Thanks so much for watching guys! ➜HERE IS THE WHOLE LIST OF EVERYTHING I TOOK: www.asthemagpieflies.com/blog/2021/1/15/everything-i-took-on-flight-of-the-magpie I tried to list it all here but it made my Description too Long! ha! ➜If you haven't watched Flight of the Magpie yet here ya go: th-cam.com/play/PLLDf_46OYip9nau30f0pxYAsNne4rTtZH.html If you'd like to support me and this channel: ➜Become a Patron! www.patreon.com/blindthistle ➜REDBUBBLE SHOP: blindthistle.redbubble.com/ ➜ETSY SHOP: www.etsy.com/shop/blindthistle ➜Buy me a Gallon of Gas: ko-fi.com/asthemagpieflies
I just recently started watching your videos and just wanted to drop in and say thank you for showing me what’s possible with my CB500X. Love everything you do. Keep it up!
I'm almost happy that I'm old and stay at motel's or hotels. Great video I spend my life making as much money as I could. Being happy was way down the list. Now that I'm older I would have done it differently. I'm happy for you .
The problem with hotels is that you rarely get the views ! It’s common that they are a few km away from the best of the scenery. Nothing to do with money.
Making money working all the day a life long, sounds boring really boring. ... but thats life. Go out do something with your money as long you can. You can‘t eat it nor take it with you
End screen: Ziplocks because I don't own packing cubes. Though i think they are a good idea. My soft bags have a liner that I can pack in and just lift out, if staying in a hotel. That really helped.
Packing cubes for any type of travel. Zipper bags for the stuff that might leak with elevation changes. While I listened to you talk, I put up my cheap ass Ozark Trail tent in my backyard. I bought it last year for my first motorcycle camping trip that never happened. My good tent is too big to carry. I thought I would upgrade from the cheap tent if this becomes a regular thing. Then COVID. Then every camping opportunity within riding distance is booked solid. I’m not complaining! I work for the agency that manages these resources and it’s wonderful to see so many people getting outdoors. I hope I can make the trip this Spring.
I love long distance rides. Wish I had someone who enjoyed them who lives close. My 15 month old Suzuki V-Strom 650 DL has over 11,200 miles on it now. Planning a trip to the New England states and New Foundland areas this year to celebrate my 70 young years. Plus my 05 Harley with 78K on it. End of video question: I use packing cubes and zip locks
I haven't done an extended trip like yours, but for 2-3 days I like the packing cubes. One for each days change of clothing, then use the cube as a laundry bag. I like being organized. I might need to purchase some merino socks though. I can keep everything warm in the winter except my toes! Peace and love.
The most impressive detail of your kit, is the fact that you always carry your personal locator on your person! A personal locator for a motorcycle is going to do SAR much good when they are searching for the person who’s beacon has been alerted. Good job!
End screen question: I use a mixture of nylon stuff bags for my clothes, packing cubes for things like my microfibre towel, and a heap of ziplock bags of all sizes for things like dirty clothes & food. I also have a few big dry bags for my tent, sleeping bag & mat.
I usually bring only 1 cotton shirt !!! But when that shirt says " THE BEST THING IN THE HARLEY SHOP WINDOW IS THE REFLECTION OF MY DUCATI " one will pretty much do it !!!! 😀😀😀😀😀🏍🏍🏍🍺🍺🍺🍺
No matter how long we're on the road, we always learn a thing or 2 (or more) from you! Your list is very comprehensive and informative. Just based on your information I can see that we need to do some things different. I too don't like traveling with jeans, but haven't invested in a pair of riding pants yet - I'm liking yours. Time to reassess the budget for some different gear. Keep up the great work, Amanda! You're amazing!!! ❤️❤️ Chris
End screen crew- did Ziploc for years in my rucksack in the Army. Sometimes do it on the bike. A lot of time I just stuff the saddlebag liners and go. But I'm considering packing cubes for my veterans suicide prevention ride this summer.
Nice setup. I too have cold feet issues and love the down booties. I realize this is a year late but, as far the emergency bivy goes, you can use it inside the bag as a vapor barrier to boost the sleeping bag rating as well. This seems to be gold for about 10 degrees and traps the condensation inside the bivy instead of in the sleeping bag.
I'd never heard of the packaging cubes, so I'm a ziplock guy. Biggest issue with them is they do let air back in, so stuff doesn't stay compacted. I put everything in rolltop bags,, inside my pack. I love that tent. My Sierra's rain fly ripped after 10 years, so probably looking for a new one. It doesn't pack down nearly as small as yours.
Excellent as always. 2 things, I have the Q pad also. Width, agreed, my shoulders are wider than the pad. And my arms are on cold ground sleeping. Warm, dry feet to sleep. No compromise. Most of my stuff has it own containers. So no need for cubes or baggies. They pack well into hard sides. I'm keeping track, too many weeks now. Go see your primary care Dr. because people care about you. 👍😎
Hey David! Thanks so much good to hear I'm not being a princess about the width of that pad! haha I want you to know I have indeed gone to see multiple doctors since this started, I appreciate your concern!
Great eye for detail! You have learned much through you travels and I, for one, am very grateful that you shared so much knowledge with the rest of us.
Amanda, I have been enjoying your videos for awhile now, I also watch FTA with your pal Tim. I live just down the road from you in Brownsville, Oregon. As the long Oregon winter progresses I find I need to renew my motorcycling spirit with ride videos...thank you for posting them. I am on youtube also as "davealias" and have a few ride videos (slideshows) there.. Rejoice...spring is coming!
