What I Pack For A Long Motorcycle Trip? Living Remotely on a Motorcycle

[@pwestjr]

You are very welcome Tim! Glad these items are helping you on your journey. For all of the helpful tips you have given me and all the rest of us, it was the least I could do to help you on your journey.

[@FTAAdventures]

Pete thank you my friend! My setup is much improved because of you! Thanks for everything.

[@shivmohansingh6485]

Pete everyone should have a friend like you who knows how to support his friends. I don't have any...😞

[@paulbarber8642]

Tim you're an inspiration. And not just for motorcycle camping but just because you're a great human being. I hope we cross paths in the road some day.

[@FTAAdventures]

Thank you Paul, I hope so too! That means a lot to me.

[@paulbarber8642]

@@FTAAdventures my son and I have KLRs and do most of our riding and camping in Oregon. We watch your vids often and get inspiration and talk about our next trips. So thank you again. It's an awesome thing you do.

[@darrylgibb2693]

Always interesting to see what a serious motorcyclist packs Tim. Thanks from New Zealand and stay safe.

[@fraserb609]

Do you have the details on the bag liners you have for the panniers? And Tx for the awesome channel.

[@winduncan9818]

Dude, go get yourself the Sea To Summett backpacking solar shower. Packs not much bugger than a pack of cards. 10??? liter filled. Half the time I don't even use it as a shower. Just fill it, hang from a tree and have running water for dishes, wash hands, wash feet before getting in bed, etc. Just did my first extended trip on the bike up to Canada, Road to the Sun, Beartooth highway, etc. I loved having the thing in camp. How long will it last leaving it hanging and full over night, not sure? Only used it for a couple weeks so far. Great video, Thanks

[@rogerabutcher8479]

Thank you for taking the time to do this, Super helpful and it really inspired me to cut my load down quite a bit. Thanks again and ride safe.

[@JohnSmith-vb6jx]

As soon as you mentioned Veken packing cubes I paused the video so I could go purchase the same set. I have been looking for a set and almost bought one at Cabela's today. This Veken set gave me 4 more bags at about half the price. Glad I waited and saw this video. Thanks Tim.

[@pierreeversole265]

Like most people, I tend to overpack. However, with your help in learning to downsize. There are two things I've found that I can't scrimp on. 1. The mattress pad. 2. Camping chair. I'm older and can't get out of the small camping chairs... so I still pack a larger folding camping chair. I get the smallest, lightest one I can find. It's a little wide, sitting across the bije, but only a little more than the panniers. Great video... I've learned a lot about every aspect of travel, camping.

[@ericsweetadventure]

I just shared this video with some friends as we plan our first reasonably remote ADV tour north of Lake Superior in Ontario Canada. We are travelling old logging roads and trails and staying in hunting lodges and cabins for the most part (no camping) but the efficiency of your clothing choices has been very helpful. Thanks for doing what you do, hope you're well today, I have watched most of your videos and altered some of my habits based upon your shares. Thx again.

[@jeffwalker1322]

Tim, try the farm to feet brand socks. They are great socks. Sam’s club also sales a 75% marino wool sock that come in 4 packs. Figures out to around 4 or 5 dollars a pair. These are what i wear daily. I once wore a pair for a whole week just to see if they would get stinky. Turn them inside out every night and allow them to dry and no funk in the morning. You are living my dream sir. I have figured out how to do it yet but, I’ll get there. I pull a trailer behind my electra glide. Yes, i do take that bike on long gravel and hard packed dirt roads. Yes, i avoid mud. Not the right bike for mud. My wife rides with me most of the time.

[@milekrizman]

9:00 use foto spray

[@brunobastin1628]

I have bought my Veken cubes a week ago for my long motorcycle trip. They look great and handy, thanks for the tip ;-)

[@reaversadventure]

great video. Packing for a long trip is always tricky, learning what you can do without, while not cutting your self short for the things you must have.

[@ADVScott342]

Pretty much the same packing I do I'm just quite a bit less organized and allways tend to over think and pack on most trips I guess it's the anticipation and waiting. Great video 👌

[@human1513]

Wow the size of the tent! Almost fell out of my chair.

