Load light, travel light packing tips

[@BretTkacs]

If you want text notification for new videos, text "Tkacs" to 888-306-7782 (now say that 5 times fast... "text Tkacs to"

[@RiderTrav]

Well packed but no tools no food no kitchen gear, for those loose straps try rolling and securing with electrical tape or Velcro if your not expanding the pre set length will be determined the first time you pack and easily adjusted if need be. Nice camping gear. Thanks for the videos Bret keep up the good work

[@gimlet61cotswoldlad38]

Like the style of roll bag pannier but detachable bags aid packing when it's raining, in the UK we get quite a few wet days. Good video.

[@jamiecleeves7921]

Brilliant video easy to follow and no dreaded loud music I'm a fan thanks UK

[@hilerionewsrhr5313]

I pack my motorcycle with backpacking gears. All my gears weight 40pound and I have everything. Tents, coffe maker, stove, chair, table, computer, drone, food, cloth, matres, pillow, I charge everything with my 50 watts fordable solar panel. I used to have all the equipment in saddle bags but the bike was to heavy. I used a rear bag of 40liter water proof

[@frebuton2016]

Hi Bret, thanks for the fantastic tips! I'll use your advice for our upcoming August COBDR trip. Additionally to the gear you've mentioned, I'll have to bring tools, a jetboil, water, snacks and freeze-dried food on my T700. A tip I could provide: At the end of a riding day, I put 2-3 dryer sheets into each boot. It draws moisture out, keeps the stinky boots tolerable and those sheets don't weigh anything.

[@BretTkacs]

The tools and emergency repair along with the power converter are in the back right pocket. Packing article with packing list for Spain to ZA mototrekraw.wordpress.com/2019/11/19/packing-tips/ And the packing video from that trip kzbin.info/www/bejne/Y5OtZIKmebt3oLs For a Podcast on camping tips brettkacs.com/top-tips-for-adventure-camping/

[@RangerPhantomSAS]

Was wondering where those were as I don't remember you talking about them in this video. Was this also the same or part of your emergency / first aid kit?

[@BretTkacs]

@@RangerPhantomSAS yes

[@sydznl]

Would be cool if you met Noraly (itchy boots) she's at SA too

[@thetessellater9163]

I actually commented on that on her YT channel some weeks ago when Bret first announced he was coming to SA. Watch this space?

[@benjaminboesler718]

@@thetessellater9163 if I remember correctly, Bret mentioned that he reached out but (at that time) hasn't heard back from her

[@BretTkacs]

@@benjaminboesler718 she did reply that she was to far away

[@benjaminboesler718]

@@BretTkacs bummer, but I think you'll still have an amazing time. Looking forward to the next video(s) of yours!

[@maxdebayser3856]

That would have been cool indeed

[@searchingfor6thgear44]

I'm impressed by that bag and sleeping mat combo. I'll need to look into them!

[@bsalvis]

I noticed that also and will be looking into it.. A pad and a low temp bag combo that packs so small is impressive.

[@zero2sixty420]

IDK, but the bag is 400 bucks? 😳

[@mhn.overlander2798]

Thanks for a great intro to packing light. Besides food and cooking gear, one should not forget to carry 3l of drinking water in hot regions.

[@courtlenfout5260]

I'd love to see a short list or video regarding the contents of your first aid kit.

[@BretTkacs]

I added a link in the video description on the drug part of my aid bag.

[@49Roadmaster]

Great video. After looking at all your videography equipment I am impressed, but also so glad I do not feel the need to record my trips. Keep up the great filming.

[@markjacobs3956]

So glad I only carry a cell phone and only text to the 3 people I love and the 8 people I like. I do carry tools and a cook kit though... 30 liter duffle and a tank bag. 30lbs total.

[@aleksanders2294]

And your way is the best! Less thinghs - more expirience!

[@rvawreckingcrew5421]

My panniers have a waterproof liner. If anything is wet, like my ground cloth or rain fly on a damp morning, I pack the dry items in the liner and the wet stuff goes outside of the liner but still in the pannier. Just a way to separate the wet stuff from the dry stuff. I also use the two person Big Agnes Bikepacking tent big enough for me and my gear plus it packs small and the poles are only about 12” long when folded.