Take a breath! 😂 well executed! Combo, Ziploc bags, small dry bags and cordura tool bags. One for tool kit and one for camping gear. The ones you can buy at Home Depot...Husky? They pack nicely in my aluminum panniers.
I'm 53. I am planning a 2 week solo trip from Seattle to Phoenix and back at the end of May. I have never depended on a bike for a journey of this magnitude. So I admire the crap out of peeps who ride all over the country like you do! Planning on 300 or maybe 400 miles per day and I will likely shoot for motels or cabins and the like. I may well be capable of way more miles per day but I don't wanna set my sights to high and make a fun trip suck cuz I get too tired or whatever. Besides it's more fun if you can stop and enjoy places along the way. The advice I catch from your video's and other's like you is so awesome and helpful. So thanks for posting and wish me luck....
Wow, that's a very useful video. Thank you for providing me with information about various items for your trip. I'm glad to see your great channel again. Always stay healthy. 👍👍👍🤝🤝🤙🤙🤙👌
I’m definitely a packing cube / pouch packer. My luggage also has numerous compartments for organization. Everything has a place and is easy to get to - grab and go. My husband is a stuffer... just throw it in - but he does have a cube for his clothes. It is fun to see how the gear has evolved since the pilgrimage. I did the exact same thing. First trips - too much of the wrong stuff. With experience and a bit of collecting, over time, better gear and dialed in to the necessities. I love seeing the load out so thanks for sharing. I hope you feel excellent soon!
Thanks Robin! :D It's good not to have to dig for stuff for twenty minutes to find something on the side of the road lol For having way less liters of space to fill, somehow I took a LOT of stuff I never used on the Pilgrimage lol including a whole paperback book, that I never read while I was travelling lol
Thanks Amanda, I always pick up a trick or two in these sorts of videos, todays 'thing' a lightweight waterproof in an easy to get to place, brilliant! End screen answer; 'organised' (at the start of the trip) stuffer turning packing cuber.
I enjoy learning how/what folks back for trips when volume and weight are a concern. I have to admit, I was a little uncomfortable when you brought out the underwear bag but I got through it. Thanks for the tips and insight.
I certainly take less stuff with me, but at the same time I'm only usually going 7 to 9 days. If I verify that my mechanical stuff is good, I can skip most of the tool roll. I have certainly figured out that jeans are worthless for travel, so two khaki colored zip-off pants work well for me. I never skimp on the under stuff, so maybe that's what I need to focus on next to be lighter yet. However, you know how amazing it feels to have that little bit of cotton where it needs to be. I rely a little more on restaurants to feed me along the way, so I've slowed down on the carrying of cooking supplies. It's always interesting to see how other people set their trips up. always good to see your enthusiasm about travel. Can't wait for my next trip.
Interesting video. My travel and camping gear also change based on the season, where I’m going, and how long I’ll be gone. But tools and first aid kit are always in my bike saddle bag along with rain gear. Texas weather can change daily/hourly😎
Some great tips Amanda. I have started to use packing cubes. Love them. My seat bag is a 35L dry bag from SW Motech. I prefer the Hi Viz Yellow. When I open it up I can see all my stuff against the yellow. I started out with a black seat bag with a rain cover. It is all about trial and error.
Hi Amanda, get well soon. You do sound better. Love your kit, keep it simple. Love it! I have yet to camp using my bike but it is in the works. Have in the past been a big Backpacker/hiker, now just fat and old but not dead so I love watching others and you seem to be all together with the right attitude. I have in the past been a big ziplock fanboy but, you and Tim have changed me over to the cube fanboy. lol!
Thanks Shawn! haha I've been having good days and a bad days and I've been trying to only film on the good days, since ya know bedraggled amanda isn't super entertaining. lol I'm glad between Tim and I we've been able to convert you!
Nice video Amanda. Always looking at other people's kit to see how to improve my own. As to your question I like the packing cubes. This i mush those into a saddle bag. LOL I think the big difference of you normal climate and mine back east is yours must cool down more at night. I am trying to cool down enough to sleep. Remember the southeast from your trip? LOL
lol True Jeff! It cools down quite a bit at night in the Western half the United States, even in Arizona and Nevada the temperature drops quite a bit when the sun goes down!
Thanks for making this! Yeah, everyone's list is different, and everyone's list changes from trip to trip. For me, in my long trip planning, this is a great reference to things you need to do tasks - I completely spaced the little spatula, for example. It's jogging my thoughts to ensure I have things I'll need while on the road.
I've been wanting to use packing cubes but am still trying to work out what should go where, so I'm still at the ziplock stage. 😁 I do need to figure out how to divide up my top-box as shoving it all in isn't perfect. So far I've just cut apart boxes and used the lower sections as trays (ie: cereal boxes). This was a good reminder that I should spend some time trying to figure out how to improve that.
Hi Jim, packing cubes help with that as you can group stuff together and it stays togethe and the different sizes of packing cube let you compartmentalise your top box as well. As Amanda said its a process to try and perfect your gear.
thanks for the thorough video! the underwear things i'd totally forgotten about in my shopping list - those non wired quick drying underwears would be perfect, as well as a warm sleeping outfit. being a cold sleeper sucks! more things to bring haha. cheers!
