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Bubble wrap does a similar job as the newspapers and is naturally water resistant so it doesn't need the poly bags aspect. Get enough of it and it doubles as a sleeping mat, but it is bulky to pack, of course. |
Secrets of Warmth by Hal Weiss. Great book on dressing for for warmth ,comfort or survival.
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Light and versatile, for all climates
I've tried just about every high tech fabric for undergarments out there and have come to the conclusion that nothing can outperform merino whool when it comes to regulate body temp, wether it is scorching hot or freezing cold. Also, nothing wicks sweat or dries faster after having been washed (a necesity if you want it dry the morning after it has been washed the evening before). Merino also works well in keeping you warm even when wet. Merino is also "self clensing, or so they say".Merino also feels way more comfortable than both synthetics and cotton... unlike other whool, it does not itch. Only downside is that it is expensive and not as durable as synthetics. I've also come to the conclusion that layering with clothing that can be worn on their own is far better than having lots of single purpose garments. I therefore often replace the insulating layer in my riding gear with a fleece pant and jacket, which can also be worn as an outer layer. I also find that multiple thin layers are better than a few thicker ones when it comes to regulating body temp, both on and off the bike. It also offers more versatility and saves on space and weight. On the torso I prefer garments that can be zipped or buttoned up rather than sweaters, because it makes it far easier to regulate body temp when riding or when getting off the bike. It also makes it easier to remove and put on. As I usually ride very long days I will most often go through great changes in climate in a single day. Having an outer layer that protects me from wind and water, and several insulating layers that can be opened or closed, makes for less hassle, more time and distance, and more comfort. Button down shirts that can have its sleeves rolled up or worn as a thin jacket ior as a dress shirt s a must have on every trip. I've done a few trips with kevlar jeans, sweaters or liners, combined with removable protectors for increased versatility, enabling me to leave the cordura at home. I've come to the conclusion though that they are far inferior for protection from both the elements and in the event of a crash. It is also a cumbersome and uncomfortable option for riding through changing climates. The kevlar pants are also hot and uncomfortable off the bike, and dry slow when washed. They do make for more versatility and lighter packing though, and you can just get off the bike and walk arround without looking like a space invader. As I usually ride without much more than the occasional fuel stop and a some speedy drink and chow before I park the bike for the night, the benefits of being able to walk arround in my gear do not outweigh the dual purpose garments drawbacks for my type of riding. I now bring the cordura, leave my Kevlar at home, and slip into my comfortable cargos upon my arrival. No more kevlar liners for me... Cotton has no place on my trips, nor should it on any one elses... in my opinion Clothing, on all trips more than a few days BMW Rallye jacket and pants Boots that can be walked in... Looking to buy a pair of Altberg now Thin riding gloves with cuffs Three season gloves or Gerbing electric on long cold trips Merino t-shirt + 1-2 spare Merino boxer shorts + 1-2 spare Merino socks, thin + 1-2 spare Whool/Synthetic ski socks, thick, 2 in total Merino long underwear, 2 top and 1 bottom Fleece pants with pockets (can be worn as insulating layer or as regular pants when the cargo pants are being cleaned) Fleece jacket with wind stop Micro fleece jacket Button down shirts, fast wicking x 2 Hoodie Cap Sunglasses Cargo Zip-off pants, fast wicking Belt Compact sneakers or sandals Gerbing electric jacket (on long cold trips only) Hat with mosquito net (on some trips) Swim trunks/shorts (on some trips) One piece rain suit, on some trips (seconds as a protective shell in the cold) Ear plugs, for riding and sleeping Leatherman Wallet (sometimes also a fake wallet) Water proof compression bag, ultralite camping type Laundry net/bag Small waterproof bacpack, ultralite Helmet (shark evoline) Water proof notepad + pen, pencil and magic marker Toiletries Compact fast wicking camping towel Tooth brush (children size) Castille soap bar (can be used for entire body, dishes, clothes... everything) Tooth paste Hair wax (don't troll me for being so vain) Baby wipes Toilet paper Cleenex (seconds as toilet paper) Razor Sun tan lotion Mosquito repellant Laundry detergent, single packs Wash basin plug camping Tarp and/or self standing two person tent without a vestibule Insulated air mattress Sleeping bag Head lamp Survival tin / first aid kit Paracord Clothes pins Mathces/lighter Pot Spork Thermocup Food: bread, PBJ, instant coffee, sugar, snacks, brandy, tobacco, water. Electronics Dual sim smart phone USB-charger, + 12v Ear buds Action camera Compact camera Mini gorillapod Travel adapter Kindle Powerbank Keyring flashlight GPS-tracker (Spot tracker) Other Tools, spares, tyre repair kit, pump, etc Work shop manuals Papers Spare keys Firts aid kit and meds Secret item Psyllum husks... because it makes for a quick and clean emptying of the bowels... without the need of fifty meeters of toilet paper, i.e. due to some local cuisine making havoc on your digestion system. When you need to go on a desert highway with land mines off the shoulder on both sides, you will praise god for reminding you to take it... A clean ass also prevents monkey butt and riding sores, so Psyllum husks and baby wipes is a must have for all those long consequitive days of riding. I no longer carry a cooker, camel back, water containers, or a whole lot of other stuff I have found i can live without. If you have not tried camping with a tarp instead of a tent, you should look into the possibilities it offers. Less is more. I only buy extra food if I know I will be bush camping, and then only what I can cook on an open fire. I try to eat dinner in a restaurant whenever possible. Breakfast and lunch is usually bread and PBJ next to the bike, to save time. |
This is a difficult one, especially when spanning multiple zones. For example if touring South America, it could be 39c in one place, yet down to -15c on the altiplano.
Carrying clothes and camping items to deal with those extremes will inevitably mean that you're hauling around some dead weight some of the time. Yes, it's good to learn from mountain climbers and polar explorers etc... but you have to take into account they are constantly moving and generating heat. On a motorcycle, particularly on the road, you're sitting still, and facing 80mph winds. No amount of layering is going keep you warm when the temperatures really fall. You need heated clothing. Also it's all very well packing clothing specifically for warm/cold weathers, but don't forget that you might need something decent too if you want to visit some nicer places. For example you'll look like an idiot going to a bar or restaurant in buenos aires in your moisture resistant North Face hiking trousers and trekking boots. Similarly if your host invites you to a party, or to an event. |
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Handling the transitions is the hard bit. Good planning helps and having things go your way. We've seen dozens of travelers carrying full camping and cooking gear and hardly ever use it. Noobs always start out heavy ... then lighten up with experience and time on the road. Hey, to each his own. |
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I usually take about 3 days worth of clothes. I stop in towns and use the laundromat once or twice a week when I'm riding for more than one week.
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I've been back for a while now. I put on 17,000 miles and was gone 3 1/2 months. I took 4 sets of clothes but I could have gotten by with 2 sets (wearing one and another packed). All my stuff was fast dry except for one pair of Levi's. Levi jeans were nice and I'd wash them if I knew I had 2 days for them to dry. I'd say three sets would be perfect for most. I washes my stuff every night in the sink with the motel shampoo. If I camped I'd wash them with some Dr Bronners.
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