“Saddlebags can never hold everything you want, but they CAN hold everything you need”
I have been asked several times about the kit I carry on my bike. I meant to make a video after my West Africa trip but life got in the way, so I’ve finally managed to make a video. The one bit of kit that improved and helped my last trip were my Adventure Spec throw-over panniers. They are superb. Easy to take on and take off, easy to pack and they are really hard-wearing. I am so happy with them and wish I had these for my trip to West Africa.
Anyway, here’s the video. This is the kit I use and I am really happy with what I carry. It all has a purpose and all gets used. Everything I have on the bike is from my own experience and what I’m comfortable with – yet some people on YouTube say I carry too much. All I can say to them is “Show me a video of the kit you carry on a 12-week trip”, but no one offers up their solution. To be honest, I really don’t care what other people think. The kit I carry works for me and I am happy with it. Say no more…
The video is all about MY KIT – but if you are thinking of touring on your bike, then hopefully it will give you a few ideas or a starting point when you start packing for YOUR own journey. An Important Tip: Once you’ve accumulated all your kit – pack your bike and go away on the road for a few days. It will get you used to setting up, living overnight, closing down your camp, moving on and then setting up camp again. Very soon you will find a ‘routine’ as well as finding what kit works, what doesn’t and whether you have too much kit or the wrong kit.
Happy camping and touring…