The capital of Spain is enriched with elegant boulevards and massive parks, flourishing art scenes, and the unique Spanish atmosphere. But, one thing that makes Madrid glorifying and attractive, is its adventurous motorcycle rides.
If you live in Spain and have recently upgraded your motorcycle, craving for a motorcycle camping trip become a must. So, if you have decided on your camping destination in Madrid and are ready to leave, make sure to double-check your backpack to ensure the availability of all motorcycle riding gear.
If you are a beginner and going on your first motorcycle camping trip, you’ll be required assistance to make your trip successful.
Here, in this guide, we will help you to pack your luggage for a motorcycle camping trip through Madrid.
Motorcycle Luggage
You may just put everything in a plastic bag and sling it on the back of your motorcycle. But, if you need something, you won’t be able to find it until you take everything out of that plastic bag. The style of luggage bag you select might have an impact on your comfort and perhaps your safety.
When it comes to motorcycle touring, the three most popular and in-demand options are hard baggage, leather or soft luggage, and textile luggage bags.
Each of them serves the same objective of carrying your riding supplies and items or ensuring that your gear is dry and stable on your bike, but each has its own set of advantages and disadvantages.
Hard Luggage
Hard Luggage, whether made of fibreglass, aluminium, or plastic, these motorcycle saddlebags come with their own mounting hardware to keep them fastened. They have a key-locked system to assure the safety of your belongings and can be simply detached to save you time. The disadvantage of hard baggage is that it can be extremely expensive and is quite sensitive to impact.
Leather Luggage
The Leather Luggage is by far the most enduring type, having been used from the dawn of motorcycling. There’s nothing quite like leather to match your baby’s beauty when riding a cruiser or a vintage bike.
Mounting methods comparable to those used on hard baggage are included in modern designs. Leather, on the other hand, necessitates careful care and maintenance.
Textile Luggage
Textile luggage is another popular option for motorcycle touring. It is long-lasting, waterproof, simple to install, and, most importantly, affordable. Unlike hard luggage bags, it is unlikely to be harmed if your bike tips over and, unlike leather, does not require care.
Before leaving for your trip, give your motorcycle a test ride to ensure that it is in great operating order. Weigh your luggage and try not to exceed the cargo limit of the bike. The weight of your saddlebags should be identical, or they may unbalance your motorcycle and cause a disruption when riding.
Pack the heaviest items toward the bottom of your saddlebags, followed by the lighter items; this will aid in handling. And, of course, your rain gear should be the final thing to go in.
Tent
There are so many different types of tents available, including backpacking tents, expedition tents, and family tents.
First and foremost, your tent should be large enough to accommodate your demands when set up and small enough to suit your motorcycle when packed. Second, ensure that the tent is simple to erect. You don’t want to spend an hour in the rain trying to figure out all of the hard steps.
Family Tents
Family tents are the usual dome-shaped tents that you might have slept in as a child if you went camping with your family. You can choose between two and all six-person tents depending on the size of your group. They can be obtained in almost any retail establishment, with prices ranging from dirt cheap to top dollar.
Again, it all comes down to the quality you choose. Keep in mind that these tents are intended for vehicle campers when the weight and volume of the tent are unimportant considerations. Consider separating the items and dividing the load among the persons who will be sharing the tent with you.
Expedition Tents
Expedition Tents are without a doubt the greatest option when it comes to motorcycle camping. They are often divided into two sections: a sleeping room for two or three adults and a vestibule where you may cook and dine during inclement weather, store your belongings, and even your bike.
Backpacking Tents are very lightweight, compact, and portable, making them an excellent choice for single travelers and motorcyclists who do not intend to spend more than one night in one location. They pack incredibly tiny but are also very small on the inside, so there isn’t much room inside.
Sleeping Bag
You’ll need a sleeping bag now that you’ve got a tent. Even on the hottest days, the night may be rather cold. Obviously, no motorcyclist wants to spend the night shriveling in their motorcycle jacket. Sleeping bags often come in two temperature ratings.
The comfort grade is the lowest temperature at which the average lady or “cold sleeper” feels at ease. The lower-limit grade is the temperature at which the average man or “warm sleeper” feels comfortable.
Goose down is by far the best insulator, outperforming any synthetic substance. It’s also more expensive, and when wet, it doesn’t fluff up or retain the head as well as it should. However, for the conditions encountered on most motorbike rides, a synthetic sleeping bag will keep you warm.
Mummy sacks keep you warm, but they restrict your movement. If you are not intending on sleeping in extreme conditions, a rectangular sleeping bag will accommodate all of you restless sleepers out there.
A sleeping sack is useless without a sleeping pad. Choosing the appropriate one is critical since it can make or break your night’s sleep because it provides the cushioning and insulation you require to sleep. From low-cost to exorbitantly priced pads, closed-cell foam pads, self-inflating pads, and air pads, comfort is subjective, so choose the one that best suits your needs.
Cooking
The best meal is said to be cooked over a fire. Unfortunately, it is not always possible to begin one. That’s where backpacking stoves come in handy.
These come in a variety of forms and sizes. However, a tiny, lightweight one that doesn’t take up too much room is preferred. Pack a huge gas tank as well as a spare to ensure it lasts the duration of your trip. Because all of the elements (cutlery, pan, can) fit inside the pot, backpacking cookware is ideal for compact storage.
What Else to Pack?
Make sure you pack appropriately for the season and keep in mind the changing weather. Consider hot and cold days and be prepared for both. In the summer, I also recommend bringing a swimsuit. Nothing beats a relaxing dip in a lake, river, or sea after a long day in the sun.
Bring a pair of camp shoes with you. This can range from flip-flops to a comfortable pair of sneakers. Your feet will be grateful that you took them out of those motorcycle boots.
Your companions will be kept nearby soap and a quick-drying camping towel. It makes no difference whether you’ll be bathing in a river or with a garden hose.
If you go camping more often, you might think about getting a portable solar charger. This will assist you in becoming less reliant on electricity. Another alternative is to attach a charger to your bike, which would allow you to charge your devices while riding.
A first-aid kit is a must-have. Make your own and include medications for common colds, migraines, sunburns, heat strokes, and other ailments.
Last but not least, remember to bring a flashlight, extra batteries, a water canister, and insect repellent.
Final Thoughts on Motorcycle Packing Guide
It takes some time to develop your packing routine and to discover what else you require to feel more at ease. But, on the other hand, it’s the simplicity of sleeping under a canopy of stars over a campfire that makes the entire road journey memorable.
Travel Tip: If you like the Spanish capital, then you should read the top things to do in Madrid.