A word on maintenance prior to going on a trip: Just as gamers would tell you to „never play on Patch Day“, I suggest to not do any major repairs immediately before going on your trip, if at all possible. Whether it’s a new chain set, timing or valve adjustments, a new cooler, new clutch etc…make sure you „break in“ everything, let things settle and get a feel for it. Give it a week or so and test your bike to get a baseline. That way you know when something seems off. So never pick up your bike from the shop and then go on a 1000 mile trip as soon as you leave the parking lot.
I once (1996/7?) set off on a trip around Wales on a brand new Claude Butler hybrid bike with new aluminium racks and panniers on the front and rear, using stainless steel brackets I’d fabricated myself the night before. Ten minutes off the train at Llandudno Junction and I had to adjust the bearings on both the front and back wheels, gear selector, and brakes. Challenging work on a grassy roadside on a hot summer day, and many miles to cover. But I’m in my element in such situations. Military improvisation comes in handy. It was nightfall when we reached the guesthouse, but I never had to adjust anything on the bike for months. Very satisfying experience, and a great test of a new relationship, but not for everyone I guess.
Same with gear! I've bought some fancy new leather gloves and took them on a trip. My hands hurts for over half the trip because they weren't broken in yet.
I never leave home without my Trangia, it comes in so handy as I camp as much as possible, in Australia at free campsites out in the bush and even in Europe and the UK I camped at sites that were miles from anywhere with few ammenities, so having cooking equipment was a god send. I normally wake early so sitting having a coffee in the morning waiting for the tent to dry out enjoying the environment and the scenery is a nice start to the day , even a hot chocolate in the evening is nice or boiling up some pasta and adding a can of tuna is a quick simple meal and cheap. Space and weight can be an issue but i only carry what I need and I have space in my panniers to carry extra things when needed, I have one pannier bag with my tent and sleeping things in, the other pannier has my cooking gear, chair, food and other bits and pieces and a 30 litre bag on the back with clothes and other things on the back of the bike so when I use a hotel I just take my bag and leave the pannier bags on the bike. A bag of pasta and a few cans of tuna last a long time because I don’t have it for every meal but they are there if I need them, I even carry some rice and a can of ham at times, there are different combinations of things that last a while and are cheap to carry, there is always the chance of being stranded somewhere or not being close to shops, so going hungry and thirsty is not fun. Like you say Pavlin think about what you carry but be prepared, I know with the addition of my Trangia I won’t be caught out somewhere and be hungry. Just my opinion. 👍👍👍👍
I think he's not aware of some of the challenges in Australia. Where we have a choice of sticking to main roads only or going out in national parks and state parks for the night or two nights and there being a few hundred km between your camping destination and the next place you can get food. Plus his "exception" which is the "wild trip, away from civilisation" basically describes travelling in central Australia or W.A.
@@krulidnI think he's not aware of many things. I find most of his info mostly disingenuous. He started his channel with "buy this, you need that,... " Now he states we don't need all the extra options on the bike. Like many other channels, he's just promoting to get free stuff and grift money via UA-cam. Everybody has a right to their own opinion, but I surely would not follow any advice from him.
When i go camping if its at a campsite in uk. I dont take a camping stove with me but when i get to my destination. I just buy one of them £10 cooking stoves from local camping shop so dont have to carry it down and after just give it away or throw it away just saves me carrying with me. Do find the stove handy if its hammering down with rain outside and just are not feeling it to go out to get a drink or something to eat. But thats just how i do it as you say each to there own its what works for that person
I cannot agree with your second point about not bringing a little cooker. I usually motel trip now but I absolutely LOVE stopping at some roadside park to make tea or coffee and boil some noodles or heat up some canned stew for lunch right there at the picnic table. It is the pure joy of doing this that I love. It's a major part of the trip for me and saves me the trouble of trying to find a place to buy food or coffee and be at the mercy of the service and food quality they provide. Without the cooker I only have cold drinks until I get to the next hotel or find a restaurant (which costs a lot more money and time) and that's just not how I like to do it. But, to each their own!
@@motorcycleadventures, Bald makes a good point, but I must agree with you, especially as you made the argument about buying coffee at the gas (petrol) station. Space is at a premium on a motorcycle, and we must make tough choices as to what we pack and carry.
Coffee and food are overrated. We can live a good life eating one meal a day. I eat this way at home and it gives me plenty of time to live my life instead of cooking, buying, planning what to eat and such. The food industry taught us that we need more than we actually do.
I did a solo trip and I agree, taking a stove was a total waste of time. I was far more efficient at covering distance. However when I travel with a group it seems to be more of a social thing to sit round a campfire and make food. I’m not sure what I prefer😂. Great video mate.
Depends entirely on the trip and the personal preferences while traveling. I do not regret taking the stove with me, being able to cook while wild camping is really really nice.
Hi Pavlin. Just want to start by saying I enjoy and appreciate all of your videos. I love your "down-to-earth" reasoning on pretty much everything. In this video I have to comment on your thoughts on bringing/cooking food on a trip. I agree that the cost/convenience is often "break even" especially if your day brings you through many populated areas. Hotels and restaurant food in North America is blindingly expensive and often questionable nutrition value. I agree that prepackaged food is crazy expensive and not worth bringing for the most part. My experience may be different, but I really value eating good quality food in the places I go...often away from amenities. The downside, like you say is carrying the bulk and weight of a stove (I use a Series 27 Trangia), stopping at grocery stores and carrying a fair amount of food. Agreed...often depends on situation. I had to laugh about the winch and chain/sprockets too :) A short length of Dyneema suits towing needs rather well, weighs nothing, takes up almost zero space.
North America is a whole nother kind of place .. lodging and restaurants in US/Canada never get as cheap as what can be found in remote places in Asia. Supermarket food, gas station coffee, a tiny lightweight stove (Sterno Inferno, the jetboil riff version) sometimes, and cheap/free stealth camping are how I get around on a low budget. Every gas station has hot coffee in the morning, and there's hardly anyplace where you're more than 50 miles from some kind of gas station.
It's most commonly used for sailing and is the strongest tension fabric that exists. Also known as AmSteel....For example, 1/8" diameter has an average breaking strength of 2500lbs and weights 0.5lbs/100ft@@williamferri3982
@@williamferri3982 It's been 10 months so I don't know if you've already learned elsewhere, but "Dyneema", also called "Amsteel" is Ultra High Molecular Weight Polyethylene (UHMWPE) cordage that has the cross-sectional strength of steel cable (e.g. a 3mm diameter "Dyneema" cord is as strong as 3mm braided steel cable), very little stretch or creep and is extremely light and flexible (unlike steel cable, it floats on water). Because of its high strength and light weight, it's frequently used by hammock campers as part of most load-bearing applications, from structural ridge lines to suspension systems. Dyneema cord would make an extremely effective tow cable that you could carry in your pocket.
I mostly agree with you about bringing cooking equipment. When traveling every day I generally find no need to prepare my own food, but there are exceptions. I enjoy camping and camp cooking, and I often plan to spend several days in each of several remote locations. This is frequently one of the highlights of my trip. Another is in the case of traveling in extremely remote areas. I rode from the USA through Canada to Alaska this last summer. There was often only one place to get food each day. Several days I stayed in camp and didn’t travel at all. Northern Canada and Alaska is bear country, so camp food was canned food that I picked up during the day. I kept it minimal, so cooking equipment was minimal. I carried a large titanium cup, a spoon, and a very small stove and gas bottle. I lost 6 kilograms in 4 weeks, but it was a fantastic experience and the weight loss was a good thing. :)
I’ve enjoyed some camping breakfasts with fried bacon but my favourite breakfast memory was a “full Scottish fried breakfast” cooked by a couple of old ladies who looked like my Grandmother in a cafe in Lairg, Scotland. I wouldn’t take cooking utensils on a tour, it just takes up too much space and it’s good to enjoy local hospitality !
Hi Pavel, this is my first comment. So let me start by telling you, that I enjoy your advices and information on your channel very much ! 👍 Due to your personal experience, it's no storytelling. Everything is profound and helpful. Thus I understand your reasons for leaving stove and tableware at home. But as food preferences are very personal, my personal opinion is, that is it still a good decision, to have a small "home kitchen" aboard on the moto. What I always take with me on a ride, where I take my tent, is knife, fork and spoon, a soup plate, a mug, one cooking pot, a butane stove and a small potion of salt. Even though I didn't buy the high fancy stuff, I got along with a budget of 50€ total and a weight below 1 kilogramm using quality stainless steel equipment. What I never take with me, is ready prepared food, coffee or other food reserves. Here I completely agree. This will always give you an unnecessary amount of weight, nobody wants to carry. My strategy is: - decide if I will sleep in the tent at early afternoon of my ride - if yes, decide if I want to cook or go to restaurant, bistro, fast food - decide my breakfast for next day at the same time - then regarding to the latter two topics pickup the necessary food. - first get enough water (most important for anyone on any ride !) plus e.g. muesli, milk, bread, cheese, sausage, whatever I want/whatever is available - with a good plan, next morning after breakfast, the most of the food is placed in my stomach and not in my luggage 😉 This way: - my kitchen equipment itself never consumes more than 1kg - I only carry additional food weight in the evening time on the way to my camping spot - I am not left on ugly tasting prefab preserved food or fast food All the best Regards MM DRZ
Another very useful video. I used to carry my computer then found I rarely used it. Coffee I'm not willing to give up. In the US every gas station and restaurant has coffee. In Argentina (home) every gas station has hot water (for mate) so I buy instant coffee. Often I bring a thermos. Stove and pots I gave up long ago. Spare chain I never thought of but I did buy a little bottle of oil for my chain one time. A winch? That one caught me by surprise. I'm not riding a jeep.
I go alone on my trips and i bring my cooker because i can eat something warm at the end of the day and most importantly so i can make hot coco when i feel lonely in the evening. And i sleep at least 90% of nights in my tent and cook my own food to save money (i go shopping about every other day to be able to cock fresh) because its an expensive hobby and im a student still. On everything alse i agree on you. I would rather carry a few extra tools than a few to little. Everything else is scaled down to a minimum. I even sold my super tenere and bought a xr650r to be lighter and go more offroad.
I like camping. For me, cooking a tin of ravioli before going to sleep is part of the charm. Gas is cheap and both the burner and pot were paid for by the army many years ago. I even bring a bialetti and some coffee because for me that’s part of the charm. Don’t ride as far as Pavlin, of course.