Thanks for your comprehensive list of equipment you take. I like Merino wool too. It's nice and toasty while being light and not itchy. Keep doing the thing! 👍
Thanks for the gear view. Between you, Tim and a couple of others, I am really tuning my gear for the upcoming season. And you are definitely correct. Ziploc bags do not hold up. Packing cubes are the way to go.
That was great - very useful. Must have taken an age to edit with all the added footage of your gear in action, and then sorting all the description info and links. All while you're under the weather too. Thank you!
Nice one Amanda, seems like you have the packing down to a T very well thought out and not overboard. I am a bit of a stuffer haha! Need to look into packing cubes though !
Thank you Amanda for sharing this one, even though it may get outdated, we can always learn something new out of it!! Well done and keep it up, you're doing great!! 👍👍
I stopped wearing traditional bras like....god, I don't even know how many years ago...6? 7? 8? Might have to check out that brand for the quick drying aspect 🤔
Excellent video! Thank you for being so thorough. I have been looking for some items you mention here which is really exciting for me. About packing, I use packing cubes, ziplock and even plastic store bags at times (especially to hold items I know I’ll be throwing away). One trip, my uncle gave me fish 🎣bags which seemed odd at the time but ended up coming in so handy because they were thicker and didn’t break like ziplocks.
If you're ever looking for an alternative sleeping setup, you could look into hammocks and tarps. They take a little less room and you're no longer stuck looking for a flat campsite, just string it up and crawl in. There is a learning curve, just like everything else, but the versatility takes the cake for me. Shug Emery is a great and entertaining place to start if you're interested.
Thanks! I appreciate it but I have indeed tried hammock camping and it's just not for me. It also leaves me on the ground a lot more in places that don't have convenient trees. Its alot easier to brush out a spot for my tent on the ground than it is to find a spot with a good setup for trees the way that I travel. Not knocking it for others but it's not for me and the way that I travel. I'm sure if you're accustomed to looking for those spots it's easier, but maybe not in areas like Southern California, Arizona, Utah, Eastern Oregon, Eastern Montana and Eastern Washington would be hard too lol
Amazing presentation.....you are so thorough yet concise. As always I get great fodder for my own planning from your videos like this one. I will most likely use a packing cube setup . However this will be my first big ride so I guess I will learn what works best for me lol.
Excellent video! The Garmin... I’m looking at getting one. Do you use it strictly for emergencies or GPS as well? Which subscription plan did you choose?
I would LOVE to have a puppy along but I can barely take care of myself lol let alone another animal while I'm travelling. It sounds like a lot but if you take out the camera gear (which normal people wouldn't carry) it's about the same as any other long distance traveler ( I guess I have to add that it would be any long distance traveler that isn't purposefully sleeping on the ground under a tarp to reduce the amount that they're carrying. But I'm not about that.)
@@AstheMagpieFlies Hi Amanda, I think you can do the ground /Tarp minimilist thing for short trips but I like a bit of luxury in my old age and take a Helinox cot to sleep in to keep me off the ground and a chair and it just makes my trip more pleasurable.
I enjoyed this video....We RARELY camp two up. Camping for two on one moto is an art rivalled only by backpackers, LOL. BTW, I am disappointed you didn't model the hat....LOL
Thanks for the load out inventory. It’s amazing how much sh*t we can pack on a bike! You rarely use a lot of things, until you don’t bring it! Then it’s a need! End screen... packing cubes in the saddle bags. Dry bags in the trunk. Ziplocks in the tank bag. My wife has been sewing throughout COVID-19. 8000+ masks and still going. I want her to make some custom liners for my saddle bags. The one thing I hate about the BMW RT saddle bags is how they open from the side. Bag liners would help a lot!
Thanks for watching it Bob! I did do a "everything I didn't use" video for Patrons but there really was only like 5-6 things on that list. Wow! That's so cool! I feel like she would have ALL the skills to make some custom liners!
Nice video. Thank you for sharing. I hope you feel better sooner than soon. End Q: I historically am a stuff it packer, with a few zip loc bags for certain things. I've always disliked the disorganization, and have recently procured a couple of different packing cube sets (mix and match for size) - thanks Tim. Are you planning your next trip yet? What kind of trip are you leaning towards? Long/short, tarmac/dirt mix, area of the country?
Video should have been titled everything you want to know about Amanda zito but was afraid to ask 😂 lol seriously thanks for the video I got some great camping ideas love your videos ride safe .
I’m a “shove it all in the bag” person but really want to be a packing cube person. I even bought some recently! No traveling to try it out yet though. 😒
lol I believe in your will power to become a packing cube person! I think I'm 50/50 there's defenitley stuff that just ends up in the bottom under packing cubes, things like fleeces and puffy jackets do better stuffed than they do in a packing cube in my experience.
I noticed you sometimes use a drone. Am considering one but so many rules and regulations. Do you find that the drone is worth it and have you ever tried the mini to forgo so may rules?
Hey Marc! Just for the record lol you still have to have a commercial license with the FTC to use your drone footage in monetized videos on youtube even if you do have a mini. Soooo no I haven't considered it lol I think if you're not willing to put the money up front and take the test to get licensed then it's not worth it.
Great video, as always! I find great info in these lists. It might be a strategy, a product or a realization that I am not crazy for constantly evolving my gear. Heck, I evolve before ever even using things sometimes! Do you have an estimate of the weight of your packed gear? As for me, I’m a list-making, over analyzing, over organizing, anal-retentive, type-A, worry wort sort of type. I have packing cubes for my packing cubes. Help me.
