Dear Sir, Last year I thought it necessary to be the tough guy at the age of 82 and packed my bike with tent and all the things that go with it. Yes, the tent was always wet in the morning, I passed the night tossing and turning, eating awful adventure food and this all because I thought this was the only right way to travel motorbike. Thanks to your video I'm now convinced that staying in hotels or guesthouses is quite ok and doesn't harm my emotional ideas of still being the "hardcore" 😅 traveller. Faithfully yours, Joep Flushing, Netherlands.
Good post Joep. In Spain where I live and travel, you can sleep, eat and drink for very little money. Campings can be hard to find inland, but there is always a nice "herberg" to stay in the most humble of villages. 82 and still riding, well done sir!
I'm 57 years old, a popular form of overnight accommodation is a tent, but traveling in Africa sometimes makes sleeping in a tent impossible. About 30% of the time I sleep in a hotel. If possible, I will arrange and set up the tent on the terrace or roof of the hotel. But I have a good sleeping pad. Thermarest topolux, which inflates to 10 cm, on which I sleep better than in a hotel. Most hotel beds are too soft for me. I'll see where I'm at with my sleep needs in 15 years, but I agree with the video. 15 - 17 kg is the sum of my equipment.
Great video as usual Pavlin. Just one advice if you permit: always carry the first aid kit with you and not in the bike. In case of an accident where the bike slides far from you and you are unable to reach it, to have the first aid kit with you is of upmost importance. Always learning from your videos. Greetings from Argentina.
@@motorcycleadventuresI keep a pressure dressing and gauze and a tourniquet on me, the rest in a bag. If I should fall off and I remain conscious I can at least prevent myself from bleeding out.
@@903lewtourniquet and haemostatic dressing on my left shoulder strap of my backpack. I'm right handed. The rest of my first aid kit isn't emergency kit.
Even after 40 years I am still reducing what I take - this video is excellent advice. One thing I’ll do if I’m just going for a week in France etc is to pack each days clothes in a separate ziplock bag, that way you just need your toiletries bag and that days ziplock bag. Use the clean stuff that evening for going out and for the next day of riding.
Thank you very much Pavlin for the great ideas, I immediately tried to fit my sleeping bag, sleeping mat and tent into the tent bag and it worked and thus I created more storage space👍 I already knew tricks like rolling clothes or stuffing socks and underwear into shoes to save space but not the thing with the tent, thank you very much for that🙏 please keep up the good work with your videos, they are an enrichment for TH-cam, best wishes from Berlin from another globetrotter✌️
Haha you are the master of light packing! I am a camper so can just confirm that the tent, sleeping bag for 3 seasons and a proper matress cost mosty volume… I think my camping stuff is about 60L and about 10-12kg including a small gas/wood stove. Adfition to that is water, I usually have about 2L with me. It’s a choice 😊
I'm exactly the same what comes to Tenting.. I slept in the tent way too much in the Army. I do it if I absolutely have to 😅 Maybe next summer if I do a long trip to Norway as it's so expensive.