I agree with everything you say 100%. When I’m going for a trip on my bike .. I want to have fun and travel light. I’d rather spend more money eating out and getting coffee to go and staying in hotels so my bike is lighter and easier to ride. More time seeing the sights and exploring the area I’m in and less packing up tents each morning and trying to cook and make coffee . It’s supposed to be a vacation. Who wants to sleep on the ground and have to cook a crappy meal on a single burner stove in a dirty pot 🤣
sounds like 2024 - no body values nutrition and nature.. sounds like you can't cook by your indignant comment 'crappy meal' . I might be wrong but it also sounds like you have a 'Dakar' style ADV bike - that's too heavy to pick up when you drop it.. like chaps with big cars and small ........ As Pavel says, each to his/her own but after 68 years and travelling over 18% of this earth on my own I don't think you dare immerse yourself in real life.. Enjoy your hotels and the bug ridden beds serving low nutritional value food (yeah, I worked catering for over 20 years) - one reason why I cook fresh once every day - no matter what
Great advice Pavlin, I carried camping gear once with me on a trip and only used it once because like you said I had to justify bringing it, it was the most uncomfortable night of the trip. in western Europe there is no need. Only thing I disagree on is a small lap top computer, I never travel without it, also I bring a thermos and mug so if I'm leaving the guest house in the morning I can fill it with coffee for the day and just buy some food for the day when I'm filling up with petrol, like a sandwich fruit water etc. I make sure all the tools I bring I can use, also a puncture repair kit and small compressor that fits under the seat. I got 55,000 kms on my current set of chain and sprockets, using a scott oiler, changed the front twice at 15k and 30 k an I'm still riding on it, Suzuki vstrom 650, best little real world touring bike in my opinion.
I agree to all points, Pavel 👍🏼 I took my stove and camping equipment plus instant coffee on a 6500+ km trip last year and I didn't touched it at all. Next longer trip I'll leave it at home for sure. I met Lolo in Iceland summer 2020 and he winched through a few rivers. I believe it was one if the very few cases where it was necessary but his bike was also prepared with high air intake. Greetings from winterly Germany, Bernd 💙💛🏁🤛🏼
Hi Pavlin, another idea. Do a diet three months before the journey and lose 5kg. You can then take a stove, pots, food etc. The plan would be to gain the same grams each day by eating as the gas and dried food you consume. On the last day recycle the gas can. Perfect equilibrium. 😀
15 Euro !! for this price you have a nice lunch or dinner in most of non Western European Countries. You taste new plates and you support the local economy :))...and you meet people. Great Video Pavlin
Ja, aber wenn man 6 Wochen oder mehr für eine Umrundung der Ostsee unterwegs ist, dann ist das Kochzeug nützlich. Beispiel Helsinki: Eine Pizza Margharita, im Strassenverkauf, 15 Euro. Eine Kugel Eis 5 Euro. Island letztes Jahr hatte ähnliche Preise.
On long road Tours in the USA I'm usually on Interstate or Major Highways. We're BLESSED in the USA with options like LOVES Truck & Travel Stops every 50-100 miles. They always have "fresh grind coffee" so my method is to hit a LOVES late in the afternoon just before hitting my tent site, fuel up bike & load hot fresh coffee into my Thermos. Next morning I'm golden with hot coffee at the ready. I don't eat until noon anyways so Coffee (with cream, no sugar) is all I need to launch back on the road !
Hi Pavlin , I agree with you in 4 out of 5 points. I always carry a chain lube can in my trips, not to clean it, but to mantain it running easy. Excellent video as usual.
@@motorcycleadventures I always carry a small cloth to just "clean " the chain of anything rough before greasing it. Barly any space and weights next to nothing works great on my euro trips!
Nothing like minimalist travel. That's why I ride a motorcycle, Alone. Bare essentials. The older I get the less I take. Anything I have taken in my 50 plus yrs or riding and nor used doesn't get another free ride. Leave it behind. I carry only necessary items for survival in a bad situation. Generally money and fruendships will do more to help you than anything you put in a bag. Heavy emphasis on friendships.
I agree with everything except the cooking stuff. There's not much around when adventuring in Australia, and the added social and enjoyment aspect that comes from cooking or making a coffee is well worth the extra weight. I do agree that it is a case by case basis depending on where your are adventuring to and what amenities you have along the way. Loving the videos! Chain lube is not needed with 'O' ring chains!. waste of money, and just splatters everywhere! Just need to make sure they don't rust.
@@motorcycleadventuresWhich part? It can often be hours of riding from the last place you can get food to your destination for the camp spot inside of a state park and national park. Then the same in the morning. In Australia camping out is much more of a tradition and expectation, so petrol stations won't have proper meals. There are routes in the northern territory and through central Australia where there really aren't other options. But I accept that because in Australia camping out in a remote place far from a roadhouse is considered half the enjoyment of adventure touring, this is different from other countries so you'd see it as the "exception" and the "wild adventure far from civilisation" you mentioned at the end.
Fellow coffee addicts: don't forget that caffeine pills exist! I always carry a few when traveling (by motorcycle or otherwise). It doesn't replace coffee, but it allows me to be a functional, semi-social human until I'm able to get a cup. That said, JetBoil is still coming along on any camping trip for me. Great content as always. I value your perspective even when I don't necessarily agree, because it's well-reasoned and based on a lot of real-world experience. You got me to ditch my giant driving lights, which allowed me to ditch the upper crash bars they were perched on. I can't say I miss those 20 pounds. So thanks!
Pavlin, No1. A tip I picked up from another rider in the past was dont take too many tools. I was guilty of this and my tools were way too much and also weighed far too much. So I know take a few "essentia" tools as I am not a mechanic. Maybe just a few get out of trouble stuff i.e puncture repair kit standard spanners. Tip No2 for me after making the exact same mistake is .... never pack too many clothes!! This my tip take the oldest worst t shirts and other shorts socks etc that are basically worn out ,after wearing on the bike for a day or 2 throw them away !!! so you become lighter and lighter on the way home!! By the way enjoying the channel. From the UK
Thanks for the video. I enjoy many different aspects of Motorcycle Travel. I use a checklist of items when I'm packing and each trip. I modify my list and add items that I want and remove things that are not worth packing. For me cooking around camp is one of my favourite activities so a stove and mess gear are essential to me. In Canada there have been increasing fire bans so cooking over a camp fire is not always an option. I pick up food along the way and when I set up camp I relax and prepare the food. I also pick up some beverages along the way so I can enjoy a beer or glass of wine at camp. To each his own but camp cooking is one thing I really enjoy about motorcycle travel and a necessity as far as my trips anyway. Nobody said camping has to be uncivilized or uncomfortable to be an adventure. Cheers!
I learned many years ago about a great invention called a thermos bottle. I get a coffee or hot meal packed away from a store and I am ready for a good hot or cold meal in the future. Also nothing wrong with a hot coffee or tea when you wake up, just pop the thermos. Clean up is a joke too. PS my favorite brand is Thermos. Just subscribed and clicked the bell. Thanks.
Pavlin, so right with you... So important to be light when traveling! But as Italian , I have a guilty pleasure.... It's to make my own coffe (that I can choose) with my Moka (one cup) so light with just little gaz 100gr. But the pleasure when I wake up the morning to make my coffe or when I make a nap somewhere in nature and then make a coffe before leaving, (it's not because I'm addict), it's a huge pleasure. Only if I leave to Italy, that I don't take anything, because the coffe it's just so good. In most of the country. I love your videos. Thx
You gave me pause to think about the cooker and pot. I think as you pointed out it depends on the kind of trip and proximity to cities and towns during the trip. For the chain I pack a tiny squeeze bottle that I fill with gear oil. It goes into a ziplock bag along with a 3/4” paint brush that I cut the wooden handle short to also fit in the plastic bag. Almost no weight. I wrap it with some small rags and pack it in a very small size pocket on my tank bag. This way if the chain saw rain or water crossings, it gets a brushing of oil and a wipe down at the end of the day. Keeps it clean and lasting a very long time without having to pack much. I find at the end of the day doing the chain cleaning and going over the bike is a good idea to see if anything is wrong with the bike that you may not have noticed. But then I do my trips with a 1998 BMW F650 which maybe requires more attention than a new bike.
Minimalism is a way of life.. you either love it or hate it.. I LOVE IT.. and that’s how i setup my adventure bike. Love the vids .. thanks from Kuwait
I follow Steve Bly (Mongrel Dog Productions). He has probably done more adventures in remote Australia than anyone. He would agree 100% with you. But on food, even in the most remote outback regions you are never more than 500kms from fuel or 3 days riding for food. So what does he carry for meals? Goold old Heinz canned meals and a spoon. He buys 3 for $12 at any servo or grocery store and they last unopened for years.He makes a fire and puts the can on the edge and in 15 minutes its done. Pop the lid and eat . The can is steel so it can be buried and it will rust away to nothing. No plates required.
I like Stagg chili. , medium or hot. The cans have zip top like sardine cans so you don’t even need your Swiss Army knife to open. Also carry a few protein bars as backup.
Hi! Thanks for all your videos! The dry frozen food I bring (REAL) is great. Just pour boiling water, wait 10 mins and eat. No plates, no dishes. It’s great when you are in the woods/mountains, hungry and have a beatiful view. But for plowing through multiple countries when you can’t refill with the food you like, I agree! Have a great day!!
Not having a stove in Europe may be an option, but travelling remotely in northern Canada it’s a necessity. If you have a dehydrator you can make excellent meals at home. Food options in remote areas are very limited, and usually not healthy. If you pack like a backpacker in regards to this gear, you can minimize weight. I have done trips to Baja, MX, and south western US, no cooking gear necessary.
I agree with everything except cooking supplies. I don't know how many times I've been caught out camping somewhere without anywhere to eat. Also if you're buying coffee from petrol stations etc costs can multiply. I do agree though that dried package food is very expensive. I usually keep a can of beans that you can add sausage or or any sort of processed meat product locally if I see I could be stuck along my journey.
Depends on your Circumstances to be Honest , if you are going on a very long tour for over 6 months and all you will be doing is Camping then yes take as much as you can For example i will be buying a 125cc Scooter and living out of a Tent full Time , so i intend to load it up like a Mule I am not interested in going fast and i'm in no rush to get anywhere , my only major concern will be getting food and water and of course Petrol Even getting a Puncture will not be a Problem and i will carry tools and supplies to Service the Bike myself I have seen some Guys on Honda C90 with so much kit they look like Sherpas going up Mount Everest , i was surprised the bike was able to move Now if your just going on a two week holiday then that's different , horses for courses
I‘m a chef and I can assure you that I’m able to prepare good food cheaper than going out to eat! 😂 Even with only one cooking pot. But You’re right. If I plan to stay in Guesthouses ore Hotels I would leave the cooking stuff at home! 😎👍
Gonna be pretty hard to eat without at least a way to boil water. You can go for a pretty long time in Appalachia without passing somewhere that sells food, especially if you’re not looking to eat terrible American cuisines like deep fried meats and burgers. All you need is a freeze dried meal, the fuel and stove, and a spoon. Thats it. Couple this with eating when you can when you’re off the mountain and on pavement, and a couple freeze dried meals can last 3, 4, or 5 days. Also, in the winter, it’s very hard to stay warm in the mountains without a hot water bottle in your sleeping bag.
@@motorcycleadventures Well the obvious one is free vs $120/night, not to mention being able to sleep under the stars, have a fire, or any of the other reasons people camp. Duh.
