Few things in life are as exciting as embarking on a long-distance motorcycle trip — especially if it’s your first time.

While it’s possible to just throw a leg over your bike of choice, pick a direction, and buy things when needed, it’ll be a much better experience if you prepare beforehand.

Part of the preparation is knowing what to bring, so we’ve created a short list of the most essential gear needed for your next adventure.

Helmet

If your brain isn’t smart enough to protect itself, then maybe you don’t need a helmet, but this is the most important piece of protective riding gear for most of us. In many places, riders are required to wear a helmet by law, so it’s not even a choice.

The helmet doesn’t just protect you in case of an accident; it also shields your face from road debris and large, flying insects. It can be smart to bring a backup visor, too, just in case.

Riding Gear

Some riders will tell you ATGATT (All The Gear, All The Time) is the only way to go. However, I don’t think it’s necessary to put on every piece of riding gear to ride for two minutes to the local store to buy milk. It’s a very different story if you’re going on a longer trip, though.

If you’re spending days in the saddle, you should have a riding jacket, pants, boots, two pairs of gloves (in case it rains), rain gear, ear plugs, and a neck tube. Body armor is another essential piece of equipment that can help save you from serious injury.

Phone Mount and Communication Devices

I know many riders, myself included, don’t like to be connected to the world when going for a ride. That said, it’s hard to argue against the practicality of a phone these days.

Get a proper phone mount, and you can use the phone as a GPS. Apps such as Rever and Calimoto will also show you the best and twistiest routes, and other useful apps can show you the weather forecast and let your loved ones track you. If you’re venturing very far off the beaten path, it may be a good idea to bring a satellite phone as well, as it lets you call for help if you have an accident or the bike breaks down.

Saddlebags and Backpack

Riding with a backpack isn’t ideal, as it strains your back, and it can get annoying when spending an entire day in the saddle. However, you should bring one in your luggage.

A backpack comes in handy if you’re walking around sightseeing or getting groceries in town after a day of riding. As for storing your luggage while riding, saddlebags or panniers, and a tankbag are perfect for the job.

Casual Clothes

If you’re riding far away from civilization, you may not need any casual clothes other than t-shirts, socks, and underwear.

Those who plan on visiting cities and eating in restaurants definitely need to bring a pair of nice jeans and shoes. A sweater or jacket can also come in handy if it gets chilly in the evenings.

Tool Kit

Those who can barely tighten the bike’s chain without help don’t need to bring any tools, as that only adds weight and takes up space.

However, bringing a basic tool kit is a good idea if you are a bit handy and know how to do your own motorcycle maintenance. Some spanners, screwdrivers, duct tape, a multi-tool, a puncture repair kit, zip-ties, and some spare parts, such as cables, etc.

Camping Equipment

If you’re not a fan of camping, then there’s no point bringing any camping equipment either — unless you’re on a tight budget. I prefer camping on long rides, only checking in at a cheap hotel for the weekends to get a break from bathing in ice-cold rivers of glacier water.

Essential camping equipment includes a tent or covered hammock, a sleeping bag, a sleeping mat, a stove, cooking equipment, a knife, and utensils.

Snacks and Water Bottles or Camelbak

It’s essential to bring some water on a long motorcycle ride. While it’s not necessarily something we feel while moving, we are getting dehydrated, and when that happens, our brains and bodies don’t work as well as they should. A Camelbak or similar device is perfect for staying hydrated all day long — just refill it at a gas station or in a river.

Bringing some snacks in the form of nuts or protein bars will also help keep you going when you spend long days in the saddle.

Essential Documents

Make sure you store important documents, such as bike insurance and registration paperwork, in a secure, dry place. Make sure they’re easy to get to, as you don’t want to empty your saddlebags in the pouring rain when the friendly police officer asks for them.

If you’re crossing borders during your trip, you should also remember to bring your passport and travel insurance card.

Toiletries and First Aid Kit

Soap, a toothbrush, and toothpaste are the bare minimum to bring along for personal hygiene. After riding the whole day, taking a bath feels amazing, even if the water is freezing cold.

Some band-aids, bandages, wound cleansers, painkillers, and pain creams should also be brought along, just in case you get a cut or a migraine. Obviously, if you’re on any medication, you need to bring enough of those, too.