RTW Paul - How I Reduced My Load by 50% - CUTTING the WEIGHT of EVERYTHING - KTM 500EXC

Renown adventure motorcycle traveler RTW Paul has somehow managed to reduce the size and weight of his overland living and camping gear even more, improving his adventure! In this video Paul will explain why it's important to lighten the load and he'll show you exactly how he did it on his #KTM 500EXC using the #moskomoto 40L rackless luggage system.
Paul's lightweight list of links:
rtwpaul.com/20...
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[@MOTOTREK]

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[@sinnombre2147]

I watched the precursor video to this one and could not get over the comments about the food! It amazed me that adv riders(?) would actually think you pack a week’s, two week’s, a month’s worth of food at a time on a bike! Once you leave the USA you realize that the rest of civilization actually kind of shops, buys or harvest daily what they need for chow. Excellent follow up video!

[@欣庭李-o1x]

I wonder why people think carrying 7days ration is necessary while the gas couldn’t last more than 3days😂

[@blacklion79]

​@@欣庭李-o1xBecause you could break up on the road where you are the only person in 7 days? You could ride it in two days, and now you are 1 day of riding (week of walking in best case) from a place where you could get any help. Think Mongolia, Australia outback, some places in China and Russia, Patagonia Of course you don't need this if you cross Europe or South East Asia.

[@ianthepelican2709]

@@blacklion79 Actually it makes far more sense to carry water than food, you can go without food for 3 weeks, but 3 days without water and you are dead meat.

[@blacklion79]

@@ianthepelican2709 7 days, but, yes, water is more important. But I'm assuming, that you always have water.

[@bryanreeme8584]

..only way I can carry 7 days of water is if it's the dehydrated kind 😊

[@MoskoMoto]

Awesome crew! We've said it before, and we'll say it again.. RTW Paul has the voice of an angel and mad packing skills to boot. 🥾

[@rtwpaul]

aww shucks 😊

[@billness2635]

I started my RTW in 2017 on my 690 Rally with 60lbs of gear! With fuel, the bike and gear totalled 445lbs. Within a month, the gear was halved to about 30lbs. Total weight was still too heavy for my taste, so I built a 500exc the following year and switched to a GL Coyote rack less bag, small tank bag and kept my hydration pack. Total weight with fuel now hovers around 300-325lbs. Far better in the steep and deep! What I didn’t see you mention was what I’ve found to be mandatory for single cylinder bikes is an assortment of spare fasteners, levers, oil and filters, chamois cloth for the dodgy fuel fill ups, a liter bottle for fuel, tape, zip ties etc. In all about 12lbs of stuff. Saved my bacon and others’ many times!

[@bradsanders6954]

Its hard to be able to cover every worst case scenario, but yeah, 2 part epoxy, zip ties,nuts/bolts/duct tape/lectric tape/fuel bottle for when needed,I rarely need one but it can be good.

[@cody8121]

Looks like he got rid of his laptop?

[@OneManTrail]

That’s a little too minimalist for me. Im willing to go heavier to have a bit more comfort.

[@igorgoryunov5616]

Two modes of motorcycle load. Tourist and expedition. Prefer to leave heavy luggage in hotel and fit to light expedition load for local routes.

You inspired me four years ago and still re-inspired me today!

[@danielbare8857]

Did I miss it, or is Motocross boots and flip flops your only footwear? Thanks for sharing.

[@Weltbummler23]

Also where to put the motox boots and armor when you swap footwear leave the bike or need to make a short ride somewhere without armor

[@ride360au]

One man’s comfort is another man's hardship, went from a full Mosko Backcountry kit of around 110lts, to the R40 and Stinger8, with little loss or compromise. The more you ride, the more you realise how little you need.

[@brianmartindale2221]

Yes, and the bigger the bags the more you will carry

[@argentum_on_glass]

I actually also have a sink stopper.. tired of stuffing socks in there... you can safe the sink stopper by using your mystery bag will it with the dirty clothes and will in soap and shake and massage it ...same to clear water it... :)

[@brettmorgan9797]

As someone who is building up a light adventure bike an FE501 this video made a huge amount of sense and I thank you for sharing as you now have a new subscriber 👍🏻

[@turdferguson2863]

Coat and credit card

[@_jase]

True and funny

[@bcgal0004]

Should include eight with water and food for a night, would be around the 20kg mark. 12kg can be a bit misleading

[@michaelflores7657]

This might be the first video that Taco Mike is silent!😅. Thanks for putting together my Ultimate 501s build! Worth every penny!