Lovely video as usual Pavlin 👌🏻 Just seen your chimney, it's it ok if I copy your solution? 😊👍🏻 And, as usual, I won't disagree with your reasons. I thought about bringing such stuff once, measured pros and cons and since never had a regret. Just.... Well, nice when traveling up in mountains and food was too far away, and tasty fish was in the river. But that's another story. Fishing story. Ride safe mate ❤
This was excellent, very provocative ie made me think, because I am really struggling with what to take/not take. My first big trip (longer than 3 days, was the TAT and I took my computer which required a whole bag unto itself; I don’t do that anymore. Another point you touched on, which Eva Rupert recently made in a talk at Overland Expo, “what is the purpose/objective of the trip and be ruthless in your assessment”? Specifically are you camping or not? To go on a multi-day trip with your camping bag but only camp a couple nights, thats added weight, complexity and aggravation. As for the chain, I have been on trips with guys who were constantly cleaning their chain and sprocket and to hear from you, based on your extensive experience, that a new chain and sprocket would have eliminated that chore and lowered items to carry plus been safer. Well done film!
Great Video, again. Where do you come out on "shade" items, like Kelty Noah and a pole or two? Camp Chairs? Camp Tables? Do you still love the Polish U'shaped big rear bag that hangs down over the sides?
No coffee for this old man. I’ve made 66 years without it. I carry some dry snacks like beef jerky, or nuts, and a little bit of extra water with me. Other than that, I’m stopping for gas every three hours, I’ll grab a bite to eat then. One thing a few people consider is that if you’re trying to lighten your load, look at your own body. If you’re overweight, shed 5 pounds or 2.5 kilograms. Great video, sir. (Liked and subscribed) 👍
As for the food I take some apples, bananas some quality dark chocolate just in case I get stuck and need to walk a distance, water... The worst thing you can do is to eat the "ready meals". That will screw your stomach with the salty chem additives the way you will not see the toilet for two days. lol
100% agree with you about cooking. We travel around in a 1970 Land Rover camper, its is very cramped. We used to carry food,a fridge, a cooker. Now we leave it behind and buy food as we go and meet people. A lot of parks now have free public bar-b-ques so we just carry some utensils and buy what we need. Cooking on a barbie is much nicer than a camp stove. I do need my coffee but I have reduced it right to the minimum and now its possible to buy small tins of coffee - they are sold a frappachino but they work great heated up. Also winches, these are very popular on Land Rovers and they never get used, its just 20kg of load on the suspension. A length of rope is handy, with that you can work something out. Our other mistake was carrying too much water. Its very heavy and we were not crossing the Sahara but traveling in England : ) Like coffee its always possible to buy water in filling stations. Milk for the coffee, and if ever there was a waste of time its trying to carry milk!
I have to disagree with #4 (sprockets & chain)…….during my S America trip (36,500km) I had a REALLY hard time sourcing these….i wasted a lot of time & money & I really wish I had started the trip with spares. At the very least, on a long trip I would carry spare sprockets
Totally agree with your take on chain cleaners. I don't understand some people's obsession with clean chains, especially on long trips. What I don't understand even more is cleaning your chain frequently (with kerosine or other penetrating sprays) and not lubing it whatsoever!
Good tip about coffee, Pavlin! I quit drinking coffee two years ago. Don't miss it at all and feel better. I actually don't have the need to carry a Jetboil and a gas bottle anymore..
First and foremost I love the different lamps you have in your garage, need to build me few. Regarding chain maintenance, I do carry them. For most of my trips a 500ml spray can last me for 2k worth of road. I obsessively have to relube my chain every 500km, cleaning I do every 1500. I have extended life's of my chain well above advertised age.
I'm a professional hiker?, I hiked almost 4000km carrying everything I needed to camp, cook, in a pack. If you buy high quality gear it's easy to carry with you on a motorcycle. Try a JetBoil cooking system, Big Agnes ultralight tent and sleeping bag. I can go for up to 10 days without a resupply stop not counting gasoline for the motorcycle.
We take only a knife folk and spoon set, buy a sandwich, cold food is fine for breakfast, or one meal. Now I can miss breakfast, which is better than the body and eating only twice a day, is much easier. As you say condition your body before you go to suit the trip. We travel 2 up everywhere, so weight is even more important. A recent 4 day trip in Thailand on the Enfield we carried only 5kg for two people, including the bag, is that a record?. Thanks for another great video. We plan to be back in Bulgaria next spring when we visit Serbia for the first time. Where are you from and what is worth seeing? Any videos of your home country?
Thank you so much pavlin for creating such things informative videos about motorcycle touring though I am not started touring on my bike but getting info about how to do it right and soon I also will start exploring my country India ❤ take care 🙏
When I motorcycle camp I borrowing heavily from my ultralight backpacking kit. And I almost always just eat food that doesn't require a stove: cheese, bread, nuts, fruit, granola, etc. The only thing I would contest is that bringing a micro stove, like the BRS 3000T (25g), small canister (100g), and titanium (75g) cup is worth the weight for times when a hot instant coffee is appreciated! I live in the Yukon and can't believe what I see other so-called "Adv Riders" coming up the Alaska Highway with: Giant metal pannier boxes, rear duffels piled higher than the rider, extra tires, front saddle bags, COMPUTERS and electronics every where. Amazing!
When you consider the amount of foods that dont require a stove - makes you wonder why people ever take them. Bit of home-luxury perhaps. Myself - I throw some water, fruit and sausage rolls in my top box and im good for days! Generally, there are plenty of places to stop at for a coffee or hot meal if that takes your fancy.
Appreciate your content and style, Pavlin. You brought up something I have been considering, the winch. My bike weighs roughly the same as yours, and I almost always ride alone. The last time I was stuck it took me almost two hours to free the bike from the mud…and I was exhausted. In a scenario where you’re almost always alone and rarely see any other riders, would you still advise against it? Thank you, safe travels
Check out the Best Rest motorcycle recovery system. I’m a solo rider on a big GSA and I ride in the mountains, the more remote the better, and it’s helped get me out of trouble more than once.
Great video, as always! Spot on, and I have made changes based on your wisdom.....I camp as I travel across the states, and dine out at the local diners, all good. But.....still packing my stove, coffee and a french press, yeah, takes up space, but......made coffee for new found friends, which was delightful! Oh, I do pack a couple of cans of chilli....yup, never used them, but still packing them. My last trip, visited my pops for two months, shipped my clothes, worked just fine. Thank you again for your fine presentations. Take care brother!
If I'm going motocamping, I'll carry my cooking/eating gear and such drinks and meals as I need for the _duration of the actual camping_ (same as I would carry if backpacking to camp) but I don't bother carrying any food or drinks for the days spent travelling because I know full well I'm going to be stopping at petrol stations where I can get coffee (better stuff than the shit they serve at Starbucks) and usually some sort of breakfast or lunch - hot pies, sandwiches etc - possibly even stopping at a café. If I'm going touring or travelling to someplace where I know food and coffee is going to be available, then I leave the cooking stuff behind - along with all the other camping stuff I don't need.
I agree about chain cleaners & Lubs. All the items you mentioned not to have are OK not to carry when you are travelling through civilisation, but when travelling outskirts montains you will need it. The Winch is surely not required for a two wheeler, definitely no.
Learned that tip about the chain years ago!!!! Always start with NEW !!! i Always hang the old " good" chain in the garage and when trip chain wears out, the old one goes back on !!!! Your chain cleaner kit will be a small can of WD40 and a rag !!!! Spray spray , wipe wipe😊😊😊😊
A winch? This i have yet to see. But i guess anything is possible. Ridiculous, is my first thought. I do maintain my chain, but i think this is a habit from when chains didn't last at all. Old habits die hard. Ride safe and happy travels. By the way, nice wall light with the ( Tenere?) rear mudguard. 👍
OEM chains on some chinese motorcycles struggle to make 8k miles. On my last bike i got to 6k miles then it started needing adjusting after every 200 miles. Fantastic bike (Zontes) but with hindsight shouldve changed the chain early on.
Just did a 1000 mi trip. My buddy asked if I still had my old sprocket. I wrapped it in cardboard and gave it to him thinking he was being overly cautious. Toward the end of the trip his chain started slipping. The sprocket had little bumps instead of teeth. We will be looking for a better quality chain and sprocket set. His was only 6 months old.
I rented motorbike in Ladakh(Himalayas) in Sept 2023, and Mae Hong Son(Thailand) in October. I have no idea why I took a wood stove with me. The food was so cheap. I paid $1 for mutton kebab in Leh, and $1 for pad thai(noodles) + khao pad(fried rice) in ChiangMai. Every hotel had free coffee.
How about a fire extinguisher ? I just watched a chap coming back from a trip yesterday listing what he had taking on his trip. Goes without saying that he wasn't a minimalist packer like you are but even then I have never seen anybody carry a full size fire extinguisher on a normal bike not pulling a trailer or anything.
The beauty of travel is the freedom to design your experience just how it suits you. Everybody is different, and no trip the same. This summer I met the couple travelling on giant BMW’s with camping chairs and table and all you can imagine. Then two guys with a 30 liters shared on a month long trip on lighter off-road bikes. Perfectly packed for each their desires.
last trip in the french alps i took the full camping kit, the bike was so heavy i dropped it a couple of times, also shopping/cooking/washing setting up taking down camp took most of the day and i was still wet and uncomfortable. Next trip will be shorter but i will use cheap b&b, only bringing a change of clothes and a toothbrush.I love camping but in future i will do that with my VW van with a heater!
Great video. Will disagree about the cook stove with food and coffee. There is a comfort in having something hot to eat and drink after awakening in the morning and enjoying the view of the lake where you camped overnight. The aches and pain at the end of the day’s ride seem to diminish when there is food and hot drink at the remote location where camp is set up. There are thousands of thru hikers who will hike straight through to a destination for a thousand miles or more. A popular “thru hike” is the PCT which is 2,650 miles. They carry a cook stove, food, water, shelter, sleep system, clothing, first aid kit, emergency locator on their backs as opposed to a vehicle bearing the weight of all the gear. If the thru hikers can handle the weight, then motorcycle riders can accept the extra weight since it is the bike that carries it.
I remember my first trip, it was for 4 days 400 miles, 😬🤣 ....it turned into 4,000 miles and 3 weeks, it was the most amazing experience, ....i packed a bunch of things, a bunch, and only used@ 10%of it😬🫢 , i had tent, slept in hotels, cookware, i ate at restaurants, i rode and rode and couldn't stop, infact the only reason i came home was to get my bike serviced, lol for the next trip, ....ive rode 1/2 way across America, and ready to go on some trips again, my cb500x is awesome, not one problem, nothing but smiles and unforgettable memories
I like this advice, I used to want to bring my stove on long trips until I realized I had to bring a lot of other stuff with me to make it useful. I tend to go the other way with chains though, I like to keep my chain clean and don't really worry about lubing it as the kerosene or WD40 seems good enough to keep the o-rings supple. I have tried different chain lubes, but they all seem to just attract dust which coats the chain, which isn't a problem on a "raw" chain so I'm not cleaning it too often. I go for plated chains to prevent corrosion and that seems to work well.
