Next week is the 2025 Touratech Rally held in Plain, WA which is about 550 miles north from my home in Mt. Shasta.

It will be my first time attending and I’m super stoked about it. They’ll have ADV rides for all different skill levels, demo rides, food trucks, vendors, talks, and skills training classes. I’ll be taking a class from SheADV and meeting other women riders so I’m really looking forward to it.

Part of the enjoyment for me is planning my journey. I love looking at maps, routes, weather, terrain, and packing my gear.

My very first solo moto trip I learned a lot. One of the big lessons was what to pack and more importantly, what NOT to pack. I thought I might share a little of that and maybe it will give you some ideas for your own trips.

First, make a packing list! When I first started, I didn’t really know what should be on a motorcycle trip list. Luckily, you don’t even have to create one. Motocamp Nerd has a free one available for you to download. Its fantastic and it’s my go-to that I’ve used for many of my trips.

Next, be sure to have back up navigation in case something happens to your precious phone. Have your loved ones phones numbers written down, an actual paper map, printed out directions to your destination, and a compass.

An additional essential is a Personal Locator Beacon/Satellite Communicator, I use the Garmin mini 2. It allows for 2-way messaging and SOS functionality even in areas without cell service by using satellites.

Now, I need to pack this stuff! When I learned about cubes, it changed my life. I categorize pants/shorts, shirts/warm shirts and socks/underwear. It keeps everything organized and I know exactly which cube to get whatever I need.

Next, I need to pack my kitchen. Here are my essentials. When my buddy, Dick saw how loaded up my bike was, he said “did you remember the kitchen sink?” And I said, why yes I did. It’s a pop up kitchen sink and it’s amazing.

I love collapsible items. I won’t do instant coffee, as that would be a crime so…you guessed it, I use a collapsible cone. I could use a space saving coffee mug, but I can’t skimp on my mug. I tried a “weight saving” titanium cup once and burned my lips off. And that just ruins the sipping process after that.

My collapsable pot is one of my favorite pieces. Sea to Summit makes these and after trying different types of kits, this one is my go-to. Motocamp Nerd website has these, as does REI and other outdoor retailers.

Speaking of camp cooking; Amanda Zito who has an amazing YouTube channel called As the Magpie Flies recently wrote a moto camp cookbook. Not only does it have easy recipes for moto camping, it’s also packed full of information on cooking tips, kitchen essentials, organizing your food, food storage, etc. You can find it on her blog if you’re interested.

While I won’t bring the whole cookbook, I did take photos of a few recipes I will try.

She is also going to be at the Touratech Rally so I’m hoping I’ll get to meet her. Her YouTube channel has been a huge inspiration for me to “get out and do the thing”! (her motto).

Lastly, I need to get all this stuff on the bike! I have a duffle bag that is just for my “bedroom” (the red bag pictured below). It contains my tent, sleeping bag, sleeping pad, sleeping pad inflator, small chair, and camping pillow.

In the black aluminum cases I have the rest of my items:

• 4 liter drom bag for water (can refill it at the rally)
• Toiletries Kit
• First Aid Kit
• Camp shoes
• Took Kit
• Kitchen Cubes
• Rain suit/extra jacket layer
• Chargers/battery packs
• Snacks Bag
• Collapsible backpack for grocery run

Big Blue loaded up!

While I loved my old Triumph, I have to say I can pack a lot more on the Beamer. These aluminium cases (Jesse Bags), may not be very pretty but they hold a lot!

I am also splurging by bringing my 4 person tent instead of my little 2 person tent. Why, you ask? Well, because I can now. Maybe I’ll have a party in there. Or maybe I’ll just relish the fact that I’ll be able to almost fully stand up while I get dressed! So many possibilities.

So, Touratech Rally West here I come, I can’t wait for the fun to begin!