[@cybergeiger82]

I run the same size and a quite simular set up The 80l is too much…

[@alelectric2767]

Also looks like the rider got lighter.

[@Brian.A.Simmons]

Easy now…

[@alelectric2767]

@@Brian.A.Simmons Settle down

[@ThiagoMundim]

Love it. I’m travelling with 18 litres for a 4-day trip and it’s liberating. Less things to worry about means you can get on the road quicker. Also, you can get clever and book campsites with tables or near places to eat.

[@dw5523]

Paul is such a treasure. Thanks to Paul for sharing with you, and thanks to you for sharing with us. Much appreciated.

[@Itchybite]

I’m travelling across Asia and Europe at the moment. I’m currently in Kyrgyzstan. Most of my weight and space is taken up with spare parts. You have no spare parts. I am crossing the border to Tajikistan tomorrow, then Afghanistan then Iran. No spare parts for western adventure bikes in these countries and they are not easy to get. Where are your spare parts?

[@rtwpaul]

watch the previous video or others I have made, where I talk about spares...Tajikistan is awesome, one of my favorite countries to ride in

[@onthethrottle7104]

I'm surprised you guys aren't worried about your safety in those countries - stay safe and have a great ride mate.

[@kuladeeluxe]

Nice rundown. Just wondering if you find on multi day camping that the down bag absorbs moisture and loses heating ability by day 4 or 5?

[@rtwpaul]

I haven't had any issues myself, but I know some people might, I sleep hot so most of the time its undone!

[@UltralightMotorcycleCamping]

I enjoyed the previous version of this video when it was released and enjoyed this ultralight version as well. I enjoyed ultralight backpacking in the 70s and 80s, but it's become much more ultralight recently and has left me behind. After watching this video, where RTW Paul shows us the ultralight camping equipment that he carries that is appropriate for Appalachian Trail through hiker gram weenies, I should change the name of my KZbin channel from Ultralight Motorcycle Camping to Lightweight Motorcycle Camping. When moto camping, I prefer reliability and comfort too much to carry 25 pounds of camping equipment. I carry more like 35 pounds, and 40+ pounds including a generous tool roll.

[@Michael_Shay]

I was decently into ultralight backpacking prior to getting a bike and having it consume my life and I was pretty surprised to see how little cross-over there is in the two spaces. Whenever I bring it up people say that weight doesn't matter as much for moto-camping, volume is more important. And to that I agree to a certain extent, any weight added to the bike is going to effect handling though. More importantly, low weight and low volume usually go hand in hand. Riding is much easier with less stuff and there's actually not that much of a comfort sacrifice.

[@cider999]

Excellent like always from Paul! My question - what is the tent? Brand and model? The size is perfect.

[@rtwpaul]

all the details in the link to my website, links to three different small tents, and all the other gear too

[@mfranquemont1884]

Thanks for update video, well done! Have you tried Giant loop bag system? I’m guessing at least 3 lbs lighter, for 40L. I didn’t see and zip ties, duct tape, electrical repair, extra bolts; Maybe in another video? What pants would you put high on your list other than M.M. woodsman?

[@rtwpaul]

I used a GL once for a RTW, hated it, it leaked, difficult to pack, not durable, weight too high, have to unpack everything to get one thing out...in this case I'm more than happy to carry the extra 3lb I have a whole empty tool box to keep any bike maintenance related stuff if I need it. Lightweight hiking pants, mine are Prana, for off the bike

[@ManishSingh-qe9kw]

What about off-bike shoes?

[@blacknight7201]

What a great setup. Thank you so much for the great detail and concise video. Blessings to you 🙏

[@alanwalls3117]

What tent are you using?

[@texlee1640]

I saw the Six Moons Designs logo on the bottom of the bag. I have used their Lunar Solo in the past for moto trips and it worked well, you just have to be ok with a single wall shelter.