[@smilingscottsman]

I have 4 of the same quick-dry shirts that you have. I love them.

[@RuiAquino]

Highly organized. Absolutely love my packing cubes that I heard from you. I took them to my trip to Morocco and they are fantastic. Always learning something. The coffee machine is someting I so want! Thanks for another great video.

[@narrowboatview9071]

My summer Moto camping trip was very organised due to packing cubes, the idea I stole from you! It's the future! Nice one!

[@streetrider11]

Perfect timing on this video, I'm leaving on my 10 day trip Friday morning and I'm still scrambling to get the last minute things. Gonna have to get one of those folding bowls is a great idea. I'm running out of space fast on the little 250.

[@robsadler5605]

Dang, I need narrow down my camping gear. I pack like 3x what you're carrying. Thanks for sharing Tim.

[@pwestjr]

I am with you you on that. I being the kitchen sink and microwave so I am also working on minimizing myself.

[@johnsanford3596]

Rumour has it that the best way to minimize the gear you carry is to do a 3 month thru-hike, backpacking. Lots of KZbin videos covering how much stuff people started with, and how much got left/mailed home as they went along. Do that, then you'll KNOW what the minimum is, rather than taking a bunch of stuff "just in case." (full disclosure: I have a Bushtec trailer with 220 cu ft of storage. I tend to pack big. My Scrambler though doesn't have a hitch, so I'm figuring out how to pack with have the storage that Tim has. The sleeping gear is the big space hog.)

[@billmcnamara5942]

Good job, I always over pack and end up giving things away or mailing home after a week. I like the way you keep things that don't change in size in the panders and bags that grow or shrink o top. I always went to keep the weight low and balanced. Now you got me rethink things.

[@roger4375]

Thanks for the tip on the packing cubes. I ordered 2 sets from Amazon @ $16.99 each. I am currently planning a road trip to Alaska with Dead Horse at Prudoe Bay as my final destination. These will come in handy not only as a means of organizing what I take but also to prevent the natural desire to over pack.... which I struggle with.

[@scottyoung4583]

The code reset thingy for the BMW interests me. Men in Black amnesia for the bike flashy thingy got my attention. I really want a GS but fear being stranded a galaxy away from the nearest qualified shop.

[@matthewkrisowaty7053]

Thank you Tim for the great info.. been buying all new gear.. really like the cubes..safe travels brother

[@kevinsterner9490]

Hey Tim another great video . I just bought your Veken packing cubes. I love packing cubes. Keep the videos coming

[@sharkdog111]

Great video. Helped me make my checklist. Long time car camper, looking to do some motorcycle camping.

[@motogusnz]

Also from New Zealand. Really great to see. Your videos are great. Best wishes with your continued travels.

[@PatsAdventuresTravels]

Good video Tim! I am finally a GSA owner and using your videos to help me figure out how to get my bike set up for my Alaska trip in 2020! When you're in Ohio look me up

[@allisonking6185]

i purchased the packing cubes, great tip, thank you!!, made my trip so much better...

[@FTAAdventures]

Thanks! Glad to hear it 🙂

[@tinabeane]

You inspire me to par down with my car camping gear. ;) Packing cubes are the bomb!!! That is a really good deal for that set. I like to have different colors to organize things. Good to see what you take along, will check out your Amazon links.

[@n8tim275]

Great video. I seem to always over pack. I to use the packing cubes on my last trip. You had shown it in a previous video and I tried it. Make a big difference. Don't have to dig thru everything to find things. Thanks

[@MattHeere]

Loving your channel Tim. Has me inspired to take some longer trips on the 2-wheeler. One tech tip that might make your life easier. Get an app called "Open Camera" and ditch the Samsung camera app. Open Camera will let you lock down the focus, exposure, and white balance so that you don't get all those little "blips" where the camera app thought it knew better than you...

[@JDeCarlo]

Tim, I was very excited to see that you remade the packing vlog! It’s even better than the last one! Thank you for so much hard earned advice on packing. It always amazes me to see how much you pack into your bags. Why did you decide to not use a top box?

