The Stuff - Re-visited

This post may pretty boring for non-moto people, but I thought some may find it interesting to take a look at what worked and what didn't on the trip in terms of what I took with me. I did end up sending some stuff home along the way - some things just didn't get used at all, and some things were just not worth the trouble of carrying them with me.

I copied my original post about The Stuff, and will just add notes to that list.

Electronics and similar

• 4/3 Camera and flash - Pictures, pictures, pictures! I have always loved taking photos while traveling
• This got used almost every day. I bought a new Olympus Pen F and a zoom lens just before the trip and was very happy with the camera. Cell phone cameras take really good photos now, and I used mine quite a bit while on the road, but I still like a dedicated camera that can also save the photos as RAW files for archival purposes.

• Booster battery - In case I need to charge phone, GoPro, Bluetooth headset, etc on the road
• I used this much more than I thought I would - not only while on the bike, but also in hotel rooms, while sightseeing, etc. The one I have is a 10,200 mAh, and it worked perfectly. I just had to remember to recharge it after using it. It isn't much bigger than an iPhone, so its super portable.

• Portable hard drive - to store photos and backup the laptop on the road
• I am used to my laptop being backed up automatically when I am at home - I don't have to think about it. I would remember to back up the laptop and photos about every third day. The drive is a wallet-sized 1TB standard portable drive. I wanted to get a solid state one for the trip, but they are still pretty expensive. The standard drive worked fine.

• GoPro - I'll use this both on and off the bike.
• This only got used twice. Once to video the only ferry crossing of the trip, and once to video a sunset in California. The times I tried to mount it to the bike, the video was just too shaky to use. I didn't do any trial runs with the camera on the bike, so I didn't have too many mounting options with me. I'll have to try out some different mounts on the bike before the next trip.

• Apple Lightning cable - don't leave home without it!
• This was used daily - sometimes multiple times.

• Micro USB cable - data transfer to GPS and satellite tracker
• This was also used daily to transfer routes to the GPS as well as to charge the headset for the helmet.

• Standard USB cable - to charge the GoPro
• Only used twice - just like the GoPro.

• P/S Camera - for quick shots where I don't want to dig the bigger camera out
• This got used here and there - mostly while off the bike when sightseeing when I didn't want to carry the bigger camera

• Ear buds - still on the fence about these. I have speakers in the helmet for music on the road. May not need these
• I used these once or twice - I was glad I had them when I did, and they didn't take up much room.

• Laptop charger - self explanatory
• Used daily. I always made sure the laptop had a full charge when I left each morning just in case I had to change the route, jump online to do any changes to reservations, etc. so I wouldn't have to dig out the charger.

• Small tripod - for non-selfie photos and I will hopefully get some sunset shots on the west coast
• I used this a handful of times - it stayed strapped to the top case plate most of the time. I was glad I had it when I did use it.

• Selfie stick - for the GoPro and P/S camera
• I didn't use this at all - I actually sent it back home with Kate on her return from the Dakotas.

• Chesty GoPro Mount - Mounting the GoPro directly to the bike makes for shaky shots. I have found that the chesty mount has a good perspective and is relatively stable.
• I tried using this once, then found that the tank bag took up about half of the frame. I sent this home at some point.

• Laptop & case - for blogging, GPS mapping software, photo editing, etc
• This was used every day for routes, blogging and keeping in touch with the world. It was especially useful in Missoula when I need to make a bunch of changes and reservations.

• Charging kit (USB dock, Camera charger, micro USB cable, apple cable, microSD card reader)
• The USB dock is one of my "always have" when traveling. Every night I needed to charge my phone and helmet bluetooth. The corded USB dock is great for hotels, as most of the time outlets are behind beds, tables, etc. CLICK HERE for the one I use.

