How to Fold a Jacket for Travel Packing on a Motorcycle Trip

To fold a jacket for packing, match the method to the jacket. Fold structured jackets flat, inside out along the shoulders. Roll soft casual and puffer jackets tight to save space. For a leather jacket, avoid sharp creases, because they're much easier to prevent than to remove.

On a motorcycle trip you'll usually wear your riding jacket and pack only an evening jacket or a spare layer. This tutorial covers both, with the space limits of saddlebags in mind. It's part of our motorcycle touring gear and packing essentials hub.

Key takeaways- Structured jacket or blazer: fold it inside out along the shoulders, then in half. Pack it flat.- Casual, rain or puffer jacket: roll it tight, or compress it in a cube or sack.- Leather jacket: fold loosely along natural lines and pad the folds; never seal it in plastic for long.- Riding jacket with armor: if you remove liners or protectors to pack, refit them before you ride.

Which method for which jacket

What you need

• A flat surface such as a bed or a table
• Packing cubes, a garment folder or a stuff sack
• Soft clothes (T-shirts, a sweater) to pad folds and fill the shape
• For leather: a soft T-shirt or tissue to pad the folds

Method 1: The shoulder fold for a structured jacket

Use this for a blazer, sport coat or tailored jacket you want to wear at dinner.

1. Lay the jacket flat, face down, and unbutton it.
2. Turn one shoulder inside out. Push your hand into one shoulder and pop it inside out.
3. Tuck the other shoulder into it. Fit the normal shoulder inside the inverted one. The jacket is now folded in half lengthwise, lining out, with the outer fabric protected.
4. Smooth the collar, lapels and pocket flaps so nothing is bent inside.
5. Fold it in half once more to fit the bag, or lay it full length if the bag allows.
6. Pack it flat on top, with rolled soft clothes around it. A garment folder adds protection. Hard cases keep their shape better for this; see how to choose motorcycle touring luggage.

Method 2: Roll a casual, rain or puffer jacket

1. Zip it up and lay it face down. Fold the sleeves across the back.
2. Fold in the sides so the jacket is about as wide as your packing cube.
3. Fold the hood down onto the back, if it has one.
4. Roll tightly from the hem toward the collar, pressing out the air.
5. Hold the roll with a strap, or tuck it into its own hood or pocket if it has a stuff pocket.
6. Compress bulky jackets in a compression cube or sack.

Keep the rain shell at the top of a saddlebag, not at the bottom. You'll want it fast.

Method 3: Pack a leather jacket without creasing it

Leather makers and cleaners agree on one point: creases in leather are hard to undo. They differ a little on folding. A dry-cleaning chain says leather can do well folded or hung if cared for; Aero Leather, a leather jacket maker, stresses supporting the jacket's shape to avoid creases. For a trip, aim for few, soft folds.

1. Zip or button the jacket closed.
2. Lay it face down and fold the sleeves along the back, following the seams.
3. Pad the fold lines with a soft T-shirt so the leather bends in a curve, not a sharp line.
4. Fold once at the waist, with padding inside the fold.
5. Pack it flat on top of a hard case or pannier, away from tools and buckles.
6. Unpack and hang it each night on a wide hanger, not on a thin wire hanger or by the collar loop.

Don't store leather sealed in plastic once you're home; it needs to breathe.

Packing a riding jacket

On a tour you'll normally wear your riding jacket, so it doesn't need packing. When it does, for a flight or on a rental, here's what to do.

1. Take out removable liners and roll them separately.
2. Leave the armor in if you can. If you remove protectors to pack, note which pocket each goes in.
3. Fold along the back like Method 3, with the sleeves laid flat.
4. Before riding, refit every protector and check it sits over your shoulders and elbows. Protectors only work if they stay in place.

Removable waterproof and thermal liners aren't part of EN 17092 abrasion testing, which tests the shell. So a liner left at home doesn't lower the rated protection, but it can leave you wet or cold.

Common mistakes

Bring a jacket that does two jobs

On a tight packing list, one jacket that works on and off the bike saves space. Leather Collection custom leather jackets are hand-stitched to your measurements in kangaroo, sheepskin or goatskin. These are fashion jackets, not riding gear; for riding, see the touring jackets in our luggage strategy guide.

FAQ

What is the best way to fold a jacket for packing? It depends on the jacket. Fold a structured jacket inside out along the shoulders and pack it flat; roll soft and puffer jackets.

Is it better to roll or fold clothes when packing? Roll soft casual clothes to save space and limit wrinkles; fold structured items and pack them flat, with rolled items around them. For the full packing system on a bike, see how to pack for motorcycle touring.

Will a suit jacket be okay folded in luggage? Yes, if you use the shoulder fold, pack it flat on top and hang it as soon as you arrive. Folding suits structured jackets better than rolling.

How do I carry a jacket when traveling by motorcycle? Wear the riding jacket. Pack an evening jacket flat on top of a pannier, and keep the rain shell at the top of a saddlebag. For what else to bring, see the motorcycle trip packing list.