expo riders gear checklist

[haven]

At hell for leather.com, Wes Siler and Grant Ray are planning a 3000 mile trip, 900 of which will be gravel and dirt. They've posted their packing list, and others are contributing their ideas. Good advice here from experienced riders.

http://hellforleathermagazine.com/2010/07/the-motorcycle-adventure-check.html

[goodtimes]

The packing lists have too much stuff they don't need, and are missing a whole bunch of things they do need.

The comments have some decent info though . . .

[HenryJ]

The packing lists have too much stuff they don't need, and are missing a whole bunch of things they do need.

The comments have some decent info though . . .Like...?

[scarysharkface]

1 tire spoon? I find it's significantly easier (more enjoyable?) to spoon a tire with 3 of them.

As for individually listing tools, I build a kit based upon what I've actually used to work on the bike. I leave the valve-adjustment stuff home but take stuff to do most anything else (which is far fewer tools/sockets than one might expect, at least for the KLR).

With regards to kitchen gear, it strikes me that they're packing more for a Jeep trip than a bike trip.

Too many flashlights, knives and I'd substitute a Camelbak and one collapsable water container for the 4 canteens.

I would also substitute a couple pairs of ExOfficio or similar travel underwear, a couple of similar T-shirts and 3 or 4 pairs of merino wool socks instead of "lots" they've listed. Rinse in the evening and usually stuff is dry by morning.

As the comments have been made, zip-tie spare clutch/throttle cables alongside the existing ones for a quick swap if needed. A small pair of vise-grips is good and I always hide a spare set of keys somewhere I can get to without needing a key...

This is just stuff off the top of my head..

Labrador is a great trip.

John

[LandCruiserPhil]

Where are they going? - 5 gals of extra gas?
What bikes are they using? - my bike could not hold that much stuff
Too many cloths - 4 pairs of gloves????
Too much cooking stuff - they are on motorcycles yes
Hiking boots? How do they plan to secure there 250lbs of stuff when they are hiking?


They need to purchased a SPOT and add soap and a towel and dump 1/2 of the stuff listed.

[LaOutbackTrail]

They dont need half the crap they are packing.

I've done about 40,000 miles of motorcycle trips and packed most all of that.....

I've never successfully patched a motorcycle tube, therefore I bring spares based on riding partners. If they are on KLRs bring 1 spare tube each. If I am going to Mexico or in the desert, I'll bring definitely pack an extra. For example: Mexico 2009, BMW F650GS Dakar, KLR650, and my XR650l--- all 21" front tires, so 3-21" tubes. The Dakar and KLR have 17" rear wheels, so they brought 1 each 17" tube. I brought 2- 18"tubes. We had 2 front flats and 2 rear flats.:costumed-smiley-007

My unprofessional suggestions for them:
Spare clutch cable. Chain repair tools. 2-3 master links. Lighter on the clothes. 2 or 3 tire spoons.

My problem has always been packing the appropriate sleeping gear. A warm enough sleeping bag that packs down small enough is stupid expensive.

[CoastalDefender]

My problem has always been packing the appropriate sleeping gear. A warm enough sleeping bag that packs down small enough is stupid expensive.

Snugpak has served me well.

[kletzenklueffer]

My problem has always been packing the appropriate sleeping gear. A warm enough sleeping bag that packs down small enough is stupid expensive.

I bought a Lafuma bag from REI for <$60. It's good (tested) to 40 degrees and packs to smaller than a loaf of bread. I've used it under 30 degrees combined with a poncho liner inside the bag and was plenty warm.

Edited to add: I looked for a long time at snugpaks. I like what I see and was just about to buy one for a bit over $100 when I saw the Lafuma on closeout (extra tall size was on closeout- I'm 6'3"/210, and have always dealt with too short bags)

[LaOutbackTrail]

I bought a Lafuma bag from REI for <$60. It's good (tested) to 40 degrees and packs to smaller than a loaf of bread. I've used it under 30 degrees combined with a poncho liner inside the bag and was plenty warm.

Edited to add: I looked for a long time at snugpaks. I like what I see and was just about to buy one for a bit over $100 when I saw the Lafuma on closeout (extra tall size was on closeout- I'm 6'3"/210, and have always dealt with too short bags)

I do have a coleman 32* bag, packs down that small. But, these guys are going up north right????

[scarysharkface]

I do have a coleman 32* bag, packs down that small. But, these guys are going up north right????

I did Labrador in June a couple of years ago, and there was snow on the ground. I think the answer is a light 40-degree bag (because some nights it may be quite warm) with the ability to layer as-needed.