[@menopillion9853]

05:30: Discussing his panniers, then a rabbit comes into view. Sometime later I realize I am looking for the rabbit rather than the pannier loading. I like the videos. Hopefully you will get more unscripted animal videobombs in them too.

[@andrejoubert2593]

He can be clad it was only a rabbit this time.. had we camped somewhere more rural it might have just been a Lion or a Rhino that photo bombs your video then you would see how fast he can pack his panniers 😂

[@sissydreams7494]

Yes, and how often do you see a pure white bunny in the wild? :) He looked very well fed, too! :)

[@KentuckyFriedHuman]

Follow the white rabbit, the matrix is calling you

[@robmcmillan584]

Maybe that white rabbit sometimes makes all his gear ‘small’ and easier to pack!

[@Porsche996driver]

I love the capacity of the BMW hardcases, they are strong but heavy. Checking that tent and tiny bag, very cool.

[@nomadpi1]

I would have preferred to see all the breakdown and packing of items. From tent set-up to full bagging.

[@dutchtenere7009]

And where you put the cameraman and his stuff?🤣🤣🤣

[@Asdfghjkl1234]

Amigo - Excelente. Clear and useful. Greetings and respect to all from Durango Mexico 🇲🇽

[@vintagerealityvr]

This is like porn for my OCD. Everything fits so perfect and has it's perfect place

[@BretTkacs]

You might like this one too... kzbin.info/www/bejne/Y5OtZIKmebt3oLs

[@KenpachiZarakiX]

I think MotoCampNerd needs to sponsor you. Thanks for all you do Bret!

[@BretTkacs]

I agree

[@LuckyLuke79a]

Nice camping site! Packing my stuff every morning is a ritual I really enjoy when I'm out moto camping. Have a great time! ❤

[@Jeanetteslagt]

I don’t even bring a tent on my Mexican road trip, hotels and Airbnb’s it is! But i love the way you pack!

[@ionageman]

The adv tent is the absolute best tent I’ve ever used .

[@8andsk835]

400 plus bucks it better be!!

[@babar69110]

6 years of work on light packing for all days offroad travels. 17 pounds for all, including hot tent, fuel stove , down sleep bag, matrass, clothes, casual, shoes, electronic farkles, etc.... Packing light is a really long process. Key is to be able to dry gears and boots on long travels. you can have 5 sets of socks underwears, thsorts and trousers, if it rains non stop 5 days, all will be wet.... We all tend to be secured by bringing more, but the main target has two words : be dry and warm...

[@Azzurro650]

05:27 Follow the white rabbit! 🐇 Great video, thank you for that! 🙏🏻

[@zero2sixty420]

🤔

[@Azzurro650]

@@zero2sixty420 Ever seen “Matrix”?

[@zero2sixty420]

@@Azzurro650 yea....but cant say I recall lines from that movie in the way I might, say, "Lookit the BONES!!" 🤣

[@JohannesDalenMC]

Awesome video Bret. It would be great if you continued with these camping videos. Tips and tricks from someone with a lot of experience. What to consider regarding the gear etc.

[@903lew]

Very nice setup. Currently building out the little Tracer for a week of camping around Europe, will se if I can fit everything in two panniers. And a tail bag. And a tank bag. 😂

[@patrickcooper9641]

I absolutely love my new BA Mystic 15! Thank you Bret for this video. Enjoy ZA!

[@Nightcrawler666]

Great video. I've just got back from a 3 day trip to North Wales. 1st ever moto camp. I took way too much stuff. I was too heavy. Just my 58ltr top box is packed with camera gear & is very heavy. I need to re think & see what I can do without. I have the Lone Rider Mototent. I took clothes, cooking gear, Nemo disco 15 sleeping bag. Nemo sleeping pad. Light pair trainers, small first aid kit, fire Dragon tiny stove. Not sure what I could so without. This video helped though. Going to have a sort out.

[@quatron---]

There is a sound issue in your later videos. The wrong channel is selected for sound, it comes from the left channel instead of center/both.