I use a Firebox. I can burn sticks and charcoal, and I have an alcohol burner that works in the Firebox as well. I don't drink coffee or use the foil packet meals. I can cook from scratch, or I can heat soups, stews, frozen dinners, anything that can be done in a single pot. In cold weather, I can heat water, fill a bottle, and put it in my sleeping bag. I tried one of the isobutane stoves, but I had to carry two fuel canisters so I wouldn't run out of fuel in the middle of cooking a meal. With the alcohol burner, I always know how much alcohol I have.
Very wise advice, i prefer save the weight and the money for the trip, and yes, the motorcycle is entirely revised BEFORE any long trip, even if my bike chain is only half life ! the only main purpose still on a flat tire, sometimes it happens, that's all. Coffee and food are a purpose if you travel in a large desert place, except that ... well we have everything at hands at any gas station or even a very small city.
"Wake up in your tent and be at the petrol station 10 minutes later to get coffee..." Note to self - do not go riding with Pavlin. He has no patience, and probably rips his tent with the tent pole hastily shoved into the bag, expecting me to do the same in order to keep up. Wait - does he even use a tent bag? Maybe just a 60-liter SW-Motech drybag where EVERYTHING is shoved in willy-nilly? Clean underwear packed next to muddy tent bottom... Just teasing, Pavlin. I agree with your points. Except the coffee. Gotta have coffee, which goes along with gracefully waking up.
What you say works for you, personally I like taking a stove with me, I like stopping for a brew somewhere and it has to rain pretty hard before I'll stop at a Starbucks or a petrol station for a coffee. I don't stay in hotels and guest houses because I like camping, then again there's folk that stay in hotels because they hate camping. Horses for courses I guess.
I go on solo trips. Around 500km per day. If it's 2-up, less. The only thing I bring besides personal gear and hygiene stuff like my toothbrush which has ultra soft bristle is a tyre repair kit. And a portable inflator to pump the tyre after repair. Without wheels you can't go anywhere for anything if stuck. If you can still move with your bike, everything else can be purchased or repaired.
I love your videos. They always make sense and make me chuckle. Great tips. Please keep them coming. Also, I am very envious of your big and tidy garage 😀
I would never ride without my JetBoil. It is small, easy to pack and you can carry my spoon. No pot is needed. Easy to pack and why suffer on a road trip? (Your coffee rant was really funny!) Then you take off on road food.. haha! You are painting with such a wide brush my friend. It is funny, but not really true in all aspects. I think your idea of eating on the road, might be a little different than some. Keep producing content, it makes me smile. Ride safe!
I do like your videos and they resonate a lot with me but when I heard about giving up coffee 😂 just had to comment. You see, the reason I tour on my bike is to enjoy that coffee on top of a cliff or on a remote beach. And I am so fussy about it, that I will only drink mine so take it with me, too. If there was no coffee, there would be no point going 😂😊
Great points ints Pav. I stopped carrying a stove a few years back. With the associated crap I need to make it usefull it wasn't really worth it. You can eat cold foods and drink cold drinks unless you are in the arctic. Again, I don't get this coffee thing people have. Yes it's great to like a good coffee but is it an addiction? I love tea and rarely drink coffee. Tea doesn't dictate what I take with me on a trip. I will get a decent cup of tea at some point on my trip. Same as I will find a good bottle of wine on route. I take water and non perishable foods and snacks that will keep me going if iam stuck. I like to eat local foods and absorb the local culture. Why travel if you are going to isolate yourself from your surroundings?
😎👍🇺🇲 On long trips. I put my clothes in huge ziplock freezer bags. Keeps your clothes dry in rainy weather and you can squeeze all the air out to make them more compact. Also keeps stinky away from fresh. The bags take up little space and come in handy in emergencies. Hand sanitizer works great for cleaning face shields and adds a little anti fog. Usually free at most places. A touch on a napkin works. Cheers from the PNW Seattle WA area USA.✌️
Great video mate thanks for sharing. Totally agree with you personally in my experience when I was touring I never carried cooking equipment or even food with there being roadhouses all around here in Australia. My rule of thumb was always to carry only things that have more than one use outside of my clothes and a basic tool kit as well as emergency parts like a chain link or 2.
hahah you made my day ! if you add all time set up cooking and all, you have lost one day of travel every week....Unpacking, packing.... If you ride on long distance far from anything, a thermos bottle kettle juiced by USb will give warm coffee or tea all day long ride ;) And all the place lost even with dry soups or noddle. The only thing we need is water. When shit hits the fan, it is all about water... Same for big tanks. fuel everywhere, and people can give some to you too. Crossing Australia or desert places for 1000 km is another story and needs more than a big tank... roads tracks and trails are made by people to join people where there are are commodities ;)
The cooker one is a bit odd. Understandable if you are in a densely populated area like Europe but doesn't make any sense if you are touring in places like Australia, Patagonia etc. There won't usually be many opportunities to buy food, coffee etc once you are in the remoter areas away from major population centres. Even if there is food it will often be very poor value - expensive and not very nice. Wild camping in the middle of nowhere is a central feature of touring in these areas.
You got me at "I seriously doubt these words: cheap and delicious" 😂 Looking for the best combination of minimalism lightness & luxury adventure travelling for my ~1week trips. Refined so far: proper soft bags vs. Givi Alu rack that I got with my T7. Wow those givis were heavy for offroad. The luxury comes from having with a very personal Finnish Lapland wooden cup called Kuksa. If something you need to get one of those.
Thanks Pavlin for your post. Nothing to do with the message of the video: I loved the light fixture you made with the tail of a bike and also the red, vintage like phone in the shop. Overall, the whole place looks great ✌️
Good points, regarding computer, I have a full version of Linux mint, fully tailored to me, on a memory stick. That way all I need is a computer, any computer with a usb port. Usually I can find one somewhere, library, whatever if I really need to do something. Couldn't agree more regarding carrying a chain, they are a spare part that can be purchased anywhere because they fit all bikes. Even a cheap non X or O ring chain can last a long while and can be purchased in the middle of nowhere. I lube my chain roughly every 400 klms with a light spray of chain lube. I'm not fussy about what I use.
I only took a very small petrol stove on a trip in the "stans". Used it twice in total, and only once was it really worth it (got stuck in the middle of nowhere and had to put in some serious work to get the bike out, so the hot food straight after felt really good. It was by no means absolutely necessary though). Never took it with me on the bike again. Same goes for tent & co., OK if you really want it, but it's not really needed and it's big and heavy and it does make the ride significantly less enjoyable.
good material Pavlin! I am going to disappoint you, because I will take and tent and stove because i want to finally try how it is to travel on motorcycle and camp.
I've motocamped in places literally hours the either side of any accommodations, much less convenient restaurants or even running water. This sounds fantastic if you're the type who never goes off the beaten path, but if you're the adventurous sort, not having a stove at minimum means you're eating a lot of beef jerky or something I guess.
looking back at your video, because so funny and right about coffee ;) One point ; the place where chain suffers the most, takes hard work, and is polluted, is the ... chain saw !!! I'm using for years graphite chain spray, used for chain saw. It cleans the chain, lubricates it and nothing sticks on it, whatever dust sand and mud. And you can use it in a lot of places, even graphite oil for wood workers. the graphite spray is perfect balance in between dry lubricants and sticky messy oil. when wet evaporates you still have graphite which the best friction lube....
When replacing a chain, replace it with an identical chain. Break a few pairs of links out of the old chain, and wrap them along with the o-rings and the chain breaker. If possible, add a few clip type master links. If your chain breaks, you can replace the bad links. Clean the chain with diesel fuel and a toothbrush.
I travel with a stove on many occasions due to no other options within a 100 + KM. Travelling with no stove works when you are in Europe or NA BDR’s where you have access to food every day.Some trips I take are so remote that I don’t have access to food regularly unless you want to eat chocolate bars from the gas stations. The rest of your items I agree with.
I think the worst thing about these videos.... is that you are right! Having said that I need to bring my jet boil I feel. And I just bring the small size of fuel for it and it lasts me for an entire trip easy. But you definitely cannot argue against your points.
sometimes lingering in camp with your own coffee is one of the best parts of the day. in the USA it can be hard to find coffee that is good. but I like your minimalist approach and of course I'm not bringing a winch! and my chain and sprockets are in spec for my travels or they are renewed prior. I enjoy your videos, cheers
![The most difficult moment of my trips | Motorcycle Travel Stories [Episode 3]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/ICcNzS5iz58/mqdefault.jpg)
A word on maintenance prior to going on a trip: Just as gamers would tell you to „never play on Patch Day“, I suggest to not do any major repairs immediately before going on your trip, if at all possible. Whether it’s a new chain set, timing or valve adjustments, a new cooler, new clutch etc…make sure you „break in“ everything, let things settle and get a feel for it. Give it a week or so and test your bike to get a baseline. That way you know when something seems off. So never pick up your bike from the shop and then go on a 1000 mile trip as soon as you leave the parking lot.
Of course! I will never take off before I test everything.
Absolutely!
I once (1996/7?) set off on a trip around Wales on a brand new Claude Butler hybrid bike with new aluminium racks and panniers on the front and rear, using stainless steel brackets I’d fabricated myself the night before.
Ten minutes off the train at Llandudno Junction and I had to adjust the bearings on both the front and back wheels, gear selector, and brakes. Challenging work on a grassy roadside on a hot summer day, and many miles to cover. But I’m in my element in such situations. Military improvisation comes in handy. It was nightfall when we reached the guesthouse, but I never had to adjust anything on the bike for months.
Very satisfying experience, and a great test of a new relationship, but not for everyone I guess.
Same with gear! I've bought some fancy new leather gloves and took them on a trip. My hands hurts for over half the trip because they weren't broken in yet.
I never leave home without my Trangia, it comes in so handy as I camp as much as possible, in Australia at free campsites out in the bush and even in Europe and the UK I camped at sites that were miles from anywhere with few ammenities, so having cooking equipment was a god send.
I normally wake early so sitting having a coffee in the morning waiting for the tent to dry out enjoying the environment and the scenery is a nice start to the day , even a hot chocolate in the evening is nice or boiling up some pasta and adding a can of tuna is a quick simple meal and cheap.
Space and weight can be an issue but i only carry what I need and I have space in my panniers to carry extra things when needed, I have one pannier bag with my tent and sleeping things in, the other pannier has my cooking gear, chair, food and other bits and pieces and a 30 litre bag on the back with clothes and other things on the back of the bike so when I use a hotel I just take my bag and leave the pannier bags on the bike.
A bag of pasta and a few cans of tuna last a long time because I don’t have it for every meal but they are there if I need them, I even carry some rice and a can of ham at times, there are different combinations of things that last a while and are cheap to carry, there is always the chance of being stranded somewhere or not being close to shops, so going hungry and thirsty is not fun.
Like you say Pavlin think about what you carry but be prepared, I know with the addition of my Trangia I won’t be caught out somewhere and be hungry.
Just my opinion. 👍👍👍👍
Thanks for sharing!