Thanks Brad! I have no idea how much everything weighed lol My main criteria is that if I can't lift it when I'm tired then it's too heavy. I can lift the duffel fully loaded even after the longest day, and I can throw both saddlebags over one shoulder to carry up stairs when I need to, although I normally just take my clothes out of the one if I'm going to stay at a hotel. lol
Instead of a sleeping pad, you should try a Helinox ultra lightweight cot. They are about the same size as your sleeping pads if not smaller and only weigh about 2#.
If you camp in cold temperatures a cot isn't going to insulate you, you'd still have to bring a sleeping pad. cots might be really nice for people who sleep hot but unfortunately I'm a cold sleeper so sleeping pad it is. I worked in an REI man I know what's out there.
8,000 miles in 2 months !!! What ?!?!?! How were you able to take time too enjoy anything? Just sleep and ride ? That sure seems like some serious mileage crunch time.
Um no it was 8,000 miles in less than 1 month. It was 24 days exactly. Again. That was the time I was allowed to take off by my employer at the time. I wasn't going to not do it just because I had to do it in a shorter period of time that would be dumb. I wanted to do it so I did. Saying I couldn't enjoy it because I was crunching miles really makes me think 1)you haven't watched the series at all 2) you've probably never tried anything like this before 3)everyone travels differently everyone wants different things, if you can't relate maybe don't judge other people's adventures ok 🤦
I'm with you on the jeans! Women's jeans are particularly useless, lack in proper pockets and are usually made of at least 50% spandex nowadays. Hiking pants are way better, more comfortable, have good pockets and can dry out super quick and pack small!
I’m late to the party, but Got a question for ya. That Honda you ride, does it ride like an adventure bike? Is it considered an adventure bike? I know you use to have that triumph. Are they similar? I’m thinking about selling my kTm 790 adventure trying to do some homework on what to buy next for me n my wife 2up longer trips.
Lol I think it's technically listed as a street bike. The 2019+ models have better wheels for adv. I've done everything I did with the Tiger on the CB500x. It is my Adventure Bike. Actually I think it's a better adv bike than the tiger but everyone has their own opinions. I know a lot of others that also ride it as an adventure bike. Rally raid makes kits to make it a "proper" adv bike but those kits are really expensive. It does what I ask it to. Honestly you have to ride one for yourself. Everyone has their own opinions about things and I have no way of knowing what your expectations for performance are. 🤷 Everyone needs different things and ... Go different speeds off road.
Thanks so much for watching guys!
➜HERE IS THE WHOLE LIST OF EVERYTHING I TOOK: www.asthemagpieflies.com/blog/2021/1/15/everything-i-took-on-flight-of-the-magpie
I tried to list it all here but it made my Description too Long! ha!
➜If you haven't watched Flight of the Magpie yet here ya go:
th-cam.com/play/PLLDf_46OYip9nau30f0pxYAsNne4rTtZH.html
If you'd like to support me and this channel:
➜Become a Patron! www.patreon.com/blindthistle
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Hey the tent is no longer available. Do you have another recommendation?
I just recently started watching your videos and just wanted to drop in and say thank you for showing me what’s possible with my CB500X. Love everything you do.
Keep it up!
I'm almost happy that I'm old and stay at motel's or hotels. Great video I spend my life making as much money as I could. Being happy was way down the list. Now that I'm older I would have done it differently. I'm happy for you .
The problem with hotels is that you rarely get the views !
It’s common that they are a few km away from the best of the scenery.
Nothing to do with money.
Making money working all the day a life long, sounds boring really boring. ... but thats life. Go out do something with your money as long you can. You can‘t eat it nor take it with you
End screen: Ziplocks because I don't own packing cubes. Though i think they are a good idea. My soft bags have a liner that I can pack in and just lift out, if staying in a hotel. That really helped.
Packing cubes for any type of travel. Zipper bags for the stuff that might leak with elevation changes.
While I listened to you talk, I put up my cheap ass Ozark Trail tent in my backyard. I bought it last year for my first motorcycle camping trip that never happened. My good tent is too big to carry. I thought I would upgrade from the cheap tent if this becomes a regular thing. Then COVID. Then every camping opportunity within riding distance is booked solid. I’m not complaining! I work for the agency that manages these resources and it’s wonderful to see so many people getting outdoors. I hope I can make the trip this Spring.
My packing strategy has evolved from "toss it all in" to a combination of ziplock and packing cubes. Thanks for sharing!
former ziploc bag user then switched to packing cubes as well,,,,,then stuffed into a dry bag ......just in case.....motocamping is lotsa fun!!
Ya!!
Use to use ziplock bags until I watched FTA talk about packing cubes. And now that is the go to for packing.
Heck ya *high five* packing cube club!
I love long distance rides. Wish I had someone who enjoyed them who lives close. My 15 month old Suzuki V-Strom 650 DL has over 11,200 miles on it now. Planning a trip to the New England states and New Foundland areas this year to celebrate my 70 young years.
Plus my 05 Harley with 78K on it.
End of video question: I use packing cubes and zip locks
That's awesome man!
I haven't done an extended trip like yours, but for 2-3 days I like the packing cubes. One for each days change of clothing, then use the cube as a laundry bag. I like being organized. I might need to purchase some merino socks though. I can keep everything warm in the winter except my toes! Peace and love.