Everyone to their own,personally i love waking up in nature and very cheap to wild camp,but i definitely understand if i was on a long trip or weather turned really bad it is essential to have the option of an hotel ,hostel or bed and breakfast. All options open 👍
I have gone away with just a credit card and toothbrush!! Doesnt always work, but when its more than a weekend, I'll pack the Mosko 40L soft panniers similar to you. Clothes need to be used for keeping warm in bed or on the bike and also used for casual off the bike excursions. When I'm away I dont care much what I look like, my money is the same as everyone's, its good to look presentsble in society but i have found as a solo bike rider, people open up to you because they see you doing adventures they can't imagine themselves doing. How we act towards each other is more important. A simple hello and smile, knowing you are self reliant and accepting of the situations you put youself into with some trip planning is a priceless experience. It's also why I'd take the tent and use a camp ground every few days to shower use charging facilities etc. For me its the best. Each to their own, no problems with Pavel's set up, as he says it works for him. We all end up on the bike on the open road. Travel light and chase the sun, yeehar!! 🇦🇺🤠👍
I always enjoy your videos pavlin they are always very interesting and informative.. i have a lot of respect for you taking on such long trips solo thanks for sharing your tips and experience with us . Greetings from the UK Garry
Same kit here: In my solid cases (bagger-cases no tankbag usage on this bike, and certainly not those aluminium trunks on any bike. I have a mosko moto rear bag where all that stuff fits in, too. But that I’d take off the bike and walk it like a Nepalese dock worker up into the hotelroom and I hated that so I bought the bagger. Those recently available vinyl saddle-bags, like yours I’d pack even smaller, for a lighter bike and to let these on, completely, only carrying the tank-bag.) - a weekender L with all clothes and toilet things, goes with me into tent, hotel, … - a rucksack (classic small) with cables, headphones, books, stuff, the camera itself is extra, all but camera and phone charger stays on the bike unless I need it. - Rain-Gear and spare Gloves, stays on the bike - Tools, tire-plug, 1st aid, safety-vest and visor-clean, mask, locks, Water-bottle, stay on the bike - I need no spare-parts, last time I thought I needed it, for my 1979 triumph bonneville on a trip to portugal, I didn’t need/use it, 30yrs later I still have those, the bike no more. My tools have temporary remediation (wire, tape, tube) until the next shop or help. - the tent bag is like yours, and I only take it with me on trips where I might pitch the tent. Typically you always find a place to sleep. All in all it’s somewhere in the 40-60L area and yes 12Kg seems right, 11-14Kg, excluding the tools and the camera. Always the same bags, the same gear, the same place, all dialed in.
Same for me, except the electronics. If I have dslr camera, is in saddlebag. No gopro, no microphone, no drone. No tank bag, no backpack during the ride. I have small backpack in which are packed moto jeans when you buy them. It is always under my seat and is perfect when I need to shop some food or if I go to the city and want to take the bottle of water or another small things. My bags are designed for max 5,5 kg each, so easy decision. ;)
One of the best investments I made is Merino Wool underwear. prevents sweating and you can wear many days before they get stinky. Well worth the money.
I’ve become a fan of Merino wool. I carry one short sleeve, one long sleeve, and 2 pair of boxer briefs. Merino wool lets you go days and days between washing without them starting to smell, it’s warm even when damp, and it’s not too bad when it gets warmer outside.
weight is the single most important issue for long distance trip. I am not a minimalist like you but I wish I was, Pavlin!!! You are spot on in keeping everything down to a minimum, my personal different choice in terms of clothing makes the overall bags weight 20kgs in total, but I do like to have at least one nice pair of pants and a shirt in case I decide to go to a nice place. Congrats on keeping everything down to 12kgs without the tent!
Great overview. Key point- carry what works for how and where you ride. I carry more camp gear because I prefer to camp when I can and hotel when I have to.
I’m with you. I prefer to camp. Im not against hotels. I also travel in my Land Cruiser which is expensive. On the motorcycle it’s like a challenge to spend as little money as possible. Hotels and VRBO and AirBnB have gotten so expensive over the last few years that a trip could get expensive anyways.
I found keeping the weight down to be a major challenge on my last big trip as it ranged from the Arctic Ocean to the USA/Mexico border with temperatures ranging between 4° and 40°. plus big elevation gains and lots of rain. also I wanted to camp and cook my own food. add in bike maintenance/repair equipment, camera gear, power banks, drinking water, bug repellent and bear spray it all adds up.
And if you camp, you have to carry quite a bit of food and cooking pots. It makes it bigger and heavier. But hostels, guesthouses are not always findable particularly during holiday seasons in some areas it’s impossibly busy. You make a good compromise having emergency accomodation 👍
Silly question, bu do you use a roll-on stick deodorant when wearing synthetic? i find it's difficult to wash off when on the road, especially synthetics require low temp water. I never use it with my Merino base layers too.
Traveling and changing location each day with tent or camping gear it's close to impossible. Eventually, you end up with burn out and the need to rest in hotel no matter the price.
I'm very similar. The only real difference is that i kerp potentially dirty or oily bits in a separate compartment or away from clothes and other clean stuff. Like your chain lube. Oily pants i like not. But this is a top blog. Ride safec👍
And what about food and water? Something to cook, some burner, pot, gas etc? Or is there always food and drink for morning, lunch and evening wherever you travel?
