With content like this, you'll be up to a million subscribers in no time, Ian. Such an in-depth and unassuming exploration of gear for adventure trips, the likes of which I have yet to find anywhere else on RUclips. Keep up the unique and brilliant work, Ian; I'll be shouting BigRockMoto from the rooftops!
Awesome. Many years ago I was a backpacking guide for 2 summers. There's a fine lime between 'preparing for all scenarios' and 'living like a homeless person bc you don't need "it". Really happy to see more people talk about packing and whatnot. Wish someone would make a "what if" video on how to handle a situation when someone in the group falls and needs immediate medical intervention
Great vid! The trip vid was also great. I feel you on the hotel versus camping. I love camping, but I hate carrying all the stuff. It would be nice if you had a friend with a 4WD Jeep and adventure trailer that didn't mind hauling tents, sleeping bags, food, etc,... Still, I do like a shower and bed. I used to camp more, but now I camp maybe a day or two then get a hotel. This lets me charge stuff, clean up, do laundry, and get a decent night of sleep. I did a 50 day 8200 mile trip with my two oldest kids last fall. We found that after about 5 days of mostly dirt road riding in the mountains, we enjoyed just taking a day off. Sometimes we stayed an extra day at a hotel or camped an extra day if we liked the campground. If you know you are going to have a group, sometimes you can split up gear among the other riders so everyone is not duplicating what the other people have. I carried a JedBoil, but the kids did not. My son carried some poles and a large tarp we could use to make a pit tent for shade or rain cover as needed. My daughter had all the tire repair plugs, pump, etc,... Still, like you, we were pretty well loaded down. Another thing we did was stay somewhere more than one day and leave as much luggage as we could at a hotel and do a ride without it. I did this on a different trip with my son to the Smoky Mountains. We generally spent 2-3 days at each stopover, so the only time we were really loaded was the days when we moved to a new basecamp location. After years of doing the road side rain pant dance, I finally got GoreTex gear and never looked back. The same is true of having an electric vest or jacket liner. I used to think that was silly, until I got one, then I wished I had bought one years before. If it gets really cold, sub 40 in my delicate world, I put a long sleeve sweatshirt on over it to keep the heat in. It really helps! For sleeping bags, I have learned that a 20 degree rated sleeping bag will NOT keep you warm at 20 F. It will simply keep you alive ;-) Those little handwarmer packets are great. Put on in your shorts pocket near your crotch and one near your neck or under your pillow and they will make a huge difference in how well you sleep when it is cold. Even after 25 years of riding, I still end up taking stuff I don't need and wishing I had taken something else. On our big 50 day trip, there were several times where the kids packed up a box of stuff and just shipped it home. I was wishing I had your goat milk hand cream! I had to make do with Blistex. Riding in the dry climate wearing leather gloves for 8-9 hours a day had my fingernail cuticles cracking and tearing. I had to massage the Blistex around the edges of the nails on my fingers every other night or so. Also, finger nail clippers and a file are a must. Nothing sucks like a split or broken nail snagging on everything you touch or in your glove every time you put it on! Thank you for your work. I look forward to every video. My son really enjoyed the Gas Gas review build video you did because he recently bought himself a 690 Enduro and based on your vid bought the Cyclops signals and LED headlight bulb.
Navigation systems are the stuff of the past. I got myself a small-brand Chinese phone specifically for riding. It's especially praised for big battery and good heat dissipation. It worked perfectly, never overheated, I kept it on the handlebar and it displayed the navigation, never got too hot or slow. The only problem occured to it in Vietnam when it rained heavily all day and we rode through the mountains, in the clouds etc. At the end of the day there was moisture inside the cameras. Apparently, the phone itself was sealed tight, but the seal on the camera compartment was somewhat lacking. Had to get someone to get the moisture out and re-seal it. Otherwise a phone is perfectly usable
@@eduardodfj Nubia Z60 Ultra. Not sure if it's sold anywhere else but China tho.. Also it's important to mention that stuff like integrated voice control and AI only works in Chinese language. The moment you switch the system to English, it stops working. I don't use it, so doesn't matter much to me.
The constant struggle.just got back from a 2k trip to 6 natl parks. Different set of eyes based on experience and weight from my ride. Your insight is helpful.
Hi ian, my solution to your earplugs issue is the green low pressure howard leight disposables which are easy to get on amazon. Softer foam for overnight type wear or smaller ear canal. No issues after I found those 10 years ago.
Yes - you've PACKED ! 😀😀..... To seriously tell, weather you over, or under packed, is never possible, unless there is a defined certainty of things to come ( if there is such thing at all ). On a trip like this - one must be a psychic - fortune teller - to predict every possibility. My opinion : if it is DOABLE - it's better to be prepared for MORE, than for less 🤷♂🤷♂
1:29 Love how you can cut a before and after the trip of Ian to get an idea of how much these rides can take out of you. Yet we always seem to come back. 😁
Thanks for the gear unpacking. It was very eye opening to see how much extra stuff is required for "camping". Decent camping gear is expensive as heck too. I'm with you on hotel verses tent camping. Getting up in the morning and being freezing cold is not fun. Hearing every little noise outside when tent camping makes it tough to get to sleep. I can't stand being dirty and nasty for days on end either. Camping in the rain is miserable, so is packing up wet camping gear.
I used the same LR 40L top bag for my overlanding trip in USA. Put all my camping gear in it too. Just grab it and walk over to the spot for the tent. Removing the inner stiffener will make the bag more flexible in size. The beavertail was great for keeping stuff that were wet or dirty, or out to dry while riding.
I feel like the hard bags are just so much easier. I don’t like all the rolling and unrolling just to get one item out of a bad. Just did a 2,000 mile tour through the Southwest. The hard water proof bags worked great.
The Flying Eyes sun glasses really are amazing. I’m going to have a prescription set made. My gear weight (including the Mosko Moto Rackless 80) on last weeks trip to The Morman Hills was 59 lbs. The time of year has an impact on the weight. My 15 degree bag is almost twice as heavy and bulky as my 40 degree bag. We had 38 degree nights so our loadout was a little bulkier than “normal”. If people want to be super minimalist that’s cool but I’m bringing a chair, table, cigars and booze. 😊 Great video as usual.
I'm also a side sleeper. Look into down camping quilts. It packs down smaller than a sleeping bag and with straps that go under your sleeping pad it allows you to roll from side to side without moving.
Ian interesting and detailed review as expected from you, well done. I share most of your opinions on all things moto except I don't enjoy riding a heavy adventure bike with metal panniers that suspend the weight so far away from the center of gravity. I do enjoy camping while road riding as the extra weight is not so bothersome, but I will never use metal panniers again, only soft rackless bags held close to the bike. I did the first 4 days of the Northern Cal BDR about the same time as you did but I rode my KTM 450 EXC with 2 other friends and we stayed at hotels. I love camping but I don't enjoy riding a heavy adventure bike off road loaded with camping gear, and looking like a homeless person on 2 wheels! I was glad I left my adventure bikes at home. I enjoy your reviews far more than all the others, there is not a close second IMO.