[@MOTOTREK]

rtwpaul.com/2024/05/23/the-updated-packlist-mototrek-video/

[@4i4i14]

Do you also carry the trekking poles for this type of tent? @rtwpaul

[@jeremysmith9898]

@@4i4i14 you can use a clothes line strapped to the bike or a tree instead of a trek pole. I personally have the same tent as his old one and love it!

[@texlee1640]

Does this mean @RTWPaul is going to start traveling on the 500 again soon? Great update with lighter, more modern gear. It's incredible how much kit can be carried with only 40L/25lbs.

[@stevia13]

Coming feom bikepacking and moto travel, its often a good idea to pack your sleeping bag and tent inner / outer loose - that way they conform to and fill the available space in your better, leavingore space - not necessarily to fill. You take a couple of ultra lightweight stuf sacs in case your tent is wet. PAUL - was ypur Big Agnes the 1 person version, and like others Im also interested to find out what your new tent is. Thanks again for your vid. Stevie 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

[@gzahnd]

I think like this as well, but have a little concern that moto vibrations/rubbing would be a lot harsher on a bag and DCF tent. I have the room with this same setup as Paul, so use the bags. On the bikepacking rig though, no stuff sacks.

[@rtwpaul]

click the link to article, all my gear is in it

[@McCloudX13]

Hey I didn't see a link or mention of the name of the tent poles you were using. Any suggestions or link to what you showed in the video?

[@aminamri1325]

Light weight stuff.. Buy once cry once and smile for ever... Or at least a decade... Good ones Paul..

[@deekox1]

Some of the tools I see for the first time. Could you please give some description?

[@rtwpaul]

click the link to article, all my gear is in it

[@Antonseidl_]

exactly how I’m doing it! 😍 I have a bit more of the tech stuff for work, and some more tools. but I love your setup. As soon as I’m back from Africa, I’ll sort out some stuff and continue on a lighter bike with a lighter setup. Thank you for being a huge inspiration! ❤️

[@oiturralde]

Reallly interesting and inspiring, thank you very much for this video👌

[@alexgoldman3239]

Can you stash all your riding gear (mx pads etc) safely on the bike if you ever want to take off on foot?

[@Weltbummler23]

Was wondering about this as well. I havent figured out a good solution for it myself.

[@rtwpaul]

mostly yes, with the extra free space, removing the items i'd be wearing and some ingenious locking cable configuration

[@Weltbummler23]

Thanks for the update! What about spare oil filters? Oil? How often did you end up changing oil on your trips?

[@ianthepelican2709]

Nice kit. Thanks for the rundown.

[@RidingWithTom]

I approve

[@livemusicp]

Hi, I’m interested in the pump and I’ve seen that there are two models available. Which one u recommend or use (high volume hv , high pressure hp with or without gauge) ? I can’t find the specification in your list. Excellent kit !

[@rtwpaul]

I use the high volume w/ gauge, mostly because I had it for when I used Tubliss

[@kennethvernonprivate]

Impressive...!! Thanks for sharing Paul...All the best from Canada.

[@gedlyman1]

Good info Paul, great to see you’re always looking to improve in every facet of moto travel. Also great to see you’ve still got your 500 exc, I remember you buying that bike when you found it online, we were in Caraz, Peru at the time. Cheers from Jardín, Colombia 🇨🇴 Ged

[@Liberty4Ever]

Thanks for taking the time to show us what you pack. I love these videos because we can all pick up a tip of two from each other, and RTW Paul has forgotten more about moto camping than most of us will ever know.

[@nathanpatterson8257]

Anyone know what tent and sleeping bag that is? Great video

[@BoonBoonitube]

Awesome to see how much you've reduced your load. FYI, you kinda hand waved the Mosko rack system as "....a little bit of weight, but not much...". That system weight about 8-10 lbs before you put the first piece of gear into it. There's room to save some LBs by reconsidering your luggage choice.

[@miro_s]

cool! an inspiration then, still an inspiration now!

[@MagnumMuscle1000]

More power to you if you can sleep on that tiny ground pad. 😂I have to use a Thermarest mondo to even sleep at all.

[@rtwpaul]

almost the exact same dimensions

[@kee7678]

I have one.....and man oh man, it's SWEET! I literally considered bringing in on my bike as I love it so much and find it almost impossible to sleep well without it.

