Let’s talk gear. For this discussion, the four days in the Alps I have been talking about are just the first four days of the European trip. I’ll be on the continent for about 20 days.
I want to add that because information around gear and packing for a 4-day motorcycle trip can be quite different than a 20-day overseas trip where only 4 days will be spent on a motorcycle.
Let’s talk bags. As I said in my previous post, the rental will come with three bags, which I assume are hard bags, but that doesn’t matter too much as the bag I am carrying will hold my items and keep them dry. Ask my spouse. I am a bag hoarder I love a good bag, and at this point in my life have yet to carry the perfect one, but honing in on it or a combination of the perfect carry. I am such a bag collector that I may rival Chase Reeves in the number of bags I have.
Bag #1 – Tom Bihn SYNIK 30
First off, I’ve been a massive fan of Tom Bihn bags. There are the most modern or trendy. However, they make the most comfortable backpack I have ever strapped on my back. It’s a wonder why their backpacks feel so good; maybe it’s the length of the straps or where they are anchored, but something about how the weight is distributed makes it carry amazing. I have owned three backpacks from them…yes, I have three because my kids have stolen the other two.
The SYNIK 30 will carry my 14″ MacBook Pro, two Tenba Tool Box cases(see below), and all my daily needs like wallet, headphones, etc. This bag will be dropped in one of the hard cases on the bike and be strapped to my back during the rest of the European adventure.
Bag #2 & #3 – Temba Tool Box 6 and Tenba Tool Box 8
The two Tenbas are part of my everyday carry anyway, so that they will go with me to Europe. While they might leave the hotel on only some excursions, they are the most helpful organizer big I’ve ever owned.
The Tenba Tool Box 6 usually cares a Mackbook Pro power cable, wall plug extension cord, power bank, USB-c hub, phone cables, wired headphones, etc
The Tenba Tool Box 8 hold all my action cameras, batteries, lav mics, and mounting accessories.
Bag #4 – MoskoMoto Backcountry 40L Duffle/Pack (V2.0) (not a paid endorsement)
Most adventure riders love Mosko; I am no different. I have had a few of their bags for years and recently put their side panniers on my Tiger 1200 Rally Explorer. That same bike has the Mosko small tank bag as well.
This will be the first time I will use the 40L Duffle. The bag will carry all my clothes, shoes, and toiletries for my 20 days in Europe…there will be laundry in my future. I will live by the rules most ADV riders live by. You should pack the same for a three-day trip as for a three-week one.
As you all can see, this pack has no wheels and requires some muscle to carry it in and out of hotels and on airplanes. I admit I may regret this decision, but it looks to be the best bag to strap to a bike for four days and then carry around the Czech Republic and Italy for 16 days.
Wish me luck.