[@fr4gus]

I noted and commented it too in other videos but it seems our comments are not read :(

[@sergioa4191]

Hello Bret! Nice video! For the issue with the straps, wich are coming up there is a nice solution with MOLLE WEB ELASTIC STRING. This are small plastic pieces wich you attach easily on each strap, to hold the end of the straps on its place. Take care 😁👍

[@rallye81]

I was thinking the same thing.

[@chickenmunga]

An alternative idea is to use ranger bands - get a popped bicycle tire tube, make some bands.

[@shaungrenfell189]

Looks and sounds like you’re in Kwazulu Natal. Lovely place for biking.

[@AmerSheikh]

Love the setup. Gives me some great ideas how to plan my around the world trip!

[@alijanahabdullah]

If there's one thing I picked up from this video, it would have to be that book that Bret takes out when he's relaxing. What a read that is going to be. I'm going to order one now.

[@BretTkacs]

Good luck finding a copy, that book is now out of print. It is an amazing read! If you get a copy never let it go!!

[@petermac165]

Great video Bret, would like to know where you sourced the small black component bags and the larger clothes bag - i like having everything compartmentalised and have been using a bundle of dry bags to date..but looking for something that doesn’t involve packing, compressing and repacking again, then realising I’ve left a recharger out...rinse and repeat.

[@Liberty4Ever]

Thank you for the insights. I pack ultralight but I'm not carrying equipment for professional video production, and I'm not on round the world adventures. If you fell the need to carry plastic polish, it's available in 2 ounce non-aerosol bottles.

[@sahil01s]

Seeing you makes me want to ride..great work Bret

[@volvogt21]

Awesome work Brett. One of my favourite activities is working on the efficiency of my gear and how to store it. Thanks for sharing.

[@adrianalexandrov7730]

3:34 book is Bernt Spiegel's The Upper Half of the Motorcycle: On the Unity of Rider and Machine

[@abouc]

Very well organized kit. I'm amazed you're willing to keep all that technology in a soft pannier. It would take all of 15 seconds with a razor blade for a theif to steal everything.

[@SoulTouchMusic93]

if they know it's there.

[@Gismo3333]

That tells me… You have no clue what you are talking about. And you trying to find something smart to comment. I can give you a clue… You missed 100%… or I can give you 99% miss.

[@BlackThor15]

Great video Bret, amazing how you can travel so light and for an overseas trip, great example, well done!! Can you also pls share the content of your toll roll? Thank you!! 👍👍

[@nigellove-lovebigbikeadven4783]

Can’t understand the thumbs down with your videos 🤔. It’s good to see these products been displayed

[@CadeMonster]

I think some people may not like the way he communicated to the cameraman at 10:06 and therefore maybe a thumbs down... but I know Bret from his prior videos and know that was not intentionally rude. But if this was the firs video you see of him you may not appreciate that.

[@wipperwil]

Thanks for posting Brett, very helpful.

[@k_plax]

Such a well produced video. Well articulated, good camera work, product name shown, and the “reasons why”. And concise! Surely the best moto camping packing video on youtube. Question- you mentioned spares (not needed on this particular trip) but what about tools? Even those tools required on any ride, not just a long multi country expedition. Where do you pack them?

[@andrewstambaugh240]

@Bret Tkacs you should buy a paint pen and label your gopro and other little bags. Consider buying a couple colors, as it is even nicer to at a glance see color to ID. (I did that with metric vs sae tool sets at work, and it's so much nicer to glance vs having to examine to determine). PS love your videos. I think you have helped me the most with my riding skill and i don't even have a fraction of what you've taught ingrained yet.

[@PeterHTB]

Fit a 3inch piece of double-sided Velcro on end of straps 90 degrees to strap and roll up and fasten the Velcro to itself quick and easy.

[@MonkeyofAwesome]

That was an awesome and very helpful video Bret!

[@flyinghigh370]

If you mounted the bags on the opposite side of the bike they are now, the open pockets would be on the back and less likely to get your shoes and drone wet...

[@BretTkacs]

But they would fill.with more dust

[@SsiolisP]

"Load light, travel light" Bret says, then packs an entire Hollywood filming studio in neat zip-bags! (yeah, I get you man. The burden of being a KZbin sensation is weighing you down :D )

[@Comrade134]

To each their own. I'll leave the camera gear at home but I would still like to bring my entire wardrobe.

