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Note: This packing list applies to the Sequoia to Yosemite Dual Sport Motorcycle Trip.
I recently got back from a Wilderness Collective motorcycle trip (WC-024) and wanted to share some info on it. While I previously gave an abbreviated breakdown of the entire event, the even shorter version is that if you get the chance to go and donāt usually find yourself riding dual sport bikes, jump on this trip.
Here's the packing list that Wilderness Collective provided me:
Other than your sleeping bag and ground pad, you'll be carrying everything you've brought on your back. This makes it essential to pack as light and compactly as possible.
While your mileage will definitely vary, hereās what I brought:
If I can only bring one pair of pants, these are them. Theyāre not breathable nor made to be super quick drying but theyāre incredibly durable and quite comfortable. I bought a pair on sale and after breaking them in, I went back and bought another for future use.
Under Armour Compression Shirt
Iāve found that using a compression shirt as my true base layer greatly increases my comfort level when wearing a backpack for an extended period of time. It keeps any friction from the straps in check and is wicking so I donāt overheat.
The trip is 3-4 days but you only need one pair of underwear if you have the right pair. These things are comfortable, dry quickly, and donāt end up smelling like youāve been wearing them for days. Though youāll most likely have the opportunity to wash them in a creek if you truly wanted to.
REI Lightweight Long Underwear
When I saw this item on the list, I thought about not bringing them because I almost never need thermal underwear for anything. But for events like this, I tend to put trust in the organizer. That said, I only used mine once (for sleeping) but Iām a cold blooded New Englander and tend to run pretty hot. Oh but I did see some of my fellow riders put them on in the middle of rides. Then again, they were wearing lightweight hiking pants too.
Outdoor Research Sequence Long Sleeve 1/4 Zip
This is one amazing piece of clothing. It can handle both hot and cold temps really well and makes an excellent base layer. I wore this over the compression shirt and under my hard shell and was never uncomfortable.
With all the mud, snow, and water crossings (at least on my trip), I recommend bringing two pairs so you can alternate every other day. I swear by the PhD line of SmartWool and these ski sock length versions were the perfect height for riding boots. My feet never felt better.
*EMS Men's Power Stretch 1/4 Zip
I saw many puffy jackets on this trip but I preferred my fleece pullover as a solid insulation layer top. Just something that Iāve had forever and it works really well. I also donāt have to worry about it ripping like a puffy jacket. One guyās puffy was more duct tape at the end than anything else. The only downside of a fleece is that itās fairly bulky.
*They don't make mine anymore so I linked to the latest version which is nearly identical but includes a built in hood.
Outdoor Research Mentor Jacket
I brought a jacket thatās really served me well over the years but you could probably get away with any kind of good water/windproof shell you have hanging around. While I got this jacket for free many years ago, if I had to buy something today, Iād be comfortable with any of the options from REI.
I believe Wilderness Collective used to issue the Sierra Designs 60/40 Short Parka and while it seems like a pretty awesome jacket, nowadays you have to supply your own.
After the trip I bought a new headlamp, the Black Diamond Spot and think Iāll switch to it for future trips because of itās integrated red light and use of AAA batteries instead of CR123s. I do still love the simplicity of the Minimus...
These next two items are required but will stay in the support truck. Since you won't be carrying them, making them ultralight ins't necessary but it certainly helps if you're flying with just carry on (like I did).
Sleeping Bag - Marmot Plasma 15
If you can only afford one of something, my recommendation is to buy the best you can. When it was new, this sleeping bag was the lightest 15 degree bag on the market and it packs down insanely small. The temperature rating also covers the majority of climates for the trips I do so I knew it wouldn't have any problem handling this particular trip.
Ground Pad - Sea to Summit Ultralight
I planned on bringing my Therm-a-Rest RidgeRest SOlite but was lucky enough to snag this new pad for almost $45. To give you and idea on its packed size, it shrinks down to the size of a soda can. Yeah. While the Therm-a-Rest is bulky, itās super lightweight and fairly comfortable. And even if youāre taller like me, get the Small and youāll save some money and bulkiness.
Extras
These items werenāt on the packing list but I highly recommend bringing them.