• GPS - Must have
• Once you have one of these for motorcycle travel, you start to depend on it. There are a few things I really like about having a dedicated GPS:
• I can make a route on my laptop and upload it to the GPS - it isn't just directions between points.
• It has food, gas, attractions, etc pre-loaded. If I need fuel, it will find the closest gas station, then I can add it to the route if needed. The downside to this is that the pre-loaded points are not always the most accurate. Newer places sometimes aren't in the list, and sometimes the list is outdated (places closed)
• It tracks a whole bunch of other data - it has 2 trip meters, it tracks speeds (top, average, etc) and displays speed in real time, it shows the current speed limit for the road you are on, it has an altimeter, shows how many miles are left to to your destination, and shows an estimated arrival time that adjusts as you are moving - and is surprisingly accurate.

• Headset remote - allows me to change music, operate intercom, etc.
• This was used almost every day. When I did listen to music it allowed me to operate the controls (volume, skip, etc) without moving my hands from the handlebars

• SPOT Satellite tracker + extra batteries - For emergencies this device can send a SOS and get emergency crews in route to where you are based on location. In areas where I have no cell signal this device will also allow me check in with Kate so she knows I'm OK. If you ride, camp or hike, look into one.
• When I first bought this, I was a bit skeptical about how useful it would be. It turned out to be a really great addition to the trip. I turned it on in the morning, put it in my pocket, and it would track me for the entire day. I had it set up to drop a pin every 30 minutes that would show my progress. Kate could just look at an app on her phone to see where I was and to ensure I was moving. I can also press a button on the device to send a text to a pre-selected list of people to check in to let them know I'm OK. This works via satellite, so even out of cell range it works. Below are some screen shots of what the app looks like.

• I'll continue to use it for local rides as well as future longer-distance treks. There is a yearly service fee, but I think it is worth it for trips like this. I can also use it for hiking, etc.

• Cell phone - self explanatory

Keys/Security/etc.

• Extra keys (bike, Shad, disc lock, cover lock) - Lost keys with no spares would suck
• I never needed these, but that is a good thing!

• Cable lock (combination retractable) - this will allow me to lock my  helmet and gear to the bike if I want to take a hike along the way or be away from the bike for a bit.
• I only used this a few times, but it was nice to have when I did.

• Small Coiled cable - works in conjunction with above
• Same as above

• Alarm remote - the bike has an anti-theft alarm
• The alarm was set on the bike every night. It never went off, but good to have.

• Bike cover & lock - lots of the blogs on motorcycle travel say that this is a pretty good deterrent for people messing with your motorcycle in hotel parking lots. the lock will keep in on the bike in wind.
• I used this for about the first week or so - but then I decided it was more trouble that it was worth. I ended up sending it back home at some point.

• Disc lock pin & Key - a lock that goes through the front brake disk immobilizing the bike
• I used this every night and once or twice when I was going to be away from the bike for a bit during the day.

Tools and similar

• Kickstand plate - just a flat 4" square piece of metal to keep the kickstand from sinking on soft surfaces
• This got used quite a bit - I carry this in my tank bag on just about every ride I take.

• Head lamp w/ extra batteries - I LOVE my headlamp! Light wherever you are looking when needed.
• I used this a few times - was worth carrying along.

• Multi-tool - bottle opener, screwdriver, pliers.... the usual
• I used this quite a bit - mostly for the bottle opener, but there were a few times it came in handy.

• Tire pressure gauge - low pressure in tires = bad things
• The small one I brought along turned out to not work so well, so I picked up THIS ONE (click) along the way and it worked beautifully.

• 60mm socket - not something every motorcycle shop may have. Needed to remove the rear tire on this bike. Better to have it and not need it than to not have it.
• I ended up getting a new set of tires in Rapid City, but I was at a KTM shop, so I didn't need this. I thought about sending it home many times, but I knew as soon as I did, I would need it. I carried it the whole time and didn't use it once.

• Flat kit - I have had to use this twice now. I won't ride further than 50 miles without it.
• Never needed it, but I carry it on every trip.

• Vac sealed rags - never know when you'l need a rag
• I used most of the ones that I took along on the trip. Another great use for your kitchen vacuum sealer - I sealed 5 rags in individual little packets, which minimized the size, and kept them clean and dry until I needed them.