[@sherrycook7043]

It's good to see a vid by @RTW Paul. I'm amazed at how light he is able to travel the world.

[@MagnumMuscle1000]

He's sleeping in hotels and eating in restaurants. He's not carrying enough to rough it for more than one night at a time.

[@__8o8__]

@@MagnumMuscle1000 i deduce that you are travelling with him and sharing first hand information, right?

[@jeremysmith9898]

@@__8o8__ @Daveshotpocket has been playing to much pocket pool. lol

[@NSR969]

⁠@@__8o8__Paul just showed you a “sink stopper” on the video. There are no sinks when one is roughing it. Furthermore, he is not using his “clothes line”, that he also showed in the video, to hang his underwear to dry at gas stations. First hand information is not needed. Deduce anything else?

[@Shrouded_reaper]

​@MagnumMuscle1000 Not really sure how you can see a full camping setup and somehow think it's not enough for more than one night? People do 6 month through hikes with less volume than this dude and they are packing out up to a weeks worth of food.

[@MotoGiant]

well done - trying tp drop my weight, and love the ideas and justifications for all the gear!

[@jamesonpace726]

But, but, but, whut aboot thems authentic tourista sombrero hats yuh gits in Peru & so on? Ships 'em home, I reckon....

[@mathieu13]

Woo more rtw paul. Loved your rtw packing guide 😁

[@jeremysmith9898]

My hats off to you sir, Very minimalistic. How do you not have that one extra thing that makes you happy other than your camera? Like for me it's a 40oz double wall bottle for so I can keep a cold beer for out on the trail at camp. everybody else can have their stupid chair. Cheers from Utah!

[@anotheryoutuber_]

pretty dialed kit, thanks for sharing. im running a similar set up only thing ive changed recently is using dry laundry sheets over liquid (not sure if your is liquid or powder?). inflatable pillows are magic and greatly help the ride the next day. enjoy the ride!

[@rtwpaul]

I use powder because its cheap and easy to replace anywhere

[@andrisrepulis]

Less stuff to carry arround, more stuff to enjoy during trip! 👌😇

[@mattkaymoto]

The biggest difference for me is the cooking gear, I have a single pot (the same one you do I think) with the stove and gas can nested in it, plus a fork/spoon. I was never a big cooker on camping trips, I just like to boil water for my coffee and have noodles or something, I don't need a big steak. I can pack for a multi-day camping trip in just the panniers on my Reckless 80, I don't even need the top bag... kind of makes me wish I kept my Reckless 40!

[@2wheeltango]

I love the Mosko stuff….. I have all three rackless sets…. The one thing I wish Pete would do, is add a check valve to help release air from the bags…. Your lock and cable…. Not for me… I just use a single pad lock with a bit longer “loop” the look is about two inches when closed….. and I just put it through the rear chain ring… if they want it bad enough, they’re going to get it anyway. I don’t use a tent anymore… a 8x8 tarp is smaller and lighter yet…. There are some tarps out there that are made just for sleeping in… or can be used for sleeping in…. I’ve spent money on hammocks, and the hammock thing, just doesn’t work for me.. You mentioned your two tents, the one that’s smaller and cheaper, but I’m very sure that’s definitely not the case after your custom made carbon fiber tent poles…. I looked into that as well… cause it’s hard to find tent poles shorter than 24 inches… I just looked to the marines and how they slept in fox holes and what not…. Tall grasses make a nice warm bed…

[@maximusmiles8435]

Got that down to a science.

[@blacklion79]

How do you solve problem, that motocross / enduro gear is not good for sliding on tarmac? Full body armor and braces are good, but what do you put over it?

[@rtwpaul]

click the link to article, all my gear is in it

[@blacklion79]

​@@rtwpaulThank you, I missed the link.

[@itismegarry]

the lightweight stuff is worth its but people need to remember its fragile. im carrying around the same amount plus a dog on the back. the dog dictates how much I carry, however. but this kit Paul has here is Killer and I carry the same!

