Then, of course, all the other stuff comes along. Tools, sanitary, cooking set and everything in between. Personally, I may take too much with me, but this is partly due to the tour guides I do. Below is a quick overview of everything I take with me on the road.
Cooking set
- A combination of a frying pan with clamp from Tangria and a 1 liter Xpot from Sea to Summit. Folded together, this set is about the size of a frisbee. To be able to cook, I use the Vango folding stove with a canister. The choice for gas is because I don’t camp in temperatures where I can’t light it and in areas where I can almost always find a canister in a store. Do you also like winter camping or riding in regions where availability is limited? Then a compression bottle for gasoline might be a better option. When this is empty, you can always transfer some from the motorcycle’s fuel tank in an emergency.
- Furthermore, I always have a plate with me (fits between the Tangria and Xpot) and a wooden spatula (doesn’t damage the pans). And off course a cutlery set.
- Since my Preference is for freshly prepared food, I always have some salt, pepper, some other simple herbs, and oil with me for cooking.
- To clean everything, I have a small sponge and biodegradable detergent with me.
Sanitary needs
As a woman, this bag may be a bit more extensive than what most will take with them. In addition to a pack of wet wipes, the towel (microfiber because it dries quickly and packs very small), a small amount of toilet paper (for emergencies), deodorant, toothbrush and toothpaste, I also have shampoo, conditioner (very necessary for long hair), shower gel, hairbrush, small scissors and nail file with me.
Tools
- I have enough tools with me to at least be able to repair a tire (both tube and tubeless), if necessary, loosen the brake calipers and fix leaks with, for example, tyraps, duct tape and kneadable metal. The tire spoons and sockets are from the brand Eastbound. This is because of the modular system which I really like and therefore also fits very compactly in my tool roll. The set is further supplemented with some small tools from MotionPro.
- For other tools, I have a sturdy knife, branch saw and a small hatchet with me. Furthermore I have a magnesium set and a stick of fatwood with me to be able to make a fire in care of emergency or just create a nice campfire.
- To have some light in the dark, I have a kind of mini maclite lamp with USB charger, which lasts quite a few hours. I’m still looking for a nice headlamp, but I haven’t made the choice yet which one is the most comfortable for me personally.
First Aid kit
This set consists of materials that I know how to work with. From simple plasters to a sling, bandages, and everything in between. Then the set is supplemented with a foil blanket, stomach and intestinal medicines, and two different types of painkillers. This is because not everyone reacts very well to paracetamol of ibuprofen, and vice versa. Ultimately, the set is always to be able to create a stable situation in an emergency until the emergency services arrive to take over. Especially within Western Europe. When traveling to areas where the infrastructure around emergency services is more limited, think carefully about how you build up your set and follow courses that can help you in potential emergencies.
In addition to my regular first aid kit which I can use for both my participants and myself, I also have my own medication with me. Including stronger anti-inflammatory drugs, medication for my asthma, and my custom-made MRA brace for my sleep apnea.
Ultimately it is different for everyone. Every person has his/her own preferences, wishes and challenges. Always take the time to find out exactly what you want. Compare various products within the same subject. Check it out step by step based on the properties that do or do not fit your wishes, ultimately ending up with the product that suits you as a person.
The next part of the blog will cover more tips and tricks for traveling and camping with your motorcycle in Europe.
Stay Tuned!
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