Hey Ian, if you want, try Howard Leight Laser Lite foam earplugs. They could be soft and comfortable enough to avoid pain in longer rides. I've been through a bunch of foamy earplugs and the disposable Laser Lite's seem to work great.
Samsung tabActive3 in a ram tab tite case served me brilliantly on last year's round Australia by dirt trip. Didn't miss a beat in snowy freezing alpine regions or the blistering heart of the red centre.
Thank you Ian for a great BDR movie, I really enjoyed it. I have to agree with you 100% that my favorite trips are solo ones, and I prefer to stay in hotels as well. After a 400 to 600 mile days ride, I do sport touring on a 2011 Triumph Sprint GT, I really enjoy a nice hot shower and comfortable bed at the end of a long days ride. Plus, most of the hotels have some form of hot tub to iron out the kinks in my body. I just completed a 2804 mile trip from Houston Texas to Durango, CO and up through the mountains to Grand Junction, CO. Using GJ as a base camp for three days, I toured through Moab, Utah, one day, one day, as a break day, and then rode the long curvy way to Pueblo, CO. Then two days back home to Northwest Houston, TX. I made this trip in mid May Houston via New Mexico, Colorado mountains. In this last trip in the second week of October beautiful foliage. This winter, I would like to take a trip to Arizona to the Grand Canyon and back. God bless you and everything that you do. Keep up the great work..! 😇🙏🏻❤️
This was so cool, and helpful. I took a 7,500 mile trip on a DesertX this summer and used some of the same clothing, backpack, and gear. An overlooked feature of the XD-4 is that it is based on the dirt bike shell and has more front-to-back room than the new model. The visor mechanism is a pain to swap, so I just choose a visor for each trip and leave it. The phone overheating and charging issues are not talked about enough. I wonder whether the Rally Tab (what Noraly of Itchy Boots uses) may be the best nav option. LNR Moto uses a camera insert in the Nomax bag for smaller photo gear. I love the Wildcat backpack and have found that playing with the inner height adjustment straps really alters how it sits on your shoulders and back. The CyclePump is probably the gold standard for reliability. I have the same version of the Woodsman Enduro pant and find them very versatile and comfortable (and they go over boots better than the Badlands Pro). The Baja S4 pants can be TOO ventilated if your bike runs hot, unless you add another layer, but that entire suit is incredibly comfortable otherwise, and the pant legs do, just, go over motocross boot tops. Thanks for making all of this content for us!
Check out the BRS 3000T Incredibly lightweight and dependable stove. However, motorcyclists might consider the MSR-XKG. This stove uses a refillable fuel canister and can burn unleaded gas. So, you could add your stove fuel to the gas tank in a pinch. For shelter, I don’t use a tent. I bring a ground cloth and set up a bug bivy.. Set a Silnylon tarp above this. Sleeping under the tarp gives much more dry area than a tent. Also I love sleeping outside instead of inside a tent. This system is lighter than any 2 person tent. And a fraction of the price of the best tents. There’s plenty of RUclips videos showing tarp set ups for camping. The tarp is incredible versatile and can be used as emergency rain gear as well. If you have to work on your bike in the rain, you can set the tarp over your bike and cover you from rain while working. So, don’t bring a tent. Use a tarp and bug bivy. It’s so much more versatile. And some nights, I never set up the tarp. Just sleep under the stars. If the weather gets funky, you set up the tarp. It’s about options.
Interesting before and after concept. It worked very well with the info presentation. That said. Luke @ The Outdoor Gear Review channel has eight years of product reviews. Most all gear is bought out of his pocket and he takes no money from any. As straight up as can be. Great source of information about camping/travel gear. Lot of better smaller packed down sleeping bags. Also repair kits which are pretty much tape. The pads, the best going is the Thermarest.Xtreme Insulated. packs small for carry. I like a big, damn big pad. It works and is fairly quite. Now, the across the seat rear bag. Lone Rider does very well with this one. I only desire they have side pouches on each side of the bag for easy access to items. Why the hell don't other manufactures use a similar design. I hate those end load ones. If that comes open you loose half you stuff before you know it and it's a PITA to get anything out. Top load is the way to go. I have a 1992 bag from Kathy's Cordura Products which isn't made anymore. I have used mine on every trip. I had BMW M/C tie downs sewn on the bottom to secure the bag so you can open it without having to undo the straps much as the Lone Rider design. It is top load and has a side pouch the width and height of the bag about three inches deep on both sides. Great for handy to reach incidentals and fuel for a stove or wet weather gear.without having to open main bag which has a zippered three sided opening with zipper flaps to control most of the rain water. Mosko Moto equipment is tops with innovative designs and more to come. This bunch takes Aerostich to a new modern level. I'm working with them on some luggage designs now. They want to know and they listen to riders. The Travel Map programs, DMD-2 is the best one going that I can find out about. They have their own system and tablet now. Much better than others. My friends TS Hansen self channel and Robert of Nomad Sweden channel have very good info on these. ruclips.net/video/9e-JtWOz96A/видео.htmlsi=J6-ppEADaBs9SZhs ruclips.net/video/mK_XVNrtBUg/видео.htmlsi=r0wEgwT_KEFZ6VfW ruclips.net/video/2X8bUyr8WSI/видео.htmlsi=nWc1UpU7W-t0KDLB (Newest).... Good vid lot of info. Thanks. Heck of a ride. Be safe
It's really nice to get your "unpack" and "logistics" debrief so soon after your adventure. I know you wouldn't consider leaving home without your first aid bleeding/wound kit. It's like ATTGAT.... The time you don't have it is the time you need it. Glad to learn the 800DE performed so well. (I'm nearly ready to buy one. Weighing the Suzuki vs. the Honda TransAlp.) Now that you've completed long adventures on both machines, which one would be recommended for one biased toward paved and gravel roads, with only occasional "jeep" trails, like the one that connects Bodie with Salton Sea. (?) Great videos!!
For earplugs I use the Loop earplugs. There are different options for decibel reduction, they're readily available, not overly expensive, lots of color options, the fit really well under a helmet... For me they've just been a no-brainer. I've mostly used the Engage model but bought a couple others for different levels of reduction. I also have custom earplugs that I use for music (I'm a musician) but honestly I feel the Loop earplugs have worked better for me. And with that, my 2 cents is spent.
Great video. In my post solo TAT trip. I stated the same opinion. I will not wear a backpack or any pack on my body. Definitely, rally pegs for the bike. Nice to see other youtubers riding with you.
I've been using Toucans for years and taken them everywhere-through Iceland, Siberia, Mongolia, Canada, and all over California. They're awesome! The only downside is that if you get water inside them during a river crossing and it keeps raining for days, drying them out can be quite tough 😂
Put newspapers in your boots when you arrive to your destination and change them before going to bed. In the morning you will have dry (or near dry) boots. This trick has never failed me.
