Rad Ass Shit

Gear. Adventure travel requires it, you love it, and sometimes it loves you back.

Below are my favourite gear essentials! (Note: I don’t get any fancy sponsorship, money or gear in return for my opinions. So they are just that, my honest opinions!).

Osprey Porter 46

What is it? A carry on sized duffel bag / backpack.

Why you need it? The only bag you need for airline / overseas travel!

This bag has gone everywhere. South America, Europe and Asia. It has been deep into the Amazon and sat on the back of a motorcycle for a month in Vietnam. It looks great, is highly functional and will allow you to seamlessly travel from airplane to train to motorcycle to boat.

Curious to see how much I can pack into the Osprey Porter 46? Check out my packing list for a two month trip to SE Asia, including motorcycling North Vietnam in November. Packing Essentials and Checklist

Pros:

• Carry on size! You don’t have to worry about lost luggage or short connections between flights.
• Perfect size. We have done 2 week trips to 2 month trips with nothing other than this bag and a small second carry on!
• Duffel bag / backpack convertible. Pull out the shoulder straps for a comfortable backpack, or tuck them away for a great duffel bag.
• Durable and stylish!
• If it doesn’t fit into this bag, you don’t need it!

Cons:

• No rain cover.
• Expensive.

Hitcase Pro

What is it? Waterproof iPhone case.

Why you need it? Turns your iPhone into an Action Camera.

I used to have a GoPro action camera, but it became one more thing to charge every night. When you already have to charge a GPS, cell phone and bluetooth motorcycle communication system every-night, having one more thing to charge became a pain in the ass. Although you give up video quality, the Hitcase / iPhone combo seemed more practical for my purposes. Let’s face it, I don’t have time to edit the video to make cool shit, I just want to be able to capture the odd cool thing when on the bikes!

Pros:

• Price. I paid CAD $80 on sale for the Hitcase Pro case, upgraded super wide lens, selfie stick, and surface mount.
• One less thing to carry, charge or lose. I already have my iPhone with me and already use it to take the majority of my pictures.
• Added bonus of waterproofing my iPhone (instead of using bags).
• Can still charge my phone and use the headphone jack (similar waterproof cases may prevent you from using these features).
• Ease of use. I don’t need to re-learn how to take pictures using an app developed for a specific case.

Cons:

• Image stabilization may be better on the GoPro. This depends on what models of GoPro and iPhone you are comparing. I have an iPhone 6S which has digital stabilization, and not the optical/digital stabilization of the iPhone 6S plus or iPhone 7. GoPro offers image stabilization on its GoPro Hero 5 models and up.
• Case is waterproof when fully sealed properly. There are more areas of potential water seepage on the Hitcase than other options, due to the accessibility of the headphone and power ports. Shouldn’t be a problem if you inspect your case before going into the water.

 

Redverz Atacama Expedition Motorcycle Tent

What is it? A big ass tent with a “garage”.

Why you need it? Feels like a cabin, not a tent. Fellow campers will be in total awe when you pitch that thing after pulling up on motorcycles.

When we go overnight hiking we use a small, lightweight three man tent. It’s awesome for lugging up a mountain and storing a couple of backpacks overnight. But when we have motorcycle boots, panniers and helmets to store – its a tad small. Enter the Redverz Atacama Expedition Motorcycle tent. Room to stand while you suit up, a “garage” to shelter / store panniers, boots and helmets – and you will be the coolest kids in camp.

Pros:

• Easy to setup, even for one person.
• Room to stand.
• The Garage is great for gear storage, out of the rain and elements.
• Large sleeping area (two adults, in our case. Still lots of room.)
• Very good quality. Fabric, poles and fasteners all seem heavy duty.

Cons:

• There are lighter and smaller tents on the market. The garage doesn’t need to be quite as big if you don’t plan on actually storing your motorcycle in it. Because it only holds one motorcycle, it is only useful for two up riding. In our case we have two bikes.