[@FTAAdventures]

Thanks John, glad I could finally replace that video. The top box was too much weight, too high up. Plus it caught a lot of side wind. The secure space was nice, but I dont miss it.

[@JDeCarlo]

Forty Times Around Thank you, Tim!

[@Rikenglebert7558]

Outstanding:-) really feeds my inner gearhead. Thanks for doing this video, it’s nice to see what others carry, especially because you are doing a long trip & I respect your decisions & opinions. You have a ton of credibility.

[@SmallADVentures1973]

I always love videos like this, I either get great ideas, or I see others doing some of the same things I do to pack. Great video, Tim! 😁✌

[@roger4375]

My second time watching this video. All good choices for you in selecting your travel supplies, food and clothing. I will definitely be taking a page from your book when I do my “final cut” of things I am taking with me. 👍. Roger

[@FTAAdventures]

Thanks Roger! Good luck on you travels!

[@ronharshfield6771]

So I can see I am terribly over-packed... As the advertisement goes "Don't leave home without it!" 🤣 Great video and thanks for sharing Tim! BTW, Darn Tough socks are great! Although they are pricey, they do carry a "no questions asked" lifetime warranty

[@RoadDogSteve]

Ordered the cubes... Better than grocery bags... Lol... Good informative video... Thanks

[@mithunkartha]

I should be friends with Pete too 🤣

[@ADVBrett]

Great video Tim, gives me a good idea of what to take for 2 to 4 days of travel!

[@JBMotorrad]

Curious about hotel choices and why. I am going on a long trip next spring/summer overlap, and will be hoteling the entire trip. I'm looking for economy, but at least a little quality and motorcycle friendly - like letting you park under the overhang / check-in areas overnight, letting you refreeze some ice packs for coolers, etc. I have found in my car travels with a pet dog that La Quinta provides some nice rooms for less money than you'd expect. I haven't stayed at one on the motorcycle yet. Thanks for all your tips! Safe travels!

[@robing4712]

JB Motorrad Hi. I hope you don’t mind me chiming in. I do about 50-50 camping and motels on long road trips. I usually start looking for a motel around 5 or 6pm when I have a decent idea where we can get to. I use a few travel websites. I look for the older motels, one or two stories, u-shaped with parking just outside the door to the room. Little mom and pop places with good reviews. They tend to be cheaper and more accommodating. I like to call and request a ground floor. This strategy has worked well. There are some real gems out there if you look. Have a great trip!

[@greglenoir8363]

Thank you Tim, very useful.

[@GDEWAR]

Great insight into what we would need for an extended trip. Thanks or sharing.

[@arithmathticswordpuzzles2958]

GO GO GADGET SPOON!! INSPECTER GAGET REFERANCE

[@ronf572]

Hi Tim, really enjoy all the videos. Just wondering if you have done or would consider doing something on rain gear or "staying dry" tips? Aspiring adventure rider here and am a bit overwhelmed by all the choices. What can (or should) double as everyday riding gear that is water resistant/waterproof and when you need the rain suit and other gloves/boots. Need to buy gear sensibly and don't want to break the bank unnecessarily. Not planning on riding in heavy stuff or winter but don't want to get caught unprepared. Looking forward to reading your book. Thanks and stay safe!

[@RestoreItAll]

Thanks for all the info , sounds good look into the low fold up cot just 3 inches from the ground . I'm hoping to do some of what you are doing in the furture.keep up the good work ...

[@breezeluke]

Would you ever consider doing a review on your Klim jacket and pants? I’m looking to purchase that same jacket but just not sure yet. Love your videos.

[@FTAAdventures]

I did one a while back in the pants and jacket. Will do a long term review soon.

[@norsefalconer]

Great stuff! Always love to see how others pack. I was surprised to see the Sea to Summit sleep pad eliminated. For US viewers, Darn Tough and Wigwam socks are made in the USA. Expensive yes, but high quality and buying from either helps keep jobs stateside. I have Wigwam, not sure on their warranty. DT have a lifetime warranty. Btw, $20 for a set of packing cubes is a good price.

