Don't be an overpacker: Here's the foolproof BDR trip packing method we recommend for all of our trips.
If you’re new to ADV riding, a BDR (Backcountry Discovery Route) is a long-distance off-pavement motorcycle route that typically combines dirt roads, mountain passes, remote backcountry sections, and multi-day adventure riding across an entire state or region.
Most BDRs run anywhere from 600 to 1,300 miles. Depending on the route, weather, pace, and skill level, that usually translates to about 5–9 days of riding before you even factor in rest days, mechanical issues, or unexpected detours.
The good news? No matter which BDR you’re riding, the core packing principles stay pretty much the same.
Our team has tackled damn near every BDR in the country, and over the last few years, we've even started offering guided trips ourselves on a few like the Oregon and Washington routes.
The biggest thing we see time and time again on these trips is that almost everybody packs too much on their first BDR.
After thousands of miles on routes like the WABDR, ORBDR, CABDR, IDBDR, AZBDR and beyond, we’ve dialed in a lightweight, practical setup that actually works in the real world.
Here's what hard-earned experience has taught us along the way.
Before we get into what goes into your panniers, it's a good idea to touch on the panniers themselves. We'll keep it short, but here's our take.
First and foremost, we highly recommend a good set of soft bags over old-school lockable hard bags.
A proper set of soft luggage is just as watertight as those shiny locking Givi panniers, but costs a hell of a lot less while also saving 10-20 pounds of weight.
Both will work, but the more we ride, the more we lean toward soft bags. All BDRs include varying degrees of off-road challenges, and soft bags are much better at bouncing off the ground, trees, rocks, etc. than any rigid alternative.
Regardless of which setup you choose, we recommend no less than 50 liters of space for the ultralight crowd, but also no more than 80 liters to keep you from overpacking.
If your loadout is over 80 liters, it's time to rethink how you pack for a BDR trip.
Some of the things you bring along for a BDR are dependent on the location and time of year, but others belong on any and every BDR packing list.
Consider these items your core, non-negotiable starting point when packing.
Because BDRs take place in more remote places than your typical paved tour, being prepared for the occasional crash or breakdown is paramount.
Here's what goes in every rental bike we send our customers out on.
Basic Hand Tools: These should include all the wrenches, screwdrivers, pliers, sockets, and vice grips required to do basic work on your bike, like removing plastics, replacing levers, and tightening bolts.
Tire Repair Kit: Flat tires are a common sight off-road. Bring 2-3 tire irons, wrenches/sockets for your axles, plugs for tubeless repairs, and a 21-inch tube as a last resort. You'll also need a way to air up a flat, whether that's a hand pump or a compact compressor.
Spare Nuts & Bolts: Crashes often result in bent or broken fasteners, and occasionally big thumpers and twins even manage to vibrate one out. Consider picking up a universal nut and bolt kit to bring along for the ride.
Odds and Ends: Some of the most useful items for repairs aren't tools at all. Safety wire, electrical tape, zip ties, JB Weld, and hose clamps are all prime examples of things that can get you back to civilization when the chips are down.
At least one member of any group you ride with needs to carry a proper first aid kit.
We recommend you become that person if you aren't already: the contents of a good first aid kit make you an asset for injuries, allergic reactions, and even hangovers.
Start with a high-quality, pre-made kit from an established brand. If you're not sure what constitutes a good starting kit, check out the American Red Cross' recommended list of essentials.
From there, you'll want to customize your kit with useful items specific to you or your group. This can include things like prescriptions, EPI-Pens, or even a compact "how-to" guide on how to treat emergencies for those who aren't familiar.
Nothing kills a BDR quite like running out of gas. You'll need a plan to make sure you can cover the distance to each gas station along the way, and there are a few ways to go about this.
The easiest way to address fuel concerns is to pack a basic siphon in your bag. This allows you to both give and receive fuel as needed to ensure everyone in your party makes it to the next pit stop.
Many riders will also carry auxiliary fuel containers to reduce range anxiety.
Some folks go all out and throw a Rotopax-style fuel can on their bike, while others keep it simple and tote a traditional MSR fuel bottle in their luggage.
Your requirements for food and water will vary depending on whether or not you intend to camp during your BDR (more on that below), but every packing list should include, at minimum, enough water for the day and some emergency snacks.
As far as water goes, we recommend carrying a 3L hydration bladder, ideally either in a lightweight backpack like a USWE or in an easily accessible piece of luggage (like a tank bag) that you can quickly sip from on the go.
