{"id":10228,"date":"2026-02-26T10:32:54","date_gmt":"2026-02-26T15:32:54","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/bmwmoa.org\/?p=10228"},"modified":"2026-02-26T11:57:52","modified_gmt":"2026-02-26T16:57:52","slug":"navigating-the-load-out-for-a-long-trip-part-1","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/bmwmoa.org\/navigating-the-load-out-for-a-long-trip-part-1\/","title":{"rendered":"Navigating the load-out for a long trip (part 1)"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

When it comes to filling your panniers, top case, tank bag and dry bag for an extended motorcycle trip, we often struggle to decide what comes with us and what stays home. From “I use this every day” to “but I might need it,” we have to balance limited space and gross weight limits with our needs, wants and comforts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

There’s no one correct set of stuff to take and no one right way to pack your bike, but I can offer some tips and insights based on what I take with me for a trip of longer than one week.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This is Part 1, looking at just one pannier. I call it my “high side” case because if the bike is on its side stand, this is the one on the high side of the bike. The panniers are from Touratech’s Zega EVO X series and hold 38 liters per side. I wrote a comprehensive review of these cases<\/a> after riding to the National Rally in Great Falls, Montana, in 2021. In the review, I talk a little about what I took with me on that trip; consider this series a 2026 update. Read Part 2 | Read Part 3 | Read Part 4 (all coming soon)<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I’ve left some extra room because I like to be able to carry some insulating layers with me\u2014a heavy flannel shirt and maybe even a sweatshirt or hoodie. Those kinds of things unfortunately don’t compact down terribly well, but chances are I’m wearing them for at least part of the day, so they’re not always in the pannier anyway.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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