Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Equipment, Travel > Equipment Reviews
What's your most/least useful piece of kit? What's your most/least useful piece of kit?
Register FAQ Calendar Today's Posts
Equipment Reviews Post YOUR REVIEWS of ANY Motorcycle, Camping or Travel Equipment and accessories. Tell us what worked and didn't work for you!
Photo by Andy Miller, UK, Taking a rest, Jokulsarlon, Iceland

I haven't been everywhere...
but it's on my list!


Photo by Andy Miller, UK,
Taking a rest,
Jokulsarlon, Iceland



Reply
Page 6 of 8 12345 6 78
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #76  
Old 18 Oct 2006
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: colchester, england
Posts: 30
Most useful - "point it" - people are fascinated by it and it breaks the ice... http://www.amazon.co.uk/Point-Travel...563821?ie=UTF8

Most useless - world band radio - mine is now for sale on ebay

mark
www.etribes.com/markstowe
Reply With Quote
  #77  
Old 26 Oct 2006
colebatch's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Nov 2004
Location: London / Moscow
Posts: 1,913
Most useful thing?

Well comparing touring around now with touring around over a decade ago, by far the most useful thing is a credit card / debit card. In the old days (when I was a boy) you had to carry thousands of dollars in small bills stashed away in obscure parts of the bike whenever you wanted to cross a continent. Now $100 assorted change and the plastic is all you need.

Also much underestimated is a camera tripod.


Most overrated? Agree with Mr Stowe ... shortwave radio.
Last edited by colebatch; 26 Oct 2006 at 15:43.
Reply With Quote
  #78  
Old 27 Oct 2006
Caminando's Avatar
Moderated Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Jan 2006
Location: DogZone Country
Posts: 1,218
Thumbs up !
Yes -World service Shortwave radio - it's a book that never ends.

Also 1-2 metres of 5-10mm diameter plastic tubing to give and get petrol.
Reply With Quote
  #79  
Old 27 Oct 2006
bombarde's Avatar
Gold Member
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: Boston, MA
Posts: 25
Quote:
Originally Posted by Flying Gringo
spray bottle full of bleach- very discouraging to dogs who are chasing you. Make sure it doesn't leak or you will end up with orange spots on your dark riding gear.
Use a sudsy ammonia and water mix instead. I used it to keep dogs out of the curbside trashbags for years. Now we have leash laws.
Reply With Quote
  #80  
Old 1 Nov 2006
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Oct 2006
Location: Colorado
Posts: 22
Well so far most usefull is MSR tire irons and spare tubes, least usefull tall windscreen.
Reply With Quote
  #81  
Old 22 Nov 2006
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Apr 2005
Location: Denver, CO, USA
Posts: 49
Wink most/least used
For me, my liquid filled compass, duct tape and my leather kept real sharp!!!!
Least used.......laptop....due to laziness.
Reply With Quote
  #82  
Old 22 Nov 2006
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Oct 2006
Location: Cornwall uk
Posts: 30
An item that hasn't been mentioned so far is the Hose Grip (Jubilee Clip) - you can get them 2 or even 3 feet long, it is essential that you get the ones threaded full length so that they can be shortened all the way down if required. Carry the stainless ones not galvanised.
They take up zero space as you can clip them round (say) the static bit of a pannier / topbox until needed. If needed for serious use (say holding a detached top box lid) put the gaffer tape or old inner tube that you all carry under the hose grip to act as shock absorber .
Exellent for securing 'bean can' repair onto a cracked exhaust. You split the bean can with your leatherman - mind your fingers on the leatherman and the can .
Steve
Reply With Quote
  #83  
Old 28 Nov 2006
loxsmith's Avatar
Gold Member
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Feb 2006
Location: Ex Bris, Australia
Posts: 490
Boot wear
Quote:
Originally Posted by Grant Johnson
Hegehog,

You have piqued my curiosity - how do you wear out the left sole with the weight... huh?

FWIW I used thin soled SIDI boots on my RTW and they were wonderful, light and cool, I'd do it again. In fact the same pair would probably do it again.

------------------
Grant Johnson
My sole of my left boot always wears out quicker than the right, I think it's when all my weight is on the left boot when I pivot to get on the bike. Either that or I walk like a monkey!

