Are you going on a motorcycle trip? see how to travel smart (and cheap) by motorcycle
30 - 03 - 2023
Water - the most important thing you need to take care of is water. Even on a day trip, it's the most essential part of your equipment, as riding in high temperatures with a tight motorcycle suit will cause you to dehydrate quickly and lose concentration behind the wheel. The rush of cool air means you won't feel the effect of water loss from your body, so adopt the rule of thumb of "stop = drink water." If you're planning a multi-day trip to the wilderness, unless you're traveling by grand touring, you'll have a hard time taking a bunch of spring water. Try to get a soft water container that you can refill while on the road, attach it to your motorcycle with a mesh attachment, and when you don't need it anymore roll it up and stow it in a side pocket of your bag. For the duration of the ride, we heartily recommend a bottle of water with a spout conveniently placed in the holder next to the Outsider pannier.
Shelter - Entire books have been written on this subject, which yes you can read at your leisure or choose one of the ways we have tried.
Shelter - Entire books have been written on this subject, which yes you can read at your leisure or choose one of the ways we have tried.
Definitely a cheaper and easier to pack option for those who prefer to travel light. These tents can be unpacked quickly and easily, and when packed can fit inside a bag or attached with carrying straps to the handlebars.
Tarp-type tarp - a very old-school and most impressive way to spend the night. The tarp can be hung between the trees in a tent-like shape, or you can roll it over the edge of the motorcycle wheels and hook the opposite edge to the handlebars and rear fender. In the resulting "pocket" we slide our bedding and voila! Motonamiot ready! Heating from the engine and exhaust pipe free of charge! The sheet takes up by far the least space in your luggage, so it will easily fit under the flap of your bag or cargo net.
Tarp-type tarp - a very old-school and most impressive way to spend the night. The tarp can be hung between the trees in a tent-like shape, or you can roll it over the edge of the motorcycle wheels and hook the opposite edge to the handlebars and rear fender. In the resulting "pocket" we slide our bedding and voila! Motonamiot ready! Heating from the engine and exhaust pipe free of charge! The sheet takes up by far the least space in your luggage, so it will easily fit under the flap of your bag or cargo net.
LIGHTING
It will often be the case that you arrive at a camping site after dark, so having a portable light source is absolutely essential. We strongly recommend relying on your motorcycle's headlight and headlamp. Ideally, it should be powered by rechargeable finger-type batteries, as charging one equipped with a rechargeable battery can be a hassle when you're at a campsite.
If you're not keen on sleeping on pine needles, we recommend considering one of the bedding options that are easy to take aboard a motorcycle.
By far the most comfortable option, you will sleep on it by far the best. Unfortunately, its use is combined with inflating or inflating, which can be extra tiring after a long day in the saddle. In addition, the mattress is hard to pack into a neat package that will fit in your bag, so you will definitely use the cargo net to put it on the flap of your bag.
Inflatable mat - quite comfortable, often in a small package that will fit comfortably in your bag or under the cargo net. Its disadvantage is low puncture resistance in case of sleeping on the ground.
Inflatable mat - quite comfortable, often in a small package that will fit comfortably in your bag or under the cargo net. Its disadvantage is low puncture resistance in case of sleeping on the ground.
The least comfortable option of the above, but it has its advantages. Karimata is quite resistant to damage, and even if it gets punctured, it is cheap enough that it will be easy to replace it with a new one even on the road. It's waterproof - it doesn't need additional packaging if you'll be transporting it on the handlebars of a motorcycle or on the flap of a bag.
Choosing a sleeping bag is not, despite appearances, difficult. When packed, it must take up as little space as possible, and its type is selected according to the expected weather conditions. Down sleeping bags are expensive, but they provide the highest thermal comfort while camping and compress into tiny packs. However, their use requires special attention - contact of the sleeping bag with moisture will cause loss of thermal properties, and it is cold in a damp down sleeping bag. Sleeping bags with synthetic filling are cheaper, less compressible, but easier to use. Definitely bet on so-called mummies and don't worry about the weight of the sleeping bag, after all, you won't be carrying it on your back.
Food - Yes, we know that nowadays every gas station serves hot dogs, but believe us that often cooking yourself is a better option for a nutritious meal after a long day on the road. What's worth taking along?
Food - Yes, we know that nowadays every gas station serves hot dogs, but believe us that often cooking yourself is a better option for a nutritious meal after a long day on the road. What's worth taking along?
4. ORDER(AND CLEANLINESS) MUST
Hygiene - If you're going to a rally on a naked, sport or bobber motorcycle, rather forgive yourself for taking a trunk of toiletries. Opt for wet wipes(lots of them!), disinfecting liquids, all-purpose liquids like "shampoo + body wash" in sachets, and a brilliant invention of recent years - microfiber towels. They dry quickly, take up little space, and those in the DeemeeD range are made of highly absorbent material.
How to pack?
It's a good idea to practice packing essentials before you leave. There are two overriding rules for packing motorcycle gear:
Wet things separately from dry things - by wet we mean things that are likely to get wet while camping or could potentially release the liquid inside them. Also, don't put a tarp or a bottle of whiskey in a bag with your socks or sleeping bag.
Know where I have what - designate one and unchanging place for gear of a particular type and try not to change it. You may have to find the key ten in the dark?
How to pack?
It's a good idea to practice packing essentials before you leave. There are two overriding rules for packing motorcycle gear:
Wet things separately from dry things - by wet we mean things that are likely to get wet while camping or could potentially release the liquid inside them. Also, don't put a tarp or a bottle of whiskey in a bag with your socks or sleeping bag.
Know where I have what - designate one and unchanging place for gear of a particular type and try not to change it. You may have to find the key ten in the dark?
DeemeeD bags are made of waterproof materials - take advantage of that! Following the second rule, try to put your clothes in them in a separate compression bag, your most necessary toiletries in the flap of the bag, food in a waterproof zipper bag. Sewn between the layers of the bag's cordura, neoprene foam will certainly help keep it fresh. And while we're on the subject of "freshness", don't forget to bring the bag in which you received your DeemeeD bag - it's great for transporting dirty clothes!
To pack your electronics, you'll definitely need the Turtlebag, in which you'll sort cables, chargers, powerbanks, small tools. It fits elegantly under the flap of the aluminum trunk or in the Explorer S bag hung on the handlebars.
Try to stow your tools, spare parts and meal prep equipment in the Drybag waterproof bag, which you mount on top. You can also put things that get wet in the rain in it.
To pack your electronics, you'll definitely need the Turtlebag, in which you'll sort cables, chargers, powerbanks, small tools. It fits elegantly under the flap of the aluminum trunk or in the Explorer S bag hung on the handlebars.
Try to stow your tools, spare parts and meal prep equipment in the Drybag waterproof bag, which you mount on top. You can also put things that get wet in the rain in it.
In general, when we plan a trip - we mean to have a nice time. We don't always succeed because we make mistakes and forget some simple rules. Often situations due to weather / breakdown / fatigue force us to improvise. Benefit from the knowledge of those who have been traveling for years. Save yourself the trouble and nerves during your trip. To have a pleasant time under the stars remember that:
- Your luggage must be stably mounted on the motorcycle. Cargo net, transport straps and holders will help you with this.
- Have on hand only what you will use during the ride.
- Wet = useless. Protect your gear with waterproof covers.
- The balance of your motorcycle affects its handling. Try to place as much heavy stuff as possible as low as possible, closest to the motorcycle's center of gravity.
- You first, then the motorcycle - take care of your shelter, water and safety first.
- Put your mind at ease and have fun! Next time it will be even better.