Buff
This is a must have for so many reasons. In the case of this trip, it'll keep you from breathing in dust if you pop your helmet visor open but it's also great for those cold morning rides when the wind starts to creep down your shirt. It also takes up practically zero space in your bag or pocket.
Here's all the different ways you can wear one.
Bodyglide (repackaged)
Iāve never ridden over 300 miles off road so I wasnāt sure if Iād be chafing somewhere on my legs, or even my shoulders from the backpack so itās nice to have some protection. Repackaging Bodyglide (or even deodorant) into a small flip-top container from REI saves a lot of space and weight but I have my eye on a new method. An empty chapstick tube sounds like a great idea and it would make application a lot easier than it currently is.
Source WLPS Low Profile 3L Hydration System
Truth be told, the hydration bladder Wilderness Collective provided was pretty junky. Some of the bite valves came off and the overall build just isnāt as good as other options on the market.
Iāve used Source for years and wonāt go back to even using Camelbak, let alone whatever brand Wilderness Collective used. Just make sure you get the Helix Bite Valve Kit. It comes with the Storm Push-Pull Valve Kit which just drives me crazy.
Wrapping Up
If I were to go again, Iād be tempted to ditch their backpack and bring my own. If you watch their videos, you can see different ones in use so it seems they havenāt settled on a good partner but I wouldāve loved to get one of the collaboration bags they did with Boreas Gear. If I were bringing my own backpack, it would be the GORUCK GR1 (26L) with their new Stabilizer Belt (which appears to have been pulled from their online store recently).
Ditch the hydration bladder they provide and bring the Source bladder I recommended above. But keep their backpack even if it's low quality. You're part of a team, don't be the odd man out. There's also a shared misery among the riders as zipper pulls and webbing fail one by one.
At the end of the day, pack light, pack smart, and ditch the non-essentials. Enjoy the ride.
Photos by Steve Dubbeldam and Jay Gullion
When I build my cabin, these will be a permanent installation. Can't go wrong with a classic deck of cards, even if all you know how to do with them is play solitaire.
A single podcast episode on actual vinyl? This is so weird. I love it. Now I just have to get my record player working.
A latte in a can for those times when you need some quality coffee but are short on time. Which (and not to add to the glorification of "busy") seems to be my normal situation these days.
It's the National Park Service's 100th birthday this year. Find a park and get out there. While this ins't an official NPS patch, it's still pretty neat and is a good reminder to keep on discovering new things.
I saw first hand what these bikes were capable of and have been eyeing them pretty hard ever since getting back from a Wilderness Collective motorcycle trip. Spending 3-4 days in the saddle of this beast really drove home how invaluable a quality dual sport bike can be.
Photo of yours truly by Steve Dubbeldam.
ā Check out past Items of Want ā
"To see the world, things dangerous to come to, to see behind walls, draw closer, to find each other, and to feel. That is the purpose of life."
This Shinola x Filson collaboration watch has a simple and understated look that makes it an instant classic in my opinion. It also ships with a ton of awesome extras. In honor of the National Park Service's 100th birthday, I feel like they should issue one of these to a Park Ranger at each National Park. Note: If Smokey Bear isn't your style, let me recommend the Shinola Rambler 600. Completely different look but still awesome.
āKeep a notebook. Travel with it, eat with it, sleep with it. Slap into it every stray thought that flutters up into your brain. Cheap paper is less perishable than gray matter, and lead pencil markings endure longer than memory.ā - Jack London
I carry Field Notes on my person at all times but in my everyday carry bag, I pack something a little larger. Currently I'm working through the Shinola Large Paper Journal (in orange) but I hope to replace it with this Public Supply notebook when it's time.
This cap is for those times you when need to go full "Steve Zissou" or more recently, full "Chris Hadfield." To be honest, I think this red toque speaks for itself.
I live by two rules. 1. You can never have too many hankies. 2. Never get lost.
Ok, that's not 100% true but now that I've seen this handkerchief, maybe I should make those my two rules...
If these buttons aren't cool, I don't know what is. I'm not even sure what I'd put them on but trust me, I'd find a place.
ā Check out past Items of Want ā