Sturgis is a rite of passage, a road trip on every motorcyclist’s bucket list – and yes, especially for women. I’ve fired up my Harley and set off for the ride of my life to Sturgis nearly a dozen times.
I’ve experienced intense heat, pouring rain, even snow – and made some mistakes along the way, especially with packing. I’ve overpacked and I’ve underpacked.
So, once you know your bike is ready for Sturgis, the next big question is: What to actually pack for the Sturgis Bike Rally? Read on for my comprehensive motorcycle packing guide for women.
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What Should a Woman Pack for Sturgis?
Packing for a motorcycle road trip requires strategic planning – there’s no option for checking a bag. A woman motorcycle rider has to balance practicality, comfort, and style with limited space.
This guide is designed to help you pack efficiently, ride confidently, and embrace the freedom of the open road.:
Packing Efficiently: Less Is More
Motorcycle travel demands minimalism. Every item should earn its place in your saddlebags. Focus on:
- Multi-use items: Think convertible clothing, compact gear, and dual-purpose tools. No, you do not need fresh outfits for each day. Choose these jeans to ride in comfort and these for a more fashionable look when walking around Sturgis. Both pairs you can re-wear to save space. Add this spicy, lightweight Faux Leather Cropped Shirket to your look.
- Layering: Weather can change quickly—layers keep you adaptable.
- Weight distribution: Keep heavier items low and centered to maintain balance.
- Roll and pack: Rolling conserves space – so important with the limited space on a motorcycle.
Pre-Plan Packing Tip: Lay out your clothes according to the day, e.g. riding all day vs. exploring the streets of Sturgis.
Clothing Essentials
Fashion takes a backseat when riding a motorcycle. Function meets fashion when you’re on two wheels. Here’s what to bring:
- Base layers: Moisture-wicking tops and leggings for comfort under gear.
- Riding gear: Safety first. Leather jacket and pants, gloves, and boots—water-proofed! Consider this timeless and fashionable Tash leather jacket from SESS RAY.
- Casual wear: One or two outfits for off-bike activities (lightweight and wrinkle-resistant).
- Rain gear: A compact waterproof layer is a must. From experience, spend money on rain gear, because a soaking wet female rider is not a happy woman. My best friend and I (literally) were drenched when riding through Nebraska, and if not for our high-end rain gear, we would have been more miserable.
- Accessories: Helmet hair is real. Bring bandanas or your favorite hat for sun protection and to hide helmet hair.
How to Keep Clothes and Gear Dry on a Motorcycle Trip?
This question is asked frequently, and it’s simple:
- Waterproof Motorcycle Bags: Spend your money on waterproof motorcycle bags with covers.
- Trash Bags: Seriously. Line the bottom of your bag with cheap kitchen trash bags, even with waterproof bags. Then, use those trash bags for dirty clothes and place them on the bottom, clean on the top.
Toiletries & Personal Care
Compact and travel-friendly is the name of the game, but hey, women riders still want to look presentable, right?
- Travel-size toiletries: Shampoo, conditioner, body wash, toothpaste. You can always buy more.
- Feminine hygiene: Pack what you need, plus extras for remote areas.
- Sunscreen & lip balm: Wind and sun exposure are no joke. Choose wisely as your skin and lips will thank you. We suggest Lea Black Beauty® luxury lip balm, with on-the-go hydration; protection with d’Alba SPF 50 Waterfull Essence Sun Cream, and for quick application, consider Round Lab Birch with Moisturizing SPF 50 Sunstick.
- Moisturizer. You’ll need it after a long ride. This moisturizing skin exfoliant from Lea Black Beauty comes in an easy-to-pack four-ounce bottle.
- Minimal makeup: If you wear it, opt for multi-use products. Let’s be honest: when you’ve ridden 250+ miles, you likely won’t care about makeup. Just saying.
Gear & Tools
Be prepared, not overloaded:
- Tool kit: Basic tools for minor repairs (check your bike’s manual). My husband bought me a mini-tool kit, small enough not to take up too much room, but still with the necessary tools.
- Tire repair kit: A compact kit like this one is perfect.
- First aid kit: Include pain relievers, bandages, and personal meds. This is SO important. I’m allergic to bee stings, and as I was riding north on I-25, almost to Cheyenne, Wyoming, a bee came out of nowhere, somehow stung me just below my helmet. I didn’t have my EpiPen, nor did I have Benadryl. Fortunately, we made it into town, purchased Benadryl, which worked, and only delayed us an hour.
- Navigation: GPS, phone mount, but I highly recommend paper maps as backup. Because when technology fails in a remote area, you will thank me.
Tech & Connectivity
Stay connected and capture the journey:
- Phone & charger: I recommend this Mophie 3-in-1 portable charger from ZAGG for MAGSafe-compatible devices.
- Power bank: ZAGG’s power banks will charge several Android and Apple devices at once.
- Camera or GoPro: For documenting your ride.
- Bluetooth headset: For music, calls, or communication with fellow riders.
Food & Hydration
Fuel your body as well as your bike:
- Water bottle or hydration pack: Stay hydrated, especially in hot weather.
- Snacks: Protein bars, nuts and dried fruit are easy to pack and energizing.
- Compact stove or utensils: Optional, but great for longer trips.
Women-Specific Tips
- Pack for confidence: Bring what makes you feel good—whether it’s a favorite lipstick or a cozy hoodie.
- Hair care: Dry shampoo, travel brush and hair ties go a long way.
- Safety: Share your route with someone, or ride with a trustworthy, seasoned woman rider friend! (Sorry, my friend, Vicki, is taken!) Carry ID and trust your instincts! I was riding with my husband, who had a small motorcycle bag tied to the top of his larger bag. Somehow, it came loose along the ride and fell off.
We backtracked, trying to find it, without luck. It contained our cell phones, credit cards, cameras, some cash, our itinerary, and our emergency numbers. We continued on to Sturgis, met up with friends and called our family, who had received a call from another biker couple who found our bag. We met up with them to pick it up. Everything was in there!
Final Thoughts
Packing for a motorcycle trip as a woman does present challenges, but it isn’t about sacrificing comfort or style. It’s about embracing your Sturgis motorcycle adventure with confidence and preparation. With the right gear and mindset, you’ll be ready to hit the road and make every mile unforgettable.
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