John

[LandCruiserPhil]

I find using a liner and layering to be the answer for handling a wide variety of temperatures.

[billy bee]

This is hte best mc camping checklist I've ever found. Completely customizable. http://micapeak.com/checklists/mclist.html

The best advice I got was to unpack everything after a trip and make two piles: one of the stuff you used and one of the stuff you didn't. Easy to eliminate extra stuff for the next trip. But I had to over pack for the first big trip. Learned to pack more economically for the second.

lastly, I recommend this book. It really simplifies the sport: http://www.aerostich.com/aerostich-lightweight-touring-book.html

bb

[goodtimes]

I find using a liner and layering to be the answer for handling a wide variety of temperatures.

I agree. I usually carry a 45* liner (packs into almost nothing) in addition to what ever sleeping bag I plan on taking. I rarely use it, except when the 'real sleeping bag' I brought turns out to be on the warm side -- then I use the liner as a stand alone bag. Extra socks/shirts/etc to tweak comfort as needed (usually it's not).

FWIW, I do the same when backpacking . . . and that is actually a good way to approach moto-camping. Pack just like you would for a backpacking trip.

[LaOutbackTrail]

The best advice I got was to unpack everything after a trip and make two piles: one of the stuff you used and one of the stuff you didn't. Easy to eliminate extra stuff for the next trip. But I had to over pack for the first big trip. Learned to pack more economically for the second.



This is also good advice. I would never take a long trip without doing a 2 or 3 day CAMPING shake down run first. Best to do within 4 weeks of said trip.
A) it helps you figure out your packing system.
B) Helps eliminate things you wont need. "Oh those heavy wool socks wont be necessary in arkansas in July........." "Dang those mosquitoes sure were ferocious! I better bring 100% deet and treat my tent with repellent too!" "Oh look, there is a hole in my tent"
C) Helps you get ready for those long trips!


That being said. I've only gone on one trip where I planned it out for months. Over packed. My best and longest trips have been organized and taken within 2 or 3 weeks. I am going to Colorado on the 17th, I just asked my boss yesterday if I could take off that week. I've got an idea of what I want to do... and will have NO time to prep for it.:sombrero: Of course its a 4x4 trip so... no worries.

[LaOutbackTrail]

I agree. I usually carry a 45* liner (packs into almost nothing) in addition to what ever sleeping bag I plan on taking.

FWIW, I do the same when backpacking . . . and that is actually a good way to approach moto-camping. Pack just like you would for a backpacking trip.

I agree with you too. I finally learned to pack a liner too.

Backpacking set ups should be used, in my utmost opinion. With the additional space and weight of moto gear and tools, our kits get heavy. On my very first trip, my kit weighed in around 70lbs. I have since cut that down to less than 40lbs for spring/fall trips and less than 50lbs 2+week trip or winter (south) trips. Screw camping in the summer down here. I'll hotel it.

Maybe I'll post my packing list later.... but photos speak loudly.

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs263.snc1/9031_541297538851_62002887_31871871_7376826_n.jpg
http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs263.snc1/9031_541382673241_62002887_31875365_4056436_n.jpg
Mexico.
In saddle bags I had, tubes, air compressor, tool kit, spare clutch cable, rain jacket, 1 nights food, 1.5 night water, stove, emergency blanket (real one), first aid kit.
In camel back: water, granola bars, patch kit, batteries, spare camera, bandana, chapstick, maps, small tripod.
Tank Bag: batteries, video camera, memory cards, MiniDV tapes, maps, candy, chapstick. Front fender bag: front tube, 2 tire irons, CO2 air.

I dont remember what I had, but this is a good packing setup. The alpha bag is somewhere in South America right now on the adventure I couldnt take...
http://i112.photobucket.com/albums/n188/glowingeenklr650/Motorcycle/KLR650/SundayJan15Dirtloop015.jpg

Having the Vstrom was like a blur... 11k in commuting in less than a year.........
Did do a couple 2000 mile trips... here is one from a LOOOOONG weekend in Arkansas with my brother who met me for a couple days (drove up).
http://i112.photobucket.com/albums/n188/glowingeenklr650/Motorcycle/Trips/Fall%20Colors%20Tour%2006/IMG_0026.jpg
Same basic setup as with the KLR above.
The DRZ had tent, sleeping bag, and just some clothes.
My bike unloaded and out of its element... Credit to rider, I kept up with,fell fewer times, and needed help over the same obstacles as the KLR and XRL I stupidly followed...
http://i112.photobucket.com/albums/n188/glowingeenklr650/Motorcycle/Trips/Fall%20Colors%20Tour%2006/IMG_0077.jpg
http://i112.photobucket.com/albums/n188/glowingeenklr650/Motorcycle/Trips/Fall%20Colors%20Tour%2006/IMG_0066.jpg