[@FTAAdventures]

I love the Sea to Summit sleeping pad, I miss it. I'm trying to test out some other stuff in different price ranges and features. This one is small and cheap, not so sure beyond that... it does the trick for now, review coming soon.

[@Loudpedal10]

Very well thought out!

[@michaelpuechner]

Hello Tim ... to my equipment are still two straps, some cable ties, Gaffa tape and some laundry brackets.Greetings from Michael from Germany!

[@VikingBagsYT]

Your channel was recommended by a friend, great videos!

[@FTAAdventures]

Thank you!

[@thomaskerr9891]

Thanks for the details- I am definitely going to check out merino wool socks, have been using synthetic, and although they are easy to wash and dry quickly I have noticed an odor problem.

[@thecorporategypsy]

sooo helpful thanks!

[@SolivagantJourney]

I was wondering what your opinion on the forma boots are? I really like the look and have seen you talk about them before but I am wondering about the level of protection bc I have heard they aren't as good as the Alpinestar toucan with goretex but those are almost double the price... Also I started using the packing cubes and jetboil bc of you! It's made this very nice for Moto camping. Thank you for all of the reviews and suggestions

[@streetrider11]

I was looking at the forma boots but went with the alpinestsars corzal drystar due to the extra plastic reinforcements. Great for everyday stuff but sometimes I feel like the protection is lacking if you want to ride aggressively offroad.

[@daveonabeemer]

I've been wearing the Forma boots for about three years. Never leaked and very comfy. Good sole for any off-the-bike walking

[@caspar0777]

That smell experience! Great video . Kept some ideas, thanks

[@2wheelsandatent]

Great video, in fact not to copy you but i have similar one coming including what i donated to the idaho bdr AKA what i brought that i totally did not need to lol. Pete hooked you up that is awesome and so is all your sponsorships lately! You're killing it bro I am so happy for you! That a different tent? I heard you may auction off a kelty or maybe that was imaginative =)

[@joshmorrisofficial]

Great video man 🤙🏻

[@Robnord1]

I love the packing cubes! Getting ready for a trip now, all I have to do is load those cubes using a map I drew in last trip's journal (which you also got me tuned in to). Nice! 👍👍

[@shivmohansingh6485]

What about chain cleaner and chain lube

[@ironhorsegladiator5034]

I too carry the GS911 and wonder if you ever had to use it on your many adventure rides and if so, what type of errors were they?

[@FTAAdventures]

Only once, I don't remember the exact fault code but the bike wouldn't start after charging the battery from another bike. It was an immobilizer type fault code. Reset and bike started right up.

[@ironhorsegladiator5034]

FTA Adventures Thank you Tim.

[@coachron3524]

So I imagine you pick up your daily water needs each day before setting up camp?

[@FTAAdventures]

Yes, I totally forgot to mention that. I have 4 liters of water storage that I refill every day. Seems to be enough for cooking and washing. Thanks Coach Ron!

[@gorgeousgeorge187]

Immediately subbed. Great channel, Great content. I have a GS 1150 and in planning a big ass trip Ride safe dude

[@FTAAdventures]

Thank you! You too, ride safe.

[@bradb2514]

SUPER helpful!

[@Debbie-ee2oj]

really interesting, jess, I just spent a week in France and I took more stuff than that..but then I am a girl and I need my make up bags. and lots of changes of clothes, and shoes and hair products and...........definately getting those packing cubes..another great vid babe.x and its nice to see your face..lol

[@calebeadie8702]

Everytime I watch his videos my amazon cart gets bigger lol! Planning my first trip to Colorado and maybe Utah

[@SailingSabaiSabai]

Awesome video, I'm debating ditching my Givi side cases and going with a Giant Loop Great Basin over a Rotopax in front of my top case.

[@cjdaking]

Your videos have been super-helpful in preparing for my own trips. What were the first things you ditched after getting started and what have you picked up along that way that you now wish you'd started with?

[@FTAAdventures]

Mostly clothes and extra supplies have been shedded. I picked up an electric air pump after my last flat.

[@georgechmaelii6166]

@@FTAAdventures Hugely appreciate the info and great videos! Which electric air pump have you purchased? I haven't come across that information in any of the other videos.