I think he's not aware of some of the challenges in Australia. Where we have a choice of sticking to main roads only or going out in national parks and state parks for the night or two nights and there being a few hundred km between your camping destination and the next place you can get food. Plus his "exception" which is the "wild trip, away from civilisation" basically describes travelling in central Australia or W.A.
@@krulidn Pavlin has been to Australia so has a fair idea of the challenges, but yes it all depends on where you go.
@@krulidnI think he's not aware of many things. I find most of his info mostly disingenuous. He started his channel with "buy this, you need that,... " Now he states we don't need all the extra options on the bike. Like many other channels, he's just promoting to get free stuff and grift money via UA-cam. Everybody has a right to their own opinion, but I surely would not follow any advice from him.
When i go camping if its at a campsite in uk. I dont take a camping stove with me but when i get to my destination. I just buy one of them £10 cooking stoves from local camping shop so dont have to carry it down and after just give it away or throw it away just saves me carrying with me. Do find the stove handy if its hammering down with rain outside and just are not feeling it to go out to get a drink or something to eat. But thats just how i do it as you say each to there own its what works for that person
I cannot agree with your second point about not bringing a little cooker. I usually motel trip now but I absolutely LOVE stopping at some roadside park to make tea or coffee and boil some noodles or heat up some canned stew for lunch right there at the picnic table. It is the pure joy of doing this that I love. It's a major part of the trip for me and saves me the trouble of trying to find a place to buy food or coffee and be at the mercy of the service and food quality they provide. Without the cooker I only have cold drinks until I get to the next hotel or find a restaurant (which costs a lot more money and time) and that's just not how I like to do it. But, to each their own!
Use whatever is good for you.
@@motorcycleadventures, Bald makes a good point, but I must agree with you, especially as you made the argument about buying coffee at the gas (petrol) station. Space is at a premium on a motorcycle, and we must make tough choices as to what we pack and carry.
Coffee and food are overrated. We can live a good life eating one meal a day. I eat this way at home and it gives me plenty of time to live my life instead of cooking, buying, planning what to eat and such. The food industry taught us that we need more than we actually do.
I did a solo trip and I agree, taking a stove was a total waste of time. I was far more efficient at covering distance. However when I travel with a group it seems to be more of a social thing to sit round a campfire and make food. I’m not sure what I prefer😂. Great video mate.
Thanks for sharing!
Depends entirely on the trip and the personal preferences while traveling. I do not regret taking the stove with me, being able to cook while wild camping is really really nice.
Dead weight for sure cause I found they have coffee and other stuff at all Longhorn Steakhouses so I didn't need to make any ;
Hi Pavlin. Just want to start by saying I enjoy and appreciate all of your videos. I love your "down-to-earth" reasoning on pretty much everything.
In this video I have to comment on your thoughts on bringing/cooking food on a trip. I agree that the cost/convenience is often "break even" especially if your day brings you through many populated areas. Hotels and restaurant food in North America is blindingly expensive and often questionable nutrition value. I agree that prepackaged food is crazy expensive and not worth bringing for the most part. My experience may be different, but I really value eating good quality food in the places I go...often away from amenities. The downside, like you say is carrying the bulk and weight of a stove (I use a Series 27 Trangia), stopping at grocery stores and carrying a fair amount of food. Agreed...often depends on situation.
I had to laugh about the winch and chain/sprockets too :) A short length of Dyneema suits towing needs rather well, weighs nothing, takes up almost zero space.
Thanks for taking the time, man!
North America is a whole nother kind of place .. lodging and restaurants in US/Canada never get as cheap as what can be found in remote places in Asia. Supermarket food, gas station coffee, a tiny lightweight stove (Sterno Inferno, the jetboil riff version) sometimes, and cheap/free stealth camping are how I get around on a low budget. Every gas station has hot coffee in the morning, and there's hardly anyplace where you're more than 50 miles from some kind of gas station.
What is Dyneema?
It's most commonly used for sailing and is the strongest tension fabric that exists. Also known as AmSteel....For example, 1/8" diameter has an average breaking strength of 2500lbs and weights 0.5lbs/100ft@@williamferri3982
@@williamferri3982 It's been 10 months so I don't know if you've already learned elsewhere, but "Dyneema", also called "Amsteel" is Ultra High Molecular Weight Polyethylene (UHMWPE) cordage that has the cross-sectional strength of steel cable (e.g. a 3mm diameter "Dyneema" cord is as strong as 3mm braided steel cable), very little stretch or creep and is extremely light and flexible (unlike steel cable, it floats on water). Because of its high strength and light weight, it's frequently used by hammock campers as part of most load-bearing applications, from structural ridge lines to suspension systems.
Dyneema cord would make an extremely effective tow cable that you could carry in your pocket.
I mostly agree with you about bringing cooking equipment. When traveling every day I generally find no need to prepare my own food, but there are exceptions. I enjoy camping and camp cooking, and I often plan to spend several days in each of several remote locations. This is frequently one of the highlights of my trip. Another is in the case of traveling in extremely remote areas. I rode from the USA through Canada to Alaska this last summer. There was often only one place to get food each day. Several days I stayed in camp and didn’t travel at all. Northern Canada and Alaska is bear country, so camp food was canned food that I picked up during the day. I kept it minimal, so cooking equipment was minimal. I carried a large titanium cup, a spoon, and a very small stove and gas bottle. I lost 6 kilograms in 4 weeks, but it was a fantastic experience and the weight loss was a good thing. :)
Do whatever works for you and your trips!
I’ve enjoyed some camping breakfasts with fried bacon but my favourite breakfast memory was a “full Scottish fried breakfast” cooked by a couple of old ladies who looked like my Grandmother in a cafe in Lairg, Scotland. I wouldn’t take cooking utensils on a tour, it just takes up too much space and it’s good to enjoy local hospitality !
Thanks for sharing!
Hi Pavel,
this is my first comment.
So let me start by telling you, that I enjoy your advices and information on your channel very much ! 👍
Due to your personal experience, it's no storytelling. Everything is profound and helpful.
Thus I understand your reasons for leaving stove and tableware at home.
But as food preferences are very personal, my personal opinion is, that is it still a good decision, to have a small "home kitchen" aboard on the moto.
What I always take with me on a ride, where I take my tent, is knife, fork and spoon, a soup plate, a mug, one cooking pot, a butane stove and a small potion of salt.
Even though I didn't buy the high fancy stuff, I got along with a budget of 50€ total and a weight below 1 kilogramm using quality stainless steel equipment.
What I never take with me, is ready prepared food, coffee or other food reserves.
Here I completely agree.
This will always give you an unnecessary amount of weight, nobody wants to carry.
My strategy is:
- decide if I will sleep in the tent at early afternoon of my ride
- if yes, decide if I want to cook or go to restaurant, bistro, fast food
- decide my breakfast for next day at the same time
- then regarding to the latter two topics pickup the necessary food.
- first get enough water (most important for anyone on any ride !)
plus e.g. muesli, milk, bread, cheese, sausage, whatever I want/whatever is available
- with a good plan, next morning after breakfast, the most of the food is placed in my stomach and not in my luggage 😉
This way:
- my kitchen equipment itself never consumes more than 1kg
- I only carry additional food weight in the evening time on the way to my camping spot
- I am not left on ugly tasting prefab preserved food or fast food
All the best Regards
MM DRZ
Thanks for taking the time and sharing your experience!
Another very useful video. I used to carry my computer then found I rarely used it. Coffee I'm not willing to give up. In the US every gas station and restaurant has coffee. In Argentina (home) every gas station has hot water (for mate) so I buy instant coffee. Often I bring a thermos. Stove and pots I gave up long ago. Spare chain I never thought of but I did buy a little bottle of oil for my chain one time. A winch? That one caught me by surprise. I'm not riding a jeep.
Thanks for sharing!
I go alone on my trips and i bring my cooker because i can eat something warm at the end of the day and most importantly so i can make hot coco when i feel lonely in the evening. And i sleep at least 90% of nights in my tent and cook my own food to save money (i go shopping about every other day to be able to cock fresh) because its an expensive hobby and im a student still. On everything alse i agree on you. I would rather carry a few extra tools than a few to little. Everything else is scaled down to a minimum. I even sold my super tenere and bought a xr650r to be lighter and go more offroad.
Thanks for sharing!
I like camping. For me, cooking a tin of ravioli before going to sleep is part of the charm. Gas is cheap and both the burner and pot were paid for by the army many years ago. I even bring a bialetti and some coffee because for me that’s part of the charm. Don’t ride as far as Pavlin, of course.
Do whatever is good for you. Thanks for sharing!
Exactly, even same background😅, i do it the same way and love it.
I need to have my coffe in the morning so I can shit
I agree with everything you say 100%.
When I’m going for a trip on my bike .. I want to have fun and travel light. I’d rather spend more money eating out and getting coffee to go and staying in hotels so my bike is lighter and easier to ride. More time seeing the sights and exploring the area I’m in and less packing up tents each morning and trying to cook and make coffee . It’s supposed to be a vacation. Who wants to sleep on the ground and have to cook a crappy meal on a single burner stove in a dirty pot 🤣
The most important is to enjoy the trip!
sounds like 2024 - no body values nutrition and nature.. sounds like you can't cook by your indignant comment 'crappy meal' . I might be wrong but it also sounds like you have a 'Dakar' style ADV bike - that's too heavy to pick up when you drop it.. like chaps with big cars and small ........ As Pavel says, each to his/her own but after 68 years and travelling over 18% of this earth on my own I don't think you dare immerse yourself in real life.. Enjoy your hotels and the bug ridden beds serving low nutritional value food (yeah, I worked catering for over 20 years) - one reason why I cook fresh once every day - no matter what
Great advice Pavlin, I carried camping gear once with me on a trip and only used it once because like you said I had to justify bringing it, it was the most uncomfortable night of the trip. in western Europe there is no need.
Only thing I disagree on is a small lap top computer, I never travel without it, also I bring a thermos and mug so if I'm leaving the guest house in the morning I can fill it with coffee for the day and just buy some food for the day when I'm filling up with petrol, like a sandwich fruit water etc.
I make sure all the tools I bring I can use, also a puncture repair kit and small compressor that fits under the seat.
I got 55,000 kms on my current set of chain and sprockets, using a scott oiler, changed the front twice at 15k and 30 k an I'm still riding on it,
Suzuki vstrom 650, best little real world touring bike in my opinion.
Whatever works for you. Thanks for taking the time!
I agree to all points, Pavel 👍🏼 I took my stove and camping equipment plus instant coffee on a 6500+ km trip last year and I didn't touched it at all. Next longer trip I'll leave it at home for sure.
I met Lolo in Iceland summer 2020 and he winched through a few rivers. I believe it was one if the very few cases where it was necessary but his bike was also prepared with high air intake.
Greetings from winterly Germany, Bernd 💙💛🏁🤛🏼
Thanks for taking the time, Bernd!
Hi Pavlin, another idea. Do a diet three months before the journey and lose 5kg. You can then take a stove, pots, food etc. The plan would be to gain the same grams each day by eating as the gas and dried food you consume. On the last day recycle the gas can. Perfect equilibrium. 😀
Okay
15 Euro !! for this price you have a nice lunch or dinner in most of non Western European Countries. You taste new plates and you support the local economy :))...and you meet people. Great Video Pavlin
That's true! Thanks for watching!