[@kee7678]

I ride from SoCal, down to Cabo and back and do offroad as well...and I have to take extra fuel and extra water too. Headlamp and solar Luci Light also, plus tech stuff like 360 camera and GoPro and chargers/battery and a tablet for navigation too...plus off bike shoes for walking around. Which is why i ride a 900cc Tiger Rally ADV bike....

[@JagLite]

Nice to see you again Paul. Nice to see how your gear has evolved over time and experience.

[@SpeakEasy2]

What do you do about oil changes?

[@rtwpaul]

about every 2000km or so, depending on availability

[@TheSar]

We need a list of these items please!

[@jbrunner63]

Great video, Paul, very informative.

[@tdchotrods9889]

Awesome!! What tent is that?

[@jasenhicks]

Good info here. I've wanted some Mosko bags and have leaned toward the 40, but was nervous about spending the money and then finding out that it wouldn't be enough space. This video makes me feel much better about them. Now to pare down my own kit to the size of yours.

[@jameslee5428]

Super great content, really enjoyed it. Love the tagline. Go and get you some adventure. In fact, my KTM 890 adventure S model is loaded up, for my adventures this weekend in Southern California.👍👍😎

[@maximusDAbiker]

I love watching videos to see what other people are doing. Gives me good ideas and it's fun to see better ways of optimizing how to travel. But if you aren't this optimized yet and don't have the option to go and get better gear, don't let that stop you! My first ever "Adventure trip" was on an indian FTR with a cheap universal backseat pack and a backpacking pack strapped to the top of it. That was still one of my favorite trips to date. Go do the thing, get the experience and have fun!

[@andrewpeter6128]

Excellent first hand experience. As you all know, the region of the world when combined with seasons and altitude will influence needs as well. Alaska in October, Colombia at 4000m, etc

[@igorgoryunov5616]

So tiny wrenches! Is it enough for outdoor repair?

[@rtwpaul]

yes, learn how to kink them together for additional leverage

[@russpaton8877]

Best lighwieght set up I have seen. Tool kit is on point very similar to my set up but I like to cook more so pack a few other comforts along and riding a lot in either coastal rainforest or desert I carry a siltarp for sun/rain protection over the bike and to the tent or a buddies bike works for emergency set up of the tarp as well. Those knipex wrench pliers are awesome.

[@frallinger]

Awsome! I just pulled my gear out of winter storage for a lookover the other week and was immediately struck with the "why the hell have I been carrying **this** thing along for a whole season?". Admittedly, I'm not as pared down *^yet** but then again, half the fun is getting experience - finding out what works and what's unnecessary - optimising - and then rinsing and repeating. One real eye-opener was a comment someone made - "Do a full service using only the tools you carry on the road." And so I did, including swapping both tires/fixing a self-induced flat while at it. Teeny Toolkit won't replace shop tools any day soon, but I feel safer knowing that I've got the things necessary to make a fix **and** I know how to use them.

[@MrEtnorb]

Great to see you again. How are the eyes?

[@rtwpaul]

about 95% of normal

[@peterlee543]

Thank you for your video. Very insightful. What make and model is the tent and sleeping bag? Thanks.

[@MOTOTREK]

rtwpaul.com/2024/05/23/the-updated-packlist-mototrek-video/

[@jushirocepeda3031]

La forma más ligera de viajar , un pequeño bolso de ropa , otro de herramientas; camping y… una tarjeta bancaria con muchos $$$! Saludos

[@hiranya0071]

Wow!!.. In the next update.. I wonder if you'll carry your luggage in the pores of your bones... Amazing setup for sure.

[@MOTOTREK]

Ha!

[@davintempleman7580]

Great update 👍 what tent are you using? Thanks for video.

[@MOTOTREK]

rtwpaul.com/2024/05/23/the-updated-packlist-mototrek-video/

[@Moto_on_the_Marble]

Hi Paul...love this so much. I did the WYBDR on a 500 with a similar setup. couple of questions: what do you advise for visor/goggle cleaner, shoes (or just flip flops), chain lube, and I'm guessing you probably sacrifice a small camp chair. I am also always on the fence about long tire irons or just the standard aluminum spoons. Thanks!

[@christianbrown7711]

4 years from now you’ll be using a reckless 10!! Great video, very helpful

[@riendetout8812]

Real good loadout! Mike @ Taco is a cool dude.