Hi there Ian, Thank you. LOL Hotel camping for me too!! Camping off the bike is rough at my age. For earplugs try out the Decibullz. Also Mac moldable work good for all day comfort. I too find foam plugs painful.
Thank you, Ian for this great video. I have purchased custom earplugs as I have weird shaped eardrums. They were amazing. Well worth the money. Great to see the gear you took and also what you would eliminate next time. Thank you for the video. Looking forward to the next one.
I love the Bogota jacket except for the inside waterproof pocket. It's a pain to use. I wish it was at chest level and the zipper opened from the top down.
It took me years of hiking experience (every weekend) to reduce my pack down to less than 30 lbs. You eventually toughen up to conditions and going without, including hygiene. If you don't use it on a trip, don't pack it for next trip, unless first-aid or rain gear.
I share your frustration with gadget management. GPS, CarPlay, Sena, especially outside of cell coverage, are the worst parts. It’s gotta be easier! I put up with it because when they work, it’s much better than doing without (I’ve been riding since the early 70s, so I know what doing without is like). My in-helmet speakers are junk, so in my last trip (2 weeks, 5k miles), I tried the Sure 215 noise cancelling earbuds. Mixed experience with these: sound quality and noise isolation were great - really enhanced the ride- but the fiddling to get them in my ear perfectly and have them stay that way under my skull cap or balaclava and helmet was another source of gadget torture. Like you, I like to layer. I carry two jackets for different weather conditions, plus layers. The jackets (Klim Marrakesh and Induction Pro) pack small because I wear an airbag vest, so no beck pads. Minor challenge is learning to anticipate weather conditions better so I can start off wearing the right jacket and layers.
Ive seen your other videos and know you are a good rider, so if you can ride with all the weight, i say go for it. I usually ride solo and am a bit older so its better for me to ride lighter. At night or off the bike, i wish i brought more stuff but if i drop the bike, im glad that i brought less stuff
I have the Lone Rider panniers 2x 38l and my conclusion after two years and a couple of one month living of the bike trips is, the cases are simply too heavy. They weigh 6kg (13lb) each, 12kg (26lb) in total, add the pannier frame of lets say 3kg+ (6lb) minimum, you are looking at a setup of 15kg (33lb) empty. Add your luggage for a month including camping gear (I use an Enduristan duffle on top) and in my case a laptop is necessary, in total another 15kg and you are looking at 30kg (65lb) of weight added to your bike. Now I can distinctly tell when my setup with Lone Rider cases gets too heavy. It's a fine point of adding just a 2-3kg (4-6lb) of additional load, such as water from the store for example or a liter of oil or if I just repack my stuff with a higher center of gravity, I can feel the bike develop a "tilt over point" on it's own when riding twisties more aggressively and going into full lean. That usually messes up my curve and really brings me no joy to carve the canyons. As for gravel the bike couldn't be light enough in any case. If I reduce the load for maybe 5kg (11lb) however, it's just fine. A heavy bike, but it doesn't mess with my riding style. So I came to a conclusion to go for the Enduristan Monsoon EVO panniers which according to stats weigh 2,75kg (6lb) each which should give me an approx. 6kg (13lb) total decrease in weight, just from the luggage setup. And that's just about what should make a difference I'm looking for. Disclaimer, I've used the same setup on both a GS and on a Transalp, same behaviour. The lighter bike obviously being more fun when exploring dirt roads that you don't know where you are going to end up.
Yeah, there’s some learning to be done on minimalism. You shouldn’t need a sleeping bag liner, just wear base layers or fleece. One tip is to bring gear that has multiple uses. No sense on having a cooler if you don’t end up using it, but you could pack other things inside it so it’s an additional stuff sack. Backpacking helps you minimize your gear, because you actually bear the weight of all the gear you bring. Check out Bret Tkacs camping gear….I can’t believe his small bags hold his camping gear along with his video gear and tool kit and tubes.
I started using Mighty Plugs made from beeswax for a perfect ‘custom’ fit every time. They are almost too effective, however, and I have to run the Cardo MUCH louder to carry on conversations.
Far too much luggage. The Lone Rider stuff is also too heavy. I am with Adam Riemann on this. My lugagge setup on my T7 World Rally randomly looks like his. And you know what? It works to perfection. Always pack light! The rear end should be light offroad. No weight up high on the rear end... Lone Rider setups are always comically over the top. 😂 Just look at the photos on their channel.
I don't do the whole "if it weighs more than 65g then it's too much" but Lone Rider really is for a couple on a big bike for weeks. Comically huge is a good way of putting it.
Thank you for the information. It was great to see you with The Dork in the Road. I'm very interested in your review of the DE800 regarding this trip. What happened to the rear shock?
It puts the lotion (goat milk) on the skin or gets the hose again😬. I know the phone-based navigation solutions are growing in popularity but I am still old-school and continue to use Garmin or similar GPS devices. Good travel info - thank you!
I don't see anything wrong with your packing. I also pack things that i don't use, like the 1st aid kit, but wouldn't leave home without it. And am very glad to not use stuff like it. I go thru my packing at trips end to see if i can not take a few things the next trip. I am down to the two side bags and a 20L duffle top bag. My tool kit is like 8lbs. But i have what i need in the bush including eng oil. Last trip one of us took a rock to the oil pan. Glad we had the tools/ jb weld to get that bike out of the bush.
Great feedback. I just installed those tires on my 800DE and was wondering on their longevity. Thinking about upgrading the rear to tubeless setup or building a seperate wheel. Suzuki really should have given us that option/setup like they do with the 1050. Looks like you had a great team to travel with. Cheers!
Nice, well organised, like always. My only comment is about the luggage brackets. They seem way to far off the side of the bike. It has to influence the handling, plus in traffic you are about twice the width of the bike. It would be too wide for me.
Can hardly go wrong with packing redundant textiles - and duct tape if they're falling apart, nights have been friggin cold in South Central Oregon last few weeks
Just looked up the price on the Flying Eyes....🤣🤣🤣. Yeah right. No way any sensible person would pay that much for those things - unless they're getting them for free to film YT videos.
@@trailrunnermike Frankly, they're made of flimsy polymer materials...which are dirt cheap. So, my guess is that it costs the company maybe $10-20 to manufacture? Add a 100%-ish markup...so, maybe they'd be worth $50 retail?
Bought a Carpuride on Amazon and tried using in Colorado mountains this summer and had constant issues. To get a refund I actually boxed it up on the trip and returned it. I like the bright display versus my Android Military grade phone, but outside of that it didn’t work well.
that backpack looks big, no wonder you didn't like it. What I use on hot summer days is a very light pack for bicycle use I think, that is made to only hold a 2 L pouch and nothing else. So it ends up basically being 2 kilos and maybe a couple hundred grams for the backpack itself. One tip I have is to make sure the hose and the backpack are light colored otherwise the water inside will get really warm and ... disgusting.
