This packing list is designed specifically for a Route 66 motorcycle trip of 14–21 days. Items marked Essential are considered mandatory for a safe and legal journey. Use the export button to save a PDF copy, or print directly from your browser.
Overall Progress 0 / 77 items packed
📄 Travel Documents 0/11 packed
Passport (valid 6+ months) Essential International Driving Permit (IDP) Essential Full UK Motorcycle Licence Essential Travel & motorcycle insurance documents Essential Bike hire / rental agreement ESTA visa waiver confirmation printout Essential Emergency contact sheet (printed) Essential Hotel / accommodation confirmations Roadside assistance membership card Credit/debit cards (notify bank before travel) Essential USD cash (small bills for tips and tolls)
🪖 Motorcycle Gear 0/10 packed
Full-face or modular helmet Essential Mesh / summer riding gloves Essential Lightweight warm gloves (for evening/mountains) Ventilated mesh riding jacket Essential Waterproof over-jacket or liner Riding trousers with CE armour Essential Ankle-protecting motorcycle boots Essential Back protector (if jacket lacks one) High-visibility vest (for low-light riding) Neck gaiter / buff
Andy recommends ventilated mesh gear for Route 66 summer heat — see the full gear guide.
Shop Riding Gear 👕 Riding Clothing 0/6 packed
Moisture-wicking base layer tops (x3) Essential Lightweight thermal top (for mountain/evening) Padded riding socks (x5) Essential Balaclava or thin skull cap Heated gilet / vest (for Rockies section) UV-protecting neck buff
🧳 Casual Clothing 0/9 packed
T-shirts (x5) Essential Shorts (x2) Essential Jeans or lightweight trousers (x2) Light jacket or hoodie for evenings Essential Trainers / comfortable footwear Essential Flip flops / sandals Smart casual outfit for nicer dinners Underwear (x7) Essential Swimwear (motel pools are common)
Smartphone with offline maps downloaded Essential Handlebar phone mount Essential Portable power bank (20,000mAh+) Essential USA power adapters (Type A/B) Essential Charging cables for all devices Essential Dedicated GPS device (Garmin/TomTom) Bluetooth helmet intercom (Sena/Cardo) Laptop or tablet Earbuds / headphones US SIM card or international roaming plan Essential USB charger for bike (12V socket or SAE)
💊 Medication & Health 0/11 packed
Prescription medication (sufficient supply + extra) Essential Prescription letter from GP (for border controls) Essential Ibuprofen / paracetamol Essential Antihistamine (dust, pollen, insect bites common) High-factor sunscreen SPF50+ Essential SPF lip balm Rehydration sachets (desert heat) Essential Blister plasters and wound kit Insect repellent Eye drops (dusty conditions) Hand sanitiser
📷 Photography Equipment 0/8 packed
Camera body and lenses Action camera (GoPro / DJI) Helmet or handlebar mount Memory cards (multiple, labelled) Camera charger and spare batteries Mini tripod or gorilla pod Dry bag or waterproof case for camera Microfibre lens cloths
🔧 Emergency Items 0/11 packed
Tyre repair kit (plugs + CO2 inflators) Essential Basic toolkit for roadside adjustments Essential Bungee cords and tie-downs Duct tape (small roll) Assorted cable ties Chain lubricant Compact jump starter pack Reflective breakdown vest Essential Emergency whistle and torch Waterproof dry bags for luggage Essential Personal locator beacon / satellite communicator
Waterproof panniers and dry bags are essential — see the packing gear guide.
Luggage & Dry Bags Illinois / Missouri
Chicago to St. Louis
28°C / 17°C
Warm and humid. Occasional thunderstorms. Riding is comfortable in mesh gear.
Oklahoma / Texas
Oklahoma City to Amarillo
34°C / 19°C
Hot and dry. Tornado season still active — monitor weather radar.
New Mexico
Tucumcari to Albuquerque
32°C / 14°C
Hot days, cool nights. Elevation (1500m+) makes riding more comfortable than the plains.
Arizona
Gallup to Flagstaff to Kingman
38°C / 16°C
Extremely hot in lower elevations. Flagstaff (2100m) is notably cooler and pleasant.
California
Needles to Santa Monica
42°C / 23°C
Mojave Desert crossing is the most extreme day of the trip. Ride before 9am if possible.
Gear Recommendations Not sure which helmet, jacket or GPS to take? See Andy's curated gear picks for Route 66 — tested across 2,400 miles of the Mother Road.