Top 10 Must-Have Accessories for Adventure Riders in 2026

Top 10 Must-Have Accessories for Adventure Riders in 2026

Gear that makes every ADV ride smoother, safer, and more enjoyable.

Adventure riding is exploding in popularity and 2026 is shaping up to be the biggest year yet for moto travel. Riders are going farther, exploring deeper off-road, and demanding gear that’s lighter, tougher, and more functional than ever.

Whether you’re prepping for Alaska, Baja, a multi-day BDR, or weekend backcountry loops, the right accessories can transform your ride. Here are the top 10 must-have accessories for every adventure rider in 2026 — including the small upgrades that make the biggest impact.

1. Compact Handlebar Bag

For most riders, a handlebar bag becomes indispensable on day one. It keeps your essentials front-and-center:

  • Phone
  • Wallet
  • Registration
  • Multitool
  • Towel for your visor
  • Snacks
  • Charging cables

The Moto Pockets Adventure Handlebar Bag and 11” Adventure Bar Bag are designed exactly for this purpose — rugged, sleek, and always within reach.

2. Waterproof Soft Luggage

Hard luggage is great for touring, but more ADV riders are switching to soft bags for:

  • Lower weight
  • Better off-road handling
  • Crash resistance
  • Flexibility with MOLLE to add additional storage
  • Rackless options or specific quick release plates to make them universal

Quality soft panniers are practically standard gear in 2026.

3. Microfiber Visor Towel

Clear vision is safety. And nothing ruins a view like a bug-splattered helmet shield.

The Moto Pockets 8x8 Microfiber Towel is the perfect size to stash in your bar bag — thanks to its lint-free, split-fiber design that safely wipes:

  • Helmet visors
  • Goggles
  • Sunglasses
  • Bike windshields

A tiny accessory with huge daily value.

4. Portable Tire Pump & Patch Kit

Flats happen. Especially off-road.

A compact pump + plug kit is a must-have for any ADV rider. Looking for the best option? Grab the Moto Pockets Tubeless Tire Repair Kit which includes:

      • High-quality USA made case
      • Lexin rechargeable pump (chargeable via USB port on motorcycle)
      • USA made Nealey patch kit
      • Necessary tools to get you back on the road in no time

      Already have a pump? No problem. You can buy the case, patch kit, and tools without the pump!

      5. Engine Guards & Skid Plate

      Adventure bikes are heavy and rocks don’t care.

      A beefy skid plate and crash bars protect your bike from:

      • Rock strikes
      • Tip-overs
      • Deep ruts
      • When you run out of talent

      One upgrade that can save you thousands.

      6. Heated Gear or a Compact Layer System

      Weather changes fast on ADV trips. Smart riders carry:

      • Heated jacket and gloves
      • Lightweight packable insulation
      • Windproof riding shells
      • Multiple layers for all weather

      Staying warm keeps you safer and more alert.

      7. GPS, Phone Mount, or Navigation Tablet

      Modern ADV riding depends on reliable navigation. Riders choose:

      • Dedicated ADV GPS units (Garmin, etc.)
      • Phone-mounted setups
      • Rugged tablets with BDR/GPX maps
      • Apps like Gaia or Onx
      • GPS tracking device such as a Garmin inReach

      Mount it securely and power it from the bike.

      8. Auxiliary Lighting

      Whether you’re riding at dawn, dusk, or in dust, more light equals better safety.

      LED auxiliary lights help with:

      • Spotting wildlife
      • Seeing ruts and rocks
      • Making night riding enjoyable

      Bonus: Amber lights offer great daytime visibility.

      9. Pannier Lid Bags

      If you are using hard panniers, you’ll want to add extra space without extra bulk.

      The Moto Pockets Pannier Lid Bags let riders store lightweight items under the pannier lid, keeping heavy gear low and quick-access items separate up top. Perfect for:

      • Gloves
      • Snacks
      • Maps
      • Chargers
      • First-aid kits

      Zero clutter, all convenience.

      10. Hydration

      Dehydration sneaks up on riders, especially off-road. Carrying water is non-negotiable.

      Options include:

      • Hydration backpacks
      • Tank-mounted bladders
      • On-bike water bottle carriers
      • Powdered Electrolytes

      Essential items if you’re riding in desert or high-heat regions.

      The 2026 ADV Setup: Light, Durable, and Accessible

      The trend is clear — riders want gear that’s:

      • Compact
      • Quick to access
      • Durable
      • Lightweight
      • Purpose-built for off-road

      Moto Pockets fits right into that evolution. Every product is designed to solve the daily problems riders deal with: clutter, accessibility, dust, and durability.

       

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