Great content as always. One word of caution regarding the radio. Using the ham bands without a license is illegal. GMRS radio also require a license but does not require a test as do the amateur radio licenses. Keep up the great work!
I have a Vstrom 800 DE. Those OEM crash bars are made out of cheese. Where I ride its all rocks and the rear shock is just to soft. When I do my front forks I will get heavier springs and possibly new cores for the front. Lastly I think I will replace my back wheel with an 18"
The face shield on the new Arai XD5 is so darn frustrating. I can't believe this is the best Arai can produce. I love Arai helmets but this really is a lack of quality control.
Do you think that Gaia premium for offline maps would have would have given you grief without the carpuride? Would you still have wanted a dedicated GPS?
Have you tried the Alpine MotoSafe Race earplugs? I've been using the Tour ones for years and they were great but now I started to use the Race ones and they are even better.
Custom earplugs will not help you much. If you have small ear canal (which I suspect you do since everything was hurting) try soft foam earplugs for children. They are like pearshaped and they work very well for me. Since like for you, every other earplug hurts or falls out.
Great videos thanks so much for what you do. I notice you didn’t mention you brought the Alpine Stars off road air bag system. Did you change your mind about always riding with an airbag system? Thanks very much!!
Hey Ian, if you haven't replaced your sleeping bag already. I recommend looking into a hammock quilt style bag instead of a traditional sleeping bag. I personally use the "hammock gear economy burrow" and it really improved the quality of my sleep. Not sure why, it's just so much better than a traditional sleeping bag. I still have a sewn closed foot box, but the open back just makes it so much more comfortable. They pack smaller/lighter too.
@@clvrswine Not sure where you've formed your perspective or opinion, but that's entirely false. Much of the southern hemisphere of the planet prefers a hammock as a standard sleeping arrangement rather than mattresses. There's plenty of great info on hammocks, all the ways and means that people do it wrong, and how to do it right. The so-called spreader-bar hammocks are garbage, they aren't traditional or stable. Gathered-end hammocks are the way to go, but you have to have the correct length and width for your body. Also, the idea that you "banana" your body while laying in them is also false. You're supposed to lay diagonal in a properly size unit and you're basically flat. The material eliminates pressure points and you won't be rolling around all night, unlike the lumpy ground. There's some setup with hammocks but not as much as a typical tent. You need to set your hang angle correctly and the rest will take care of itself (in terms of comfort). Tons of great bug nets, under-quilt insulation, and rain fly options available. Ian, for a fun little book read on hammock camping and how to learn this process, pick up a copy of the book "The Ultimate Hang: Hammock Camping Illustrated" by Derek Hansen. A good source on here for hammock use is _Adventures with the Marine_ (yes, he's slept cozily in sub-zero in the wilderness). He has loads of great proven hammock companies and solutions.
My AlpineStars jacket and boots have good protection and temperature management- It also looks fucking amazing on me and I feel like a total stud but that was not a consideration whatsoever. 😅
➕Trip Video: ruclips.net/video/T2vyb2g5INw/видео.html
➕V-Strom Bike Setup Video: ruclips.net/video/OUWqc630iao/видео.html
➕V-Strom Cruise Control: ruclips.net/video/-bMW2bWL6-s/видео.html
⚡Lone Rider MotoBags and Overlander Duffle: bit.ly/4gP8oy5
⚡MotoCampNerd Camping Gear (just go here, my cheap gear didn't work): motocampnerd.com/?ref=tv7aUA86wYMVPp
⚡Alpinestars Bogota Pro Jacket: imp.i104546.net/nLzME6
⚡Mosko Moto Woodsman IR Pant: tinyurl.com/bdz4jvt8
⚡Alpinestars Toucan Boot: imp.i104546.net/LXzjaa
⚡MSR Mid Layer: bit.ly/3Ikkyi1
⚡Klim Baja Gloves: imp.i104546.net/0Jn2GV
⚡REV'IT! Sand 4 H20 Glove: imp.i104546.net/k02v0z
⚡Mosko Moto Wildcat Backpack: tinyurl.com/3kud2bdh
⚡Mosko Moto Barfly Rain Pant: tinyurl.com/mpat64px
⚡Klim Base Layers: imp.i104546.net/Jz69We
⚡Mosko Base Layers: tinyurl.com/yc68cyjn
⚡Power Bank: amzn.to/40orBRu
⚡Flying Eyes Sunglasses: flyingeyesoptics.com/
⚡Giant Loop Cactus Canteen: imp.i104546.net/rQA9nG
⚡Folding Camp Shoes: amzn.to/3AhZNDy
⚡Merino Wool Socks: bit.ly/31yihhV
⚡Peak Refuel Meals: amzn.to/4hllmDU
⚡AntiGravity Batteries/Jump Packs: antigravitybatteries.com/ref/69/
➕Cameras➕
⚡ DJI Osmo Action 4: amzn.to/48O1F2b
⚡ DJI Osmo Pocket 3: amzn.to/3Pcqeik
⚡ DJI Mini Pro 4 Drone: amzn.to/3WKU6a2
➕V-Strom 800DE Bike Build➕
⚡ Barkbuster VPS Handguards: imp.i104546.net/jrK2GP OR tinyurl.com/38e9y3np
⚡ Heidenau K60 Ranger Tires: imp.i104546.net/q4rNvn
⚡ Rabaconda Tire Changer: tinyurl.com/2j22c76t
⚡ Cyclops Aux Light Kit: tinyurl.com/8e73mvam
⚡ Carpuride Nav Tablet (use code BIGROCKMOTO for 30% off):
tinyurl.com/bdmjxacc
⚡ Puig Clip-on Wind Visor (med): imp.i104546.net/ORazYN
⚡ Lone Rider Motobags: bit.ly/4gP8oy5
⚡ Lone Rider Overlander 48 Duffle: bit.ly/3YgUgq9
⚡ Tusk Pannier Racks: tinyurl.com/yrutapc2
⚡ Tusk SideStand Foot: tinyurl.com/mb8y2xen
⚡ Rigg Gear Hurricane Tank Bag: tinyurl.com/5x592t72
⚡ SAE Power Outlet: amzn.to/3XU0RoR
⚡ Veridian Cruise Control: tinyurl.com/mr3f6rst
it's great watching you and Dork in these video's together, I follow both of you, great channels. love your work.
Thank you very much!
With content like this, you'll be up to a million subscribers in no time, Ian. Such an in-depth and unassuming exploration of gear for adventure trips, the likes of which I have yet to find anywhere else on RUclips. Keep up the unique and brilliant work, Ian; I'll be shouting BigRockMoto from the rooftops!
Awesome. Many years ago I was a backpacking guide for 2 summers. There's a fine lime between 'preparing for all scenarios' and 'living like a homeless person bc you don't need "it".
Really happy to see more people talk about packing and whatnot.
