The Sturgis Motorcycle Rally is a dream trip for any biker. But whether you are riding across the country or hauling your bike part of the way, you need more than just a tuned-up motorcycle to have a good time. You need the right clothes and gear.

The weather in South Dakota can change in the blink of an eye. You might be sweating in the hot sun at noon and freezing in the cold wind by dinner time. To help you get ready, we put together a simple packing list for the Sturgis rally. We focused on the most important leather jackets, vests, and accessories you need to stay safe, stay comfortable, and look great.

Here is what you should pack from Leather New York before you hit the road.

Your motorcycle jacket is your main shield against harsh winds, flying bugs, and rough roads. For a long trip to Sturgis, a regular fashion jacket just won't cut it. You need a real motorcycle jacket made from thick, tough leather to keep your skin safe if you ever take a spill.

Because August in South Dakota gets really hot, it is a smart idea to pack a jacket that has zipper vents on the chest and back. These let the cool breeze flow through while you ride during the day. But when the sun goes down, it gets cold fast. Picking a jacket with a warm, zip-out liner inside will save you from shivering on your ride back to your hotel or campsite at night.

If there is one piece of clothing that screams "Sturgis," it is the leather vest. Vests are great because they block the cold wind from hitting your chest, but they leave your arms bare so you don't overheat in the summer sun.

A lot of riders love the simple "club-style" vests that zip or snap up the front because they don't flap around in the wind when you are driving fast on the highway. If you like to carry a personal item for safety, you can even get vests with hidden, deep pockets inside. Best of all, a vest with a plain, flat back gives you the perfect blank canvas to sew on your Sturgis patches and pin on your rally badges.

A lot of first-time riders make the mistake of wearing just regular blue jeans to Sturgis. After a few hundred miles of feeling the heat from the motorcycle engine, getting hit by flying rocks, and riding through sudden rain, they quickly learn why experienced bikers wear leather chaps.

Leather chaps are great because you just zip and snap them right over your regular jeans. They protect your legs without making you feel stuffed into heavy leather pants. When you buy a pair, look for ones that have adjustable laces in the back. Since you might wear thicker pants on cold days and thinner pants on hot days, being able to adjust the fit makes a huge difference for your comfort.

If your hands get cold and numb, it is hard to steer and brake safely. Protecting your hands from the wind, the sun, and the shaking of the motorcycle is super important. We suggest bringing two different pairs of gloves for the trip.

For the long highway drive, pack a pair of long leather gloves that cover your wrists. These stop the cold wind from blowing up your jacket sleeves and keep your hands totally safe. Once you actually get to Sturgis and are just driving slowly around town, switch to a pair of fingerless leather gloves. They keep your hands from getting sweaty and make it easier to feel your motorcycle's controls.

You can't exactly strap a rolling suitcase to a motorcycle. Packing smart means using strong leather bags that can handle the weather and look good on your bike.

Breaking down on the side of the road is no fun, so a small leather tool bag that straps to the front of your bike is a must-have. It is the perfect spot to keep your wrenches and a tire pressure gauge. You should also get a good set of leather saddlebags that hang over the back of your bike to hold your clothes. Finally, toss a small bottle of leather cleaner and a soft cloth into your bag. Wiping the dead bugs and road dust off your gear at the end of the day will keep your leather looking brand new.

Your Leather New York gear will keep you safe on the road, but you need a few more everyday items to get through the week. The summer heat is intense, so bring plenty of water bottles. You will also need strong sunscreen, lip balm, and good sunglasses to block the glare.

Because it rains a lot in the afternoons, pack a light rain suit that you can easily throw on over your leather clothes. Bring earplugs to block out the loud wind and the roaring motorcycle pipes so your ears don't ring at the end of the day. Lastly, bring real paper maps! Cell phone service drops out a lot in the mountains, so you can't always rely on your phone's GPS.

While cloth (textile) gear is lighter, real leather is still the favorite choice for Sturgis. Leather protects your skin much better if you fall, it blocks the cold night wind better than cloth, and it gives you that classic biker look that fits right in at the rally.

If you need to take your jacket off during a hot ride, never fold it up tightly, because that can put permanent creases in the leather. Instead, roll the jacket up loosely and strap it to the back of your bike, or gently tuck it into your saddlebags.

The Sturgis Motorcycle Rally is the trip of a lifetime, but you have to be prepared. Getting ready means buying good gear that won't fall apart when you are far from home.

Before you start your engine for South Dakota, make sure your closet is ready for the road. Check out Leather New York’s awesome collection of motorcycle jackets, vests, chaps, and gloves today, and ride into Sturgis feeling safe, comfortable, and stylish.