What to take.

[JohnTM]

Going somewhere? Did you remember to take pencils for the kids that hang around the border crossings in Central America? How about your own special brand of chewing gum? Bring enough for the entire class?

Out of this thread we hope to build an all-encompassing article for the Halls of Wisdom. Let's have your suggestions!.

[Trip]

A T-55 torx comes in handy now and then.


So, John, is this supposed to be an all inclusive n00b edumacation or just some of the more esoteric stuff? I mean, we all know to carry TP and a tire repair kit, right? And no, not necessarily for the same emergency

[JohnTM]

Originally Posted by Trip

A T-55 torx comes in handy now and then.


So, John, is this supposed to be an all inclusive n00b edumacation or just some of the more esoteric stuff? I mean, we all know to carry TP and a tire repair kit, right? And no, not necessarily for the same emergency

Tube glue can cure Montezuma's Revenge.

This thread is a place for ideas. It's where you say "don't forget your toothbrush" or Don't forget your spare clutch cable".

This will eventually boil down to a master list of what's necessary, and what you probably can't find in the flea market at the train station on the rim of the Copper Canyon.

[Trip]

Originally Posted by John™

Tube glue can cure Montezuma's Revenge.

This thread is a place for ideas. It's where you say "don't forget your toothbrush" or Don't forget your spare clutch cable".

This will eventually boil down to a master list of what's necessary, and what you probably can't find in the flea market at the train station on the rim of the Copper Canyon.

I've got a list somewhere that I made years ago. I'll see if I can find it just to get things started. It will probably have the added benefit of raining down scorn and ridicule on me. That's OK.


I carry a lot of stuff.

[JohnTM]

Originally Posted by Trip

I've got a list somewhere that I made years ago. I'll see if I can find it just to get things started. It will probably have the added benefit of raining down scorn and ridicule on me. That's OK.


I carry a lot of stuff.

Thanks Trip! That's what's gonna make this forum work!

[Trip]

Originally Posted by John™

Thanks Trip! That's what's gonna make this forum work!

Yaknow what would be cool to kick this thing off would be to post pics of your kit laid out and then list the stuff in there.

Come on people, I know there are those out there that have some very sano set-ups for tools, hydradation/sustenance, entertainment/navigation, first-aid/meds, comfort/camping, ect...

Mine is not so neat, nor do I have pics handy.

[jkam]

Originally Posted by Trip

Yaknow what would be cool to kick this thing off would be to post pics of your kit laid out and then list the stuff in there.

Come on people, I know there are those out there that have some very sano set-ups for tools, hydradation/sustenance, entertainment/navigation, first-aid/meds, comfort/camping, ect...

Mine is not so neat, nor do I have pics handy.

I did that years ago when I had my GS, the laptop with all my older pics went tits up.

I'll to do a new version with the wee all loaded up jkam style.

[Trip]

Originally Posted by jkam

I did that years ago when I had my GS, the laptop with all my older pics went tits up.

I'll to do a new version with the wee all loaded up jkam style.

I'm guessing that is about as good as a kit can get. Lot's of miles/camps.

[SR1]

Unique tools that most MC shops won't have, but if you can't find it you will be SOL.

Example: My Triumph uses a 46mm socket for the rear hub. That's 1 and 13/16" and it takes a 3/4" drive. That's an odd socket to find way out in nowhere's-ville, so I take one with me. Yes I can also take a VW flat-steel "wrench" that also works, but I prefer the socket, despite the weight or size. The front uses a 19mm (or 3/4") allen. Still odd. So, I had a metal shop to cut me a 2" long x 3/4" hex bar piece and I bring it along...just in case. Any mechanic will have a 3/4" socket, but not an allen, so I have the "adapter" for him.

The point is, if you don't plan ahead for your bike's unique needs, you may wind up spending a few days in a place you don't want to be.

[VelvtRide]

Platypus makes a 4 litre(and larger/smaller) collapsable water tank made from very durable plastic. It comes with handles and when filled, bungied to your gear for those times you get stuck without water. Packs very, very small(when empty) and you can get attachment hoses for a. shower b. drink tube c. trigger spray.

A grease pencil works wonders on your map case to highlight your route over your map. Comes off clean with water or just a wipe of your finger.

Honda makes their Spray Cleaner and Polish in small, easy to pack 5oz cans. This stuff takes off engine grease, cleans bugs off your helmet/face sheild/wind screen and is a general use to clean almost anything. It will repel water on items that are treated. Absolutely great for face shields.

You can use your iPod video as a HD for pics while on the road. If you run out of room on your memory card, Apple made a small device so you can connect your camera to it and dump the pics onto the iPod. It's fast, the device fits in the dock slot and has a USB port for the camera. Works great in a pinch if you don't want to delete images.

Tide & Fast Orange make single use packets.

Tide: comes in a packet of 3 for .99 at Wallyworld. 1 Sink pack will wash a coupla pairs of underroos or socks or a shirt or a pair of pants. They're about the size of a Chicklet pack.

Fast Orange: 2 for .99 - these are very handy and over sized - purchased at Auto Zone or somewhere similar. They dry out as quickly as baby buttwipes but do a good job of cleaning very mucky hands. Pack as small as the Tide.

Hefty makes Handy Saks - 10 four gallon sized plastic bags (similar to grocery store bags) neatly packed about the size of the Tide Packets.

A gun lock (free) makes for a great helmet or jacket lock to your bike.

[Bender]

Don't forget your toothbrush.

[McB]

loaves and fishes

[JohnTM]

Originally Posted by Bender

Don't forget your toothbrush.

And your towel. Always have a towel.

[SR1]

Originally Posted by John™

And your towel. Always have a towel.

Yup. My last tour I intentionally took a small towel with me, just in case some FF asked me if I knew where my towel was.

[MaddBrit]

Less is more....very important.



Personal stuff.
Take fleece layers, very versatile.
Underpants and socks.
Beanie and or cap.
Lightweight trail shoes.
Cargo pants where the legs zip off and become shorts. Lite, durable, and dry fast.
Wet wipes.
Trail mix and other nibblies.
A light 'suede' backpacking towel.
Business/personal cards for when you meet folks.
Ziplock bags (various).
Thermals (if appropriate).
Sun cream.
Anti bug cream.
Wash kit.

Essentials.
Backpacking tent and groundsheet.
Tire repair kit with lotsa spares.
Jump leads.
Electric inflator.
Oil.
Spare bulbs.
A leatherman.
Rock straps (google them - they are fantastic).
Bungee web (for strapping on the cold beer).
Ear plugs.
Maps.
KFS and mug.
Stove and gas.
Cooking pots.
Matches.
Camelpack.
Riding jacket and pants.
Riding boots.
Waterproof oversuit.
Good quality mummy sleeping bag (man made best imho - in case it gets wet).
A sleeping bag inner.
Thermarest inflating mat.

Other 'nice to take' stuff.
A reading light.
A book.
Bottle of liquer
Cigars.
Compact digital camera (and charger).
Foldable chair or stool.
GPS.
Portable solar panel...
Collapsable fishing pole and reel etc...
iPod and remote device
Earphones
Cellphone and charger.