[@GeezerWheels]

Great vid! I've been camping since I was a teen, often wilderness. For riding/travel I've found something I love but have not seen before. "FEBREZE" IS GREAT PRODUCT! They make air freshener and fabric freshener. I use either/both the same way: spray my do-rag, jacket and any "multi-day" clothing like shirts, etc. The Febreze keeps things smelling GREAT. I have 3 do-rags that I wash - only 2 days in hot weather before it stinks! But with Febeze I can use the same do-rag for 5-7 days (commuting, maybe 2 - 3 hour rides). It is a medium size spray can and takes very little product to "wet" the cloth / jacket, etc. I won't be without it (but never used it on sox - I'll have to try that). Amazing product - give it a try. (Currently using "Tide" and "Downy" scent. -Ray, in the wilderness near Durango.

[@thomasblock1164]

Small binoculars or monocular? Just wondering because if I have a tank bag, some ocular extender is in there. Fold up magnifying glass also. Sunglasses too. Good kit though, thanks Tim.

[@davemcmahon8140]

Ahh, now here is a question regarding packing cubes. Can you use these in the Mosko Moto soft bags?

[@FTAAdventures]

Yes you can, but I’ve found dry bags work better in soft bags

[@itcresearch998]

Awsome. Thanks for sharing your knowledge

[@putrantoutomo5410]

Hi Tim, minutes 13.47 what spray is that? The red one. Thanks Tim

[@2wheelsandatent]

Ok Tim be seeing you soon and I don’t want to hear any shit when you are able to go to my bike and find shit like it’s yours ok... Seriously thanks for this video trying to get ready for this trip I have had so many pieces of the puzzle to fit on home/work and lack of work that it’s packing time and I need to follow along with the video and hope you mentioned it all lol. I am not kidding either lol, I’m so excited about the trip I find myself tuning from task to task and accomplishing absolutely nothing so packing cubes stuff sacs and socks following along and checking it all off ;)

[@williamedwards958]

Tim, have you weighed your gear? I’m at 80 lbs. luggage weight included and I carry less than you. Grant my trips are two weeks or less.

[@FTAAdventures]

Not recently, really considering driving over a truck scale to see the total.

[@Mrspecter007]

Damm.bro your freaking squared the hell away man.

[@PracticalTacticalSheepDog]

if my bike threw so many codes that I felt I needed to carry a $400 code reader/clearer I would probably be looking for a more reliable bike. To many super reliable and affordable Japanese bikes out there to ride a German, Austrian or Italian money pit. Looking at you BMW, KTM and Ducati. (Love the video content btw not bashing you by any means)

[@petewentriding7679]

Holy hell bags fill up fast. I tried to get the size and weight down. But the bare bones is alot of shit. Good thing Im not into buying souvenirs everywhere I go. And packing cubes make a huge differance.

[@bobbynate4271]

I feel really bad for the one person who gave this a thumbs down. Great video thank you 👍. I've also been looking for those socks lol thanks for the clue.

[@artmchugh5644]

Bobby Nate harley guys who trailer their stuff !! No tent needed and their chrome air compressors get GREAT !!fuel mileage on the trailer !!!😄😄😄😄😄😄🍺🍺🍺🍺🍺

[@dreamrider2956]

Great video as usual Tim. Have you determined the weight and does play any significance to fuel consumption or handling, on/off road? Lastly, do you have a comparison to what you started with, obviously you've gotten less weight and bulk down to what works for you now, 4 months in.

[@FTAAdventures]

It seems fine off road, I had a few issues in some really rough stuff with all the weight but it's not as heavy as it looks. Fuel economy is definitely affected.

[@joakimf4868]

Where’s the beer?

[@jamesmullin8549]

For odor control get a jar of boric acid powder and poke a half dozen small holes in the seal. Dust the clean socks before putting them on, dust the shoes too. After bathing and applying deodorant, dust your arm pits, genitals, and crotch area.

[@paulboyle9815]

Tim what is the north face liner type

[@FTAAdventures]

Here is a link to the jacket: amzn.to/2wKgPJw

[@billerker]

How do you deal with drinking water? Anything besides the filter? What about boots?

