I have been packing gear onto the back of my motorcycles for over 15 years. My idea of roughing it in the woods is packing a toothbrush, a tarp and a sharp stick (well, maybe some matches too!) I have camped in all sorts of weather and most of my camping is done solo. Through all those years of packing, I have learned many valuable lessons. I have finally figured out what to take and what to let on the bed when I leave home. Below is a listing of the items on my camp list. I have this list printed out on the computer and I slide it into a clear plastic report sleeve. When I prepare to head out, I take a write-on/wipe-off marking pen, and as I pack gear I mark it off the list. Now, this list includes everything I would need as a single person camping for a trip that would last a week. If I am headed out only for a weekend, I start by crossing off the items I know I will not need to pack. It works great for me and I hope it is useful for you as well.
General Gear
I know you are looking at this list and say, "There is no way I can get all of that crap on the back of my bike." Well, you may be right. It has taken me a lot of years to refine the art of packing all of this material onto tiny spaces on the bike. Also remember that not everything on this list gets packed. If I am riding in summer weather I don't pack the chaps or winter gloves. If I am not going to be cooking meals, I let all the cook gear at home. Up until two years ago I was packing all of this gear in a standard sized set of soft side saddle bags and a T-Bag....all of which was piled onto the back of my old 1984 Yamaha Virago 1000. These days I am sporting a 2001 Yamaha V-Star 1100....a bigger bike for hauling, though my saddle bags are a lot smaller. I could fit this junk fit on the little bike a lot easier! The key to camping with your bike is getting good at packing it well. A bad pack job can make your ride a true misery (been there, done that one!) Enjoy and ride/camp safely.
Personal Needs
Mototrcycle & Clothing Needs
Clothing
Miscellaneous