Arai Ram-X Helmet

I have to admit I was a little hesitant about not bringing a full face helmet on a long trip, but it worked great and I never wished I had a different helmet. I really like the open face with more visibility and better air flow. Extremely comfortable. I even found a way to mount my helmet camera to the visor (see below).

KLIM Men’s Marrakesh Street Motorcycle Jacket

This is my favorite riding suit and I wear it more often than any other one I own. It’s very lightweight and breathable, though not waterproof. It serves me well in the heat of the high desert and it worked just as well on my trip into the colder weather of Alaska, with appropriate layering.

KLIM Men’s Marrakesh Street Motorcycle Pants

KLIM Men’s Forecast Jacket Waterproof Gore-Tex Overshell

This waterproof jacket and pants pairs well with my riding suit and can also be used simply as a windbreaker when it is a little bit colder on the road.

BLACK DIAMOND Men’s Soloist Gloves

I’ve carried a set of things with me since I started motorcycle touring in 1994 and finally replaced them in 2026 with this set. These mountaineering gloves are big enough to fit over your everyday riding gloves and keep your hands dry in the rain.

Double-Layer Fleece Neck Gaiter

This warm neck gaiter works well to keep the cold out when I am riding and with the drawstring, it becomes a hat when I’m off the bike.

ALPS Mountaineering Lynx 2-Person Tent

I’ve been using the one-person version of this tent for years and upgraded to this two-person version for my trip to Alaska. I’m very happy that I did, because it is a lot roomier and was far more comfortable to be inside. It sets up quickly and has two doors for access from either side, and the rain fly creates a vestibule which works well for storing my boots outside the ten and out of the rain. It’s affordable and perfect for motorcycle camping.

Therm-a-Rest Sleeping Pad

I’ve been using air mattresses for years and, although they sometimes get holes and deflate (which can be fixed), I’ve had pretty good luck with Thermarest products.

Marmot Mens Sawtooth Sleeping Bag

I have a couple of sleeping bags depending on the temperatures but I generally use a 15-degree down bag for most of my trips when I expect it to get cold at night. It’s important that it not get wet, which is why I pack it in my waterproof dry bags, below.

Hikenture Camping Pillow 

My trip to Alaska in 2026 was the first time I used a camping pillow, and I have to say that it worked extremely well and it’s earned a place in my permanent kit.

PETZL Tikka Headlamp

A small, basic headlamp is all you need for motorcycle camping, and you need one. I keep it in my toiletries bag so that I always know where it is and have it when I need it.

BLACK DIAMOND Moji R+ Lantern

This is an optional, back-up light source. What I like about this one is that you can set it on an orange color temperature which is more soothing and creates a light resembling a camp fire. It also hangs well inside of my tent.

Gerber Gear StrongArm Knife

Although I rarely use this knife, it’s a solid piece of bushcraft gear and useful for creating tinder to start a fire, or protect yourself.

Fire Plugs Fire Starters

I have a small “fire starter kit” that includes these fire plugs along with waterproof matches and spare lighters.

Ben’s 30 Deet Mosquito Tick Insect & Bug Repellent 

I’ve been using Ben’s for decades and it works well. A kind person gave me a set of these wipes on my trip to Alaska and they kept the mosquitoes away which was a blessing.

Counter Assault Bear Spray

I made sure to keep my bear spray in a safe place on the outside of my luggage where it was easily accessible if needed.

Trangia 27 Duossal Camping Stove Kit with Stainless Steel Lined Pans

This became my new favorite camping stove on my trip to Alaska and I wish I would have started using it earlier. This Swedish product hasn’t changed design since 1951 which says a lot about its functionality. What I like is that it is extremely stable and very wind resistant. Everything fits together well and packs up nice.

Trangia – Multi-Disc 27 | 7″ Inch Lid Used as Strainer or Cutting Board

This optional disc is used to protect the non-stick coating on the frying pan and can also be used as a cutting board. It fits right inside with everything else and it has an indentation for the pot grabber.