[@SsiolisP]

@@Comrade134 I'm not an advocate of "Packing light". "Ride your ride, and pack what you pack" is my motto. Ideas for reducing the burden of packing everything I want (inevitably weight) are welcomed but, I was only toying around with the irony of the equipment Bret has to carry around in order to film a "Pack light tips" video.

[@markust8904]

Kinda wanted to see what cooking gear you would use as well. Carrying water, food cooking equip. just to be fully set.

[@BretTkacs]

Not traveling internationally. I did that in South America but not when I traveled Africa and India

[@beaunaro]

Nice stuff! Good video! Makes it look as though one could travel really light. However, not truly realistic unless you have a sag wagon that carries your tools, food and kitchen. So most of us are probably restrained by a lot more weight, including a too bag to put it in.

[@BretTkacs]

This is the kit I packed for the month I just spent in ZA and nearly identical to the Kit I used for North/Central/South America, it's more than what I used for 3 months in India and nearly the same as my trip from northern Spain to ZA and the rest of the countries in Southern Africa. In the states I carry a kitchen, overseas I don't Realistic is a perspective I suspect

[@michael-hansen]

Bret, thanks as always for another great video. I have the cure for "Stinky Boots", about 3 drops of Clove Essential Oil in each boot. Works amazingly well.

[@patrickcooper9641]

Baby powder also works well!

[@davidjmichaud4422]

Baking soda is great too, shake it in all around and dump out when your ready to use. But a word of warning, if you dont get it all out it could be abrasive to your feet.

[@riderinthesky2265]

Hey! 5:32, was that a rabbit? Cool! Most riders I know, usually place their electronics on their top bag. I do too, because in case I fell, it lessens the risk my laptop/etc. would be crushed/damaged. But, to each , his own. Thanks for the tips.

[@mikeyd6031]

I wondered if anyone else saw the rabbit!

[@byever1]

@@mikeyd6031 everyone saw the rabbit

[@mikeyd6031]

@@byever1 What rabbit? :)

[@DieTabbi]

I loved tbe under seat muffler from my KTM 990R. Best concept, and you had 2 sane sized panniers. Which brand are all these small bags you use for organizing? Nice video 🥰

[@brianmartindale2221]

You forgot the kitchen sink lol Always amazed at how much stuff motorcyclists carry while traveling, and then they get motel rooms. Some of the rigs I see look like Rube Goldberg was at work

[@nzbikerjon]

best packing i've seen neer real world, nice 'n compact, tidy with smaller internal bad idea, sweet as... cheers

[@thebikernaturelover59]

This is the best video and really very helpful for all kind of tours on bike. Thanks for sharing, regards 😊👍

[@DerekSmort]

This sparks joy

[@owloped405]

Love the white bunny cameo.

[@aleksanders2294]

Lot of media tech equipments, but shelter and bags is perfect. If I grab bag without bike, I can use it like regular backpack? They have a usual straps?

[@scottc3]

Great tips! You put my packing to shame. Will definitely try and be more minimalist on my trips this year.

[@simphiwemathupha3485]

Great video - welcome to the motherland!! ⛰ Any highlights to your trip ito scenic routes?

[@c-note4146]

well thought out. thanks for sharing!

[@ebenv1]

It would be great if you could let us know where you get some of those smaller bags to keep things organised. My OCD hates stuffing everything into one big bag and this is looking awesome.

[@Equidem]

Great video, though the sound is only coming out through the left channel

[@vancekeith5642]

I would like to see how easy or not easy that tent setup is, looks nice

[@autowerkesexclusive]

I have the same tent. You can easily put it up in around 5 minutes.

[@wonkywheels1037]

Thanks Bret. How about a little part on removing a wheel using different methods to get the bike off the ground, center stand version side stand. Real world with a bike loaded. I ride alone a lot so no one to help. Thanks for your time.

[@Crazy-Chicken-Media]

Check out ryanF9 he has some videos on that topic.

