com/motorcycle/ogio-duffle-tail-bag

I also have the matching saddle bags that work well also. There is a little space under the back seat to store stuff. I have a tank bag as well that I find more convenient than nothing there. Usually I leave it empty and its more comfortable to lean on than just the plain metal.

[IF13]

Backpack:

-home keys w/ moto key detached (obv.)
-wallet
-cell phone w/ charger
-laptop w/ charger

EDIT: I bought a set of soft saddle bags but the tail of the new gen ninjas makes it bend on the inside and it's just a real pain to mount it. It's always sagging one way or the other when I apply weight.

[ChickenRun]

I always bring my backpack with me everywhere since the Ninja is all I've got for trans. My wallet and phone go in the front pocket, and my iPod is in my front jeans pocket. My insurance info and tool kit are in the "trunk", and also I keep a bike lock in there too for when I go somewhere and decide to leave my helmet at the bike (I wrap it between the forks and through the helmet). I've got one pen and one pencil in my backpack too.

[Panda]

- crossbow
- beef jerky
- a bag of gasoline
- broad sword
- broken glass
- stuffed animal (dual use - as a pillow and for hugging when i get lost)

[adouglas]

Some things belong on your person, not the bike, because you may get separated from the bike.

Wallet and cash
Cell phone
Emergency/medical info if appropriate

These things go in my pockets, along with an iPod. Cell phone has a light built into it so there's no need for a flashlight.

I made a paracord "survival" type key fob several inches long with my bike key on one end and my house/office keys on the other, along with my Mobil Speedpass. That gives me 15-20 feet of paracord should I need it.

In the tail compartment of the bike I have a standard kit containing:
- Multitool with all appropriate bits and sockets (metric allen bits are a necessity)
- Tiny stuffable backpack for unexpected shopping trips (Trek Light, awesome)
- Nylon jacket liner if it's cool
- Stop N Go tire plug kit with CO2 inflator
- Zip ties/cord/twist ties/plastic bags
- collapsible inspection mirror (to easily check oil)
- tire gauge
- Tire fill extension hose (some gas station chucks don't deal well with bike wheels)
- Kickstand foot for soft surface parking
- Registration and insurance in a plastic bag
- USB charger dongle for my permanently installed Battery Tender harness, with charging cords as needed for what I'm carrying
- I also have a permanently wired USB port up front which powers my phone when I'm using it as a GPS... this happens only on trips and recreational rides. Daily commuting, I leave the mount home and put the phone in my pocket.

All this stuff gets crammed into nooks and crannies. I don't need to get at any of it on a regular basis, so I don't care if it takes me a couple of minutes to fish it out. I also have some space left over.

I use a tank bag or backpack only when I'm carrying stuff too big or bulky to fit into the remaining space in the tail. Today, for example, I had to pick up my farm share. So... backpack.

[IF13]

Originally Posted by adouglas

Some things belong on your person, not the bike, because you may get separated from the bike.

Wallet and cash
Cell phone
Emergency/medical info if appropriate

These things go in my pockets, along with an iPod. Cell phone has a light built into it so there's no need for a flashlight.

I made a paracord "survival" type key fob several inches long with my bike key on one end and my house/office keys on the other, along with my Mobil Speedpass. That gives me 15-20 feet of paracord should I need it.

In the tail compartment of the bike I have a standard kit containing:
- Multitool with all appropriate bits and sockets (metric allen bits are a necessity)
- Tiny stuffable backpack for unexpected shopping trips (Trek Light, awesome)
- Nylon jacket liner if it's cool
- Stop N Go tire plug kit with CO2 inflator
- Zip ties/cord/twist ties/plastic bags
- collapsible inspection mirror (to easily check oil)
- tire gauge
- Tire fill extension hose (some gas station chucks don't deal well with bike wheels)
- Kickstand foot for soft surface parking
- Registration and insurance in a plastic bag
- USB charger dongle for my permanently installed Battery Tender harness, with charging cords as needed for what I'm carrying
- I also have a permanently wired USB port up front which powers my phone when I'm using it as a GPS... this happens only on trips and recreational rides. Daily commuting, I leave the mount home and put the phone in my pocket.

