The whole trip was done with a camping pack and a rolled up knapsack for day trips. It felt like it was 80lbs, which doesn’t actually make sense if it was full of clothes. I had barely 10lbs of tools and electronics. I weighed it in the airport and it was 30lbs, so that was 50lbs of hyperbole.



Things I brought and didn’t use.

- eReader

- swimsuit

- the two extra rugby shirts for warmth on top of the thin sweater I used as an insulation layer.

- preppy madras shirt. (middling, neither for the road nor the club, leisurewear, doubly useless.)

Extras I brought and was glad I did.

- mobile battery extender (thanks Dan)

- rain gear

- gym gear (of things to have in common with strangers, gym is a good thing.)



- blazer and business casual outfit (truly go anywhere)

- soap from home, small towel (thanks Mom)

- old compass

- toolkit, patch kit

Things I didn’t bring but would next time.

- spare SD cards for camera

- paper maps

- U.S. account credit card, even prepaid, as most gas pumps require a US zipcode with card payment; even more physical cash.

- goPro camera and helmet mount (not always, but for twisty days)

- panniers, regular bonnevile handlebars instead of cafe racer bars

- mobile signal booster (if fits in pannier)



- reserve gas container (http://rotopax.com/1-Gallon-Packs/)

- zinc oxide sunblock for nose

- new unscratched and/or tinted helmet visor

- new tires after 500k burn-in.

- an exit/go-home plan, prearranged shipping

- leathers, first aid foil blanket

- ruggedized outdoor smartphone (www.catphones.com)

- pack with multiple external pockets for small things.

Things I almost brought but glad I left behind.

- bulky warm hoodie or fleece vest

- books



- “desert clothing”

- water bottle, (better fuel than water)

- main personal laptop (using netbook, wouldn’t be tragedy to lose)

- camping/survival gadgets

- goals and expectations.