Louisiana to Kentucky on an XRL.... can anyone say "Monkey Butt"
Did Deal's Gap too....
http://i112.photobucket.com/albums/n188/glowingeenklr650/Trips/Kentucky/DealsGap2.jpg
http://i112.photobucket.com/albums/n188/glowingeenklr650/Trips/Kentucky/DealsGap5.jpg
Drug saddle bags in a good left hand up hill switchback with TKC 80s.

Mexico on XR650L
http://i112.photobucket.com/albums/n188/glowingeenklr650/Trips/Mexican%20Titty%20Bar%20Tour/IMG_0268.jpg
http://i112.photobucket.com/albums/n188/glowingeenklr650/Trips/Mexican%20Titty%20Bar%20Tour/IMG_0465.jpg
http://i112.photobucket.com/albums/n188/glowingeenklr650/Trips/Mexican%20Titty%20Bar%20Tour/P1010432.jpg
OK packed F650GS Dakar
http://i112.photobucket.com/albums/n188/glowingeenklr650/Trips/Mexican%20Titty%20Bar%20Tour/P1010492.jpg
Well packed KLR650. Everything he had was top of the line back packing light weight junk.

Lesson learned... NOOOO! Don't do aluminum.
http://i112.photobucket.com/albums/n188/glowingeenklr650/Trips/Sabine%20Pass/IMG_0076.jpg

[LandCruiserPhil]

Here is my list on a 3 day trip good for temps down to 32°(not including gas)...everything fits in my Moto-Sport soft bags, aftermarket fixed bike storage compartments and the 12"x27" sea bag.

Tent w/ rain fly
Tyvek tent ground cover
Inflatable mattress
Sleeping bag w/liner (variable 55°-30°)
Pillow
Chair
Waterproof sea bag for the above 12”x27”

Jet Boil-coffee press w/ coffee storage
Eating utensils
Insulated SS bottle
3 Days of food – Mountain House mostly
Snacks
Heavy duty aluminum foil
Olive oil
Spices


Convertible pants
2 shirts
Hike able flops
Swimming trunks
Towel
Basic toiletries items
Fleece vest
Maps
Ultra-light fishing kit

On an everyday basis I carry the following:
All needed repair material and spares
Tools
CD of FSM
Electric air compressor
Tube
Tire irons x2
Dish soap
1 gallon collapsible bladder(good for any liquid)
First aid
Water
Spare key
Miscellaneous survival stuff
iTouch(music, videos, and wyfi)
Camera
Flashlight
Cell phone
SPOT tracking device
Spare batteries
Rain gear
Trash bags
Miscellaneous cold weather gear
Mora Craftline all-around knife
Kel-Tec PF-9mm

Travel weights varies slightly with time of year and destination

Total weight of all above - ~50lbs

Left bag 8.5
Right bag 5.0
Tools 10.0
Food-Kitchen 5.5
Sea bag 19.0

[hyperboarder]

^ How do you carry the 9mm? I'm heading out for a 7 day trip in a week and bringing my XD45 with me, still trying to decide where to put it. I'll have at least 2 Jesse Panniers (might bring a top case too) and an Ogio tank bag on my KLR, just not sure where it would be best protected/accessible if needed.

[LandCruiserPhil]

^ How do you carry the 9mm? I'm heading out for a 7 day trip in a week and bringing my XD45 with me, still trying to decide where to put it. I'll have at least 2 Jesse Panniers (might bring a top case too) and an Ogio tank bag on my KLR, just not sure where it would be best protected/accessible if needed.

The PF9 is a pocket carry weapon for me. I see it like riding gear does not do much good if you are not wearing it:costumed-smiley-007

[LaOutbackTrail]

Pocket (low, not rib cage high) or in my tank bag is where i stick my compact .380 pistol similar to the one above.

Never needed it on a bike though. No brainer in the truck.

[Christian P.]

Comments are always the best part...

I invaded Afghanistan with half the s*** you're carrying.

[UK4X4]

"I invaded Afghanistan with half the s*** you're carrying."

mmm and the big green machine REMF's

just behind did'nt help at all I suppose !

[hyperboarder]

I'm leaning towards tank bag right now but I'm questioning local laws. I don't think I can leave it loaded, but I think I can keep a loaded mag and the pistol in the same area. Doing a loop from CO to about a mile of NM, AZ, NV, UT, and back. Don't have a cc permit. Any thoughts?

