Fly & Ride Luggage Advice
 

Me and the Ol'lady are going to Curacao this March for 12 days. We are both only taking one "carry-on" and "personal item" each. We will be two up for at least part of the time on the trip.

I'd like to bring my camelback backpack to carry water on the bike but it's practically useless to carry anything other then a hydration bladder. I might be able to stow it inside a bigger backpack but I'm not sure yet. I have a tank bag I could use as a personal item. I have some smaller saddles bags that could probably be collapsed as a personal item or filled and tied together for an impromptu carry-on.

Any suggestions on what motorcycle bags work well as a carry-on or personal item?

I hand carry a duffel bag on board for some of my gear and the others is checked in for the flight.

The duffel is a 40L waterproof type.

Hope that helps.

:scooter:

Progress made
 

Well I think I've gotten past the biggest hurdle and convinced HER to bring only a backpack and large purse as her carry-on and personal item.

This means I can put my stuff in saddle bags and bring either my camelback backpack or tank bag as my personal item.

Curacao doesn't have highways, it's a tiny island so motorcycle gear will be limited to gloves, long pants, long shirt, eyewear, shoes and the provided helmets. We definitely won't be going fast or taking any chances, defensive driving will be the key. I could wear moto gear on the plane rides but she will not. Just me gearing up would only give me a false sense of security. If I'm not geared up I will ride extra cautiously. I know the ATGATT crew will disagree but my rides will be short duration and what to do with two pairs of moto gear everytime you stop would be problematic.

Leave your camelback at home. You won't need it for a short trip. You won't be on any long rides where you'll need to stay hydrated. You'll want to get off every 30 minutes or so to see the sights on an island. Just get a couple of water bottles or Nalgene bottle. You'll stop plenty of times on a small island.

Curacao from what I understand does not have bottled water. They desalinate sea water so drinking water is readily available. I believe they banned bottled water due to its environmental impact.

Water stations to fill reusable water bottles are apparently common. A large water bottle is a lot harder to carry on a motorcycle then a camelback backpack. I wear mine on and off the bike, on short and long hikes to the tops of mountains. It's insulated and carries more water then any Nalgeen bottle can. I can't think of a single reason why a Nalgeen bottle would be an advantage over my camelback.