It's been quite the journey figuring out what we absolutely need, and what we can do without, as we are on the eternal quest for packing perfection. We like to camp, have the ability to make coffee wherever we are, and stay warm and dry. At the same time, modern conveniences like a nice camera are important to us. That all equates to a lot of stuff.

​The following is a list of the things we carry with us and why. We will continue to update it periodically to explain what worked and what didn’t. 
We are not sponsored by any company, and we chose the brands on our own, purchasing these items with our own money. Due to that fact, better-quality and more expensive items may exist out there. These are simply our honest, unfiltered opinions on what we decided to bring on our trip. 
Last update on December 16th, 2019.

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This is how we started out. Things have definitely changed along the way.

Universal Bike Enhancements 

  • ​For a happy rear end - We have AirHawk cushions (B+) for both seats as I'm in a never-ending quest to make my ass more comfortable. At first I had to slightly customize the AirHawk cover to allow me to stuff a scarf in the front to better support my nether area that needed support, but(t) overall, a great product. 

  • For falls (they happen to the best of us) - Our Barkbuster hand-guards (A+) haven't snapped off yet after countless drops, and a couple of power slides. A great investment to keep your levers safe. We also have Double-Take Collapsible mirrors (A+) so that when the bike goes down, the mirrors just fold in on themselves as they mount to RAM mounts. You can adjust them however you want, whenever. This has been a great investment, and I wouldn't have any other mirrors.

  • For power and light - I installed Auxbeam 4" auxiliary lights (A+), and this cheap ($20) set from Amazon have not failed me yet over 2 years through rain and hail. I personally do not see a need to spend hundreds of dollars on aux lights. With the Mounting Kit, and an On/Off Toggle, the whole set up was under $40 bucks. I also upgraded our electrical system using a PDM power distribution module (A+) with outlets all around the bike to charge our phones and GPS, etc. Great device, simple to install. 
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  • For flats - I can't tell you how many times we used our indispensable Slime Motorcycle air compressor (A+) for keeping our tires properly inflated and Plug Kit for flat tires (tubeless). This combo has gotten us out of trouble in Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, Bolivia, and Argentina, and now in Africa since we have a slow leak.
 
  • For extra gas - Our Rotopax 1 Gallon Fuel Container (A+) has come in handy countless of times, from just having the extra security of another 40 miles, to easily filling up our MSR fuel bottles that we use for our stove, and it stays discretely beside our pannier. We were so thankful to have this in Bolivia because gas was a nightmare to obtain, but in most cases, there was no conflict if we parked away from the gas station and filled up a gallon at a time.
 
  • ​For holding things securely - Keeping your phone or GPS locked in place is essential. After a bit of trial and error with other products, we bought the Perfect Squeeze (A+), and it has kept our phone sturdily in place over potholes, river crossings, and every Latin American speed bump throughout our journey. We also use Rok Straps (A+) to tie down everything else, which isn't breaking news to anyone, but they're just awesome ways to secure loose ends to the bike.
 
  • For security - To avoid snatch-and-grab would-be thieves while we walk around markets or leave the bike unattended, we have two Big Pantha carabiner locks (A+) with a metal bungie. We use them to secure our helmets, boots, and jackets to the bike. I also put a Grip Lock (A+) on the break lever so no one can push the motorcycle from where I left it. Both of these cheap deterrents help prevent people from snagging our stuff, and so far, so good.
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We've punctured a tire quite a few times (this one on the backroads of Bolivia), and having the proper plugs and a good air pump was essential.

Cooking and Camping

  • For sleeping - Our Nemo Losi 2P tent (A+) with the addition of a separate Garage has provided us countless nights of comfort and protection from the elements used in combination with two Nemo Cosmo insulated 25L air pads (A+). The tent had clearly taken abuse after two years of living it, but because of Nemo's lifetime guarantee, the company fixed it for us free of charge.

 
  • For drinking - To filter the muck and E-coli out of unsafe water sources, for Africa we got an MSR Autoflow (A+) gravity filter (no pumping needed) used in conjunction with our 6 liter MSR Dromedary bag (A+). This filter is so fast, you can stand there and watch it pump 4 liters in 5 minutes, we love it. We also use a Steripen (B+) which UV purifies water by stirring it in our Hydro Flask water bottles (A+). We find the Steripen to be convenient, but it runs out of batteries quickly and these special batteries are hard to find in Africa.
    • Old Gear - We used to have a Survivor Filter (B) but it was tiresome pumping all the time, and didn't have the capability to back-pump out the gunk. That being said, it kept us healthy and safe throughout Latin America.
 
  • For staying warm at night - Our Enlightened Equipment Quilt (A+++) packs down small and is extremely light due to the down feathers. This was not a cheap purchase, but is important since keeping Marisa warm is a top priority (she often states she loves this quilt more than me). ​​​We also put a Reflective Blanket under our sleeping pads to reflect our body heat back up, containing it in the tent. Plus, it can double as a tarp or bike cover.​
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Our Nemo tent without the rainfly or garage
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This is our tent set-up with the garage and rainfly on.