Wish someone would make a "what if" video on how to handle a situation when someone in the group falls and needs immediate medical intervention
Man that’s a lot of stuff I travel / camp for weeks with 39 liters Mosko moto gear. Thanks for the reviews on their stuff
Great vid! The trip vid was also great. I feel you on the hotel versus camping. I love camping, but I hate carrying all the stuff. It would be nice if you had a friend with a 4WD Jeep and adventure trailer that didn't mind hauling tents, sleeping bags, food, etc,... Still, I do like a shower and bed. I used to camp more, but now I camp maybe a day or two then get a hotel. This lets me charge stuff, clean up, do laundry, and get a decent night of sleep. I did a 50 day 8200 mile trip with my two oldest kids last fall. We found that after about 5 days of mostly dirt road riding in the mountains, we enjoyed just taking a day off. Sometimes we stayed an extra day at a hotel or camped an extra day if we liked the campground. If you know you are going to have a group, sometimes you can split up gear among the other riders so everyone is not duplicating what the other people have. I carried a JedBoil, but the kids did not. My son carried some poles and a large tarp we could use to make a pit tent for shade or rain cover as needed. My daughter had all the tire repair plugs, pump, etc,... Still, like you, we were pretty well loaded down.
Another thing we did was stay somewhere more than one day and leave as much luggage as we could at a hotel and do a ride without it. I did this on a different trip with my son to the Smoky Mountains. We generally spent 2-3 days at each stopover, so the only time we were really loaded was the days when we moved to a new basecamp location. After years of doing the road side rain pant dance, I finally got GoreTex gear and never looked back. The same is true of having an electric vest or jacket liner. I used to think that was silly, until I got one, then I wished I had bought one years before. If it gets really cold, sub 40 in my delicate world, I put a long sleeve sweatshirt on over it to keep the heat in. It really helps! For sleeping bags, I have learned that a 20 degree rated sleeping bag will NOT keep you warm at 20 F. It will simply keep you alive ;-) Those little handwarmer packets are great. Put on in your shorts pocket near your crotch and one near your neck or under your pillow and they will make a huge difference in how well you sleep when it is cold.
Even after 25 years of riding, I still end up taking stuff I don't need and wishing I had taken something else. On our big 50 day trip, there were several times where the kids packed up a box of stuff and just shipped it home. I was wishing I had your goat milk hand cream! I had to make do with Blistex. Riding in the dry climate wearing leather gloves for 8-9 hours a day had my fingernail cuticles cracking and tearing. I had to massage the Blistex around the edges of the nails on my fingers every other night or so. Also, finger nail clippers and a file are a must. Nothing sucks like a split or broken nail snagging on everything you touch or in your glove every time you put it on!
Thank you for your work. I look forward to every video. My son really enjoyed the Gas Gas review build video you did because he recently bought himself a 690 Enduro and based on your vid bought the Cyclops signals and LED headlight bulb.
Navigation systems are the stuff of the past. I got myself a small-brand Chinese phone specifically for riding. It's especially praised for big battery and good heat dissipation. It worked perfectly, never overheated, I kept it on the handlebar and it displayed the navigation, never got too hot or slow. The only problem occured to it in Vietnam when it rained heavily all day and we rode through the mountains, in the clouds etc. At the end of the day there was moisture inside the cameras. Apparently, the phone itself was sealed tight, but the seal on the camera compartment was somewhat lacking. Had to get someone to get the moisture out and re-seal it. Otherwise a phone is perfectly usable
That's the way to go, I agree.
Could you share brand and model? I'm looking for this and it seems CarPlay/Android Auto just overheat.
@@eduardodfj Nubia Z60 Ultra. Not sure if it's sold anywhere else but China tho.. Also it's important to mention that stuff like integrated voice control and AI only works in Chinese language. The moment you switch the system to English, it stops working. I don't use it, so doesn't matter much to me.
@@danb6497 thanks for the info. It is sold here in Spain. It's not cheap, though. Anyway, there must be other models with similar characteristics.
@@eduardodfj wanted a good camera to take pics, hence the price
I appreciate the time and effort you put into your debrief video. Very informative/helpful.
The constant struggle.just got back from a 2k trip to 6 natl parks. Different set of eyes based on experience and weight from my ride. Your insight is helpful.
Hi ian, my solution to your earplugs issue is the green low pressure howard leight disposables which are easy to get on amazon. Softer foam for overnight type wear or smaller ear canal. No issues after I found those 10 years ago.
Yes - you've PACKED ! 😀😀..... To seriously tell, weather you over, or under packed, is never possible, unless there is a defined certainty of things to come ( if there is such thing at all ). On a trip like this - one must be a psychic - fortune teller - to predict every possibility. My opinion : if it is DOABLE - it's better to be prepared for MORE, than for less 🤷♂🤷♂
1:29
Love how you can cut a before and after the trip of Ian to get an idea of how much these rides can take out of you.
Yet we always seem to come back. 😁
Thanks for the gear unpacking. It was very eye opening to see how much extra stuff is required for "camping". Decent camping gear is expensive as heck too.
I'm with you on hotel verses tent camping. Getting up in the morning and being freezing cold is not fun.
Hearing every little noise outside when tent camping makes it tough to get to sleep.
I can't stand being dirty and nasty for days on end either.
Camping in the rain is miserable, so is packing up wet camping gear.
I restrict myself to a 46l top box. If a tent is required, a small one strapped to the top has to do. Travel light, have more fun!
0:31 I got distracted by a shiny new Sierra in the background, so I had to pause and see if it has a Duramax. IT DOES! Congrats.
I used the same LR 40L top bag for my overlanding trip in USA. Put all my camping gear in it too. Just grab it and walk over to the spot for the tent. Removing the inner stiffener will make the bag more flexible in size. The beavertail was great for keeping stuff that were wet or dirty, or out to dry while riding.
I feel like the hard bags are just so much easier. I don’t like all the rolling and unrolling just to get one item out of a bad. Just did a 2,000 mile tour through the Southwest. The hard water proof bags worked great.
The Flying Eyes sun glasses really are amazing. I’m going to have a prescription set made. My gear weight (including the Mosko Moto Rackless 80) on last weeks trip to The Morman Hills was 59 lbs. The time of year has an impact on the weight. My 15 degree bag is almost twice as heavy and bulky as my 40 degree bag. We had 38 degree nights so our loadout was a little bulkier than “normal”. If people want to be super minimalist that’s cool but I’m bringing a chair, table, cigars and booze. 😊
Great video as usual.
I'm also a side sleeper. Look into down camping quilts. It packs down smaller than a sleeping bag and with straps that go under your sleeping pad it allows you to roll from side to side without moving.
Ian interesting and detailed review as expected from you, well done. I share most of your opinions on all things moto except I don't enjoy riding a heavy adventure bike with metal panniers that suspend the weight so far away from the center of gravity. I do enjoy camping while road riding as the extra weight is not so bothersome, but I will never use metal panniers again, only soft rackless bags held close to the bike. I did the first 4 days of the Northern Cal BDR about the same time as you did but I rode my KTM 450 EXC with 2 other friends and we stayed at hotels. I love camping but I don't enjoy riding a heavy adventure bike off road loaded with camping gear, and looking like a homeless person on 2 wheels! I was glad I left my adventure bikes at home. I enjoy your reviews far more than all the others, there is not a close second IMO.
