Motorcycle Toiletries: My Top 11 Essentials (and a Full Packing Checklist)

Antonia Issa
Sep 21
3 min read

When you live off a motorcycle, your toiletries bag has to work hard. I keep my kit small, simple, and solid whenever possible. To be honest, I’m not really a “product” person—once I find something that works, I stick with it (chalk that up to a little neurodivergence). For me, things need to be practical and classy, not a suitcase full of trendy gimmicks.

My birthday riding through Chiapas at Tonina Ruins with Marie

I focus on:

Solid over liquid (no explosions in the panniers, easier to travel with)
Portionable (just enough to last the trip, not a year’s supply)
Multipurpose (one product, multiple uses)
Feel-good factor (because after hours of bug guts, sweat, and road grime, a little clean comfort goes a long way)

When it comes to pharmaceuticals, most everyday meds are easy to find in Mexico, but controlled substances like strong painkillers, sedatives, ADHD stimulants, or anything with codeine/pseudoephedrine can be harder to source or restricted, so bring those with you if you need them.

Here are the 11 things I won’t leave home without—followed by the full checklist for anyone who wants to pack their own version.

See, we clean up ok! Marie and I somewhere in Mexico after a day of riding.

My Top 11 Toiletry Favourites

None of the links in this post are affiliate links—just my own opinions and what’s worked for me on the road.

Solid Shampoo – Compact, lasts ages, and doesn’t leak. Easy win. I personally love the Soapworks Apple Cider Vinegar Shampoo bar as it helps rebalance my hair with the often hard water in Mexico
Good Deodorant Paste – Small pot, all-day coverage. Worth every gram of space.My go to is Routine Superstar as it’s long lasting, has no nasty chemicals and smells nice
Olive Oil Soap (Face + Body) – Gentle, multipurpose, no plastic packaging. Since I was little Savon Marseille has been a part of the family. Aleppo olive oil soap is also great. I heat and cut these down to size. The wonderful thing is that they don’t turn to mush.
Tea Tree Oil – My cure-all: bug bites, cuts, and even the occasional breakout. This trio from Thursday Plantation is a perfect size for travel
Ear Plugs – I wear them about 20 hours a day. Wind noise and hostel snorers don’t stand a chance. I use Loop earplugs both on and off the bike. Loop Dream are best for sleep.
Hammam Scrubby – The single best way to get road grime off and feel human again. Once you try these, you’ll reach a new level of clean.
Burt’s Bees Chap Stick – Burt's Bees is simple, reliable, and always in my pocket. There is no other
Muscle Relaxant – When you’re living on two wheels, your body will thank you. I stick to methocarbamol as the other ones tend to cause drowsiness.
Acidophilus (Probiotics) – My insurance policy for street food adventures. They are expensive in Mexico, so I bring them from Canada.
Eye Drops – A lifesaver after dusty rides, long days, or bug-in-the-eye moments. Any lubricating drops are good. I stay away from red-eye clearing products.
Menstrual Products – Diva Cup for me, but there are lots of options. And Revol Care for period panties. More on this subject here.

But we're still weird as f***.

Full Toiletries & Care Checklist

Toiletries

Solid shampoo
Solid conditioner
Dry shampoo powder (if you have greasy hair)
Small roll of dental floss
Good deodorant paste in a small pot
Toothpaste
Bar soap for face and body – olive oil soap
Small soap bag
Moisturizer/sunscreen in 1 (SPF 50+)
Toner – to help wipe off grime
Tea tree oil – for bites and small cuts
Peppermint oil – for headaches
Ear plugs (yes, I wear them about 20h/day)
Travel spritz tubes of my favourite perfume
Hammam scrubby
Razor
Burt’s Bees chap stick
Wet wipes
Small insect repellent (with DEET or picaridin)

Basic Pharmaceuticals / Care

Muscle relaxant
Ibuprofen
Antihistamine
Charcoal pills
Acidophilus
Tums
Electrolyte tabs
Antibiotic ointment
Eye drops
Imodium
Small roll of medical tape
Tweezers
Safety pins
Nail file / small clippers
Compact mirror
Cotton swabs
Menstrual products (Diva cup, period underwear, pads, tampons)

Basic Makeup

Concealer
Sheer pressed powder
Bronzer
Mascara
Lip gloss

That’s it. My actual kit fits in a small pouch and keeps me going through thousands of kilometers of dust, sweat, and roadside tacos. If you’re building your own kit, start with the top 11, adapt it if you’re a dude, and then add what makes you feel most like yourself on the road.