Trangia Spirit burner for storm cooker

This small alcohol stove is simple in its design and burns whisper quiet. It takes slightly longer to boil water than the gas burner stove, but it is a pleasant experience to use and it has become my favorite way to cook.

Trangia Gas Butane Burner

This is my back up stove in case I run out of fuel for the other one, or feel like I am in a hurry (never!) and need to cook faster. You can adjust the flame intensity smoothly.

Trangia Fuel Bottle

I have to be honest and say that my experience with this fuel bottle was not that great. For whatever reason, it opened twice and I lost the fuel inside. I’m not sure whether or not I will continue to use it.

Thous Winds Stainless Steel Camping Kettle

I love this little kettle! It makes boiling water for coffee or tea so much fun. It’s adorable, fits inside of my cook kit, and I can put both of the stoves inside of it for storage.

AeroPress Go Portable Coffee Maker Kit

I’ve been using Aeropress coffee makers for years and when they came out with the smaller version I knew I had to get one. You need coffee filters, or you can get a reusable stainless steel filter. I really like how easy it is clean and store after using, no mess.

Roll Up Tool Pouch

I like to keep my kitchen tools in a tool roll like this one. The main reasons being that it prevents the items from rubbing and tarnishing against each other while riding, and it keeps everything organized. An old motorcycle tool roll works well too, if you have one of those.

OPINEL Nomad Camping Kitchen Utensil Kit

This little set of knives includes a normal knife, a bread knife and a small vegetable peeler. The normal knife has a clever, hidden corkscrew inside.

Snow Peak Titanium Fork & Spoon Set

Basic utensils, but lightweight.

Olicamp Aluminum Pot Lifter

A pot grabber designed to work with my cookware.

Cuisipro Stainless Steel Mini Tongs

A set of small tongs like this is very useful for cooking and grabbing or turning things that are hot.

Acacia Wooden Mini Spatula

A simple wooden spatula for avoiding scratches on the non-stick frying pan.

MSR Alpine Dish Brush

A basic toolfor cleaning up pots and pans after cooking. Heavy enough for scraping on one end, and strong bristles for scrubbing on the other end.

Dr. Bronner’s Liquid Soap

Soap that works well for both dishes and shower time.

P-38 Can Opener

The smallest can opener you will ever find, designed for the military a long time ago. Takes up no space and works every time.

Candle Lighters

With the longer tip, these lighters work well to ignite the Trangia liquid fuel stove, so that you don’t burn your fingers they way you do with ordinary lighters.

Katadyn Water Filter

Something I recently started using to filter water out of lakes and stream. It works well and packs up small.

Ultralight Stuff Pack

I always carry a small, collapsible backpack like this one in case I buy some foodstuff at the end of they day and need to carry it with me to the campsite. Sometimes it’s easier than trying to find space in my luggage to put the groceries. It’s also handy when I need to leave the bike on a hike or a walk, and carry a few things with me.

Nalgene Bottle

This is my whiskey bottle. I transfer the alcohol from the glass bottle into this one so that is more securely stored during transport and won’t break, leak or spill in my luggage.

Ortlieb Dry Bags

I use one of these for my sleeping pad, sleeping bag and pillow. The other one for my tent and camping chair. It’s important to separate these items from each other so that the sleeping gear stays dry if the tent is still wet when you pack it up. These work best with hard luggage motorcycle panniers as they can be attached to the pannier lid with Rok Straps.

Wolfman Luggage Dry Bag

This dry bag is where I keep my clothing and shoes when I’m riding, plus whatever else ends up in there! It goes on the luggage rack behinds the seat and is held down with Rok Straps.

Mosko Moto Nomax Tank Bag

A comprehensive tank bag with a lot of functionality including the ability to store a water hydration pack inside of it. I use it primarily to keep my batteries and chargers while I’m riding and have a power cable running into it from the bike.