Main issue with small/dual sport is the return to start (truck). 500-1000 miles on the pavement is no fun.
Hey Ian, if you want, try Howard Leight Laser Lite foam earplugs. They could be soft and comfortable enough to avoid pain in longer rides. I've been through a bunch of foamy earplugs and the disposable Laser Lite's seem to work great.
One of your most useful videos. Bravo old boy.
Shops at REI "dont see the need for expensive tents" made me chuckle lol. Every tent I've had has come from Walmart lol
Samsung tabActive3 in a ram tab tite case served me brilliantly on last year's round Australia by dirt trip. Didn't miss a beat in snowy freezing alpine regions or the blistering heart of the red centre.
Thank you Ian for a great BDR movie, I really enjoyed it. I have to agree with you 100% that my favorite trips are solo ones, and I prefer to stay in hotels as well. After a 400 to 600 mile days ride, I do sport touring on a 2011 Triumph Sprint GT, I really enjoy a nice hot shower and comfortable bed at the end of a long days ride. Plus, most of the hotels have some form of hot tub to iron out the kinks in my body. I just completed a 2804 mile trip from Houston Texas to Durango, CO and up through the mountains to Grand Junction, CO. Using GJ as a base camp for three days, I toured through Moab, Utah, one day, one day, as a break day, and then rode the long curvy way to Pueblo, CO. Then two days back home to Northwest Houston, TX.
I made this trip in mid May Houston via New Mexico, Colorado mountains. In this last trip in the second week of October beautiful foliage.
This winter, I would like to take a trip to Arizona to the Grand Canyon and back. God bless you and everything that you do. Keep up the great work..! 😇🙏🏻❤️
I run power to my tank bag using the Battery Tender lead
Благодарим ви!
This was so cool, and helpful. I took a 7,500 mile trip on a DesertX this summer and used some of the same clothing, backpack, and gear. An overlooked feature of the XD-4 is that it is based on the dirt bike shell and has more front-to-back room than the new model. The visor mechanism is a pain to swap, so I just choose a visor for each trip and leave it. The phone overheating and charging issues are not talked about enough. I wonder whether the Rally Tab (what Noraly of Itchy Boots uses) may be the best nav option. LNR Moto uses a camera insert in the Nomax bag for smaller photo gear. I love the Wildcat backpack and have found that playing with the inner height adjustment straps really alters how it sits on your shoulders and back. The CyclePump is probably the gold standard for reliability. I have the same version of the Woodsman Enduro pant and find them very versatile and comfortable (and they go over boots better than the Badlands Pro). The Baja S4 pants can be TOO ventilated if your bike runs hot, unless you add another layer, but that entire suit is incredibly comfortable otherwise, and the pant legs do, just, go over motocross boot tops. Thanks for making all of this content for us!
I've been using custom ear plugs for at least 13 years or so. THEY ARE A MUST!
Check out the BRS 3000T Incredibly lightweight and dependable stove.
However, motorcyclists might consider the MSR-XKG. This stove uses a refillable fuel canister and can burn unleaded gas. So, you could add your stove fuel to the gas tank in a pinch.
For shelter, I don’t use a tent. I bring a ground cloth and set up a bug bivy.. Set a Silnylon tarp above this.
Sleeping under the tarp gives much more dry area than a tent.
Also I love sleeping outside instead of inside a tent.
This system is lighter than any 2 person tent. And a fraction of the price of the best tents.
There’s plenty of RUclips videos showing tarp set ups for camping. The tarp is incredible versatile and can be used as emergency rain gear as well. If you have to work on your bike in the rain, you can set the tarp over your bike and cover you from rain while working.
So, don’t bring a tent. Use a tarp and bug bivy. It’s so much more versatile. And some nights, I never set up the tarp. Just sleep under the stars. If the weather gets funky, you set up the tarp. It’s about options.
Interesting before and after concept. It worked very well with the info presentation. That said. Luke @ The Outdoor Gear Review channel has eight years of product reviews. Most all gear is bought out of his pocket and he takes no money from any. As straight up as can be. Great source of information about camping/travel gear. Lot of better smaller packed down sleeping bags. Also repair kits which are pretty much tape. The pads, the best going is the Thermarest.Xtreme Insulated. packs small for carry. I like a big, damn big pad. It works and is fairly quite. Now, the across the seat rear bag. Lone Rider does very well with this one. I only desire they have side pouches on each side of the bag for easy access to items. Why the hell don't other manufactures use a similar design. I hate those end load ones. If that comes open you loose half you stuff before you know it and it's a PITA to get anything out. Top load is the way to go. I have a 1992 bag from Kathy's Cordura Products which isn't made anymore. I have used mine on every trip. I had BMW M/C tie downs sewn on the bottom to secure the bag so you can open it without having to undo the straps much as the Lone Rider design. It is top load and has a side pouch the width and height of the bag about three inches deep on both sides. Great for handy to reach incidentals and fuel for a stove or wet weather gear.without having to open main bag which has a zippered three sided opening with zipper flaps to control most of the rain water. Mosko Moto equipment is tops with innovative designs and more to come. This bunch takes Aerostich to a new modern level. I'm working with them on some luggage designs now. They want to know and they listen to riders. The Travel Map programs, DMD-2 is the best one going that I can find out about. They have their own system and tablet now. Much better than others. My friends TS Hansen self channel and Robert of Nomad Sweden channel have very good info on these. ruclips.net/video/9e-JtWOz96A/видео.htmlsi=J6-ppEADaBs9SZhs ruclips.net/video/mK_XVNrtBUg/видео.htmlsi=r0wEgwT_KEFZ6VfW ruclips.net/video/2X8bUyr8WSI/видео.htmlsi=nWc1UpU7W-t0KDLB (Newest).... Good vid lot of info. Thanks. Heck of a ride. Be safe
It's really nice to get your "unpack" and "logistics" debrief so soon after your adventure. I know you wouldn't consider leaving home without your first aid bleeding/wound kit. It's like ATTGAT.... The time you don't have it is the time you need it. Glad to learn the 800DE performed so well. (I'm nearly ready to buy one. Weighing the Suzuki vs. the Honda TransAlp.) Now that you've completed long adventures on both machines, which one would be recommended for one biased toward paved and gravel roads, with only occasional "jeep" trails, like the one that connects Bodie with Salton Sea. (?) Great videos!!
For earplugs I use the Loop earplugs. There are different options for decibel reduction, they're readily available, not overly expensive, lots of color options, the fit really well under a helmet... For me they've just been a no-brainer. I've mostly used the Engage model but bought a couple others for different levels of reduction. I also have custom earplugs that I use for music (I'm a musician) but honestly I feel the Loop earplugs have worked better for me. And with that, my 2 cents is spent.
