You should always try to pack the heaviest things first so that the weight is as low down on the motorbike tour vietnam as possible. It’s also common sense that you pack the items that you use most often at the top of the bags, so pack your stuff in a logical order.Never keep all your cash and documents in one place. Spread them around for extra security. Whatever happens DON’T OVERPACK.
Okay the main things to consider when it comes to packing, and in particular clothing, is where are you going and what is the weather forecast like.
Just packing shorts and t-shirts is not a good idea if you are going to be up in the mountains enjoying the twisties whilst there is snow on the ground. . . you get my drift? (sorry)
Plan accordingly.
Try and work out exactly what the minimum amount of clothing is that you will need each day. Study the tour programme/information pack carefully.
Check the hotel’s/B&B details and facilities. Some have swimming pools and/or saunas.
Rolling clothing rather than packing flat takes less room and makes for less creases. Put items such as cameras, pens, adaptors, mobile phones etc somewhere handy with easy access. Shoes are useful storage containers for small items like adaptors, pens, socks, underwear etc.
Toilet bags are usually bulky and heavy. Take smaller quantities of toiletries in small plastic bottles but bear in mind that 90 per cent of hotels supply soap and shampoo etc in all bathrooms.
Clothing: This will be a personal choice and to a degree depend on the type of bike you ride, and of course where you’re going, but it really is up to you whether you wear leathers or textiles or maybe even a mix of both (For Europe my preference is usually leather pants and textile jacket)
Waterproofing: There is nothing worse than wet kit. Particularly if you are camping and it’s your sleeping bag that gets soaked. If you are camping we would recommend dry sacks. Inexpensive and very handy. Pick them up on eBay.
For smaller items you can use Ziploc bags available from most supermarkets. If travelling in wet seasons or particular areas renowned for the rainfall, don’t under estimate it and waterproof whatever and wherever you can. Always keep at least one complete set of socks underwear and maybe a t-shirt completely waterproofed. (Even if it means waterproofing dirty clothes, keep them dry)
An essential piece of equipment is a tank bag. It doesn’t have to be huge. Not only can it hold and display maps, route details and compulsory paperwork but it’s also useful for carrying a surprising number of items that are essential on any tour. It also helps to balance extra weight between the wheels.
Our advice would be once you have everything you think you need you can probably reduce it by a third.
Extra waterproof bags are a real bonus for your motorcycle trip – and plastic shopping bags usually do me well on my motorcycle trips. The more stuff you can have in separate bags, the better protection your stuff has from wind, rain, dirt and leaks.
Ensure that none of your seams are pointing into the rain.
If you are using soft luggage, never just strap or bungee one piece of luggage to another as this will not be secure and allow for movement. So, you should always make sure that each piece of luggage is attached to something solid on the bike. Once you’re done packing – check the bike for stability when fully loaded by going for a decent ride.