Life's Little Extras

  • For relaxing - Our G4Free (A+) chairs have been some of our favorite bonus items we have. From sitting down at campsites, on beaches, or even hours-long roadblocks, we have never regretted bringing these with us. They needed some repairs over the past two years, but nothing a bit of duct tape and superglue couldn't fix.
    • Previous Gear - We used to carry an Eno Double Hammock (A+) which we used all across the States and through Central America. We ended up sending it home once we reached Peru because of the cold weather, but it was great while the weather permitted lazy days of laying around in a hammock.
   
  • For storing valuables - Everyone needs a belt anyway, so a great place to stash some emergency cash is in a Money Belt (A+). It has an interior zipper to stash some extra cash. Also, a lot of people see our Hip Bags (A+) in photos and ask, “Where did we get those from?" We bought them cheap on Amazon, and there are plenty to choose from. It works well as a purse around Marisa's shoulder, and then strapped to her leg while on the road.
    
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We had to carry crutches for a few weeks while Marisa's foot healed after a fall. Extra straps were great to have on hand for these unexpected circumstances.

Electronic Gizmos 

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  • For navigation - Phones... so expensive, even more so when waterproof. But for our GPS-dedicated device, we needed one. The Kyocera Duraforce (A+) is the adventurer's phone, and it has been unbreakable. For less than a hundred bucks, and the addition of Google offline maps, OSM+, iOverlander, and Mapps.me, this is in my opinion the best navigation set-up there is. Waterproof, dust-proof, shock-proof, life-proof. And if stolen, you are only out ~$90.
 
  • For charging - While I ride, I can charge my phone, Senas, or anything else with a USB through the tank-bag using a surface SAE Connector which I hook directly to my battery, via the PDM. I then route it through my tank-bag via a separate Entry Cable Adapter, and then finally convert it to two USB Ports, all of them an A+. Also, Magnetic Charging Cords (A+) come in real handy as they protect your phone's charging port from damage done by all the bumps of the road. And to charge our nicknacks while wild camping, we bought an EasyAcc Portable Charger (A+). It has four USB outlets so we can charge multiple items at once. 
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  • For communication - Being able to talk to each other while on the road is important, but even more so is music! We have the ever-so-popular Sena Bluetooth Headsets (A+) and we love them! Hours on the road have dramatically changed for the better when listening to Jack Johnson, or podcasts and audiobooks. We can communicate with each other and also listen to our own devices separately. In Marisa's case, it is one big epic movie soundtrack as she meanders around the world.
 
  • For emergency power - We have a Rugged Geek Portable Jump Starter (A+). We thankfully have never needed to use this on the trip, but it did successfully jump the bike back to life in the cold midwestern winters.
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Having a GoPro is great for filming memorable moments like this: entering Ushuaia at the end of the world, Argentina.
  • For videos - For all our “action" shots, we splurged and bought a GoPro Hero6 (A+). It takes amazing footage and is much more reliable than the cheaper $100 range action cameras, two of which we went through before purchasing the GoPro. Plus, it has amazing stabilization and slow-motion. And the footage it takes is so good, some of our most popular pictures are actually screenshots from a GoPro video!

  • For pictures - As a middleweight camera, not a DSLR, but not a standard point-and-shoot, the Panasonic Lumix G7 4k mirrorless camera (A+) has been an amazing piece of hardware that has captured all of the great images that we have taken along the way. I love this camera.

  • For digital storage - To save all our pics and vids, we wanted a solid-state external hard drive. We had purchased the standard disk drives, and they failed us. You definitely do not want that happening and loosing all of your glorious footage! We bought a MyDigital SSD (A+) drive, and it has served us flawlessly. For a smaller, more portable thumb-drive, we each have a Samsung 128 gig flash drive (A+).
    • Old Gear - We used to have Silicon Power 2T external hard drives (F), and they died on us within two months! Don't buy these.
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Storage

  • For panniers and luggage - Our right, left, and top soft cases are by Mosko Moto (A++), and I love these bags! When the bike falls, they act like airbags and are able to survive the fall unharmed. We have had to duct tape some fraying straps, but that's because we put these bags through absolute hell. Best of all, they are seriously waterproof!
    • Old Gear - The Pelican Hard Case (A-) was left at home, but did make for a nice set-up for shorter trips. This is a large, robust case that had served us well prior to the trip.

  • For a tank bag - We obviously love KTM, and our KTM Tank Bag (B-) matches the bike, but after 3 years of use, the zipper broke. I fixed it with my amazing seamstress abilities and it is still in use!
 
  • For odds and ends - We use a Leader 30L Drybag (A+) to hold our food and keep it all dry, but it can be used for anything. This bag is durable enough that it's not just waterproof, but no animal has been able to get inside to the goodies either.
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KTM 1190 Specific

  • For the airbox - Powercell pod air intakes (A+) are a critical upgrade. They work amazingly, and the KTM Powershop in Bogotá, Colombia, said they had never seen an 1190 with such a clean airbox as ours! We highly recommend these.​

  • For the wind - The Puig Tall Windshield (A-) is so tall, it makes me think I may decapitate myself if I fall forward while riding off-road. Hopefully it will be a nice clean cut under the chin of my helmet, severing my head without pain or discomfort. But it is nice on the highways.