Good to hear the bike did well. I have a 2024 Suzuki V-Storm 650 XT and I am thinking of trying the WA BDR next year
Great video. In my post solo TAT trip. I stated the same opinion. I will not wear a backpack or any pack on my body. Definitely, rally pegs for the bike. Nice to see other youtubers riding with you.
I've been using Toucans for years and taken them everywhere-through Iceland, Siberia, Mongolia, Canada, and all over California. They're awesome! The only downside is that if you get water inside them during a river crossing and it keeps raining for days, drying them out can be quite tough 😂
Put newspapers in your boots when you arrive to your destination and change them before going to bed. In the morning you will have dry (or near dry) boots. This trick has never failed me.
Thankyou Ian. Another super informative video.
Glad you enjoyed it
I didn’t see toilet paper in the luggage. Oooopppsssss!
He doesn’t poop.
Ian, great information from someone who actually uses it. Unlike other keyboard jockeys.
Hi there Ian, Thank you. LOL Hotel camping for me too!! Camping off the bike is rough at my age. For earplugs try out the Decibullz. Also Mac moldable work good for all day comfort. I too find foam plugs painful.
Alpinestar.... I got the same jacket.... my only complaint are the front pockets, loose fit made my waistline larger... lol.
Thank you, Ian for this great video. I have purchased custom earplugs as I have weird shaped eardrums. They were amazing. Well worth the money. Great to see the gear you took and also what you would eliminate next time. Thank you for the video. Looking forward to the next one.
Glad it was helpful!
I love the Bogota jacket except for the inside waterproof pocket. It's a pain to use. I wish it was at chest level and the zipper opened from the top down.
I use a Wellax self inflating camping mattress. Its big but comfortable.
It took me years of hiking experience (every weekend) to reduce my pack down to less than 30 lbs. You eventually toughen up to conditions and going without, including hygiene. If you don't use it on a trip, don't pack it for next trip, unless first-aid or rain gear.
Great video Ian! I am planning on doing the NE BDR next year and often wonder when too much stuff is too much... Thank you for the tips!
Didn't you have issues with the rear shock? Did you have to replace it? Thanks for the great videos!
Great info Ian, really appreciate what you’ve done here
I share your frustration with gadget management. GPS, CarPlay, Sena, especially outside of cell coverage, are the worst parts. It’s gotta be easier! I put up with it because when they work, it’s much better than doing without (I’ve been riding since the early 70s, so I know what doing without is like).
My in-helmet speakers are junk, so in my last trip (2 weeks, 5k miles), I tried the Sure 215 noise cancelling earbuds. Mixed experience with these: sound quality and noise isolation were great - really enhanced the ride- but the fiddling to get them in my ear perfectly and have them stay that way under my skull cap or balaclava and helmet was another source of gadget torture.
Like you, I like to layer. I carry two jackets for different weather conditions, plus layers. The jackets (Klim Marrakesh and Induction Pro) pack small because I wear an airbag vest, so no beck pads. Minor challenge is learning to anticipate weather conditions better so I can start off wearing the right jacket and layers.
Ive seen your other videos and know you are a good rider, so if you can ride with all the weight, i say go for it. I usually ride solo and am a bit older so its better for me to ride lighter. At night or off the bike, i wish i brought more stuff but if i drop the bike, im glad that i brought less stuff
I have the Lone Rider panniers 2x 38l and my conclusion after two years and a couple of one month living of the bike trips is, the cases are simply too heavy. They weigh 6kg (13lb) each, 12kg (26lb) in total, add the pannier frame of lets say 3kg+ (6lb) minimum, you are looking at a setup of 15kg (33lb) empty. Add your luggage for a month including camping gear (I use an Enduristan duffle on top) and in my case a laptop is necessary, in total another 15kg and you are looking at 30kg (65lb) of weight added to your bike. Now I can distinctly tell when my setup with Lone Rider cases gets too heavy. It's a fine point of adding just a 2-3kg (4-6lb) of additional load, such as water from the store for example or a liter of oil or if I just repack my stuff with a higher center of gravity, I can feel the bike develop a "tilt over point" on it's own when riding twisties more aggressively and going into full lean. That usually messes up my curve and really brings me no joy to carve the canyons. As for gravel the bike couldn't be light enough in any case. If I reduce the load for maybe 5kg (11lb) however, it's just fine. A heavy bike, but it doesn't mess with my riding style.
So I came to a conclusion to go for the Enduristan Monsoon EVO panniers which according to stats weigh 2,75kg (6lb) each which should give me an approx. 6kg (13lb) total decrease in weight, just from the luggage setup. And that's just about what should make a difference I'm looking for.
Disclaimer, I've used the same setup on both a GS and on a Transalp, same behaviour. The lighter bike obviously being more fun when exploring dirt roads that you don't know where you are going to end up.
Great stuff Ian..thanks!
Glad you enjoyed it
Sounds like you had a really great trip. I rode sections 3 & 4 a month ago.
Yeah, there’s some learning to be done on minimalism. You shouldn’t need a sleeping bag liner, just wear base layers or fleece. One tip is to bring gear that has multiple uses. No sense on having a cooler if you don’t end up using it, but you could pack other things inside it so it’s an additional stuff sack. Backpacking helps you minimize your gear, because you actually bear the weight of all the gear you bring. Check out Bret Tkacs camping gear….I can’t believe his small bags hold his camping gear along with his video gear and tool kit and tubes.
I started using Mighty Plugs made from beeswax for a perfect ‘custom’ fit every time. They are almost too effective, however, and I have to run the Cardo MUCH louder to carry on conversations.
Far too much luggage. The Lone Rider stuff is also too heavy. I am with Adam Riemann on this. My lugagge setup on my T7 World Rally randomly looks like his. And you know what? It works to perfection. Always pack light! The rear end should be light offroad. No weight up high on the rear end...
Lone Rider setups are always comically over the top. 😂 Just look at the photos on their channel.
I agree. I have the Lone Rider panniers and the cases are just too heavy.
Yep.
@@gapexx exactly
I don't do the whole "if it weighs more than 65g then it's too much" but Lone Rider really is for a couple on a big bike for weeks. Comically huge is a good way of putting it.
To be fair to Ian....he does carry cammeras, chargers batteries, drones etc thats a lump in a pannier.
I’m with you on the hotels. I quit camping once I was done with Boy Scouts 👦
Great video - it's my bible getting ready for my 800DE trip. And yes, I'm using your affiliate links - appreciate this. Thanks
Awesome! Thank you!
Thank you for the information. It was great to see you with The Dork in the Road. I'm very interested in your review of the DE800 regarding this trip. What happened to the rear shock?
It puts the lotion (goat milk) on the skin or gets the hose again😬. I know the phone-based navigation solutions are growing in popularity but I am still old-school and continue to use Garmin or similar GPS devices. Good travel info - thank you!
Exactly and when the phone overheats in the sun it is useless.....
cool bike !😊
love your videos. very educational, great gear tips for new riders like me. is your front tire tread mounted backwards?