All this stuff gets crammed into nooks and crannies. I don't need to get at any of it on a regular basis, so I don't care if it takes me a couple of minutes to fish it out. I also have some space left over.

I use a tank bag or backpack only when I'm carrying stuff too big or bulky to fit into the remaining space in the tail. Today, for example, I had to pick up my farm share. So... backpack.

Wait, all that fits under the passenger seat?

[Insan3guy]

in the tank bag:
zip ties
rubber bands
wallet
utility knife
phone
ipod
ipod radio adapter

under the seat:
insurance info
screwdriver
bungee cargo net

[broilmebk]

I never understood why people keep insurance info in the bike. Shouldn't it be on your person?

[beazy411]

Originally Posted by broilmebk

I never understood why people keep insurance info in the bike. Shouldn't it be on your person?

I have two jackets that I switch between depending on the weather, so for me it is just easier to leave it all in a ziplock bag in the tail. That way, I know I have everything that I need instead of worrying if it is in that jacket. All the stuff for my truck is in the glove box for the same reason.

[broilmebk]

Originally Posted by beazy411

I have two jackets that I switch between depending on the weather, so for me it is just easier to leave it all in a ziplock bag in the tail. That way, I know I have everything that I need instead of worrying if it is in that jacket. All the stuff for my truck is in the glove box for the same reason.

Well that makes sense I suppose. I just keep my registration and insurance info for the bike in my wallet since that's with me all the time.

[corksil]

After riding for a week and getting more of a feel for the nature of it, here's my updated list...

(in the tail of the bike)
-kindle
-samsung tablet
-condoms
-toothpaste
-toothbrush
-dental floss
-cologne
-zippo lighter
-zippo flints/wicks
-cigarettes
-insurance/reg/safety
-expanding stuff-sack

(and in my backpack I take for longer excursions)
-12fl oz lighterfluid
-headphones
-surefire invictus
-surefire lx2 lumamax
-2 sets spare batteries (for each)
-rolling papers
-things to go in rolling papers
-zippo
-headlamp
-SOG seal pup elite fixed blade
-gerber 154cm applegate folding
-1lb pistachios
-blackhawk beanie
-cigarettes
-sunglasses

Apart from that I've been riding in jeans with boardshorts underneath so any time I feel like hitting the beach I'm already good to go.

This is a good thread. You guys have been giving me ideas.

[tfkrocks]

You have interesting priorities.

[corksil]

I am a simple man..

-knives for defense/killing dinner
-flashlights for god knows what (you always need light)
-lighters and enough fire/fuel to create a very very large fire
-basic hygiene (I am not a caveman and I do keep up appearances)
-smokeables (it's surprising how you can do without the necessities, provided you have the little luxuries)
-technology (books, gps, entertainment)
-condoms (uhh... no comment. I like to make balloon animals for little kids.)

There. I have explained my logic.

[choneofakind]

I have neither enough faces nor palms to express my amazement TC.

Your posts. wow.

[tfkrocks]

I say it's interesting because there's little focus on bike related things and that's usually what people are considering when they talk about carrying things on their bike. In my opinion, your list is more complicated than just some basic things to get a bike roadworthy if needed to get where you're going. I'm not exactly sure what you're trying to prepare for here...

[Asspire]

you probably want some repairs stuff in that list, never know it will get dropped/hit.

[IF13]

Originally Posted by corksil

After riding for a week and getting more of a feel for the nature of it, here's my updated list...

(in the tail of the bike)
-kindle
-samsung tablet
-condoms
-toothpaste
-toothbrush
-dental floss
-cologne
-zippo lighter
-zippo flints/wicks
-cigarettes
-insurance/reg/safety
-expanding stuff-sack

(and in my backpack I take for longer excursions)
-12fl oz lighterfluid
-headphones
-surefire invictus
-surefire lx2 lumamax
-2 sets spare batteries (for each)
-rolling papers
-things to go in rolling papers
-zippo
-headlamp
-SOG seal pup elite fixed blade
-gerber 154cm applegate folding
-1lb pistachios
-blackhawk beanie
-cigarettes
-sunglasses

Apart from that I've been riding in jeans with boardshorts underneath so any time I feel like hitting the beach I'm already good to go.

This is a good thread. You guys have been giving me ideas.

lol @ "things to go in rolling papers"

[csmith12]