Camping Gear

We plan on staying in hostels as much as possible, but when we need to camp, we'll be prepared. This list is 'per person' gear.

• Tent (as waterproof as possible... we will be in the RAIN forest!)
• Self-inflating matress
• Sleeping bag
• Silk sleeping bag liners (for ease of cleaning)
• Inflatable pillow
• Pillow case
• Extra tent poles
• Knife, fork, and spoon
• Water Filter
• Cup
• Beef Jerky
• Peanuts
• Tuna

Clothing

There isn't a lot of room for a ton of clothes, so we'll have to make it count by taking only the essentials.

• 3 T-Shirts (synthetic, not cotton, for easier washing)
• 1 Collared Shirt (in case we need to look nice)
• 1 Pair of Convertible Pants (the kind that zip off at the knee to also be shorts)
• 2 Pairs of Normal Socks
• 3 Pairs of Boxers
• 1 Pair of Swim Shorts
• 1 Bandanna
• 1 Pair of Rubber Sandals
• 1 Pair of walking/cross country shoes
• Hat
• Fleece Sweatshirt (light weight, compact, and warm)

Electronics

We've started a list of the equipment we know we need, but in some cases, we haven't chosen specific brands or models yet. If you can help us decide, please let us know by leaving a comment below.

• Laptop Computer- HP Mini 1000 (Starts at $359)
• Digital Camera (and USB Cable)
• Camera Tripod
• Handlebar-mounted GPS (Garmin Zumo 450)
• Helmet Audio System (Scala rider Q2)
• Two-Way Radio (Scala rider Q2)
• iPod and radio transmitter (iTrip maybe). The Scala rider system has FM radio so we can listen to our iPods in our helmets.
• Helmet-Mounted Headset and Speakers (Scala rider Q2)
• Satellite Phone with Internet Capabilities and Skype phone
• Power Outlet Converter
• Rechargeable AA Batteries
• Battery Charger
• USB solid state hard drive (or two or three)

Motorcycle Riding Gear

• Full-body riding suit - We've heard that Olympia makes suits that are almost as good for a third of the price of coveted BMW suits. After trying on jackets from both manufacturer, we found more advantages going with the Olympia brand. We'll probably end up with the waterproof all-season-touring jacket for staying dry and safe. For the lower half, the Airglide pants provide the same all-weather protection as the jacket.
• As an alternative to the full body riding suit, we are considering a mesh armored shirt, which we can then layer with any combination of a heated vest, fleece, or rain slick as weather/temperature requires.  Coupled with some well-ventilated armored pants (and a waterproof shell to throw over it when required), we should be well prepared for the wide range of climates and weather conditions.
• Riding Boots (Nick picked the BMW Santiago's and Tony is rolling with the BMW AllRound's)
• Helmet - From a function, convenience, and safety perspective, we've decided that a full-face, flip-up helmet is the way to go.  We're planning on riding with the Shoei Multitec.  Reputable brand, good safety technology, lightweight, and, of course, flip-up.
• Summer Gloves
• Winter Gloves
• Riding Socks (tall and whisking)
• Lower back brace / Kidney Belt (for keeping posture on long rides)
• Half-Gallon Wearable Water Reservoir (CamelBak)
• Clear and Smoked Visors
• Visor Hip Bag (Storing the visor that's not in use)

Spare Parts

We expect to have quite a bit of maintenance to do, and we're gleaning our list from those who have done this before.

• Oil Filter(s)
• Spark plugs
• Master Links for the Chain
• Throttle and Clutch Cables (pre-wired in place with capped ends)
• Various Bulbs
• Repair Manual
• Common Nuts and Bolts
• 18" tire tube. The V-Strom has tubeless tires but if we have a bad flat that can't be fixed we can put the 18" tube inside the 17" rear or 19" front tubeless tires.
• Tire iron
• Flat fix kit

Toiletries

Don't forget your toothbrush!

• Toothbrush/toothpaste
• Body Wash Sheets - These are pretty cool.  They come in packs of 50, and, when you add water, they dissolve into a lather.  Makes for compact storage, and you just take a couple with you to shower, no worries about bottles.  You can see more details at Packinglight.net
• Shampoo Sheets - Same as above.
• Hand Soap Sheets - Same as above.
• Laundry Detergent Sheets - Same as above.
• Mesh Shower Sponge
• Razor/Hair Trimmer
• Towel
• Deodorant
• Wet Wipes
• Hand Sanitizer
• Tissues (tiny packs)
• Insect Repellent (and lots of it - with Deet)
• Sunscreen
• Contact Solution/Case/Spares
• Cologne/Body Spray (if there's no time for a bath)
• Multi-Vitamin
• Baby Wipes

Tools/Gear

We're taking some common tools to work on the bikes while on the road. If you have additional thoughts and suggestions about this topic, leave a comment below.

Bike Tools:
• 3/8" Ratchet
• Sockets to match the bolt sizes on the motorcycle
• Wrench set to match bolt sizes on the motorcycle
• Hex-head (Allen) Wrench set to match the head sizes on the bike
• Flat and Phillips head screwdrivers
• Cable Ties
• Leatherman
• Adjustable Pliers
• Mini Hacksaw and spare blades
• Small File

Misc. Gear:
• ASP (Collapsible club for self-defense)
• Mace - Disguised as chain lube or something so it won't get confiscated
• Knife
• Flashlight
• Head torch
• Compass
• 100 feet of nylon rope
• Large tarp
• Heavy-duty cable and lock
• Pen/Pencil and Paper