I’m an avid motorcycle tour-ist, and one of my pet peeves is leaving on a trip, getting to my first destination for the night, whether camping or at a motel, and discovering that I left something behind.
To combat this situation that seems to happen all too often, I have resorted to a checklist. I find it keeps me focused on the size and weight of my bike, dry bags and Everest Pack. Yes, Everest Pack. Since I usually combine my motorcycle trips with outback photography forays, it only makes sense to ensure that everything I need, and cannot readily purchase or easily find in the middle of nowhere, is already in my possession.
Being disciplined in terms of what is essential, is the first step, and it starts with my bike itself, prior to packing anything on it. So first steps first.
The Motorcycle
I begin about two weeks prior to my trip, which usually has me on the road for two weeks. I break the bike down into:
From the ground up, you have to consider your tires, first. Do they need replacing? Then, what about your brakes? When was the last time that you looked at your brake pads? Rotors? Brake fluid? Tune up? Plugs? Oil change. Bike tools? Do I need a manual? PDF on your phone.
What about your lights? Spare headlight bulb? Fuses? Stator ok? Regulator ok? Once a year it’s worth a test. Being stranded 30 miles into the wilderness is not how you want a trip to begin.
If your bike is all set, then what about your trip list? If you camp or trek into the outback, then your list will be substantively longer than someone who is staying at motels every night.
First, the camping list. One thing to note here is to know the environment that you’re going to be in. Ensure, and I do mean ensure that you have the right clothing, and in layers. If altitude is an issue, and inclement weather is always a possibility, be prepared. Rain gear is a must. I almost killed myself several years ago. Death by hypothermia, is more than possible at altitude. Remember the weather can change abruptly, which it did, after I left my base camp.
- Tent, buy one large enough for all your gear and to sit up comfortably. Here, an extra few pounds can make all the difference between comfort and discomfort. You never can be sure how long you might be stuck in one either. Tent pegs, 1/8 inch kernmantle rope for securing pegs to the tent.
- A ground pad, a good one. Don’t scrimp or you may not sleep, which is essential.
- A decent sleeping bag designed for the temperatures you might encounter, and a waterproof cover.
- A solar panel for charging an emergency beacon, phone or any electronics you might bring. Chargers for whatever you are bringing and capable of being charged with your solar panel. It may require a battery storage brick. Remember: Weight
- Nutritious, condensed high caloric foods, a piezo stove, small basic utensil pack, water (and lots of it), especially at altitude.
- LED Headlamps that can charge quickly. And candles. You’d be surprised how much heat a tiny source can provide in a closed space.
- A water filtration straw for purifying water.
- Emergency First Aid Kit, emergency beacon, flares, waterproof matches, and an old school compass and maps.
- If you climb, include a small, compact climbing pack (sit harness, 4 aluminum carabiners, jumars or 2 gibbs with 2 etriers or foot tape, a small figure of eight, some chocks, 100 ft of very light kernmantle rope (1000 lbs. strength) 2-8” prussics. This isn’t for serious climbing but may get you out of a tight spot.
- Photographic Equipment (separate issue, for another list).
- Dry bags, for clothing and electrical equipment. Make sure they are high quality. You have to stay warm, and your gear dry.
Okay, you’ve accumulated all your gear. You’re travelling on a bike, right? Will your bike accomodate everything you’ve compiled? The only way to know is to bag everything as you would the day of your trip. Now go get the bathroom scale. Weigh everything that you’re going to carry whereever you’re going. Be realistic. What kind of shape are you in? If you’re climbing up in altitude, remember, you only want to make one trip up and down.
Fitness is important. I met a guy on a trip at about 7,500 feet up who was sitting beside a trail, totally exhausted because his fitness wouldn’t allow him to go any farther.
How much can you carry? Sixty pounds? Eighty pounds? Whatever it is, test your conditioning. Wear your pack and go for a walk. Is it practicable? You can always lengthen your trip to where you’re going as long as your fitness level will get you there and back.
If you’re going to the mountains, put on your pack and walk up ten flights of stairs. Still okay? If not, then you’re not ready for a trek. Finally, consider where you live before you leave on your trip. If you live at sea level, don’t assume you’ll be okay if you want to walk through mountain passes at 8,000 feet.
This list isn’t the most comprehensive and it doesn’t account for your photography or video equipment. Remember. You have to truck everything where you’re going on your back. Be realistic. Be practical and pack as compactly as you possibly can. Look at every item and ask yourself, “Do I really need this.?” And, just as importantly, don’t leave essential pieces of survival gear at home.
Two years ago, I ran headlong into a very unhappy Grizzly Bear near the top of a ridgeline, I didn’t want to descend. The Grizzly made me aware, I had no other option, and the only way down, was down a waterfall. He watched me climb down. Scariest descent I ever made.
One other thing. Once you’re camped, take your food and remove it. Place it in a drybag and put it in a cairn or if there are trees, suspended higher than a bear can reach. Do Not, I say again, Do Not leave your food inside your tent. You don’t want a 900 lb visitor in your tent in the middle of the night, no matter who you are.
Be cogent, be present, be prepared. As a former High Angle Rescue Instructor and Dive Rescue Instructor, I guarantee you it will pay dividends.
Then, get out there and enjoy the experience.
Ciao.
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