[@abdulazizsaleh8650]

Im learning something from you...i do appreciate it 👌🏻🥇💐🇸🇦

[@RobHaut]

How do you deal with oil changes on the KTM 500? I know the recommended interval is every 15 hours under race conditions. What are your oil change intervals while touring? I own a 350 EXC and changed my oil every 20-25 hrs. trail riding. Thanks.

[@MattKtm500exc]

Thanks for the update clip, I bought my 2015 KTM 500exc after your first clip and have a mosko 40 with most of the tools you mentioned. Also like taco moto chanel. Main things I’m chasing now is headlight upgrade and steering damper? Any thoughts? Shoot me a msg and thanks to you both.

[@mayo_moto]

Looking forward to seeing the tool as a set. I just picked up a 350 EXC-F and the real fun of getting the kit together is just starting.

[@Motofok]

Hi. GPS unit - probably the only thing you didnt mention in the pack list :) if possible, please share which model are you using. Thanks!

[@enduromotorradtouren]

Less is more, as you proof. Less weight, less space needed. Get well again soon, Günter/Nürnberg

[@twowheeledgator1364]

What tent?

[@fishybob9059]

I’m on a similar KTM, a 450 not a 500, and would love to get my tool kit reduced. Can’t wait to see the detailed list Paul. I need your help 😉Wishing you good health mate.

[@brianmartindale2221]

Thanks, man! This was great info, though I kinda chuckle at adventure motorcyclist piles of gear after, well, an adult lifetime of bike and mountain bike travel. Doesn't take long to get a handle on weight/space issues when facing a 5,000 ft. pass climb and the motor is the legs lol

[@randycallow3736]

Usually KZbin or some other media algorithm leads you to things, predictable things, so one motorcycle video leads to another.. that said, a man who posts lots of motorcycle videos and lots of them to do with camping, loading his motorcycle, packing in and packing out. He was involved in a horrible accident, he thinks his load came loose and his sleeping bag lodged between the wheel and swingarm and caused the rear wheel to lock up at @70+ mph. The accident resulted in serious injury, w a foot amputation and likely lower leg removed at the knee. Sounds serious because it is. And some of these videos about packing light, packing smaller, packing more under control take on new meaning, new importance. Accidents happen, off road, they are normal way of life. Take time to use some imagination, what can go wrong? And try to take measures to prevent what you can. I use 1in nylon lashing straps and am often the subject of jokes about using way way too much strapping to hold things in place, called the king of overkill. That's likely to quiet down with this lastest example of something that can happen to anyone. Just a small thing, small mistake with catastrophic results. I am glad he is alive, most important thing.

[@houseofroos]

Would like to see your protective gear setup including body armor, pants, helmet, gloves, shades, etc.

[@Mavo1989]

Still seems like abit - but really its because i ride completely different and generally at max a 1-2 night thing so i realized a mosko 10l with a 8litre tail is everything you could need.... its tight fit of things but dont need much

[@rodgerskeatase911]

Thompson Maria Hernandez Christopher Rodriguez Jose

[@davidhyde2267]

Can anyone give me advice on insuring my bike on round the world trips. I'm in the UK and I know in some countries you can buy insurance on the border but are there companies that will insure your actual bike for anywhere in the world?

[@DavidLeane-cp2lz]

This is very interesting. I've never done adventure riding, but I've always thought guys carry too much stuff and ride bikes that are too big and heavy.

[@jardaklidek5673]

Perfect.

[@bslusser1471]

All this talk about traveling long term/distance, how about a video on how you pay for the trip and save money while traveling?

[@xpayleskill]

The stand is useless just lay down the bike on the ground. Also you can get a pants than turn into a short instead of carrying both of them. Also the mosko rack weight a lot. Thx for the video

[@kyushalimit5931]

Great video, however im actually quiter surprised at some of the stuff that "made the cut" so to speak, like the laundry detergent and clothes line, there is ultracheap options for these that would be 5-6x smaller and lighter! nonethless great work, i need to cut my kit down for sure.

[@TamaraBarker-i6p]

Anderson Edward Lopez Anthony Walker Gary

[@Karel.C]

Great setup. As a minimalist rider myself...what brand of tent is this? 1 or 2 persons?