• Monks brand hand wipes - cleans grease off your hands really well.
• I bought a big box of 500 of these individually wrapped wipes a few years ago - kind of like the wet-naps they give you at chicken wing joints, but with a much thicker towel and stronger cleaner. I used a few on the trip, and when I got home noticed I was running low. I tried to order another box to have around the garage, but they no longer make them in the individual packets. I'll have to hoard the ones I still have.

• ROK straps - just in case I need to strap something down - these are fancy bungees.
• I didn't have to use these, but they don't take much room, and can be super useful. At one point John and I thought we may pick up a small plastic gas can for the stretch across Nevada, but ended up not needing to. These straps would have been perfect to use for that.

• Extra velcro straps - same as above
• Didn't use them, but I'd still include them on a longer trip.

• Tool kit - just in case
• The bike has a basic tool kit under the seat that has most of the common things you may need on a day trip. Anything longer than a day ride, I usually throw in an auxiliary tool kit that has a few more things in it. I only needed it once on the trip.

• Chain lube - have to keep the chain going! No chain, no go.
• I used an entire 6 oz can of chain lube. I ended up needing to lube the chain about every other day. The can ran out in Dyersburg, TN - only 2 days out from home.

Hygiene and similar

• Laundry pods - these things are great for travel - super portable
• These worked perfectly - I carried them in a large prescription bottle to keep them from getting squished. Hotel and laundromat vending machines were about $2 for 1 load of soap.

• Toilet paper - for roadside emergencies
• Vacuum sealed as well - Didn't need it, but you just never know.

• First Aid Kit - also for roadside emergencies - non traumatic, of course.
• I didn't need it but the old Boy Scout and Firefighter in me won't let me leave it at home.

• Shave kit – the usual stuff
• Well, I didn't use the razor at all, so that could have stayed at home.

Gear

• Klim Suit
• There was a whole post about the gear. I ended up with a Klim Latitude jacket and pants, and they were absolutely brilliant. They were comfortable, plenty of pocket storage and are made of GoreTex. I didn't see a whole lot of rain (4 days out of 34), but when it did rain, I just closed the vents and kept going. I was completely dry after hours of riding in the rain, and all the stuff in my pockets was too. Wallet, phone, Spot tracker, etc. never got a drop of water on them. The highest temperature I saw was 97 degrees, and I was still comfortable - as long as I was moving (I have worn mesh gear that was warmer). I also saw temperatures as low as 24 degrees - on these days, I was layered underneath the coat with a dri-fit t-shirt, smart wool base layer, long sleeved cotton shirt, and a thin down jacket. I wouldn't say that I was "warm" but I certainly wasn't cold. Klim gear is quite expensive, but I am really glad that I bit the bullet and spent the money - it is by far the best gear I have worn.

• Regular gloves
• By "regular" I mean non-waterproof, armored, motorcycle gloves. My standard glove of choice is the Held Airstream. I have been wearing these for a few years and really like them. When they wear out, I just buy another pair of the same thing. They are not insulated so I wore them less on this trip than I thought I would but they performed well as always.

• Waterproof gloves
• My waterproof gloves are also made by Held. I can't remember the name... I do know they have been discontinued, so I'll have to find something similar when it is time to replace them. These gloves work well, but are not truly insulated gloves. On some of the colder days, by fingers did get a bit cold. They are also GoreTex, so generally breathe pretty well, but in warm, humid conditions, my hands are still damp at the end of the day - I think mostly from sweat, rather than the gloves not being waterproof. These gloves also have a small rubber squeegee along the left index finger to wipe your visor when raining.

• Helmet
• I am currently using a Shoei GT Air. This is the first Shoei that I have had and I really like it. It has an internal, drop down sun visor that can be put up and down as needed. It is pretty light, and moves a good bit of air when the vents are open. The wind noise is a bit loud when the vents are open, without earplugs, it would probably be too noisy.
• One thing I didn't think I would need is a replacement shield. I put a brand new shield on the helmet the night before I left - but it would have been nice to have one waiting for me in one of the boxes that I sent ahead. While I didn't have too many days of rain, what I did not think about was how quickly the shield would get scratched up from constantly wiping across it to clear off the road grime that gets kicked up from the vehicles in front of you while riding in the rain or on wet roads. I have not found a Rain-X type of product that works well for plastics. The Rain-X for plastic I have tried is useless.