Definitely a packing tube person, with dry bags for moisture sensitive stuff that goes outside my panniers (which have dry bag inserts.)
The most impressive detail of your kit, is the fact that you always carry your personal locator on your person! A personal locator for a motorcycle is going to do SAR much good when they are searching for the person who’s beacon has been alerted. Good job!
End screen question: I use a mixture of nylon stuff bags for my clothes, packing cubes for things like my microfibre towel, and a heap of ziplock bags of all sizes for things like dirty clothes & food. I also have a few big dry bags for my tent, sleeping bag & mat.
Thanks Pippa!
We appreciate you doing "the thing". Combination of packing cubes and ziplocks. Yes, camping gear is always evolving just as we are.
Working on an ideal packing cube system. A present it’s a mix of all three options.
Take care and get well soon!
I usually bring only 1 cotton shirt !!! But when that shirt says " THE BEST THING IN THE HARLEY SHOP WINDOW IS THE REFLECTION OF MY DUCATI " one will pretty much do it !!!! 😀😀😀😀😀🏍🏍🏍🍺🍺🍺🍺
No matter how long we're on the road, we always learn a thing or 2 (or more) from you! Your list is very comprehensive and informative. Just based on your information I can see that we need to do some things different. I too don't like traveling with jeans, but haven't invested in a pair of riding pants yet - I'm liking yours. Time to reassess the budget for some different gear. Keep up the great work, Amanda! You're amazing!!! ❤️❤️ Chris
End screen crew- did Ziploc for years in my rucksack in the Army. Sometimes do it on the bike. A lot of time I just stuff the saddlebag liners and go. But I'm considering packing cubes for my veterans suicide prevention ride this summer.
Thanks man! They are useful for organizing and being able to pull out what you're looking for without digging around too much. lol
Nice setup. I too have cold feet issues and love the down booties.
I realize this is a year late but, as far the emergency bivy goes, you can use it inside the bag as a vapor barrier to boost the sleeping bag rating as well. This seems to be gold for about 10 degrees and traps the condensation inside the bivy instead of in the sleeping bag.
Amanda … you are good at this.
Come to Europe ! Some fabulous riding … start in Norway then ride to the Alps, Portugal and perhaps Morocco.
I'd never heard of the packaging cubes, so I'm a ziplock guy. Biggest issue with them is they do let air back in, so stuff doesn't stay compacted. I put everything in rolltop bags,, inside my pack. I love that tent. My Sierra's rain fly ripped after 10 years, so probably looking for a new one. It doesn't pack down nearly as small as yours.
Excellent as always. 2 things, I have the Q pad also. Width, agreed, my shoulders are wider than the pad. And my arms are on cold ground sleeping. Warm, dry feet to sleep. No compromise. Most of my stuff has it own containers. So no need for cubes or baggies. They pack well into hard sides. I'm keeping track, too many weeks now. Go see your primary care Dr. because people care about you. 👍😎
Hey David! Thanks so much good to hear I'm not being a princess about the width of that pad! haha
I want you to know I have indeed gone to see multiple doctors since this started, I appreciate your concern!
I hope you feel better soon. For packing ... I use packing cubes, small'ish dry bags, large duffle and hard bags. Oh and a tank bag.
Thanks Guy! 🙌
Yeah!!!! Wow, you are amazing. That's exactly what I was looking for. Thanks so much
😊😊😊packing cubes for larger items/clothing. Ziplocks for smaller items & things that need to be dry(er). Great video, as usual(-:
When you said "No, I'm not gonna put it on for you" in reference to the alpaca hat I said out loud "Damnit, Amanda!" lol
Lindsay, I was bummed she didn’t show us! Lol
Great eye for detail! You have learned much through you travels and I, for one, am very grateful that you shared so much knowledge with the rest of us.
Amanda, I have been enjoying your videos for awhile now, I also watch FTA with your pal Tim. I live just down the road from you in Brownsville, Oregon. As the long Oregon winter progresses I find I need to renew my motorcycling spirit with ride videos...thank you for posting them. I am on youtube also as "davealias" and have a few ride videos (slideshows) there.. Rejoice...spring is coming!
Take a breath! 😂 well executed! Combo, Ziploc bags, small dry bags and cordura tool bags. One for tool kit and one for camping gear. The ones you can buy at Home Depot...Husky? They pack nicely in my aluminum panniers.
Thanks Dale!
I'm 53. I am planning a 2 week solo trip from Seattle to Phoenix and back at the end of May. I have never depended on a bike for a journey of this magnitude. So I admire the crap out of peeps who ride all over the country like you do! Planning on 300 or maybe 400 miles per day and I will likely shoot for motels or cabins and the like. I may well be capable of way more miles per day but I don't wanna set my sights to high and make a fun trip suck cuz I get too tired or whatever.
Besides it's more fun if you can stop and enjoy places along the way. The advice I catch from your video's and other's like you is so awesome and helpful. So thanks for posting and wish me luck....
Thank you Amanda. Hope you get to feeling better soon!
Thank you!
Wow, that's a very useful video.
Thank you for providing me with information about various items for your trip.
I'm glad to see your great channel again.
Always stay healthy.
👍👍👍🤝🤝🤙🤙🤙👌
Hi from Australia always looking forward to seeing a notification of a new video being released Always a great watch
I thought I was a cold sleeper but you are next level. Awesome vid and thanks for the pack out.