[@enriquefurtado1703]

Gran vídeo, como siempre. Gracias por compartir 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻

[@SimonBrisbane]

Many Big Agnes and all Sea to Summit products (including the thermolite reactor) are made in China. I chose Exped instead as it is made in Taiwan

[@suzukirider9030]

I've done a fair amount of motocamping, too. But mine's a bit more ghetto, with using regular plastic bags for individual stuff within the panniers :-D That Agnes sleeping bag though! My $30 Walmart sleeping bag is the single largest item I have to pack, taking up half the top case by itself! But those Agnes ones are hella compact! Gonna get one of those, but the Agnes Lost Dog 45 I suppose. Don't plan on freezing-temperature camping this summer, and I bet the 45-degree rated one is even smaller.

[@S2Wiley]

Bret - what/ where did you get the small black containers used for GoPros etc. Branding visible at 2:19...but not readable. I need some of those guys. zip-tie color coding...something I'd do too. THANKS. Great vid as usual...

[@michaelbschaffer]

Yes please....what tools and spares do you pack?

[@BretTkacs]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/Y5OtZIKmebt3oLs

[@MotoMaxAdventures]

What if you have to pack the tent in the rain ? That's why I always pack my tent in a independent dry bag strapped on my bike. In that way the wet tent don't contaminate all my dry stuff in the panier.

[@The333]

This was really great - not clear however is where you keep your tool roll and tire irons, spare tube? I am presuming these were in the rear pocket on the right pannier. I have found that tire tools can take up a lot of room (at least on small side bags).

[@BretTkacs]

I meant to mention that they are in the right rear pouch but didn't catch that until I was editing

[@jasonjulian1]

Yes, but where do the spare flat caps get packed?

[@francoispellerin7633]

Same question here!

[@tanyaprice3608]

Most of my space is taken up by food, cooking gear and 2l of water. I only carry one main meal and bfast, a trangia but still can't seem to reduce that part.

[@forcedconvection]

Bret, love the vids. Very educational. I'm looking to get a bike for the MABDR. Me and some friends are doing this Aug/Sept. I can't decide if I should go cheap and used (KLR/XRL/DR/DRZ) or something new and expensive like (T7/AT/790AdvR/890AdvR). Friends are going to be on T7 and AT. My fear is being the slow guy on the KLR but I'm also afraid to buy a new bike in case if for some reason I don't like Adv riding and get hosed on selling my bike. For reference, I'm 32yo, 6'1", 185 lbs. Part of me wants to go with the 890AdvR for all the safety aids. About 10 years ago, I laid down my K. Vulcan 1600 Meanstreak and haven't ridden since. Sorry for the book, but would love to hear your insight. Take care and safe travels. 👍

[@Gismo3333]

You have your focus all wrong. Find the bike you feel comfy on. Don't care about what others do. Ride your own ride. You are the only one that get the consequence of what you do. Before a long trip, train on your bike and know how to use the bike fully, before the trip. Take a course if you have to. Try a Honda CRF 300. Smaller bike is easier to learn on.

[@ERUtheWINDRIDER]

Hello Bret, nice setup, extracting your camera gear and electronics you use 45 litres of space in one pannier plus 4 pochet that I guesstimate at 4-5 litters each plus the clothes that protects your laptop, so about 70 l, pretty good. In your electronics panniers you did not show the camera bag, I guess that's because your using it to record this clip. Also the red bag that you squish in the back of the computer bag, I'll put it in front, in case of a hit/crash it will protect the laptop better.

[@BretTkacs]

The video was all on GoPro, the camera bag normally is on my body unless weather is bad

[@tacjam1]

Look at you on that 1290....I have a little tear in my eye.--Jim

[@donaldakelly9732]

As always, very informative. Thank you.

[@UncleWally3]

The antithesis of rational packing, driven by foresight, could be exemplified by my four month solo ride in Mexico and Central America. I always start off well then quickly devolve into a game of chaotic hide ‘n seek. By the end of a few weeks I’d be lucky to find the ignition key!

[@BretTkacs]

My packing always changes in it's distribution but the longer I travel the more systematic I become.