Ja, aber wenn man 6 Wochen oder mehr für eine Umrundung der Ostsee unterwegs ist, dann ist das Kochzeug nützlich.
Beispiel Helsinki: Eine Pizza
Margharita, im Strassenverkauf, 15 Euro. Eine Kugel Eis 5 Euro. Island letztes Jahr hatte ähnliche Preise.
On long road Tours in the USA I'm usually on Interstate or Major Highways.
We're BLESSED in the USA with options like LOVES Truck & Travel Stops every 50-100 miles.
They always have "fresh grind coffee" so my method is to hit a LOVES late in the afternoon just before hitting my tent site, fuel up bike & load hot fresh coffee into my Thermos.
Next morning I'm golden with hot coffee at the ready.
I don't eat until noon anyways so Coffee (with cream, no sugar) is all I need to launch back on the road !
Thanks for sharing!
Hi Pavlin , I agree with you in 4 out of 5 points. I always carry a chain lube can in my trips, not to clean it, but to mantain it running easy. Excellent video as usual.
I also carry a chain spray with me. I was talking about chain cleaners.
@@motorcycleadventures I always carry a small cloth to just "clean " the chain of anything rough before greasing it. Barly any space and weights next to nothing works great on my euro trips!
Nothing like minimalist travel. That's why I ride a motorcycle, Alone. Bare essentials. The older I get the less I take. Anything I have taken in my 50 plus yrs or riding and nor used doesn't get another free ride. Leave it behind. I carry only necessary items for survival in a bad situation. Generally money and fruendships will do more to help you than anything you put in a bag. Heavy emphasis on friendships.
Completely agree on money and friendships!
I agree with everything except the cooking stuff. There's not much around when adventuring in Australia, and the added social and enjoyment aspect that comes from cooking or making a coffee is well worth the extra weight. I do agree that it is a case by case basis depending on where your are adventuring to and what amenities you have along the way. Loving the videos!
Chain lube is not needed with 'O' ring chains!. waste of money, and just splatters everywhere! Just need to make sure they don't rust.
I did a big part of Australia without stove and cooking stuff, but that's me. Thanks for sharing your opinion!
@@motorcycleadventuresWhich part? It can often be hours of riding from the last place you can get food to your destination for the camp spot inside of a state park and national park. Then the same in the morning. In Australia camping out is much more of a tradition and expectation, so petrol stations won't have proper meals. There are routes in the northern territory and through central Australia where there really aren't other options. But I accept that because in Australia camping out in a remote place far from a roadhouse is considered half the enjoyment of adventure touring, this is different from other countries so you'd see it as the "exception" and the "wild adventure far from civilisation" you mentioned at the end.
Fellow coffee addicts: don't forget that caffeine pills exist! I always carry a few when traveling (by motorcycle or otherwise). It doesn't replace coffee, but it allows me to be a functional, semi-social human until I'm able to get a cup. That said, JetBoil is still coming along on any camping trip for me.
Great content as always. I value your perspective even when I don't necessarily agree, because it's well-reasoned and based on a lot of real-world experience. You got me to ditch my giant driving lights, which allowed me to ditch the upper crash bars they were perched on. I can't say I miss those 20 pounds. So thanks!
Any time!
Pavlin, No1. A tip I picked up from another rider in the past was dont take too many tools. I was guilty of this and my tools were way too much and also weighed far too much. So I know take a few "essentia" tools as I am not a mechanic. Maybe just a few get out of trouble stuff i.e puncture repair kit standard spanners. Tip No2 for me after making the exact same mistake is .... never pack too many clothes!! This my tip take the oldest worst t shirts and other shorts socks etc that are basically worn out ,after wearing on the bike for a day or 2 throw them away !!! so you become lighter and lighter on the way home!! By the way enjoying the channel. From the UK
Thanks for sharing!
Thanks for the video. I enjoy many different aspects of Motorcycle Travel. I use a checklist of items when I'm packing and each trip. I modify my list and add items that I want and remove things that are not worth packing. For me cooking around camp is one of my favourite activities so a stove and mess gear are essential to me. In Canada there have been increasing fire bans so cooking over a camp fire is not always an option. I pick up food along the way and when I set up camp I relax and prepare the food. I also pick up some beverages along the way so I can enjoy a beer or glass of wine at camp. To each his own but camp cooking is one thing I really enjoy about motorcycle travel and a necessity as far as my trips anyway. Nobody said camping has to be uncivilized or uncomfortable to be an adventure. Cheers!
Thanks for sharing!
I learned many years ago about a great invention called a thermos bottle. I get a coffee or hot meal packed away from a store and I am ready for a good hot or cold meal in the future. Also nothing wrong with a hot coffee or tea when you wake up, just pop the thermos. Clean up is a joke too. PS my favorite brand is Thermos. Just subscribed and clicked the bell. Thanks.
Thanks, man!
Pavlin, so right with you... So important to be light when traveling! But as Italian , I have a guilty pleasure.... It's to make my own coffe (that I can choose) with my Moka (one cup) so light with just little gaz 100gr. But the pleasure when I wake up the morning to make my coffe or when I make a nap somewhere in nature and then make a coffe before leaving, (it's not because I'm addict), it's a huge pleasure. Only if I leave to Italy, that I don't take anything, because the coffe it's just so good. In most of the country. I love your videos. Thx
Fair enough!
I completely agree with you, as I love light traveling. refuel, restock, recovery at checkpoint.
Good!
You gave me pause to think about the cooker and pot. I think as you pointed out it depends on the kind of trip and proximity to cities and towns during the trip. For the chain I pack a tiny squeeze bottle that I fill with gear oil. It goes into a ziplock bag along with a 3/4” paint brush that I cut the wooden handle short to also fit in the plastic bag. Almost no weight. I wrap it with some small rags and pack it in a very small size pocket on my tank bag. This way if the chain saw rain or water crossings, it gets a brushing of oil and a wipe down at the end of the day. Keeps it clean and lasting a very long time without having to pack much. I find at the end of the day doing the chain cleaning and going over the bike is a good idea to see if anything is wrong with the bike that you may not have noticed. But then I do my trips with a 1998 BMW F650 which maybe requires more attention than a new bike.
Thanks for sharing!
Pavel, I like your thinking and your attitude. Make your trip efficient and practical. I totally agree. Happy 2024!!!
Thanks, man! Happy New Year!
Very true! And the way you make your points are funny! Very informative and interesting!
Thanks, man!
Minimalism is a way of life.. you either love it or hate it.. I LOVE IT.. and that’s how i setup my adventure bike. Love the vids .. thanks from Kuwait
Thanks for watching, man!
@@motorcycleadventures ❤️
I follow Steve Bly (Mongrel Dog Productions). He has probably done more adventures in remote Australia than anyone. He would agree 100% with you. But on food, even in the most remote outback regions you are never more than 500kms from fuel or 3 days riding for food. So what does he carry for meals? Goold old Heinz canned meals and a spoon. He buys 3 for $12 at any servo or grocery store and they last unopened for years.He makes a fire and puts the can on the edge and in 15 minutes its done. Pop the lid and eat . The can is steel so it can be buried and it will rust away to nothing. No plates required.
I like Stagg chili. , medium or hot. The cans have zip top like sardine cans so you don’t even need your Swiss Army knife to open. Also carry a few protein bars as backup.
Yes, there are plenty of options out there.
Hi!
Thanks for all your videos!
The dry frozen food I bring (REAL) is great. Just pour boiling water, wait 10 mins and eat. No plates, no dishes.
It’s great when you are in the woods/mountains, hungry and have a beatiful view.
But for plowing through multiple countries when you can’t refill with the food you like, I agree!
Have a great day!!
Thanks for sharing!!
Not having a stove in Europe may be an option, but travelling remotely in northern Canada it’s a necessity. If you have a dehydrator you can make excellent meals at home. Food options in remote areas are very limited, and usually not healthy. If you pack like a backpacker in regards to this gear, you can minimize weight. I have done trips to Baja, MX, and south western US, no cooking gear necessary.
Thanks for sharing!
Agree 100% Think Canada - Sweden has it.. The space. Moose and boar stew dries up nice 🤘👊🙏
I like you, the way you present , ADV motorcycle, riding, hoteling, planing, and telling the truth about touring with motorcycle. True traveler. Bravo
Thanks, man!
I agree with everything except cooking supplies. I don't know how many times I've been caught out camping somewhere without anywhere to eat. Also if you're buying coffee from petrol stations etc costs can multiply. I do agree though that dried package food is very expensive. I usually keep a can of beans that you can add sausage or or any sort of processed meat product locally if I see I could be stuck along my journey.
Do whatever is good for you.
Depends on your Circumstances to be Honest , if you are going on a very long tour for over 6 months and all you will be doing is Camping then yes take as much as you can
For example i will be buying a 125cc Scooter and living out of a Tent full Time , so i intend to load it up like a Mule
I am not interested in going fast and i'm in no rush to get anywhere , my only major concern will be getting food and water and of course Petrol
Even getting a Puncture will not be a Problem and i will carry tools and supplies to Service the Bike myself
I have seen some Guys on Honda C90 with so much kit they look like Sherpas going up Mount Everest , i was surprised the bike was able to move
Now if your just going on a two week holiday then that's different , horses for courses
Fair enough!
I‘m a chef and I can assure you that I’m able to prepare good food cheaper than going out to eat! 😂 Even with only one cooking pot. But You’re right. If I plan to stay in Guesthouses ore Hotels I would leave the cooking stuff at home! 😎👍
Thanks for sharing!
Gonna be pretty hard to eat without at least a way to boil water. You can go for a pretty long time in Appalachia without passing somewhere that sells food, especially if you’re not looking to eat terrible American cuisines like deep fried meats and burgers. All you need is a freeze dried meal, the fuel and stove, and a spoon. Thats it. Couple this with eating when you can when you’re off the mountain and on pavement, and a couple freeze dried meals can last 3, 4, or 5 days.
Also, in the winter, it’s very hard to stay warm in the mountains without a hot water bottle in your sleeping bag.
Do whatever works for you. I personally cannot see and reason to travel and sleep in the tent during winter time.
@@motorcycleadventures Well the obvious one is free vs $120/night, not to mention being able to sleep under the stars, have a fire, or any of the other reasons people camp. Duh.
Lovely video as usual Pavlin 👌🏻
Just seen your chimney, it's it ok if I copy your solution? 😊👍🏻
And, as usual, I won't disagree with your reasons. I thought about bringing such stuff once, measured pros and cons and since never had a regret. Just.... Well, nice when traveling up in mountains and food was too far away, and tasty fish was in the river. But that's another story. Fishing story.
Ride safe mate ❤
Yes, I give you my permission to copy anything you like! Thank you! Cheers!