Wow great job, one of the best gear videos I've seen
I’m definitely a packing cube / pouch packer. My luggage also has numerous compartments for organization. Everything has a place and is easy to get to - grab and go. My husband is a stuffer... just throw it in - but he does have a cube for his clothes. It is fun to see how the gear has evolved since the pilgrimage. I did the exact same thing. First trips - too much of the wrong stuff. With experience and a bit of collecting, over time, better gear and dialed in to the necessities. I love seeing the load out so thanks for sharing. I hope you feel excellent soon!
Thanks Robin! :D It's good not to have to dig for stuff for twenty minutes to find something on the side of the road lol
For having way less liters of space to fill, somehow I took a LOT of stuff I never used on the Pilgrimage lol including a whole paperback book, that I never read while I was travelling lol
Lol. You carry a ton of stuff on that bike. Now I know why I bought a bagger. 😂😂😂 Great information Amanda. Think Spring!!!
Thanks Amanda, I always pick up a trick or two in these sorts of videos, todays 'thing' a lightweight waterproof in an easy to get to place, brilliant! End screen answer; 'organised' (at the start of the trip) stuffer turning packing cuber.
I enjoy learning how/what folks back for trips when volume and weight are a concern. I have to admit, I was a little uncomfortable when you brought out the underwear bag but I got through it. Thanks for the tips and insight.
Thanks Roy!
lol I did say it was everything.
Excellent video! I just did my 2nd Solo Motorcycle Camping Trip. What a blast! Thank you for all of your tips and videos. 🙂
I certainly take less stuff with me, but at the same time I'm only usually going 7 to 9 days. If I verify that my mechanical stuff is good, I can skip most of the tool roll. I have certainly figured out that jeans are worthless for travel, so two khaki colored zip-off pants work well for me. I never skimp on the under stuff, so maybe that's what I need to focus on next to be lighter yet. However, you know how amazing it feels to have that little bit of cotton where it needs to be.
I rely a little more on restaurants to feed me along the way, so I've slowed down on the carrying of cooking supplies.
It's always interesting to see how other people set their trips up.
always good to see your enthusiasm about travel. Can't wait for my next trip.
Ya *high five* for the no jeans team!
Thanks J!
Ii also chuckled when you said “the moisture from my body is trapped, it can’t escape” lol
Interesting video. My travel and camping gear also change based on the season, where I’m going, and how long I’ll be gone. But tools and first aid kit are always in my bike saddle bag along with rain gear. Texas weather can change daily/hourly😎
Ya! *high five* Thanks Edd!
great video, very comprehensive and informative...always good to see what other riders take on their trips...great ideas and suggestions...cheers
Thanks Alan I appreciate it!
Some great tips Amanda. I have started to use packing cubes. Love them. My seat bag is a 35L dry bag from SW Motech. I prefer the Hi Viz Yellow. When I open it up I can see all my stuff against the yellow. I started out with a black seat bag with a rain cover. It is all about trial and error.
Hi Amanda, get well soon. You do sound better. Love your kit, keep it simple. Love it! I have yet to camp using my bike but it is in the works. Have in the past been a big Backpacker/hiker, now just fat and old but not dead so I love watching others and you seem to be all together with the right attitude.
I have in the past been a big ziplock fanboy but, you and Tim have changed me over to the cube fanboy. lol!
Thanks Shawn!
haha I've been having good days and a bad days and I've been trying to only film on the good days, since ya know bedraggled amanda isn't super entertaining.
lol I'm glad between Tim and I we've been able to convert you!
Nice video Amanda. Always looking at other people's kit to see how to improve my own. As to your question I like the packing cubes. This i mush those into a saddle bag. LOL I think the big difference of you normal climate and mine back east is yours must cool down more at night. I am trying to cool down enough to sleep. Remember the southeast from your trip? LOL
lol True Jeff! It cools down quite a bit at night in the Western half the United States, even in Arizona and Nevada the temperature drops quite a bit when the sun goes down!
Thanks for making this! Yeah, everyone's list is different, and everyone's list changes from trip to trip. For me, in my long trip planning, this is a great reference to things you need to do tasks - I completely spaced the little spatula, for example. It's jogging my thoughts to ensure I have things I'll need while on the road.
I've been wanting to use packing cubes but am still trying to work out what should go where, so I'm still at the ziplock stage. 😁 I do need to figure out how to divide up my top-box as shoving it all in isn't perfect. So far I've just cut apart boxes and used the lower sections as trays (ie: cereal boxes). This was a good reminder that I should spend some time trying to figure out how to improve that.
Thanks Jim!
lol hey we all have to start somewhere it takes time and testing to figure out what works best for you! :)
Hi Jim, packing cubes help with that as you can group stuff together and it stays togethe and the different sizes of packing cube let you compartmentalise your top box as well. As Amanda said its a process to try and perfect your gear.
thanks for the thorough video! the underwear things i'd totally forgotten about in my shopping list - those non wired quick drying underwears would be perfect, as well as a warm sleeping outfit. being a cold sleeper sucks! more things to bring haha. cheers!
Thanks for your comprehensive list of equipment you take. I like Merino wool too. It's nice and toasty while being light and not itchy. Keep doing the thing! 👍
Thanks so much lady :)
Really appreciate this video. Massively good info!
In the winter I definitely have to wear socks to bed you’re right if your feet are cold you are cold
Fantastic! I will be looking at your trip vlog. So happy this vid popped up in my feed.