[@FTAAdventures]

I have 4 liters of water storage strapped to the bike, forgot to mention that. Boots are great, happy with the Forma boots.

[@huyked]

Thank you very much for this.

[@Koenvd3]

Hi Tim, first of all great channel! A lot of useful information for my own long term trip. What is the total litre count for your luggage?

[@FTAAdventures]

2 side cases are 37 and 42, duffle is 45 and the food bag is 20 sleeping bag is 30.

[@14moldyhamsandwich]

Less is more ! More great tips, be safe !

[@sv650nyc7]

Water? Spare fuel or oil?

[@artmchugh5644]

My wife saw "WHAT I AM PACKING" and said oooooooo click on the video! !!😄😄😄😄😄😄😄😄🍺🍺🍺🍺

[@Santi_Mancini]

Thanks dude. On a “1 week trip” basis, what would be the maximum amount of clothes to wear, considering you can or can’t go wash them wherever?

[@TheGeoDaddy]

I just stepped up to a 2010 1200GS - could use replacement for OEM seat...Sargent, Russell, looks like a sheep skin cover?

[@RumorHazi]

Hey Tim!! You mentioned someone gave you some waterproof case bags. Who made them? My Verio cases are ALMOST waterproof and would like to get some better case liners. Thanks and safe riding!

[@pwestjr]

They are waterproof BMW GS liners from my BMW Tourtech panniers that I donated to Tim when I saw his panniers were bent up and no longer waterproof.

[@RumorHazi]

Pete West Jr Got it. Thanks! I’ll check them out!

[@Princess_n_TheDuke]

What gopro stick do you use put in front of motorcycle

[@FTAAdventures]

Just a cheap locking one from Amazon. There's a video on my channel about the camera setup on the bike

[@photoguy2354]

What is your total "Liter" space between side bags and rear bag?

[@FTAAdventures]

About 100L total

[@MojoUX]

Wonderfully complete video, Tim. Thanks! quick Q regarding food: Do you hang a bear bag--I assume the food stays in the bag, but are you at all concerned about critters? Any thoughts about traveling with a bear canister for your food?

[@al-canadv9241]

Wish I could pack up my gear that quickly ;-) Man, props for the nice compact kit. I do have a question, any idea of the weight of all that? I wish I had weighed my kit as it was a huge load, especially on that KLR. I didn't have as many different bags but I sure had a lot more stuff on board that I didn't need, and sometimes didn't even use once. :-) The food bag idea is great, I might go for that in the future. Thanks for the breakdown!

[@FTAAdventures]

Thanks! I'm not sure on the weight, I've been thinking about weighing everything on a truck scale though.

[@al-canadv9241]

I tried that once or twice, seems the weigh station scales don’t pick up anything that small. Now you’re a little heavier than I was but what I found is the landfill scales are more sensitive and they can tell you the weight on a motorcycle. Hope this helps.

[@UsNCollord216]

No tp? Mountain money? White dollars? How about baby wipes to freshen up some

[@JohnErikjohansson]

yeah i just use my used underwear to wipe off sweat from the face.

[@ironhorsegladiator5034]

Tim, What's the total weight of your bag with everything, is it less than 50 pounds?

[@FTAAdventures]

The duffle is about 35 pounds.

[@jeffwalker1322]

Avoid smartwool. The elastic is crap.

[@Stevens007one]

I love smartwool... been wearing them for over twenty years .. my buddy prefers thorlos

[@jeffwalker1322]

Stevens007one wearing smartwool right now and just like the other 10 or 12 pairs i own, the elastic is gone from the tops. Don’t have that issue with any other brand. That’s why i say avoid them. Definitely not worth the $19 to $22 a pair. Farm to feet have been the best. I own 3 pairs and the oldest is about 6 or 7 years old and still like new. Seriously. I bought all 3 pairs at cabellas for about $20

[@TheGeoDaddy]

I’m single but I was doing a ride with my married buddy who was gonna take his wife... but when he saw her “minimalist” packing... he took his SUV and I needed up towing his bike 😅

[@fiveplates]

lol "not entirely waterproof!"