If you're anything like me, you don’t just want to ride—you need to ride. Riding is my therapy, my reboot button, my way of remembering that life is more than just bills, schedules, and figuring out what’s for dinner (again). I started on two wheels in my mid-30s, after raising triplet boys mostly solo, holding down a job, and squeezing in college classes somewhere between laundry and soccer practice. Motorcycles gave me back a piece of myself. And now, after switching to three wheels on my 2021 Can-Am Spyder RT, I ride even more than I ever did.

But there’s something a little different about prepping for a multi-day trip on a Spyder. It’s not just “throw some stuff in a backpack and hope for the best.” If you’re heading out for more than a day, you need to plan like you’re going to war—with weather, bad coffee, and your own lower back. So let’s talk about what you really need to pack for a road trip on your Spyder to keep it fun, safe, and only just on the edge of over-prepared.

Know Your Spyder: Packing to Fit Your Ride

The good news is, the Can-Am Spyder RT is built like a luxury SUV in three-wheel disguise. The integrated storage system is actually usable—front frunk, rear top case, and two solid saddlebags. That's not something I could ever say about my old cruiser, where “storage” meant bungee-cording a backpack to the sissy bar and praying to the gods of balance.

Use soft-sided, zippered packing cubes to maximize your Spyder’s space. I use a color-coded system—blue for clothes, red for toiletries, and black for all my “oh crap” gear like tire repair kits, duct tape, and zip ties. Pack heavier items low and toward the center to keep your handling smooth, especially on hilly twisties.

Essential Gear for the Spyder Life

Spyder riders live in a different reality than two-wheelers. We’ve got more stability, better cargo space, and we don't tip over at gas stations. But that doesn't mean you can pack like you're heading off in an RV. The right gear makes all the difference, especially for longer rides where fatigue, weather, and road conditions are unpredictable.

All-Weather Riding Suit: Sedici Alexi 2-Piece

Let’s talk gear. I’ve tried everything from budget jackets to high-end suits that cost more than my first car. For the sweet spot of performance and price, the Sedici Alexi 2-Piece Riding Suit is a win. It’s waterproof, breathable, and comes with CE-rated armor in the elbows, shoulders, and knees. It also doesn’t make you look like a marshmallow. The two-piece design makes it easier to strip off layers without doing a weird dance on the side of the road.

It packs down nicely too, which means you can stash it in your rear trunk if you’re heading out under sunny skies but expect a storm to sneak up on you around mile 300 (ask me how I know).

Compact Air Compressor with Tire Repair Kit

I don't care how new your tires are—if you’re putting down hundreds of miles, you’re flirting with road debris, screws, and every other form of “trip-ender.” A compact air compressor and tire plug kit is non-negotiable. I personally ride with the Stop & Go Tire Plugger Kit with Mini-Air Compressor. It's lightweight, stores easily in the frunk, and has saved my bacon on more than one occasion.

You might not need it on every ride, but when you do need it, you'll be glad you didn't sacrifice it for an extra pair of jeans.

Helmet Communication System: Cardo Freecom 4X

If you’re riding solo, music and GPS commands make the miles fly by. If you're riding with a partner—especially a talkative one like mine—communication becomes mission-critical. The Cardo Freecom 4X gives you Bluetooth connectivity, mesh intercom, and noise cancellation that actually works.

It fits snugly into most helmets and has excellent battery life. I use it for music, phone calls, and navigating twisty roads without constantly pulling over to check my phone. Pro tip: Pair it with a weather-sealed phone mount like the Quad Lock for your Spyder handlebars.

Creature Comforts and the "Mom in Me" Extras

There’s something about being a mom of triplets that just wires you for contingency planning. I carry a small stash of things that may not be “essential” but have come in handy more often than I can count.

• Travel-sized baby wipes – Not just for sticky fingers. Think road grime, helmet face shields, or unexpected roadside bathroom stops.

• Compression socks – Keeps your legs feeling human after eight hours in the saddle.

• Extra microfiber cloths – For cleaning your visor, seat, or even yourself when nature gets messy.

• Energy chews or snacks – I’m a fan of Honey Stinger Energy Chews. They keep you alert when you're pushing through that mid-afternoon crash.

Layer Up and Expect Everything

Let’s be honest—weather forecasts lie. Especially in places like the Blue Ridge Parkway or Shenandoah National Park. One minute you’re baking in the sun, the next you're dodging hail in a tunnel. Layering is your friend. Start with a moisture-wicking base layer, add a fleece or light jacket, and keep rain gear on standby.

My go-to layering strategy:

• Base: merino wool tee

• Mid: Columbia zip-up fleece

• Outer: that waterproof Sedici suit

• Bonus: a lightweight neck gaiter for wind, sun, or bug defense

You’ll thank me when the mountain temps drop 20 degrees and your riding buddies are shivering in their t-shirts.

Staying Connected and Charged

Can-Am Spyders usually come with at least one USB port, but I recommend bringing a small power bank anyway. Between your phone, helmet comms, and maybe even a GoPro, you’ll want extra juice. A rugged solar charger can be a game-changer, especially if you’re camping or riding in remote areas.

Don’t Forget the Soul of the Trip

One of the best things about road-tripping on a Spyder is the way it makes you present. It’s like the rhythm of the road syncs up with your heartbeat. You notice the hawk circling overhead. You feel the shift in air temperature as you ride through a mountain pass. You remember that this world still has a lot of magic in it.

Whether you’re riding the Million Dollar Highway, heading toward the Smokies, or winding through Ohio’s Triple Nickel (OH-555), a well-packed bike can make or break the trip. Be smart, be prepared, and leave room in your storage for the best souvenirs—stories.

What to Leave Behind

Not everything deserves a spot on your Spyder. Skip the bulky hard-shell suitcases, duplicate clothing, and anything you’re packing “just in case” but haven’t used in the last three trips. I promise you won’t need a travel iron. And unless you're doing Iron Butt-level mileage, leave the full-size camping stove at home.

Wrap-Up and Ready to Ride

Packing for a multi-day Can-Am Spyder ride is a mix of planning and intuition. Know your bike, respect your limits, and make room for the moments that make you feel alive. With the right gear—from tire kits to tech—and a few comfort-focused extras, you’ll be set up to ride smart and stay smiling, no matter what the road throws your way.

Now if you’ll excuse me, I think I hear my Spyder calling. It’s saying, “Let’s ride.”