This was excellent, very provocative ie made me think, because I am really struggling with what to take/not take. My first big trip (longer than 3 days, was the TAT and I took my computer which required a whole bag unto itself; I don’t do that anymore. Another point you touched on, which Eva Rupert recently made in a talk at Overland Expo, “what is the purpose/objective of the trip and be ruthless in your assessment”? Specifically are you camping or not? To go on a multi-day trip with your camping bag but only camp a couple nights, thats added weight, complexity and aggravation. As for the chain, I have been on trips with guys who were constantly cleaning their chain and sprocket and to hear from you, based on your extensive experience, that a new chain and sprocket would have eliminated that chore and lowered items to carry plus been safer. Well done film!
Thanks for taking the time!
Great Video, again. Where do you come out on "shade" items, like Kelty Noah and a pole or two? Camp Chairs? Camp Tables? Do you still love the Polish U'shaped big rear bag that hangs down over the sides?
Yes, it is the best bag that I ever had.
No coffee for this old man. I’ve made 66 years without it. I carry some dry snacks like beef jerky, or nuts, and a little bit of extra water with me. Other than that, I’m stopping for gas every three hours, I’ll grab a bite to eat then. One thing a few people consider is that if you’re trying to lighten your load, look at your own body. If you’re overweight, shed 5 pounds or 2.5 kilograms. Great video, sir. (Liked and subscribed) 👍
Thanks for sharing your experience!
As for the food I take some apples, bananas some quality dark chocolate just in case I get stuck and need to walk a distance, water...
The worst thing you can do is to eat the "ready meals". That will screw your stomach with the salty chem additives the way you will not see the toilet for two days. lol
More or less I do the same. Never worried about the food much.
100% agree with you about cooking. We travel around in a 1970 Land Rover camper, its is very cramped. We used to carry food,a fridge, a cooker. Now we leave it behind and buy food as we go and meet people. A lot of parks now have free public bar-b-ques so we just carry some utensils and buy what we need. Cooking on a barbie is much nicer than a camp stove. I do need my coffee but I have reduced it right to the minimum and now its possible to buy small tins of coffee - they are sold a frappachino but they work great heated up. Also winches, these are very popular on Land Rovers and they never get used, its just 20kg of load on the suspension. A length of rope is handy, with that you can work something out. Our other mistake was carrying too much water. Its very heavy and we were not crossing the Sahara but traveling in England : ) Like coffee its always possible to buy water in filling stations. Milk for the coffee, and if ever there was a waste of time its trying to carry milk!
Thanks for sharing!
I have to disagree with #4 (sprockets & chain)…….during my S America trip (36,500km) I had a REALLY hard time sourcing these….i wasted a lot of time & money & I really wish I had started the trip with spares. At the very least, on a long trip I would carry spare sprockets
If you ride an exotic motorcycle could be a problem.
Totally agree with your take on chain cleaners. I don't understand some people's obsession with clean chains, especially on long trips. What I don't understand even more is cleaning your chain frequently (with kerosine or other penetrating sprays) and not lubing it whatsoever!
Well...
Good tip about coffee, Pavlin! I quit drinking coffee two years ago. Don't miss it at all and feel better. I actually don't have the need to carry a Jetboil and a gas bottle anymore..
That's great!
First and foremost I love the different lamps you have in your garage, need to build me few.
Regarding chain maintenance, I do carry them. For most of my trips a 500ml spray can last me for 2k worth of road. I obsessively have to relube my chain every 500km, cleaning I do every 1500. I have extended life's of my chain well above advertised age.
Thanks for sharing!
Great ideas! What are the different things you’ve done in place of bringing a cookset and freeze-dried food on multi-night camping trips?
Good question?
@@motorcycleadventures yes, and serious too
I'm a professional hiker?, I hiked almost 4000km carrying everything I needed to camp, cook, in a pack. If you buy high quality gear it's easy to carry with you on a motorcycle. Try a JetBoil cooking system, Big Agnes ultralight tent and sleeping bag. I can go for up to 10 days without a resupply stop not counting gasoline for the motorcycle.
Thanks for sharing!
We take only a knife folk and spoon set, buy a sandwich, cold food is fine for breakfast, or one meal. Now I can miss breakfast, which is better than the body and eating only twice a day, is much easier. As you say condition your body before you go to suit the trip. We travel 2 up everywhere, so weight is even more important. A recent 4 day trip in Thailand on the Enfield we carried only 5kg for two people, including the bag, is that a record?.
Thanks for another great video. We plan to be back in Bulgaria next spring when we visit Serbia for the first time. Where are you from and what is worth seeing? Any videos of your home country?
I am from Varna. I have a full playlist with videos from Bulgaria: ua-cam.com/video/NOeLvJuOVbg/v-deo.html
Thank you so much pavlin for creating such things informative videos about motorcycle touring though I am not started touring on my bike but getting info about how to do it right and soon I also will start exploring my country India ❤ take care 🙏
My pleasure 😊!
When I motorcycle camp I borrowing heavily from my ultralight backpacking kit. And I almost always just eat food that doesn't require a stove: cheese, bread, nuts, fruit, granola, etc. The only thing I would contest is that bringing a micro stove, like the BRS 3000T (25g), small canister (100g), and titanium (75g) cup is worth the weight for times when a hot instant coffee is appreciated! I live in the Yukon and can't believe what I see other so-called "Adv Riders" coming up the Alaska Highway with: Giant metal pannier boxes, rear duffels piled higher than the rider, extra tires, front saddle bags, COMPUTERS and electronics every where. Amazing!
When you consider the amount of foods that dont require a stove - makes you wonder why people ever take them. Bit of home-luxury perhaps. Myself - I throw some water, fruit and sausage rolls in my top box and im good for days! Generally, there are plenty of places to stop at for a coffee or hot meal if that takes your fancy.
Modern adventure world!
Exactly!
Appreciate your content and style, Pavlin. You brought up something I have been considering, the winch. My bike weighs roughly the same as yours, and I almost always ride alone. The last time I was stuck it took me almost two hours to free the bike from the mud…and I was exhausted. In a scenario where you’re almost always alone and rarely see any other riders, would you still advise against it? Thank you, safe travels
Check out the Best Rest motorcycle recovery system. I’m a solo rider on a big GSA and I ride in the mountains, the more remote the better, and it’s helped get me out of trouble more than once.
For this scenario, I will advice to stay away! There are proper bikes and techniques for that purpose.
@@ryanmalone2681 thank you! I’ll check it out, piece of mind is more valuable that a little space and weight on my bike
Great video, as always! Spot on, and I have made changes based on your wisdom.....I camp as I travel across the states, and dine out at the local diners, all good. But.....still packing my stove, coffee and a french press, yeah, takes up space, but......made coffee for new found friends, which was delightful! Oh, I do pack a couple of cans of chilli....yup, never used them, but still packing them.
My last trip, visited my pops for two months, shipped my clothes, worked just fine.
Thank you again for your fine presentations.
Take care brother!
My pleasure! Thanks for sharing!
If I'm going motocamping, I'll carry my cooking/eating gear and such drinks and meals as I need for the _duration of the actual camping_ (same as I would carry if backpacking to camp) but I don't bother carrying any food or drinks for the days spent travelling because I know full well I'm going to be stopping at petrol stations where I can get coffee (better stuff than the shit they serve at Starbucks) and usually some sort of breakfast or lunch - hot pies, sandwiches etc - possibly even stopping at a café. If I'm going touring or travelling to someplace where I know food and coffee is going to be available, then I leave the cooking stuff behind - along with all the other camping stuff I don't need.
Thanks for sharing!
Here Hotel and Restaurants are expensive - I travel 100% with tent and diy food, outdoor cooking to save money.
Thanks for sharing!
@@motorcycleadventuresI just remember, something that I never bring on a trip Booze or beer...I do without
I agree about chain cleaners & Lubs. All the items you mentioned not to have are OK not to carry when you are travelling through civilisation, but when travelling outskirts montains you will need it. The Winch is surely not required for a two wheeler, definitely no.
Thanks for taking the time!
Love your videos. I carry fuel tablets for making instant coffee. And just use a stainless steel mug. 15g tablet will boil a cup of water.
Thanks for sharing!
Learned that tip about the chain years ago!!!! Always start with NEW !!! i Always hang the old " good" chain in the garage and when trip chain wears out, the old one goes back on !!!! Your chain cleaner kit will be a small can of WD40 and a rag !!!! Spray spray , wipe wipe😊😊😊😊
Thanks for sharing!
A winch? This i have yet to see. But i guess anything is possible. Ridiculous, is my first thought.
I do maintain my chain, but i think this is a habit from when chains didn't last at all. Old habits die hard.
Ride safe and happy travels.
By the way, nice wall light with the ( Tenere?) rear mudguard. 👍
Yes, the rear mudguard of the Tenere. Thanks for watching, Richard!
OEM chains on some chinese motorcycles struggle to make 8k miles. On my last bike i got to 6k miles then it started needing adjusting after every 200 miles. Fantastic bike (Zontes) but with hindsight shouldve changed the chain early on.
Just did a 1000 mi trip. My buddy asked if I still had my old sprocket. I wrapped it in cardboard and gave it to him thinking he was being overly cautious. Toward the end of the trip his chain started slipping. The sprocket had little bumps instead of teeth. We will be looking for a better quality chain and sprocket set. His was only 6 months old.
Shit happens!
I rented motorbike in Ladakh(Himalayas) in Sept 2023, and Mae Hong Son(Thailand) in October. I have no idea why I took a wood stove with me. The food was so cheap. I paid $1 for mutton kebab in Leh, and $1 for pad thai(noodles) + khao pad(fried rice) in ChiangMai. Every hotel had free coffee.
Thanks for sharing!
How about a fire extinguisher ? I just watched a chap coming back from a trip yesterday listing what he had taking on his trip. Goes without saying that he wasn't a minimalist packer like you are but even then I have never seen anybody carry a full size fire extinguisher on a normal bike not pulling a trailer or anything.
In my opinion, a small size that you can carry on a motorcycle won't help much. So, it is part of the risk.
The beauty of travel is the freedom to design your experience just how it suits you. Everybody is different, and no trip the same.
This summer I met the couple travelling on giant BMW’s with camping chairs and table and all you can imagine.
Then two guys with a 30 liters shared on a month long trip on lighter off-road bikes.
Perfectly packed for each their desires.
Agree!
last trip in the french alps i took the full camping kit, the bike was so heavy i dropped it a couple of times, also shopping/cooking/washing setting up taking down camp took most of the day and i was still wet and uncomfortable. Next trip will be shorter but i will use cheap b&b, only bringing a change of clothes and a toothbrush.I love camping but in future i will do that with my VW van with a heater!
Thanks for sharing!
Great video. Will disagree about the cook stove with food and coffee. There is a comfort in having something hot to eat and drink after awakening in the morning and enjoying the view of the lake where you camped overnight. The aches and pain at the end of the day’s ride seem to diminish when there is food and hot drink at the remote location where camp is set up. There are thousands of thru hikers who will hike straight through to a destination for a thousand miles or more. A popular “thru hike” is the PCT which is 2,650 miles. They carry a cook stove, food, water, shelter, sleep system, clothing, first aid kit, emergency locator on their backs as opposed to a vehicle bearing the weight of all the gear. If the thru hikers can handle the weight, then motorcycle riders can accept the extra weight since it is the bike that carries it.
