just a direction
motorcycle travel without a destination
Gear Tips
Gear that works and adaptations you might find useful for moto adventures.
Note: We are not sponsored an have not received any free items or remuneration for endorsements on any of the items below. This gear just works well.
Cookware
We've used aluminium sets and other lightweight options in the past. Nothing has been more compact and usable than the silicon/aluminum Sea to Summit X-Series.
Packed Size: 10.5" x 5" x 3"
Includes: kettle, fry pan, cooking pot, heat diffuser,2 x bowls, 2 x mugs, 2 measuring cups, 2 mixing bowls, can strainer, cookina non-stick mat
Ultimate Non-Stick
We had used the Coookina mat on our grill at home. Cutting one to fit our aluminum Sea to Summit fry pan and adding simple metal paper clips makes for a non-stick cooking surface that is easy to clean and handles eggs, canned beans, and other sticky meals.
Kermit Chairs x 2
The Kermit chair is well-know to touring motorcyclists. Paired with an extra long Aerostich zippered weatherproof bag and you have compact comfort.
We use the Kermit leg extensions for a more comfortable seat height and stability on soft surfaces.
Packed size: 26" x 6" x 6"
Includes: 2 x Kermit chairs and 2 x sets of leg extensions with room to spare for a few small items. Packed in a single long waterproof bag from aerostich.com.
MSR Zing Tarp
Setting up, cooking, fixing bikes, or packing up in the rain is no longer a concern. This tarp has handled everything from 70km winds on the coast of Maine and gusty desert thunderstorms in Chaco Canyon, NM but is most effective at making a miserable drizzle a small inconvenience.
Paired with a 20L compression sack for the tarp, s-biners to quickly attach/detach the lines from the tarp it packs well. Poles fit nicely in a long Aerostich bag with our tent poles with room to spare.
Tool Organizing
Tools are a good idea for riding unsupported at any distance but become mandatory when adventure touring on high mileage trips.
We use a set of bags from overlandgearguy.com to organize everything. The size of the bags work well and allow for flexible packing in side cases compared to larger bags we have used previously. Velcro labels and different colors make things quick to find in a crowded side case.
Compact Grill
We generally pack all our non-perishables for the entire trip and pickup fresh fruits, vegetables, and meats as needed/possible.
Taking a grill big enough to cook a steak or pepper on is room that we couldn't spare. On trip we tried a marshmallow roaster (telescopic) and it worked surprising well with little flex for smaller items over an open fire.
Multi-Device Charging Power Bank
Most motorcyclists will have several wireless devices they use while riding. We have two Cardo units, a Spot X, as well as our mobile phones.
Charging some devices, such as phones, can be done while riding, however, our cordless devices need to be charged when we stop (and bikes aren't running). A power bank is essential. Charge while riding, charge your devices when stopped.
We have used the the "VRURC Portable Power Bank 20,000mAh" on 4 long trips. Very reliable and has multiple outputs with fast charging / high amp capabilities. Find it online at Amazon.
Portable Compact Pharmacy
Getting sick has been rare on our trips but we still carry a full over-the-counter pharmacy (in addition to our first aid kit) consisting of approximately 30 different items. Trying to find a simple medication when the nearest pharmacy is hours or days away isn't an option.
Compactness is only possible because we use small bags and print the dosage instructions and DIN on small sheets of paper. Using the original packaging is not an option. Caution: consider using original packaging /bottle for critical prescription meds which may be fragile and break (broken pills may affect dosage).