Glen
__________________
Feb 2014, currently travelling the America's on a Tiger 800XC

Live every day like it's your last, one day you'll get it right!!!
Reply With Quote
  #84  
Old 16 Mar 2008
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: May 2006
Location: Melbourne
Posts: 166
wouldn't leave home without...
manners.

even more useful than those other essential assets, perspective, humour and patience.

cheers,
andy.
__________________
www.outforaspin.blogspot.com
Reply With Quote
  #85  
Old 2 Apr 2008
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Sep 2007
Location: NYer living in Finland and traveling through Europe
Posts: 64
Quote:
Originally Posted by mollydog View Post
I've thought through the "Where to hide the spare key" dilema quite
a bit.

If you carry your spare key in your luggage, on your person, or
in your boot, there is a small chance it could be lost or stolen.

I found hiding the key ON the bike makes the most sense. If you lose
your keys, its there. If you have all your luggage stolen you still
have an extra key on your bike (and in my case, money too).

If you have your riding jacket stolen and your wallet and passport,
basically, everything your wearing....your spare key is still on the bike.

If the bike is impounded and the cops take the keys from you, you
can steal it back using the spare hidden key. Yes, this was actually
done by some very shady friends of mine whilst in Mexico many
years ago. Please don't ask.

I also carry a spare luggage key, a spare key for disc and cable locks.
These I keep under the seat of the bike. So I must have a bike key to
get to them. So far, this has worked out pretty well.

I try very hard to keep track of keys while traveling, having seen
disastrous examples when they are lost. I have a system that I
try to follow. Everyone should develop their own and try to stick
to it. Not always possible. Things like women, , police
and guns often knock one off balance and then all Hell breaks loose.
All part of the adventure.

Stay safe, may you never need your tools.

Patrick

I actually have 3 sets of keys on me while traveling. My everyday riding set, which is on a neck lanyard that is ALWAYS around my neck unless I"m riding. My spare set that is tucked away well in my bag. And a third 'emergency' set that I have locked onto the bike. I use a real estate agents lock box, the kind that is hooked around a doorknob when your house is for sale. It has a combination lock on it and it locks itself nicely onto the frame. Never needed it and assume I never will. But love that it's there.

Everything else is just shite if you have a bike with no way of starting it.
Reply With Quote
  #86  
Old 18 Jul 2008
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Sep 2005
Location: Poole, UK
Posts: 316
Most USELESS: difficult to say as we use all our stuff at least once, but then we had a tight packing list. We never used out goggles but we never hit a sand storm...

Most useful: 5lt pink plastic bowl: drain oil, washing cloths & dishes, carry food, prepare food, look for hole in tube
__________________
If there's a will there's a way so I will anyway!
http://www.buyaikhaya.blogspot.com
Reply With Quote
  #87  
Old 24 Jul 2008
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Aug 2001
Location: sunny England
Posts: 790
respect to those of you who rough it on your travels, im up for a bit of camping but personally cant usually be bothered for more than a few days so i stay in cheap hotels if i can.

if you frequent these fleapits then one item that is very important to keep in your dobie bag- a 6" disc of soft silicon rubber sheet, 1 or 2 mm thick. for a sink/bath plug
__________________
dave
Reply With Quote
  #88  
Old 24 Jul 2008
mollydog's Avatar
R.I.P.
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Aug 2003
Location: california
Posts: 3,824
Useless ... until you need it!
__________________
Patrick passed Dec 2018. RIP Patrick!
Last edited by mollydog; 23 Mar 2009 at 08:27.
Reply With Quote
  #89  
Old 24 Jul 2008
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Oct 2007
Location: London
Posts: 301
Most useful:

Leatherman Tool
Kikoi
Waterproof Mascara
Space Blanket

Useless:

Pro Digital SLR with 3 lenses - unless you tailor your route to include time to kit up, explore, take worthy shots.
Kitten heels
__________________

Some great quote about hard core travel that nobody has said yet.[/URL]
Reply With Quote
  #90  
Old 24 Jul 2008
ozhanu's Avatar
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: Izmir, Turkiye
Posts: 794
Quote:
Originally Posted by XT GIRL View Post
Most useful:
Waterproof Mascara

Useless:
Pro Digital SLR with 3 lenses - unless you tailor your route to include time to kit up, explore, take worthy shots.
Kitten heels
where are you going? oscar ceramony?? lol
__________________
ozhan u.
website under construction
Reply With Quote
Reply
Page 6 of 8 12345 6 78

« Previous Thread | Next Thread »

Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 3 (0 Registered Users and/or Members and 3 guests)
 

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts
BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are On
Pingbacks are On
Refbacks are On

 
 

Announcements

Thinking about traveling? Not sure about the whole thing? Watch the HU Achievable Dream Video Trailers and then get ALL the information you need to get inspired and learn how to travel anywhere in the world!