I don't see anything wrong with your packing. I also pack things that i don't use, like the 1st aid kit, but wouldn't leave home without it. And am very glad to not use stuff like it.
I go thru my packing at trips end to see if i can not take a few things the next trip. I am down to the two side bags and a 20L duffle top bag.
My tool kit is like 8lbs. But i have what i need in the bush including eng oil. Last trip one of us took a rock to the oil pan. Glad we had the tools/ jb weld to get that bike out of the bush.
Great feedback. I just installed those tires on my 800DE and was wondering on their longevity. Thinking about upgrading the rear to tubeless setup or building a seperate wheel. Suzuki really should have given us that option/setup like they do with the 1050. Looks like you had a great team to travel with. Cheers!
How about paper maps for the backup. seems to have worked pretty well for years.
I always watch your videos. greetings from Philippines!
I am going to look at this bike this morning!!
Fantastic video. You said you didn't touch he bike... did you lube the chain?
@BigRockMoto Great video! What was going on with the suspension during the BDR that had you concerned?
Nice, well organised, like always. My only comment is about the luggage brackets. They seem way to far off the side of the bike. It has to influence the handling, plus in traffic you are about twice the width of the bike. It would be too wide for me.
Can hardly go wrong with packing redundant textiles - and duct tape if they're falling apart, nights have been friggin cold in South Central Oregon last few weeks
Just looked up the price on the Flying Eyes....🤣🤣🤣. Yeah right. No way any sensible person would pay that much for those things - unless they're getting them for free to film YT videos.
How much do they think they are worth?
@@trailrunnermike Frankly, they're made of flimsy polymer materials...which are dirt cheap. So, my guess is that it costs the company maybe $10-20 to manufacture? Add a 100%-ish markup...so, maybe they'd be worth $50 retail?
Check out Zenbivy bed. Total game changer for a comfortable night camping.
Did a 5k mil trip from Brazil to Argentina to Chile (Atacama) then came back and realized one thing, I could have taken 1/3 of the stuff I took!
Bought a Carpuride on Amazon and tried using in Colorado mountains this summer and had constant issues. To get a refund I actually boxed it up on the trip and returned it. I like the bright display versus my Android Military grade phone, but outside of that it didn’t work well.
that backpack looks big, no wonder you didn't like it. What I use on hot summer days is a very light pack for bicycle use I think, that is made to only hold a 2 L pouch and nothing else. So it ends up basically being 2 kilos and maybe a couple hundred grams for the backpack itself. One tip I have is to make sure the hose and the backpack are light colored otherwise the water inside will get really warm and ... disgusting.
Great video! Can you tell me more about 8the hand held HAM radio you used? Thanks!
Great content as always. One word of caution regarding the radio. Using the ham bands without a license is illegal. GMRS radio also require a license but does not require a test as do the amateur radio licenses. Keep up the great work!
Love any 800DE content.
Thanks a lot for this great video
I have a Vstrom 800 DE. Those OEM crash bars are made out of cheese. Where I ride its all rocks and the rear shock is just to soft. When I do my front forks I will get heavier springs and possibly new cores for the front. Lastly I think I will replace my back wheel with an 18"
Can that be done? Is stock 17 ?
@slalomking yep it's can be done. Hessler rally team and dubya wheels.
That hand cream, could you checked, is it like bag balm, for their teeits ? 😅
Gaia would crash a lot. So now I just use dmd2 and love it!
Dang really? I just got the Active5 tablet...for apps/movies/email etc but figuring out a way to mount the dang thing...
Do you know of I will need aftermarket racks for the Moskomoto backcountry panniers? I’m worried the stock racks will be too high.
Hopefully Suzuki takes note and ups the spring rate on the next revision!
The face shield on the new Arai XD5 is so darn frustrating. I can't believe this is the best Arai can produce. I love Arai helmets but this really is a lack of quality control.
Do you think that Gaia premium for offline maps would have would have given you grief without the carpuride? Would you still have wanted a dedicated GPS?
Nice color combos😊😊
Serial overpacker here, looks like a great route though…..
Time to go shopping !
No Tech Air air vest for safety?
Would you choose the Lonerider over the Mosko Backcountry?
Ian, do you think a Himalayan 450 would have faired any better?
Have you tried the Alpine MotoSafe Race earplugs? I've been using the Tour ones for years and they were great but now I started to use the Race ones and they are even better.
Custom earplugs will not help you much. If you have small ear canal (which I suspect you do since everything was hurting) try soft foam earplugs for children. They are like pearshaped and they work very well for me. Since like for you, every other earplug hurts or falls out.
Great videos thanks so much for what you do. I notice you didn’t mention you brought the Alpine Stars off road air bag system. Did you change your mind about always riding with an airbag system? Thanks very much!!
due to charging while camping I decided not for this trip.
Hey Ian, if you haven't replaced your sleeping bag already. I recommend looking into a hammock quilt style bag instead of a traditional sleeping bag. I personally use the "hammock gear economy burrow" and it really improved the quality of my sleep. Not sure why, it's just so much better than a traditional sleeping bag. I still have a sewn closed foot box, but the open back just makes it so much more comfortable. They pack smaller/lighter too.
Thanks for the tip!
Hammocks are a fad and not practical at at all. They are uncomfortable, not usable in nearly all terrain and not worth the "savings" in space, ever.
@clvrswine i don't use a hammock. I use a tent. Try googling what i was talking about and you'll understand :)
@@clvrswine Not sure where you've formed your perspective or opinion, but that's entirely false. Much of the southern hemisphere of the planet prefers a hammock as a standard sleeping arrangement rather than mattresses.
There's plenty of great info on hammocks, all the ways and means that people do it wrong, and how to do it right. The so-called spreader-bar hammocks are garbage, they aren't traditional or stable. Gathered-end hammocks are the way to go, but you have to have the correct length and width for your body. Also, the idea that you "banana" your body while laying in them is also false. You're supposed to lay diagonal in a properly size unit and you're basically flat. The material eliminates pressure points and you won't be rolling around all night, unlike the lumpy ground. There's some setup with hammocks but not as much as a typical tent. You need to set your hang angle correctly and the rest will take care of itself (in terms of comfort). Tons of great bug nets, under-quilt insulation, and rain fly options available.
Ian, for a fun little book read on hammock camping and how to learn this process, pick up a copy of the book "The Ultimate Hang: Hammock Camping Illustrated" by Derek Hansen. A good source on here for hammock use is _Adventures with the Marine_ (yes, he's slept cozily in sub-zero in the wilderness). He has loads of great proven hammock companies and solutions.
Hey Ian, what would tou recommend for a rain jacket to go order my riding jacket? Have a klim Marrakesh and obviously it does not have a liner.
Klim Forecast, Mosko Barfly, those are both nice
My AlpineStars jacket and boots have good protection and temperature management-
It also looks fucking amazing on me and I feel like a total stud but that was not a consideration whatsoever. 😅
Can you show hownyour nomax sits on the vstrom800de