ROK Straps

The legendary straps that adventure motorcyclists like myself have been using for decades. They work well and do what they are designed to do. If you ride as much as I do, will come to love and depend on them.

Merino Wool T-Shirts (2)

I only bring two t-shirts, socks and underwear with me and I like Merino wool because it feels comfortable and doesn’t hold odors the way other fabrics do. I usually air-dry everything at night and they are “clean” the next day. I might actually wash these in a proper washer about once every 7-10 days when possible.

ExOfficio Boxer Brief (2)

You might think that underwear is “no big deal” but I have been using these particular briefs since 2010 and I can defiantly say that they have been the most comfortable, longest lasting I have ever owned. They are so easy to wash and dry quickly. Highly recommended!

Darn Tough Socks (2)

Two pairs. Wear and air dry at night. Wash when possible, usually about once a week.

Smartwool Jacket

I started using a smart wool jacket like this on my Alaska trip and became my new favorite jacket to wear under my riding gear, around the campsite or in the city. It’s really lightweight and warm when needed.

SmartWool Merino Base Layer

I wouldn’t travel without a set of long underwear and the Smartwool brand is my favorite. The only problem is that once you put them on you never want to take them off and might end up wearing them for days both on and off the bike.

Fjällräven Trekking Trousers

This is my favorite tentI’ve been using these pants for about ten years and really like the comfort, design and durability. I like the extra pockets which are very handy for carrying extra camera batteries, cell phone, etc.

Classic Shirt

I feel like it is nice to have a proper shirt sometimes and makes me feel a little bit special or “dressed up’ when I put on a shirt like this after a long day of riding.

Shorts

A basic pair of shorts for when it is hot outside, for swimming, or for having something to wear when I am in a laundromat and washing everything else I own.

Birkenstock Leather Sneakers

What shoes to bring – the perennial question. I used these and they worked pretty well. Not too big to pack, and comfortable.

Shower Towel

The only thing I forgot to bring. So I asked a motel if they had any old towels they were no longer using and they gave me a small hand towel. You could do the same thing. It’s better than standing in the cold, dripping wet after a shower. Trust me on that.

Peak Design Small Wash Pouch

A nice little travel toiletries bag from a company that knows how to make bags.

DJI Osmo Action 5

My favorite action camera. Does everything I need it to, and never locks up or “freezes” like GoPro cameras are known to do.

Windshield Camera Mount

The mount I used to attach my helmet camera to the visor of my helmet. It’s pretty cool and worked well for that, even though it’s advertised for the windshield and not a helmet visor.

DJI Osmo Action 4

The camera (with the mini extension rod) that I keep in the little holster on my handlebars – so that I can grab it and start recording right away, when I’m going down the road or stopped at a scenic location.

DJI Mini Extension Rod

The tripod/selfie stick that goes with the camera above.

DJI Hanging Neck Mount

This is how I get footage when I walk into a grocery store or some other public place, when I don’t want to be standing around with a camera in my hand. It’s unobtrusive and nobody even thinks I am filming anything. It also works well for “hands free” filming at the campsite when I am cooking or doing other chores I want to record, but can’t hold a camera in my hands at the same time.

Tactical Flashlight Pouch Holster

This is what I use to hold the vlog camera on my handlebars. I attached it with a couple of ZipTies.

DJI Osmo 360

I use a 360 camera differently than most people. I don’t actually use the 360 function at all. I attach it in front of me, on the windscreen, and use it to record “the road ahead” or looking back at myself. This camera’s “dual lenses” allow me to get either shot while I’m going down the road. I also use it a lot off the bike, with the handle below, when I am walking around and filming things.

DJI Osmo 360 Battery Extension Rod

This is the handle that use on the 360 “windshield” camera when I am off the bike. It has a battery inside, so it charges the camera when I am using it. It’s also really comfortable to use and keeps me from dropping the camera and scratching the lenses, which is what I would do if I wasn’t using this handle. It uses the DJI magnetic mount so it’s seamless to attach and unattach the camera.