Good afternoon, Pavin. I am interested to buy these green waterproof bags that you use. Can you let know where I can find these? Thanks have a great day.
Maybe you would like to show us how to change a wheel...! I think it's pretty important on a trip. In case no one here has told you yet; You have a nice oven. It should keep you warm for a long time and you can cook on it too, cool! Greetings
Hey Pavlin! Just by "pure coincidence" I got the same combo as you (T7 + Donner's Tech Rear Luggage Rack & Grab Handles + 21 Brothers U shape bag (30l I think - color coincidentally the same - white :D). Could you show how you mount this bag to the bike in this configuration? I think my way is not the best I could get - the handles are quite wide but I cannot get rid of them as they are welcome when I need to pick the moto from the ground. Maybe there is a video about this already?
Great, simple and interesting video! Your stuff is much look like the stuff I have in trips and I realy like it, because you have much more experience than I have. One question I want to ask. Pavlin, why you don't use the automatic chain oiler instead of chain lube in balons? What are your reasons for that?
Excellent video as always! I have a question, maybe also a suggestion. Have you ever thought to put the spare tubes in a vacuum sealed bag? I'm about to do one of my longest trips (it is quite funny to call it "long" compared to yours, it's only around 3000 Km, but for me it's the longest I ever had in a motorcycle) and I was buying spare tubes for my T7, just to be ready in case of a puncture (I never changed a tube but in case of a puncture at least I have the right spare tubes and I only have to find a mechanic). I was thinking that putting them in a vacuum sealed bag (I already have the vacuum machine at home for sealing food in vacuum) could be handy: 1. they will take less space 2. if I don't use those tubes for a long time they will preserve better, instead of staying maybe years without any protection from humidity changes and exposed to air. What do you think? Is it a bizarre idea?
I fullyagree about the tent , just spent a lousy first night in my tent and that spoiled the second day of my trip. My inflatable matress hd to be re-inflflated every hour and in the morning the stuff was wet with dew. I threw the mattress away. Useless!
@@motorcycleadventures hello and respect!!! I watch Your videos and You are doing good job with them. Respect for that. And respect for not changing Yamaha T7 .
Dear Sir,
Last year I thought it necessary to be the tough guy at the age of 82 and packed my bike with tent and all the things that go with it.
Yes, the tent was always wet in the morning, I passed the night tossing and turning, eating awful adventure food and this all because I thought this was the only right way to travel motorbike.
Thanks to your video I'm now convinced that staying in hotels or guesthouses is quite ok and doesn't harm my emotional ideas of still being the "hardcore" 😅 traveller.
Faithfully yours,
Joep
Flushing, Netherlands.
And that's the truth.. not a TH-cam's imagination..
Glad to help!
Good post Joep. In Spain where I live and travel, you can sleep, eat and drink for very little money. Campings can be hard to find inland, but there is always a nice "herberg" to stay in the most humble of villages. 82 and still riding, well done sir!
Buen Día Cornelis,
Thanks for compliments!
Body 82, mind 28; I'm hoping these figures don't crash in the future 😅
Saludos,
Joep
I'm 57 years old, a popular form of overnight accommodation is a tent, but traveling in Africa sometimes makes sleeping in a tent impossible. About 30% of the time I sleep in a hotel. If possible, I will arrange and set up the tent on the terrace or roof of the hotel. But I have a good sleeping pad. Thermarest topolux, which inflates to 10 cm, on which I sleep better than in a hotel. Most hotel beds are too soft for me. I'll see where I'm at with my sleep needs in 15 years, but I agree with the video. 15 - 17 kg is the sum of my equipment.
Great video as usual Pavlin. Just one advice if you permit: always carry the first aid kit with you and not in the bike. In case of an accident where the bike slides far from you and you are unable to reach it, to have the first aid kit with you is of upmost importance. Always learning from your videos. Greetings from Argentina.
Fair point, but it is too big to stay in my pockets.
@@motorcycleadventuresI keep a pressure dressing and gauze and a tourniquet on me, the rest in a bag. If I should fall off and I remain conscious I can at least prevent myself from bleeding out.
@@903lewtourniquet and haemostatic dressing on my left shoulder strap of my backpack. I'm right handed. The rest of my first aid kit isn't emergency kit.