It's a good thing you have the energy to keep doing the " thing ".
Thanks for the gear view. Between you, Tim and a couple of others, I am really tuning my gear for the upcoming season. And you are definitely correct. Ziploc bags do not hold up. Packing cubes are the way to go.
That was great - very useful. Must have taken an age to edit with all the added footage of your gear in action, and then sorting all the description info and links. All while you're under the weather too. Thank you!
Thanks for noticing the extra effort Mike! I appreciate it lol
Packing cubes all the way!!!
Heck yes! *high five*
Nice one Amanda, seems like you have the packing down to a T very well thought out and not overboard. I am a bit of a stuffer haha! Need to look into packing cubes though !
Thank you Amanda for sharing this one, even though it may get outdated, we can always learn something new out of it!! Well done and keep it up, you're doing great!! 👍👍
Puffy jackets are smart, not laugh worthy lol! Great stuff ATMF!
I stopped wearing traditional bras like....god, I don't even know how many years ago...6? 7? 8? Might have to check out that brand for the quick drying aspect 🤔
Excellent video! Thank you for being so thorough. I have been looking for some items you mention here which is really exciting for me.
About packing, I use packing cubes, ziplock and even plastic store bags at times (especially to hold items I know I’ll be throwing away). One trip, my uncle gave me fish 🎣bags which seemed odd at the time but ended up coming in so handy because they were thicker and didn’t break like ziplocks.
wow, what a great video, fun and comprehensive thanks.
Thanks Dan! :D
I loved this video!! So great! Thanks for sharing all this. Good stuff. I feel bad that you still don’t feel well. I hope you feel better soon.
Thanks so much Cliff! I really appreciate it!
If you're ever looking for an alternative sleeping setup, you could look into hammocks and tarps. They take a little less room and you're no longer stuck looking for a flat campsite, just string it up and crawl in. There is a learning curve, just like everything else, but the versatility takes the cake for me. Shug Emery is a great and entertaining place to start if you're interested.
Thanks! I appreciate it but I have indeed tried hammock camping and it's just not for me.
It also leaves me on the ground a lot more in places that don't have convenient trees. Its alot easier to brush out a spot for my tent on the ground than it is to find a spot with a good setup for trees the way that I travel. Not knocking it for others but it's not for me and the way that I travel. I'm sure if you're accustomed to looking for those spots it's easier, but maybe not in areas like Southern California, Arizona, Utah, Eastern Oregon, Eastern Montana and Eastern Washington would be hard too lol
Amazing presentation.....you are so thorough yet concise. As always I get great fodder for my own planning from your videos like this one. I will most likely use a packing cube setup . However this will be my first big ride so I guess I will learn what works best for me lol.
Thanks Falcro :D
I'm sure after your first trip you'll have lots of tweaks to your system! haha!
Excellent video! The Garmin... I’m looking at getting one. Do you use it strictly for emergencies or GPS as well? Which subscription plan did you choose?
Ziplock bags for me. That was a pretty good amount of stuff, I’m surprised that somehow you didn’t manage bring a puppy with you...😬😬🤣🤣🤪🤪
I would LOVE to have a puppy along but I can barely take care of myself lol let alone another animal while I'm travelling.
It sounds like a lot but if you take out the camera gear (which normal people wouldn't carry) it's about the same as any other long distance traveler ( I guess I have to add that it would be any long distance traveler that isn't purposefully sleeping on the ground under a tarp to reduce the amount that they're carrying. But I'm not about that.)
@@AstheMagpieFlies I definitely get the camera gear, I got a little bit of it myself. I’m just beginning to use the chest mount when I ride.
@@AstheMagpieFlies Hi Amanda, I think you can do the ground /Tarp minimilist thing for short trips but I like a bit of luxury in my old age and take a Helinox cot to sleep in to keep me off the ground and a chair and it just makes my trip more pleasurable.
I enjoyed this video....We RARELY camp two up. Camping for two on one moto is an art rivalled only by backpackers, LOL. BTW, I am disappointed you didn't model the hat....LOL
Enjoyed it...hope you start feeling better soon! Spring is coming!
Thank you!
Amanda- Love the videos!! Keep them coming and the awesome info for my moto camping ideas!!
Thanks for the load out inventory. It’s amazing how much sh*t we can pack on a bike! You rarely use a lot of things, until you don’t bring it! Then it’s a need!
End screen... packing cubes in the saddle bags. Dry bags in the trunk. Ziplocks in the tank bag. My wife has been sewing throughout COVID-19. 8000+ masks and still going. I want her to make some custom liners for my saddle bags. The one thing I hate about the BMW RT saddle bags is how they open from the side. Bag liners would help a lot!
Thanks for watching it Bob! I did do a "everything I didn't use" video for Patrons but there really was only like 5-6 things on that list.
Wow! That's so cool! I feel like she would have ALL the skills to make some custom liners!
Amazing all that gear and clothes fit on your mc!! Thanks for all the good tips for gear!
my trick for keeping my feet warm is throwing a hot hands packet in the bottom of my bag. my feet are always toasty
Thanks Amanda, lots of good info!
Great overview of the gear from your trip!
Hi Amanda, after watching one of Tim's Videos I am a total packing cube person.
*high five* heck ya!
Love your relaxed style 🤘🏽
Amanda - love your channel ! How do you create your maps ? I would like to make one for my last trip - thanks
I made the map in Illustrator then animate them myself in After Effects.