DJI Mic Mini Transmitter

I brought four of these mini microphones with me. I paired one each to my helmet camera, the windshield camera and the vlog camera. And I had a backup in case I lost one them, which I never did, amazingly. I love how these mics pair seamlessly with the DJI cameras and they have the furry windscreen that cuts wind noise significantly. I can usually get a full day out of each one, and then they go into the little box to recharge at night, which usually gives me about 3-4 nights before it has to be recharged.

Magnetic Neck Adjustable Necklace

I use this when I want to attach a wireless mic to my to my shirt, or under my shirt. The magnet holds the mic securely.

Fujifilm X-H2S Mirrorless Camera 

This is my main cinematic camera to get the juidy b-roll above and beyond what the action cameras give me.

Fujifilm Fujinon XF70-300mmF4-5.6 LM OIS WR

This is the lens I paired with the above camera. I chose it because of it’s long focal length which the action cameras can’t provide. I use it mostly for wildlife or distant landscape shots.

Fujifilm X-S20 Mirrorless Camera

This is a smaller version of the camera above but with (mostly) the same specs. It’s a backup camera in case the other one breaks and it has a different lens, so I dont have to swap lenses between one body.

Sigma 17-40mm F1.8 DC | Art for Fuji X

I paired this lens with the camera above and chose it for it’s low aperture (f1.8) to get shallow depth-of-field or work in low light.

Lowepro Messenger Case

This is my main camera bag that I keep on the seat of the motorcycle, behind me . I chose it because it is a “top loading” bag which means I can access everything inside right away when I stop on the side of the road. My cameras need to be “ready to go” at a moment’s notice and this bag gives me that.

Lowepro Adventura Bag

This is the smaller, more portable, camera bag that I use when I leave the bike and go waling around. It’s just big enough to hold the larger camera with the larger lens. Occasionally I will use the should strap and carry it while I’m riding, so I can pull over and use my camera right away, without having to get off the bike and go into the other camera bag.

Peak Design Travel Tripod

My favorite tripod ever. High quality, lightweight and packs up incredibly small. I keep it in a tripod bag attached to the top of my waterproof duffel on the rear luggage rack so that it is immediately available when I pull over.

Manfrotto Mini Tripod

My other tripod, the small one, useful for low angle shots or when I’m out walking and don’t want to carry the larger one.

SENNHEISER Shotgun Microphone

The “shotgun” mic I use on the mirrorless cameras when I want to get good sound quality, particularly if it is windy out.

DJI Mini Pro 5 Drone

My drone, that I never crashed once on the entire Alaska trip. I wish I could say that about every other drone I’ve used. It did the job I needed it to.

ColMount Drone Controller Handlebar Mount

This is how I mount the drone controller to the handlebars of the motorcycle, so that I have access to it while I am riding. I attached a “RAM ball” to the bottom of it on the included 1/4-20 screw hole.

RAM MOUNTS Tough-Claw

The RAM mount that was attached to my handlebars so that I could mount the drone controller or my cell phone while riding.

SANDISK 4TB Extreme PRO Portable SSD

The hard drives that I use to back up all of my footage in the field, and the ones I use when I am editing at home.

Anker Prime Power Bank

I charge my electronics two ways – on the bike and in the motel or campground when available. On the bike, I use this power bank. I run a USB cable into it from the motorcycle, which charges this battery, and then I charge my gear from this unit. It can accept power from the bike at the same time as it outputs power to my device. And then, in the campsite, I can continue charging my devices from this power bank.

Garmin zūmo XT3

Pretty standard, a Garmin GPS. I have the Zumo XT2, this is the newer one.

Garmin inReach Mini 2

I used this device to track my trip and share my location with friends and family. It’s main purpose would be to initiate a satellite rescue call if needed. My tip – make sure that you set it up properly and download the apps it needs before you go. Test it and understand how it works – before you need it in an emergency situation. And remember to keep it charged. It will run out of power every few days if you are using it to track your movements.