We also recommend carrying a compact water filtration/purification system from brands like Sawyer or Grayl, as these allow you to safely process and drink water from natural sources like lakes, rivers, and creeks.
As for food, we like to carry a basic gallon freezer bag stacked with nutrient-rich, shelf-stable foods like Cliff Bars, trail mix, dried fruit, and beef jerky. You burn a lot of calories when you're on the dirt, and grabbing a quick bite every other stop is a smart move.
Some BDRs are well-traveled and fairly straightforward, while others can get a little more remote. Regardless of which BDR you're planning and packing for, our recommendation here is universal.
When it comes to navigation, you should carry some form of electronic GPS, and you should also carry backup in the form of a traditional paper map.
As far as the GPS goes, the best in the business is still the latest Garmin Zumo, which, as of this writing, would be the Zumo XT3. These devices are expensive, however, which is why smartphones and navigation apps like Gaia GPS are a popular alternative.
Regardless of what you use, you'll want to familiarize yourself with the device and outline your route plan in advance. You'll also need a plan for keeping it charged and functioning, especially in the event of bad weather.
That being said, we've seen battery-powered devices of every description fail out on the road, which is why a good paper map remains a requirement when packing for a BDR.
"BDR partnered with Butler Maps to create durable paper backups for your GPS of choice." photo: BDR
The best tool for the job here is the Butler maps created with the folks at Backcountry Discovery Routes.
These maps are affordable, waterproof, incredibly durable, and specifically tailored to each BDR and its unique demands and points of interest.
The best riding gear to pack for specific BDRs will vary, but the basic bedrock principles are the same for any route: You pack for the crash, and you pack for the weather. Here's an outline to get you started, along with links to more in-depth discussions.
If you want the fast and dirty rundown on the perfect adventure gear setup, you can skip the line and give this article a read.
A dedicated adventure-style helmet is ideal for the varied terrain of a BDR trip.
There are plenty of high-quality, highly affordable helmets out there, but don't skimp on safety. If you've got questions, check out our in-depth explainer here.
A good adventure jacket should be as modular as possible to provide reliable waterproofing without hampering ventilation.
There are tons of great options out there, but here are a few of our favorites we've recently tested.
The same rules that apply to ADV jackets apply to pants: you want equal parts protection and comfort, ideally without spending a fortune.
Read the full discussion and a few standout recommendations here.
The gnarlier the off-road sections, the more you should lean toward a moto-style boot over a traditional touring boot.
Weather protection is still important, though, so if you're not sure what to pack, check out our writeup on buying adventure boots.
We prefer a "two-glove system" when packing for a BDR. If you're leaning toward a warm-weather ride, here are our top picks.
If you're looking at cooler weather (or bad weather in general), give this article a look for more info.
Whether you're relaxing around camp or getting dinner in town, you're gonna want to have a spare change of clothes to wear when you're off the bike.
Consider bringing merino wool underwear/base layers/socks, as wool can be worn for multiple days without smelling too gnarly.
One or two pairs of wool socks/underwear will last you an entire BDR. Synthetic materials are a cost-effective alternative.
If the weather's good, make sure to bring a bathing suit as well. A suit that doubles as a pair of casual shorts will also give you something to wear around town and save space in your panniers.
Stick to one pair of casual pants and one pair of casual/packable shoes. Classic canvas sneakers like Converse or Vans pack down small, while ultralight walking/running shoes keep weight to a minimum while doubling down on comfort.
We typically pack a single casual shirt to wear around town, and stick to our base layers when we're in the woods. Long-sleeve shirts with a UPF rating double as sun protection on warm-weather trips.
Some folks prefer to stick to hotels when tackling a BDR, while others like to rough it and camp as often as possible.
If you're interested in camping yourself, you're gonna need to pack significantly more gear.
Good moto-camping gear is no different than high-end backpacking gear. It's lightweight, compact, and reliable in the field. Here are the basics you'll need to plan on packing.
Our favorite shelters for moto-camping are the ultralight tents designed for "bikepacking."
Bikepacking tents are ideal because they feature shorter pole segments that are easier to fit in your panniers.
We've had great experiences with the Nemo Dragonfly Bikepack and Sea to Summit Telos Bikepack.
That being said, these tents are very expensive, so if you're on a budget, just look for a good backpacking tent with the shortest "packed length" you can find.
Any good backpacking bag will do so long as it meets the required warmth rating for the weather. We recommend sticking to water-resistant down insulation, as it packs smaller than synthetic fills.
Our current favorite is the Sea To Summit Spark.