Fair enough!
I remember my first trip, it was for 4 days 400 miles, 😬🤣 ....it turned into 4,000 miles and 3 weeks, it was the most amazing experience, ....i packed a bunch of things, a bunch, and only used@ 10%of it😬🫢 , i had tent, slept in hotels, cookware, i ate at restaurants, i rode and rode and couldn't stop, infact the only reason i came home was to get my bike serviced, lol for the next trip, ....ive rode 1/2 way across America, and ready to go on some trips again, my cb500x is awesome, not one problem, nothing but smiles and unforgettable memories
Thanks for sharing!
Agree...remote deserts trips I'll carry a cooker and freeze dried food when no shops
Thanks for sharing!
I like this advice, I used to want to bring my stove on long trips until I realized I had to bring a lot of other stuff with me to make it useful.
I tend to go the other way with chains though, I like to keep my chain clean and don't really worry about lubing it as the kerosene or WD40 seems good enough to keep the o-rings supple. I have tried different chain lubes, but they all seem to just attract dust which coats the chain, which isn't a problem on a "raw" chain so I'm not cleaning it too often. I go for plated chains to prevent corrosion and that seems to work well.
Thanks for sharing!
I use a Firebox. I can burn sticks and charcoal, and I have an alcohol burner that works in the Firebox as well. I don't drink coffee or use the foil packet meals. I can cook from scratch, or I can heat soups, stews, frozen dinners, anything that can be done in a single pot. In cold weather, I can heat water, fill a bottle, and put it in my sleeping bag.
I tried one of the isobutane stoves, but I had to carry two fuel canisters so I wouldn't run out of fuel in the middle of cooking a meal. With the alcohol burner, I always know how much alcohol I have.
Thanks for sharing!
Very wise advice, i prefer save the weight and the money for the trip, and yes, the motorcycle is entirely revised BEFORE any long trip, even if my bike chain is only half life ! the only main purpose still on a flat tire, sometimes it happens, that's all.
Coffee and food are a purpose if you travel in a large desert place, except that ... well we have everything at hands at any gas station or even a very small city.
Thanks for sharing!
"Wake up in your tent and be at the petrol station 10 minutes later to get coffee..."
Note to self - do not go riding with Pavlin. He has no patience, and probably rips his tent with the tent pole hastily shoved into the bag, expecting me to do the same in order to keep up. Wait - does he even use a tent bag? Maybe just a 60-liter SW-Motech drybag where EVERYTHING is shoved in willy-nilly? Clean underwear packed next to muddy tent bottom...
Just teasing, Pavlin. I agree with your points. Except the coffee. Gotta have coffee, which goes along with gracefully waking up.
Fair enough!
Fantastic, very important points made well with added sense of humour, thanks 👍
Any time!
What you say works for you, personally I like taking a stove with me, I like stopping for a brew somewhere and it has to rain pretty hard before I'll stop at a Starbucks or a petrol station for a coffee. I don't stay in hotels and guest houses because I like camping, then again there's folk that stay in hotels because they hate camping. Horses for courses I guess.
Fair enough!
I go on solo trips. Around 500km per day. If it's 2-up, less. The only thing I bring besides personal gear and hygiene stuff like my toothbrush which has ultra soft bristle is a tyre repair kit. And a portable inflator to pump the tyre after repair.
Without wheels you can't go anywhere for anything if stuck. If you can still move with your bike, everything else can be purchased or repaired.
Thanks for sharing!
I love your videos. They always make sense and make me chuckle. Great tips. Please keep them coming. Also, I am very envious of your big and tidy garage 😀
Thank you! Will do!
I would never ride without my JetBoil. It is small, easy to pack and you can carry my spoon. No pot is needed. Easy to pack and why suffer on a road trip? (Your coffee rant was really funny!) Then you take off on road food.. haha! You are painting with such a wide brush my friend. It is funny, but not really true in all aspects. I think your idea of eating on the road, might be a little different than some. Keep producing content, it makes me smile. Ride safe!
Thanks for sharing!
I do like your videos and they resonate a lot with me but when I heard about giving up coffee 😂 just had to comment. You see, the reason I tour on my bike is to enjoy that coffee on top of a cliff or on a remote beach. And I am so fussy about it, that I will only drink mine so take it with me, too. If there was no coffee, there would be no point going 😂😊
Fair enough!
Great points ints Pav. I stopped carrying a stove a few years back. With the associated crap I need to make it usefull it wasn't really worth it. You can eat cold foods and drink cold drinks unless you are in the arctic. Again, I don't get this coffee thing people have. Yes it's great to like a good coffee but is it an addiction? I love tea and rarely drink coffee. Tea doesn't dictate what I take with me on a trip. I will get a decent cup of tea at some point on my trip. Same as I will find a good bottle of wine on route. I take water and non perishable foods and snacks that will keep me going if iam stuck. I like to eat local foods and absorb the local culture. Why travel if you are going to isolate yourself from your surroundings?
Thanks for sharing!
Your arguments are very interesting and quite sensible. Thank you for sharing.
My pleasure!
😎👍🇺🇲
On long trips.
I put my clothes in huge ziplock freezer bags.
Keeps your clothes dry in rainy weather and you can squeeze all the air out to make them more compact. Also keeps stinky away from fresh.
The bags take up little space and come in handy in emergencies.
Hand sanitizer works great for cleaning face shields and adds a little anti fog. Usually free at most places. A touch on a napkin works.
Cheers from the PNW Seattle WA area USA.✌️
Thanks for sharing!
Great video mate thanks for sharing. Totally agree with you personally in my experience when I was touring I never carried cooking equipment or even food with there being roadhouses all around here in Australia. My rule of thumb was always to carry only things that have more than one use outside of my clothes and a basic tool kit as well as emergency parts like a chain link or 2.
Thanks for sharing!
hahah you made my day ! if you add all time set up cooking and all, you have lost one day of travel every week....Unpacking, packing.... If you ride on long distance far from anything, a thermos bottle kettle juiced by USb will give warm coffee or tea all day long ride ;) And all the place lost even with dry soups or noddle. The only thing we need is water. When shit hits the fan, it is all about water... Same for big tanks. fuel everywhere, and people can give some to you too. Crossing Australia or desert places for 1000 km is another story and needs more than a big tank... roads tracks and trails are made by people to join people where there are are commodities ;)
Good!
The cooker one is a bit odd. Understandable if you are in a densely populated area like Europe but doesn't make any sense if you are touring in places like Australia, Patagonia etc. There won't usually be many opportunities to buy food, coffee etc once you are in the remoter areas away from major population centres. Even if there is food it will often be very poor value - expensive and not very nice. Wild camping in the middle of nowhere is a central feature of touring in these areas.
I have been in many remote areas and never need it. If you are different, use it.
You have some decent reasoning about food, coffee/tea, tools and spare parts. Depends on what kind of bike I'm riding as to what I bring.
Tks. much.
Fair enough!
You keep getting better!
I try!
You got me at "I seriously doubt these words: cheap and delicious" 😂
Looking for the best combination of minimalism lightness & luxury adventure travelling for my ~1week trips.
Refined so far: proper soft bags vs. Givi Alu rack that I got with my T7. Wow those givis were heavy for offroad.
The luxury comes from having with a very personal Finnish Lapland wooden cup called Kuksa. If something you need to get one of those.
Glad to help!
Pavlin, Giving up coffee? What dark arts are you partaking in? All in on the rest of it. Great videos- keep 'em coming!
I knew that many won't agree on this, but it is so nice when you don't have this addiction.
Thanks Pavlin for your post. Nothing to do with the message of the video: I loved the light fixture you made with the tail of a bike and also the red, vintage like phone in the shop. Overall, the whole place looks great ✌️
Cool, thanks!
Good points, regarding computer, I have a full version of Linux mint, fully tailored to me, on a memory stick. That way all I need is a computer, any computer with a usb port. Usually I can find one somewhere, library, whatever if I really need to do something. Couldn't agree more regarding carrying a chain, they are a spare part that can be purchased anywhere because they fit all bikes. Even a cheap non X or O ring chain can last a long while and can be purchased in the middle of nowhere. I lube my chain roughly every 400 klms with a light spray of chain lube. I'm not fussy about what I use.
Thanks for sharing!
I only took a very small petrol stove on a trip in the "stans". Used it twice in total, and only once was it really worth it (got stuck in the middle of nowhere and had to put in some serious work to get the bike out, so the hot food straight after felt really good. It was by no means absolutely necessary though). Never took it with me on the bike again. Same goes for tent & co., OK if you really want it, but it's not really needed and it's big and heavy and it does make the ride significantly less enjoyable.
Thanks for sharing!
I pack myself a hard salami, a piece of cheese and a few slices of toast and I'm happy for 3-4 days! ;)
good material Pavlin! I am going to disappoint you, because I will take and tent and stove because i want to finally try how it is to travel on motorcycle and camp.
Sure, do whatever you like!
I've motocamped in places literally hours the either side of any accommodations, much less convenient restaurants or even running water. This sounds fantastic if you're the type who never goes off the beaten path, but if you're the adventurous sort, not having a stove at minimum means you're eating a lot of beef jerky or something I guess.
Thanks for sharing!
looking back at your video, because so funny and right about coffee ;)
One point ;
the place where chain suffers the most, takes hard work, and is polluted, is the ... chain saw !!!
I'm using for years graphite chain spray, used for chain saw. It cleans the chain, lubricates it and nothing sticks on it, whatever dust sand and mud.
And you can use it in a lot of places, even graphite oil for wood workers.
the graphite spray is perfect balance in between dry lubricants and sticky messy oil. when wet evaporates you still have graphite which the best friction lube....
Thanks for sharing!
Pavlin, you a "dream-killer" for many people. 😄
Cheers.
This is the reality!
😂
@@motorcycleadventures110% agree with you.
When replacing a chain, replace it with an identical chain. Break a few pairs of links out of the old chain, and wrap them along with the o-rings and the chain breaker. If possible, add a few clip type master links. If your chain breaks, you can replace the bad links. Clean the chain with diesel fuel and a toothbrush.
Interesting advice! I won't bet on it!
I travel with a stove on many occasions due to no other options within a 100 + KM. Travelling with no stove works when you are in Europe or NA BDR’s where you have access to food every day.Some trips I take are so remote that I don’t have access to food regularly unless you want to eat chocolate bars from the gas stations. The rest of your items I agree with.
Do whatever works for you!
I think the worst thing about these videos.... is that you are right! Having said that I need to bring my jet boil I feel. And I just bring the small size of fuel for it and it lasts me for an entire trip easy. But you definitely cannot argue against your points.
Fair enough!
sometimes lingering in camp with your own coffee is one of the best parts of the day. in the USA it can be hard to find coffee that is good. but I like your minimalist approach and of course I'm not bringing a winch! and my chain and sprockets are in spec for my travels or they are renewed prior. I enjoy your videos, cheers
Fair enough!