[CoastalDefender]

I'm leaning towards tank bag right now but I'm questioning local laws. I don't think I can leave it loaded, but I think I can keep a loaded mag and the pistol in the same area. Doing a loop from CO to about a mile of NM, AZ, NV, UT, and back. Don't have a cc permit. Any thoughts?

Do research.
http://www.carryconcealed.net/

[CoastalDefender]

Lesson learned... NOOOO! Don't do aluminum.
http://i112.photobucket.com/albums/n188/glowingeenklr650/Trips/Sabine%20Pass/IMG_0076.jpg

Talk to me. Why not aluminum? Or are you referencing metal panniers altogether? And what's the problem with using them?

[MarcFJ60]

Talk to me. Why not aluminum? Or are you referencing metal panniers altogether? And what's the problem with using them?

Can't say what L.O.T was referencing in particular, but there is a school of thought that hardbags on a more dirt-oriented bike risks a lower leg injury by getting your leg caught between the hardbag and the ground or wedged between the hardbag and a big rock as you drive by. Another complaint I have heard is that, tough as they are, they may not be as impact resistant as soft luggage because they have no give to them. Not sure there is any empirical evidence of either, but definitely some logic there.

Personally, I would rather not have the weight of them on a lighter bike. I'm very happy with my Ortleib dry bags. Not sure how much a set of metal panniers weighs, but probably over 20 pounds. My Ortleibs are probably a good deal under 5 pounds. I also have a Stormcase on the tailrack for some lockable storage.

[CoastalDefender]

Can't say what L.O.T was referencing in particular, but there is a school of thought that hardbags on a more dirt-oriented bike risks a lower leg injury by getting your leg caught between the hardbag and the ground or wedged between the hardbag and a big rock as you drive by. Another complaint I have heard is that, tough as they are, they may not be as impact resistant as soft luggage because they have no give to them. Not sure there is any empirical evidence of either, but definitely some logic there.

Personally, I would rather not have the weight of them on a lighter bike. I'm very happy with my Ortleib dry bags. Not sure how much a set of metal panniers weighs, but probably over 20 pounds. My Ortleibs are probably a good deal under 5 pounds. I also have a Stormcase on the tailrack for some lockable storage.
Oh yes, definitely read up on that. I figured that was what he was referencing, but asked in case there is something else I am missing.

I have two 20mm Ammo Cans on the back of my bike, and I think they weigh in at 22lb ea EMPTY, but I have a big 650, so I think it's an easier fit than say on a 250.

[goodtimes]

I have two 20mm Ammo Cans on the back of my bike, and I think they weigh in at 22lb ea EMPTY, but I have a big 650, so I think it's an easier fit than say on a 250.

44 pounds of box is a lot of weight. Add in 40 pounds of gear, and the bike gets heavy pretty quick. When I hit the dirt with the 800, I lose the hard bags due to the weight and the added risk to the tib/fib.

[CoastalDefender]

44 pounds of box is a lot of weight. Add in 40 pounds of gear, and the bike gets heavy pretty quick. When I hit the dirt with the 800, I lose the hard bags due to the weight and the added risk to the tib/fib.

I haven't taken the panniers off the bike for the FS roads, but I am much slower and kinder when out there than if I was on my dirt bike.

I am considering different boxes, but for right now these are working out well for me on my daily commute.

[hyperboarder]

Do research.
http://www.carryconcealed.net/

Good resource, thanks man. I had looked before and it confirmed my earlier thoughts. My only concern now is very specific definitions. The plan is the carry the gun unloaded with a pair of loaded clips nearby. Legit?

[Gatordoc]

Good resource, thanks man. I had looked before and it confirmed my earlier thoughts. My only concern now is very specific definitions. The plan is the carry the gun unloaded with a pair of loaded clips nearby. Legit?

Your best bet will be to contact the state police wherever it is you will he traveling. Laws change all the time and as we all know the Internet is not always populated with accurate information. If you feel the need to carry that strongly why not take the logical step and apply for a permit?

Colorado State Patrol Gun FAQ (http://csp.state.co.us/faq_Guns.html)
Arizona Concealed Carry Laws (http://www.azdps.gov/services/concealed_weapons/)
New Mexico Concealed Farry FAQ (http://www.dps.nm.org/lawEnforcement/ccw/index.php)
Utah Concealed Carry FAQ (http://publicsafety.utah.gov/bci/CFreferences.html)
Nevada CCW recent Changes (http://www.nvrepository.state.nv.us/ccw_changes.shtml)

I found all that in about 10 minutes (nevada was a pain, for some reason) using Google. Your best bet if you want to be sure is to contact an LEO for the states you are going to pass through just to be sure. Do your research thoroughly, chances are you could risk it and not get caught (criminals do it all the time), but for me it's not worth it.