@@TheIdlesurfer In EU is first aid kit mandatory in cars and motorcycles mostly to help to other people. So we have it always with us.
Total novice going from France to Scotland in September. Thank you for this video, it's a real help.
Glad to help!
Excellent video
Thanks for the visit!
Even after 40 years I am still reducing what I take - this video is excellent advice.
One thing I’ll do if I’m just going for a week in France etc is to pack each days clothes in a separate ziplock bag, that way you just need your toiletries bag and that days ziplock bag. Use the clean stuff that evening for going out and for the next day of riding.
Thanks for taking the time!
Yes, I have noticed my carry load getting lighter as well.
Good!
Thank you very much Pavlin for the great ideas, I immediately tried to fit my sleeping bag, sleeping mat and tent into the tent bag and it worked and thus I created more storage space👍 I already knew tricks like rolling clothes or stuffing socks and underwear into shoes to save space but not the thing with the tent, thank you very much for that🙏 please keep up the good work with your videos, they are an enrichment for TH-cam, best wishes from Berlin from another globetrotter✌️
Glad to help! Thanks for taking the time!
Haha you are the master of light packing! I am a camper so can just confirm that the tent, sleeping bag for 3 seasons and a proper matress cost mosty volume… I think my camping stuff is about 60L and about 10-12kg including a small gas/wood stove. Adfition to that is water, I usually have about 2L with me. It’s a choice 😊
Thanks for sharing!
Perfect and Practical guide 😊👍🏻
Thanks, man!
I'm exactly the same what comes to Tenting.. I slept in the tent way too much in the Army. I do it if I absolutely have to 😅 Maybe next summer if I do a long trip to Norway as it's so expensive.
Thanks for sharing, Ismo!
Super cool and educational. Thanks!
My pleasure!
Everyone to their own,personally i love waking up in nature and very cheap to wild camp,but i definitely understand if i was on a long trip or weather turned really bad it is essential to have the option of an hotel ,hostel or bed and breakfast. All options open 👍
Fair enough!
"Progression and not perfection"
Words to live by!
Absolutely!
I have gone away with just a credit card and toothbrush!! Doesnt always work, but when its more than a weekend, I'll pack the Mosko 40L soft panniers similar to you.
Clothes need to be used for keeping warm in bed or on the bike and also used for casual off the bike excursions. When I'm away I dont care much what I look like, my money is the same as everyone's, its good to look presentsble in society but i have found as a solo bike rider, people open up to you because they see you doing adventures they can't imagine themselves doing. How we act towards each other is more important. A simple hello and smile, knowing you are self reliant and accepting of the situations you put youself into with some trip planning is a priceless experience. It's also why I'd take the tent and use a camp ground every few days to shower use charging facilities etc. For me its the best.
Each to their own, no problems with Pavel's set up, as he says it works for him. We all end up on the bike on the open road. Travel light and chase the sun, yeehar!! 🇦🇺🤠👍
Thanks for sharing!
Very well said!
Extremely useful video, many thanks for that 👍
Glad it was helpful!
Thank you Pavlin, I will remember to watch this specific video before my summer trip
Have fun!
I always enjoy your videos pavlin they are always very interesting and informative.. i have a lot of respect for you taking on such long trips solo thanks for sharing your tips and experience with us . Greetings from the UK
Garry
I appreciate that!
Same kit here:
In my solid cases (bagger-cases no tankbag usage on this bike, and certainly not those aluminium trunks on any bike. I have a mosko moto rear bag where all that stuff fits in, too. But that I’d take off the bike and walk it like a Nepalese dock worker up into the hotelroom and I hated that so I bought the bagger. Those recently available vinyl saddle-bags, like yours I’d pack even smaller, for a lighter bike and to let these on, completely, only carrying the tank-bag.)
- a weekender L with all clothes and toilet things, goes with me into tent, hotel, …
- a rucksack (classic small) with cables, headphones, books, stuff, the camera itself is extra, all but camera and phone charger stays on the bike unless I need it.