Ultralight insulated backpacking pads are the best for BDR camping, but we recommend buying those with a reputation for durability rather than the lightest model out there.
The Big Agnes Rapide SL is a great option at a great price.
Keep it simple: instant coffee and dehydrated meals take the guesswork out of breakfast and dinner and require little more than boiling water to enjoy.
Jetboil's latest ultralight Stash system is tough to beat for all the above.
Fire is great to gather around after a long day, and it can also save your life in an emergency.
Pack a couple of disposable Bic lighters, and consider bringing a few packable firestarters from folks like Zip.
Whether you're setting up camp after dark or doing some repairs before sunrise, a headlamp is an indispensable part of your BDR kit.
Rechargeable headlamps have come a long way, but AAA battery-powered options are still the most reliable.
While space is extremely limited on a motorcycle, we've found a few extra items are worth bringing along if you can swing it. A compact camping chair, for instance, is worth its weight in gold when you're relaxing in the backcountry after a long day.
We'd say the same for a pair of comfortable camp shoes. If the weather is warm, a pair of river sandals like Tevas, Crocs, or Chacos is great to have on hand.
When it's cold, packable slipons like The North Face's Thermoball fit the bill nicely.
Other crowd favorites include a flask of your favorite libation, a deck of playing cards, a travel towel to take advantage of campground showers, and a compact Bluetooth speaker for tunes around camp.
Check out our free download for "How to Pack for Your Motorcycle Trip" below.
A BDR, or Backcountry Discovery Route, is a long-distance off-pavement motorcycle route designed for adventure and dual-sport riders. These routes connect dirt roads, forest service roads, mountain passes, and remote backcountry sections across different states in the U.S. Popular examples include the WABDR, ORBDR, COBDR, and AZBDR. Most BDRs are designed to be completed over several days and combine adventure riding with camping, small-town stops, and incredible scenery.
Yes, beginners can absolutely ride a BDR, but choosing the right route and preparing properly makes a huge difference. Some BDRs are more beginner-friendly than others, and many riders start with shorter sections before committing to a full route. Newer riders should focus on improving off-road skills, packing light, and riding within their comfort zone rather than trying to “survive” difficult terrain. Riding with experienced friends or joining one of our supported BDR tours can also make a first BDR much more enjoyable.
Most riders eventually learn that lighter is almost always better on a BDR. Heavy bikes become harder to handle in sand, mud, rocky climbs, and technical sections, especially after long days in the saddle. A lightweight setup with only the essentials will improve handling, reduce fatigue, and make picking up the bike far less miserable. If you’re debating whether you really need something, there’s a good chance you probably don’t.
Most experienced riders prefer soft luggage for BDR riding because it’s lighter, safer in crashes, and more forgiving in rough terrain. Hard panniers offer better security and organization, but they add weight and can become a liability if your leg gets pinned during a fall. Soft luggage systems also tend to handle vibration and repeated drops better on rugged backcountry routes. For more technical BDR sections, soft luggage usually wins.
At minimum, riders should carry the tools needed to handle common trail-side problems like flat tires, loose bolts, and minor mechanical repairs. A solid BDR tool kit usually includes tire irons, a patch kit or spare tubes, an air pump, basic sockets or wrenches, zip ties, duct tape, and spare fasteners. Before leaving, it’s smart to test every tool on your bike at home to make sure it actually fits and works properly.
Most riders carry at least 2–3 liters of water per day on a BDR, but hotter routes or remote desert sections may require significantly more. Hydration packs are popular because they make it easy to drink while riding without constantly stopping. Dehydration sneaks up fast on long riding days, especially at elevation or in hot weather, so carrying extra water is never a bad idea.
No, you don’t necessarily need camping gear for a BDR. Many routes pass through towns with hotels, motels, cabins, or lodges along the way. However, camping opens up more flexibility and allows riders to stay in remote areas without worrying about reservations or reaching town before dark. Some riders camp the entire route, while others mix camping and hotels depending on comfort level and how much gear they want to carry.
Clothes are probably the biggest thing riders overpack on a BDR. Most people end up wearing the same few layers repeatedly and realize they didn’t need nearly as much as they brought. Extra cooking gear, duplicate tools, bulky camp items, and “just in case” gadgets also tend to pile on unnecessary weight. The longer you ride BDRs, the more you usually start cutting things out instead of adding more.
Feel free to comment with any interesting gear, tools, or random items you’ve packed that ended up being a total game-changer on a BDR. Always curious what other riders swear by.
RIDE on! 🤘