[@motoryzen]

=== Hey Bret. Thanks for the video. Gave me some ideas. I have 2 questions about those bag.panier bar things that hold both of your rollable bags on to the sides/rear of the bike....when you drop that bike.. 1. When you drop the bike, does it make it a little easier to pick back up? Meaning do those paniers/bar panier holder things hit the ground first basically and elevate it up a little? 2. Tying into question one..do these prevent your gear selector pedal from being bent up? cb 500x 2019 here with t rex racing engine crash bar/guard set and the last time I dropped my bike 2.5 weeks ago..the damn gear selector pend still hit the ground and bent some.

[@steveharvey20]

Enough electrical equipment to stock a shop and its quoted as "packing light"! I'm sure when you flat a tyre or break something on the bike the drone/go-pro/laptop will really come in handy 😬

[@shakall-9811]

Thx for the video. Really impressive o see things packed so tightly. 1) What do you have in your 1st aid kit? 2) What clothing do you take with you ? Is everything washed every night ?

[@georgemalkin6546]

Enjoyable and has given me a few ideas, however where do you pack your hat😜

[@bradb2514]

Fantastic video! Very helpful and inspiring.

[@catmate8358]

Quite amazing. Itchy boots never camps but carries at least twice as much gear. Girly stuff perhaps, but who knows ;-)

[@brummil]

Itchy tells a lot of BS too. I fly my drone and driving at the same time on off-road tracks. Automated Programs? No. Dont use it. 😂😂 For sure. OR. Everything is fine and nice ppl at all. Specially in French Africa or Joburg, Cape town or Pretoria. No Danger at all. 😂😂 For sure. And some other things. But the "Itchy Bots" r believing everything 😂😂 But one Thing. Itchy dont fly in a country for a few weeks. She is driving around for several month every time. So logical, that she have more stuff. And....of course she got a tent with her. OK. She use it maybe two times a year, because as an Millionaire its easy to stay in hostels and Guesthouses, Specially if the stays r sponsored like in norway at the Lake in those Iglus. Do someone really think, that she is paying 600 quit......per night..... Norway.......ähhmm No Way. Sry😂😂😂 All in all a great, sometimes an bit dishonest, channel.

[@davidbones8947]

Food! Cooking gear

[@kevinnashskitchen3517]

I hope you stay in touch with the light weight dual sport riders. 👍

[@frogclip1]

Great video. Always interesting to see how others pack for a trip. Where are the little bags from that you use to pack all your cameras and batteries into please. Do you have a link as they look an ideal size for panniers from the video.

[@abrothershamus6632]

Bret, brother! The bags!! Where did you get these nice cool bags? Not the paniers. The nice tight blue bags you got there!!

[@patrickcooper9641]

I have very similar bags and I got mines from Walmart!

[@Broadus45]

Quite interesting but I either add a small 10-15LT rear bag tank bag, or use a backpack to my dual sport to hold my electronics. I would never dream of putting my expensive delicate electronics on the sides. I don't have a big boy ADV budget to replace things if damaged.

[@BretTkacs]

I just choose not to fall

[@Broadus45]

@@BretTkacs Hạ ha but sadly that isn't always a choice as you know. I would like to see some content using smaller dual-sport/dirt bikes since I don't have the cash or desire for adv bikes.The biggest bike I have ridden offroad was the Honda CB500X as options are limited here in Vietnam.

[@chrisringwald2660]

It's easy to pack light when you don't carry any spares, cooking equipment or food.

[@gertklay]

Hi Bret, big fan of your instructive videos, the best on YT!! Question: what kind of small bags do you use for the small items? Are those small toiletry bags or special moto bags? Don't want to invest too much in those...

[@Boiller2]

Great video Bret, just wish you'd mono'd the audio from your mic :(

[@BretTkacs]

It was 🤔

[@taherajna]

@@BretTkacs could only hear from the left

[@OneManTrail]

@@taherajna same here

[@marcoluoma3770]

Bunny! (Thanks for another great video.)

[@Compendium_of_tom]

What was the zip bag you use for your clothes? great looking bag for clothes organisation!

[@BretTkacs]

Eagle creek

[@tassieadventurerider4815]

Great video, it’s surprising how much space you need just to carry camera gear ect.

[@MTravelVlog]

I really enjoyed your video. Great channel. ⭐️⭐️⭐️ Greetings from Albania. 👋🏼🇦🇱