• Visor cleaner
• This is a absolute must for every ride - used multiple times a day to get the bugs and road grime off.

• Balaclava
• I never used the one that I brought with me. There were a few times that it may have been cold enough, but I either had forgotten I brought it along, or just didn't feel like digging it out. While I was in Rapid City, I did buy a neck gaiter to prevent some of the neck irritation I was getting from the coat collar - I ended up wearing this every day for the rest of the trip.

• Earplugs + extra set - I cannot ride without earplugs - they cut the wind noise and really help fight fatigue
• The earplugs I have are custom molded, so they fit perfectly. These were worn every day - I need to get some new ones pretty soon.

• Dog tags & Med info card - when riding alone I always wear a set of dog tags that has medical info and emergency contact information
• Not needed, but you never know!

• Boots - please do not ride without good boots!
• The boots I used for this trip are what I wear most of the time - Alpinestars Web Goretex boots. These boots were perfect. They are comfortable enough to walk around in when off the bike, and are waterproof - my feet never got wet throughout the entire trip. The only issue with these boots is that they are not suited for winter riding - my feet did get cold on the colder stretches (below 40 degrees or so). They aren't advertised to be cold weather boots, so I have no real complaint about this. Carrying winter boots along as well would have take too much room.

Miscellaneous

• Pencil/pen/Small notebook
• Used every day for keeping track of expenses, mileage, etc.

• Travel pack - stamps, cash, hotel info
• This was essentially a travel wallet. I had printed all of the addresses, etc for hotels and AirBnB's - came in handy a few times. I also had an emergency stash of cash as well as some stamps for postcards, an extra pen, etc. It worked well.

• Water bottle
• I used this for the first few days, then sent it home with Kate from the Dakotas. It was a camelback rigid water bottle - I found that a regular plastic water bottle from a conveinence store that I could re-fill worked better - they will crush a bit when jammed into a mostly full top-case - the camelback bottle wouldn't.
• Sunglasses
• Not used while riding (helmet has that built in) but used whenever off the bike.

• Regular glasses
• I can see without them, but not real well. I ended up wearing them more than I had planned on. While in Missoula for the 5 break-down days, I had to wear my glasses, as I would not get more contacts until I got my next in-route package - originally planned to be in Seattle. I really hate wearing glasses under my helmet - so much that it is not even an option for me. I had to conserve the few pairs of contacts I had left until I could get more.

• Regular and folding reading glasses - Necessary evil now.
• Used probably every day. Any time I had to read a menu!

• Maps - yes, I mean old-fashioned, paper, fold back and forth and back and forth maps. Just in case of detours.
• I never needed these. They didn't take much room, and I would probably take them on future trips.

• Portable backpack - for days off when I may be carrying around a camera, laptop, sunglasses, etc
• I am really glad I threw this in. I used it many times for all of the items I thought I would, as well as when I went to grocery stores for provisions on days off. This will probably go on all motorcycle trips from here on out.

• Credit cards, National Parks Pass, Drivers license, Fed ID, Insurance cards, etc.
• I used all of these except the insurance cards.

Clothes - 

• I was happy with everything I brought along for clothing. The only thing that I didn't use was the ball cap/hat - that got sent home with Kate from the Dakotas. The only thing I may add on future trips is a pair of swim trunks.
• Sneakers
• Riding shorts – 3
• Riding Socks – 3
• Underwear – 3
• Regular socks - 2
• Footie socks – 3
• Jeans – 1
• Regular t-shirt – 3
• Dri-fit t-shirt – 3
• Shorts - 2
• Long sleeve t-shirt – 1
• Windbreaker
• Ball cap/hat
• Thin Down coat
• Smartwool bottom & top

All in all, most everything I took worked well. I did learn some things along the way that I will use for future trips. For me, I don't think I overpacked - I am sure there are many who would disagree with me. I used just about everything that that I took - and what didn't get used has been duly noted to leave out for the next trip.