  • For cold hands - The KTM heated grips (C) are only slightly awesome. If it's 65 degrees, and you want it to be 67 degrees, they work great... for any real cold weather, they don't really do all that much, even when cranked on high.
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Personal Gear - Tim

  • Head - I now have a KTM/Shuberth modular helmet (A) which fits well, though I had to make some padding adjustments. It's a great helmet, but can get a little hot.
    • Old Gear - My old Fulmer modular helmet (B) may have been seven sizes too big.

  • Shoulders - My Spidi H2Out motorcycle jacket (C) does its job taking the brunt of the dirt, dust, grime, and rain. But the original waterproof liner was not 100%, and the thermal layer attached awkwardly. It does have nice basic shoulder and elbow protection, but we scrapped the thermal and waterproof layers for a down jacket and rain jacket with a hood that could be worn separately from the touring jacket. 

  • Knees - My Sedici motorcycle pants (C) have the same problem as above... the waterproof zip-in liner was a joke. It had a wide “V" where the material separated at the crotch, right in the spot where most of the water funnels while riding through a rain storm. We have since purchased heavy-duty rain pants, but I still use the outer layer of Sedici pants. 

  • And Toes - I wear Alpinestar Toucan (A+) motorcycle boots. Great protection, and I can still hike around in them for short periods of time. We climbed some Mayan ruins in them in Mexico, I don't suggest that, way too hot. Great all-around boots!​
 
  • Hands - Every type of glove that was ever made I have bought, none of them are waterproof. I may have a problem with buying gloves.
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  • For the rain - I wear the KTM OEM rain jacket and pants, (A) and after riding through hours in the pouring rain in Canada and South Africa, I can officially say it's pretty good. I still get bits of wetness coming through, but not much.
    • Old Gear - I previously had an Ascend rain jacket and pants (F) from Bass Pro Shops. At first I thought this was a great replacements for the not-so-functional waterproof sections of the touring jacket and pants. But Marisa started complaining about getting wet with her jacket, then she actually got pneumonia, and in Ecuador, we got into such a horrible storm, that I was cold and wet for hours afterwards. We have both since ditched our Ascend rain gear.

  • For the cold - Both Marisa and I have Mountain Hardwear (A+) down jackets. This is another part of our gear that Marisa may love more than me. It keeps us warm on the coldest of days, and doubles as a pillow at night.
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Personal Gear - Marisa

  • Head - Like myself, Marisa has a Schuberth modular helmet (A-) and she says it can get hot since the vents don't do much, but besides that, she loves it. It blocks a great amount of the outside noise, and is comfortable. It's black, and when it's in the sun for a long time, Marisa swears it shrinks on her. Or maybe her head's swelling, who knows.

  • Shoulders - Marisa's Spidi motorcycle jacket (C) also came with useless liners, but the outside layer still serves her well.
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  • Knees - Since she was unsatisfied with the fit of her previous motorcycle pants, Marisa now bought an Uglybro pair (A+++), and she loves them!! They are form fitting, comfortable, and have removable protecting pads on the knees and hips. She believes Uglybro has put a lot of research and thought into making women's riding pants, instead of just making a pink version of the men's pants.
    • Old Gear - Marisa used to wear a pair of way-too-big Joe Rocket motorcycle pants (C). They didn't come with any waterproof liner, and did not fit her properly. Plus, the front buttons never stayed snapped.

  • And toes - Marisa has been wearing BMW Allround waterproof boots (A+) for over two years now, and she loves them. She can walk around in them all day and she says they're great in cold and wet weather.
    • Old Gear - Marisa was not really a fan of her old boots (BILT) because she said they weren't waterproof and hurt the back of her ankles.
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  • For the rain - After the debacle of our Ascend rain jackets and pants which failed us, Marisa has been using some Columbia gear (A+) , which she says works wonders.
    • Old Gear - We used to both have Ascend rain jackets and pants (F) but they were not waterproof, and Marisa even got pneumonia.​

  • For the cold - Marisa's Mountain Hardwear down jacket (A+) packs down small, is light, and most importantly, is warm. Only problem is it's hard to wash and because she bought it in a light blue color, it's now stained in dirt.
I of course have to plug my book Maiden Voyage, within its chapters are the stories behind some of our first-round pieces of gear. Also, check out our blog post on 12 Things I'm Glad I Brought Overlanding for other small, but invaluable items that we carry with us.

We will be updating this list and giving our feedback on these products throughout our journey. Though we are not sponsored by any company, if you click on the Amazon links above and make a purchase, Amazon may pay us a small commission at no extra cost to yourself. This provides us with some support and allows us to continue traveling the world on our bike, so thank you!

Any recommendations on what has worked for you, please leave your comments on our facebook page, or drop us a line.
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