ADV Rider #65 issue

ThePacking Dilemma

Asignificant component of any trip is the decision about what to pack. There are many factors to consider, such as the type of travel road/offroad, climate, distances, time away, accommodation type, health needs, first aid kit, bike maintenance and types of luggage. There is no medal for the lightest pack bike. Even yesterday I had to defend my packing from others. They didn’t know I had an infusion pump and kit packed, vials of human immune cells preciously stored in a cooler bag, and a large medicine bag, all due to my rare immune condition. What I am conveying is, before you have a go at someone, think why have they packed so much? Unless of course, you do see the kitchen sink strapped on.

I can’t count the number of times, I have patched someone up either with a Band-Aid or while waiting for an ambulance, jump-started people’s bikes or pumped up their tyres because they decided packing light is best.

Never leave, even on a trip to the shops, without a jump start kit, a tyre repair kit, and a first aid kit. Ensure you know how to use these too. Carry a small tyre pressure gauge, don’t rely on the ones at the petrol station. Life is much easier if you can resolve a

Words and Images: Holly Fields

problem immediately rather than wait for help. I have a top RACV cover that has saved my bacon around Australia for more difficult situations, but they refuse to jump-start motorbikes. Why? It beats me as other auto clubs do.

Carry a small tool kit relevant to your bike, spare straps, Loctite, metal epoxy, cable ties, and electrical tape. These take up little space, and the uses are unlimited.

For toiletries, take the essentials, toothbrush and paste, deodorant, soap and shampoo (yes, it is essential to everyone nearby). Don’t forget half a roll of toilet paper, there is nothing worse than using all your accessory muscles attempting to contain that determined number two and experiencing the terror when you find the public loo has run out of paper. Occasionally, you hear about a rider gone missing, with massive searches. If people have a satellite tracker, they are easy to locate. I religiously have my SPOT tracker on my jacket. SPOT is a satellite tracker with an SOS/PLB. I can still seek emergency services when out of mobile coverage. If injury inhibits access to the button, when I don’t report in, those with access to my SPOT can alert the services of my location. The more day-to-day feature is the tracking

that pings me every 10 minutes. This provides reassurance to family and friends to whom I give access to my tracker via their computer or phone. They can see how I am progressing; it allows them to be part of my adventure.

The type of luggage can range from hard/lockable panniers and top boxes to softer panniers and duffle-style bags. Hard panniers are advantageous for locking up the contents, securely to the bike. When on adventure/offroad trips, I use soft, flexible panniers. There is a higher risk of leg injury if you drop a bike with hard panniers. I’ve just purchased lockable security straps to wrap around my soft panniers and racks to test on an upcoming trip. It won’t stop thieves; it might slow them down or deter individuals who prefer easier targets. I mix it up and have a lockable hard-top box for items of value and soft panniers for the other items. I use a waterproof duffle bag on the pillion seat if need more space.

We need to charge our gadgets. Carrying a power bank from the jump starter is handy if off-grid. When power is available often it is only one power point. Use a multi-socket charger with a standard socket, USB A and C ports. Too frequently the power point is placed against a desk, shelf, side wall, or floor, all of which restrict fitting plugs that are angled, so I carry one that sticks up and another that sticks down. Pack a twometer charging cord for using a phone somewhere comfortable from the power source. Cut up double-sided Velcro, so you can tightly wrap up cords for easy storage. The climate dictates clothing such as wet weather pants and jackets. I have a

Far left: Placed out to sort what is or isn’t needed.

Top left: Repaired broken brake level.

Top right: Packing with cubes.

A variety of chargers.

Hydration bladder in tank bag.

pair of Held pants that unzip the entire leg length for easier access: instead of balancing on one foot while trying to put my foot with an adventure boot through the leg of the pants without falling over on the side of the road.

In the cold weather merino wool thermals keep me warm but also adapt and I don’t get too hot once the temperature increases. Merino is light to pack when not in use. Take spare gloves so that if one pair gets wet, you have dry ones still available. Depending on the climate, I may pack a warm and light set.

On the bigger trips, consider posting items ahead and back home. I live in the south, starting off wearing bulky warm clothing in winter, when I arrive in warmer climates and are no longer needed, I post it to a point where I need it again or back home.

Purchase quality packing cubes to keep the contents neatly together, they pack tightly in the luggage and reduce the contents explosion at the end of the day. Even if you don’t carry food, I can’t emphasise the importance of hydration enough. In winter you may get away with a drink every couple of hours but not when it’s warmer or if you are adventure riding. A hydration pack to drink from as you ride is essential to reduce mental and physical fatigue. Placing the bladder and hose in a tank bag is an easy alternative if you don’t want it on your back. Mixing sachets of electrolytes in the water like Hydralyte helps when the going gets tough. Once packed, get on the bike and have fun.