Nice video. Thank you for sharing. I hope you feel better sooner than soon.
End Q: I historically am a stuff it packer, with a few zip loc bags for certain things. I've always disliked the disorganization, and have recently procured a couple of different packing cube sets (mix and match for size) - thanks Tim.
Are you planning your next trip yet? What kind of trip are you leaning towards? Long/short, tarmac/dirt mix, area of the country?
Magpie have you set up a charging plug on your bike for phone and meg power?
Video should have been titled everything you want to know about Amanda zito but was afraid to ask 😂 lol seriously thanks for the video I got some great camping ideas love your videos ride safe .
lol I did say it was Everything *shrug*
Glad you were able to get something useful out of it!
Greetings from Costa Rica...great video rhanks.
Greetings Bernard! :D Thanks so much!
I’m a “shove it all in the bag” person but really want to be a packing cube person. I even bought some recently! No traveling to try it out yet though. 😒
lol I believe in your will power to become a packing cube person! I think I'm 50/50 there's defenitley stuff that just ends up in the bottom under packing cubes, things like fleeces and puffy jackets do better stuffed than they do in a packing cube in my experience.
I bought some for a trip that got cancelled in the spring. So at least I’m prepared when I can travel again! ☺️
8K miles! I wonder how many miles you have on the Honda now. It must be pretty high milage....
If you watched the series you'd know 😉
Interesting and good video thanks
Thanks so much Jim!
I noticed you sometimes use a drone. Am considering one but so many rules and regulations. Do you find that the drone is worth it and have you ever tried the mini to forgo so may rules?
Hey Marc!
Just for the record lol you still have to have a commercial license with the FTC to use your drone footage in monetized videos on youtube even if you do have a mini. Soooo no I haven't considered it lol I think if you're not willing to put the money up front and take the test to get licensed then it's not worth it.
Prudhoe bay july 2022?
Who’s in?
Did/do you have a cruise control/throttle lock on your 500?
Nope
Great video, as always! I find great info in these lists. It might be a strategy, a product or a realization that I am not crazy for constantly evolving my gear. Heck, I evolve before ever even using things sometimes! Do you have an estimate of the weight of your packed gear? As for me, I’m a list-making, over analyzing, over organizing, anal-retentive, type-A, worry wort sort of type. I have packing cubes for my packing cubes. Help me.
Thanks Brad!
I have no idea how much everything weighed lol My main criteria is that if I can't lift it when I'm tired then it's too heavy. I can lift the duffel fully loaded even after the longest day, and I can throw both saddlebags over one shoulder to carry up stairs when I need to, although I normally just take my clothes out of the one if I'm going to stay at a hotel. lol
Instead of a sleeping pad, you should try a Helinox ultra lightweight cot. They are about the same size as your sleeping pads if not smaller and only weigh about 2#.
If you camp in cold temperatures a cot isn't going to insulate you, you'd still have to bring a sleeping pad. cots might be really nice for people who sleep hot but unfortunately I'm a cold sleeper so sleeping pad it is.
I worked in an REI man I know what's out there.
Very well done dear!!!
8,000 miles in 2 months !!! What ?!?!?! How were you able to take time too enjoy anything? Just sleep and ride ? That sure seems like some serious mileage crunch time.
Um no it was 8,000 miles in less than 1 month. It was 24 days exactly. Again. That was the time I was allowed to take off by my employer at the time. I wasn't going to not do it just because I had to do it in a shorter period of time that would be dumb. I wanted to do it so I did.
Saying I couldn't enjoy it because I was crunching miles really makes me think 1)you haven't watched the series at all 2) you've probably never tried anything like this before 3)everyone travels differently everyone wants different things, if you can't relate maybe don't judge other people's adventures ok 🤦
I'm with you on the jeans! Women's jeans are particularly useless, lack in proper pockets and are usually made of at least 50% spandex nowadays. Hiking pants are way better, more comfortable, have good pockets and can dry out super quick and pack small!
You should show us a little bit of your art.
Feel free to follow me on Instagram 😜 instagram.com/blindthistle
Hope you get to 100% soon!
Fingers Crossed! Thanks Zackary
Hi Amanda, I want to ride around the country like you did. Possible to contact you for some consultation. Let me know how I can touch base with u.
Hard to believe you carry all that stuff. If you can carry all that, I guess I could ride one without taxing it, especially with no gear on board . 🤔
😜
I’m late to the party, but Got a question for ya. That Honda you ride, does it ride like an adventure bike? Is it considered an adventure bike? I know you use to have that triumph. Are they similar? I’m thinking about selling my kTm 790 adventure trying to do some homework on what to buy next for me n my wife 2up longer trips.
Lol I think it's technically listed as a street bike. The 2019+ models have better wheels for adv. I've done everything I did with the Tiger on the CB500x. It is my Adventure Bike. Actually I think it's a better adv bike than the tiger but everyone has their own opinions. I know a lot of others that also ride it as an adventure bike. Rally raid makes kits to make it a "proper" adv bike but those kits are really expensive. It does what I ask it to.
Honestly you have to ride one for yourself. Everyone has their own opinions about things and I have no way of knowing what your expectations for performance are. 🤷 Everyone needs different things and ... Go different speeds off road.
@@AstheMagpieFlies cool thank you for your reply. Next bike is gonna be less off road and more on road. I just like how adventure bikes look