Have YOU ever wondered who has ridden around the world? We did too - and now here's the list of Circumnavigators!
Check it out now, and add your information if we didn't find you.

Next HU Eventscalendar

ALL Dates subject to change.

2025 Confirmed Events:

  • Virginia: April 24-27 2025
  • Queensland is back! May 2-4 2025
  • Germany Summer: May 29-June 1 2025
  • CanWest: July 10-13 2025
  • Switzerland: Date TBC
  • Ecuador: Date TBC
  • Romania: Date TBC
  • Austria: Sept. 11-15
  • California: September 18-21
  • France: September 19-21 2025
  • Germany Autumn: Oct 30-Nov 2 2025

Add yourself to the Updates List for each event!

Questions about an event? Ask here

See all event details

 
World's most listened to Adventure Motorbike Show!
Check the RAW segments; Grant, your HU host is on every month!
Episodes below to listen to while you, err, pretend to do something or other...

Adventurous Bikers – We've got all your Hygiene & Protection needs SORTED! Powdered Hair & Body Wash, Moisturising Cream Insect Repellent, and Moisturising Cream Sunscreen SPF50. ESSENTIAL | CONVENIENT | FUNCTIONAL.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

"Ultimate global guide for red-blooded bikers planning overseas exploration. Covers choice & preparation of best bike, shipping overseas, baggage design, riding techniques, travel health, visas, documentation, safety and useful addresses." Recommended. (Grant)



Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance.

Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance™ combines into a single integrated program the best evacuation and rescue with the premier travel insurance coverages designed for adventurers.

Led by special operations veterans, Stanford Medicine affiliated physicians, paramedics and other travel experts, Ripcord is perfect for adventure seekers, climbers, skiers, sports enthusiasts, hunters, international travelers, humanitarian efforts, expeditions and more.

Ripcord travel protection is now available for ALL nationalities, and travel is covered on motorcycles of all sizes!


 

What others say about HU...

"This site is the BIBLE for international bike travelers." Greg, Australia

"Thank you! The web site, The travels, The insight, The inspiration, Everything, just thanks." Colin, UK

"My friend and I are planning a trip from Singapore to England... We found (the HU) site invaluable as an aid to planning and have based a lot of our purchases (bikes, riding gear, etc.) on what we have learned from this site." Phil, Australia

"I for one always had an adventurous spirit, but you and Susan lit the fire for my trip and I'll be forever grateful for what you two do to inspire others to just do it." Brent, USA

"Your website is a mecca of valuable information and the (video) series is informative, entertaining, and inspiring!" Jennifer, Canada

"Your worldwide organisation and events are the Go To places to for all serious touring and aspiring touring bikers." Trevor, South Africa

"This is the answer to all my questions." Haydn, Australia

"Keep going the excellent work you are doing for Horizons Unlimited - I love it!" Thomas, Germany

Lots more comments here!



Five books by Graham Field!

Diaries of a compulsive traveller
by Graham Field
Book, eBook, Audiobook

"A compelling, honest, inspiring and entertaining writing style with a built-in feel-good factor" Get them NOW from the authors' website and Amazon.com, Amazon.ca, Amazon.co.uk.



Back Road Map Books and Backroad GPS Maps for all of Canada - a must have!

Your ad could be here, on EVERY page of the HUBB, or the whole website, or as many as you like!

New to Horizons Unlimited?

New to motorcycle travelling? New to the HU site? Confused? Too many options? It's really very simple - just 4 easy steps!

Horizons Unlimited was founded in 1997 by Grant and Susan Johnson following their journey around the world on a BMW R80G/S.

Susan and Grant Johnson Read more about Grant & Susan's story

Membership - help keep us going!

Horizons Unlimited is not a big multi-national company, just two people who love motorcycle travel and have grown what started as a hobby in 1997 into a full time job (usually 8-10 hours per day and 7 days a week) and a labour of love. To keep it going and a roof over our heads, we run events all over the world with the help of volunteers; we sell inspirational and informative DVDs; we have a few selected advertisers; and we make a small amount from memberships.

You don't have to be a Member to come to an HU meeting, access the website, or ask questions on the HUBB. What you get for your membership contribution is our sincere gratitude, good karma and knowing that you're helping to keep the motorcycle travel dream alive. Contributing Members and Gold Members do get additional features on the HUBB. Here's a list of all the Member benefits on the HUBB.



All times are GMT +1. The time now is 00:01.

Contact Us - Horizons Unlimited Motorcycle Travellers Website - Archive - Privacy Statement - Top