- Rain-Gear and spare Gloves, stays on the bike
- Tools, tire-plug, 1st aid, safety-vest and visor-clean, mask, locks, Water-bottle, stay on the bike
- I need no spare-parts, last time I thought I needed it, for my 1979 triumph bonneville on a trip to portugal, I didn’t need/use it, 30yrs later I still have those, the bike no more. My tools have temporary remediation (wire, tape, tube) until the next shop or help.
- the tent bag is like yours, and I only take it with me on trips where I might pitch the tent. Typically you always find a place to sleep.
All in all it’s somewhere in the 40-60L area and yes 12Kg seems right, 11-14Kg, excluding the tools and the camera.
Always the same bags, the same gear, the same place, all dialed in.
Thanks for sharing!
Same for me, except the electronics. If I have dslr camera, is in saddlebag. No gopro, no microphone, no drone. No tank bag, no backpack during the ride. I have small backpack in which are packed moto jeans when you buy them. It is always under my seat and is perfect when I need to shop some food or if I go to the city and want to take the bottle of water or another small things. My bags are designed for max 5,5 kg each, so easy decision. ;)
One of the best investments I made is Merino Wool underwear. prevents sweating and you can wear many days before they get stinky. Well worth the money.
Good!
I love these types of projects. Excellent video
Thank you very much!
I’ve become a fan of Merino wool. I carry one short sleeve, one long sleeve, and 2 pair of boxer briefs. Merino wool lets you go days and days between washing without them starting to smell, it’s warm even when damp, and it’s not too bad when it gets warmer outside.
Agree! Good choice!
I do the same, they are fantastic
Greetings from Poland ✌️
Hello there!
Thanks Pavlin, once again a excellent reccomendation as usual. Greetings Rob.
Any time!
great, as always , meister Pavlin!🤗
Thank you so much 😀!
Thank you ... I need to declutter and bag like you do ...... my ryker is very limited in space , very good video.... Alain & Yellow
You can do it. Thanks for taking the time!
weight is the single most important issue for long distance trip. I am not a minimalist like you but I wish I was, Pavlin!!! You are spot on in keeping everything down to a minimum, my personal different choice in terms of clothing makes the overall bags weight 20kgs in total, but I do like to have at least one nice pair of pants and a shirt in case I decide to go to a nice place. Congrats on keeping everything down to 12kgs without the tent!
Thanks for taking the time!
Great overview. Key point- carry what works for how and where you ride. I carry more camp gear because I prefer to camp when I can and hotel when I have to.
Fair enough! Do whatever is good for you.
I’m with you. I prefer to camp. Im not against hotels. I also travel in my Land Cruiser which is expensive. On the motorcycle it’s like a challenge to spend as little money as possible. Hotels and VRBO and AirBnB have gotten so expensive over the last few years that a trip could get expensive anyways.
I found keeping the weight down to be a major challenge on my last big trip as it ranged from the Arctic Ocean to the USA/Mexico border with temperatures ranging between 4° and 40°. plus big elevation gains and lots of rain. also I wanted to camp and cook my own food. add in bike maintenance/repair equipment, camera gear, power banks, drinking water, bug repellent and bear spray it all adds up.
It is almost impossible to travel light if you plan to camp all the time.
How about food? Do you ever cook, make coffee or carry snacks? Water?
Never carry food. Cook my food only if I stay in hostel. Buy it from supermarkets. I don't drink coffee and I have water in my backpack.
And if you camp, you have to carry quite a bit of food and cooking pots. It makes it bigger and heavier.
But hostels, guesthouses are not always findable particularly during holiday seasons in some areas it’s impossibly busy.
You make a good compromise having emergency accomodation 👍
Exactly!
Hi Pavlin, great video. Informational as always. Could you please post links to the saddle bag, tent, and sleeping bag?
Saddle bag is from Polish company 21Brothers. I don't have links for tent and sleeping bag, sorry!
@motorcycleadventures Thanks, Pavlin. Much apreciated
Do you take helmet/visor cleaning spray and/or a microfibre cloth to clean your visor on your trips?
No! There is soapy water and paper at every petrol station.
Thank youo for the video. what is the product name of your saddlebag? it looks good
21Brothers, Polish brand.
Silly question, bu do you use a roll-on stick deodorant when wearing synthetic? i find it's difficult to wash off when on the road, especially synthetics require low temp water. I never use it with my Merino base layers too.