[scarysharkface]

Good resource, thanks man. I had looked before and it confirmed my earlier thoughts. My only concern now is very specific definitions. The plan is the carry the gun unloaded with a pair of loaded clips nearby. Legit?

If you don't have the permit, the gun should be locked away in a pannier or such, unloaded, and inaccessible to you while enroute. Otherwise it's highly open to the officer's discretion, should you have a mishap or be stopped for something.

John

[scarysharkface]

44 pounds of box is a lot of weight. Add in 40 pounds of gear, and the bike gets heavy pretty quick. When I hit the dirt with the 800, I lose the hard bags due to the weight and the added risk to the tib/fib.

I had 30mm ammocans on my first KLR, and certainly they did make it heavier. I packed more stuff back then as well, so they worked well for travel.

http://scarysharkface.smugmug.com/photos/105152835_o5JcC-M.jpg

On my present KLR I've got the Happy Trails aluminum boxes, which are significantly lighter (and smaller in this case). I don't feel much difference at all between having them mounted or not (unless they've got stuff in them, of course) and they're stout. I still pack too much stuff.

http://scarysharkface.smugmug.com/photos/320630834_KEti2-M.jpg

I think the next iteration of travel bike will have soft bags of some sort, mostly just to try something different. I'd kind of like to come up with an elegant way to mount a couple of ALICE packs to the back, so I could remove one to hike..

John

[LandCruiserPhil]

If you don't have the permit, the gun should be locked away in a pannier or such, unloaded, and inaccessible to you while enroute. Otherwise it's highly open to the officer's discretion, should you have a mishap or be stopped for something.

John

Not true in Arizona (http://www.eastvalleytribune.com/local/cop_shop/article_e1b91aac-967b-11df-b468-001cc4c03286.html) and a couple other states

[LaOutbackTrail]

Talk to me. Why not aluminum? Or are you referencing metal panniers altogether? And what's the problem with using them?

Well, the boxes have their place. I will never and would NOT recommend using them on bikes taken off road. I have met 2 folks who have broken their legs in off road accidents directly caused by the metal panniers.

I had the boxes on the bike for one long trip before I ditched them for a better soft luggage setup. I will say that the boxes on my bike were WAY too big. A narrower set would have been much better. I do not remember if I had the 9 or 10.5" boxes. For my XR650L, I'd go with the 6" boxes if I did it again.

Why did I buy them in the first place? I was planning to ride the bike to Panama and back and knew locking boxes were the way to go. Thinking about it now, I'd get the 6" boxes now, fill them slap full and then have a small duffle bag on the back.

[dirtysouth]

What kind of bikes are the guys taking, and where are they going?

From quickly glancing over the list, they have way to many tools. Usually the stock tool kit will do most anything that you can do on the side of the road, especially if combined with a good multi-tool. If you plan on rebuilding the engine, by all means take the tools, but if you do your maintenance before hand, you should be good to go unless you have a flat, blown fuse or bulb.

Another thing that caught my attention is the hatchet, entrenching tool, and fixed blade knives. I am a knife guy and have way to many but seriously, I have never needed a hatchet or fixed blade knife in 100k + miles of two wheel travel. Leave the flashlights at the house and get a headlamp, a lot smaller and easier to handle if working on the bike or setting up camp. Ditch the canteens. The camelbak should hold enough water to get you from one watering source to another, unless you are in the desert.

I'm thinking that half of the stuff gets shipped home or thrown away. Either way, good luck to them.

[scarysharkface]

Not true in Arizona (http://www.eastvalleytribune.com/local/cop_shop/article_e1b91aac-967b-11df-b468-001cc4c03286.html) and a couple other states

Definitely true in Utah, last time I checked.

John

[Motojournalism]

Here's what I took for a seven-month trip from Canada to Panama.

Clickity click on the pic to see what's what on Flickr.

I swapped out the Solo12 tent for a Rock22
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2573/3776954778_989f8bcc39_z.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/antontrax/3776954778/)

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2665/3776149303_f594387c5d_z.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/antontrax/3776149303/)

It was about 55lbs packed
http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4015/4422849163_491c858e07.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/antontrax/4422849163/)
Medium 640 (http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4015/4422849163_491c858e07_z.jpg)