Yes I do!
And the paper maps? Where do you keep them?
In the tank bag
Traveling and changing location each day with tent or camping gear it's close to impossible. Eventually, you end up with burn out and the need to rest in hotel no matter the price.
Agree!
I'm very similar. The only real difference is that i kerp potentially dirty or oily bits in a separate compartment or away from clothes and other clean stuff. Like your chain lube. Oily pants i like not.
But this is a top blog.
Ride safec👍
Thanks for sharing, Richard!
And what about food and water? Something to cook, some burner, pot, gas etc? Or is there always food and drink for morning, lunch and evening wherever you travel?
There is a food everywhere around the world.
@@motorcycleadventures Yes there is, but usually not on trails 🙂
Good afternoon, Pavin. I am interested to buy these green waterproof bags that you use. Can you let know where I can find these? Thanks have a great day.
21brothers.eu/produkt/rogal-xl/
Maybe you would like to show us how to change a wheel...!
I think it's pretty important on a trip.
In case no one here has told you yet; You have a nice oven. It should keep you warm for a long time and you can cook on it too, cool!
Greetings
Might do it!
Hey Pavlin! Just by "pure coincidence" I got the same combo as you (T7 + Donner's Tech Rear Luggage Rack & Grab Handles + 21 Brothers U shape bag (30l I think - color coincidentally the same - white :D). Could you show how you mount this bag to the bike in this configuration? I think my way is not the best I could get - the handles are quite wide but I cannot get rid of them as they are welcome when I need to pick the moto from the ground. Maybe there is a video about this already?
You can see it on the thumbnail picture of this video. The top straps goes at the end holes, bottom on the passenger pegs.
Great, simple and interesting video! Your stuff is much look like the stuff I have in trips and I realy like it, because you have much more experience than I have. One question I want to ask. Pavlin, why you don't use the automatic chain oiler instead of chain lube in balons? What are your reasons for that?
The life of the chain depends on the factory grease inside. Outside lubrication cannot help much and I never worried about it.
Need to learn a lot, I m unable to pack like this😅
I understand!
Hello Pavlin. Timely advice to all. You may have already mentioned this. Your main bag, what brand is it?
rtw-adventures.com/motorcycle-saddlebag-1.html
Excellent video as always!
I have a question, maybe also a suggestion.
Have you ever thought to put the spare tubes in a vacuum sealed bag?
I'm about to do one of my longest trips (it is quite funny to call it "long" compared to yours, it's only around 3000 Km, but for me it's the longest I ever had in a motorcycle) and I was buying spare tubes for my T7, just to be ready in case of a puncture (I never changed a tube but in case of a puncture at least I have the right spare tubes and I only have to find a mechanic).
I was thinking that putting them in a vacuum sealed bag (I already have the vacuum machine at home for sealing food in vacuum) could be handy:
1. they will take less space
2. if I don't use those tubes for a long time they will preserve better, instead of staying maybe years without any protection from humidity changes and exposed to air.
What do you think? Is it a bizarre idea?
It is actually a good idea.
I fullyagree about the tent , just spent a lousy first night in my tent and that spoiled the second day of my trip. My inflatable matress hd to be re-inflflated every hour and in the morning the stuff was wet with dew. I threw the mattress away. Useless!
Learned the hard way!
@@motorcycleadventures fun pun that. The ground was indeed hard 😉
Greetings from München!
Hello there!
@@motorcycleadventures hello and respect!!! I watch Your videos and You are doing good job with them.
Respect for that. And respect for not changing Yamaha T7 .
What happened to the 21 Brothers Pocket saddlebags you reviewed 2 years ago? I haven't seen you use them since that video.
Still in the garage. Good option but I prefer the horse shoe back.
Hello, three T-shirts, socks and three shorts are enough. That's how I do it too.
Good!
👍👍👍👍
Thanks for watching!
Just for comment NR 💯 !
Cool!
✌🏻😊
Thanks for watching!
Less is Besst!
Absolutely!
Bare essentials is all you need🆒😎🤘!
Absolutely!
Toilet paper? Flashlight?
If you need them.
Boa
Fast reaction!