With limited space, the Great Northwestern Trek – required a lot of thought and planning. I have often read and heard variations of “lay out all your necessary items and your cash, then take half the items and twice the cash.” “Over-packer” is my mantra, and I will most likely continue that trend. I often blame it on my military days when I loaded aircraft to fly to remote areas of Antarctica. You never knew when you would get another flight in or what you might encounter, so pack everything you can in every nook and cranny. The truth is the “hey, you never know when you might need this” gene has long been a part of my family.
Luckily aircraft have a weight restriction that is carefully monitored so I did, and still do, remain aware of restrictions beyond volume capacity. Here are some images of the packing we did.
For the Alaska trip, there were necessities: clothing, additional fuel, and tools. Each of these had to be further assessed for necessity and nicety also. Then there were the wants: computer, drone, multiple cameras, etc. Of course, there were items that fall into the middle which change categories daily.
I will use the Alaska trip to break down where I succeeded and failed with my packing and what I would do differently.
I always lay out all of my gear well ahead of the trip. This allows me to inventory and assess necessity.
Great Northwestern Trek – Thoughts on Packing – Clothing
Since we decided to leave a flex day at least every three days going up we figured we would find accommodations with or near a laundry facility. So, with that in mind we packed for three days travel. Since the conditions can be harsh, there are some things like shirts, socks, and thermals that I added a day in case I needed to change out of soaked clothing. The hand-washable clothing like the moisture-wicking under shorts, shirts, and thermals, and Merino wool socks are useful. I can then hand wash those items closest to my body even if no laundry facilities are available. I also use a microfiber bath towel because it is lightweight and compact, and it will generally dry overnight.
Since my jeans are covered by my leathers, and often rain gear, they are capable of going a few days so I wear one and have a second to wear during laundry day. If I had to go to the second pair I could always do laundry in my sweats.
Normal Clothing:
Pants (2) Jeans
Shirts (3) Cotton Long Sleeve
Socks (4) Merino Wool Hiking socks
Undershirt (4) Lightweight, moisture wicking, Example: (Costco Men’s Cool Classic Crew T-Shirt)
Undershorts (4) Lightweight, moisture-wicking Example: (Reebok Men’s Underwear)
Thermals (2) Lightweight, moisture-wicking; with jeans, leather, and rain gear over the top of the thermals, so you don’t need too much and the lightweight type can be washed out by hand.
Sweat pants (lounging/restroom)
Sweatshirt (lounging/warmth)
Swim shorts (you never know)
Towel Microfiber Travel Towel
Because I planned a week of hiking with my wife in the middle of this motorcycle ride I also included my hiking boots and a few other lightweight hiking clothing. Read more about that trip in the Break from the Ride series.
Hiking boots (Amazon KEEN Men’s Targhee 2 Mid Height Waterproof Hiking Boot)
Hats (wool, ball cap)
Light Jacket – waterproof windbreaker type with hood
Thoughts on Packing – Miscellaneous
The miscellaneous items needed for all trips and some that are specific to wilderness trips like this one.
Toiletries
Meds
Vitamins
Glasses (sunglasses and an extra pair of regular if you wear them to ride)
Water container I used a stainless steel container for durability and thermal insulation. It also straps down nicely on the bike for easy access.
Flip Flops (showers/restroom)[I replaced the flip flops with Water Socks Tilos Low Cut Sports Skin Socks]
Bug Repellent Repel 100 Insect Repellent This seemed to work the best in Alaska.
Bear Spray Udap Bear Spray Safety Orange with Holster This brand was allowed at the Canadian Border crossing, be sure to check before buying.
Mosquito net (bug repellent helps but the net keeps them out of your face)
Sunscreen
Lighter
Electronics:
Batteries (dependent on devices; rechargeable via USB works well, see solar panel/charge port) for this trip I took all rechargeable devices so no batteries.
The solar panel (Foldable Solar Panel Charger with DC USB Output) This panel needs fairly direct sunlight to provide a decent charge.
Headlamp (Black Diamond Equipment – Revolt 350 Headlamp)
Computer (extra memory cards may be better; the phone can do most of the road needs; a home-bound friend for logistics work and bookings is helpful; may want it for GPS route changes)
Power cords (inventory your toys and ensure you have the cords)
Cameras – We both had mounted GoPro cameras. Enes had his mounted on the handlebar which allowed easy on/off access. Mine is fork mounted which meant I had to turn it on and leave it on. I will definitely ensure it is within reach for my next trip.
Memory Cards (they’re cheaper now so pack more than you think you’ll need)
GPS (phones don’t always cut it)
Drone – Mavic 2 Pro with Hasselblad (doesn’t everybody have one now?)
Thoughts on Packing – Luggage for this trip
Motorcycle Duffel Bag (Amazon Bagood Waterproof Bag 90L Motorcycle Dry Duffel Bag) This is a good duffel bag and had several other motorcyclists noting the brand at stops. My one complaint is the air release valve is on the end and got snagged and broken off. I had to seal the end with duct tape. The release valve isn’t really necessary if you collapse the bag prior to rolling the top.
Dry bags (Waterproof Dry Bag – Roll Top Dry Compression Sack) We use these dry bags for boating, hiking, camping, and diving. For this trip, I used a 40 liter for my camping gear and 20 liter for my rain gear gloves and anything else I wanted to access rapidly. With the shoulder straps, these make a sufficient day pack for hiking also.
Garbage bags (waterproofing) These are good for an extra layer of protection in the dry bag and to allow compartmentalizing for faster access. Just before the trip, I replaced the garbage bags with the dry bags below.
Small Dry Bags 6 Pieces Waterproof Dry Bag Set Lightweight Sacks Due to their lack of durability I wouldn’t use these as a primary dry bag but worked well for compartmentalizing in the large motorcycle duffel dry bag.
Thoughts on Packing – Camping Items
Tent (ALPS Mountaineering Zephyr 2-Person Tent and ground tarp ALPS Mountaineering Zephyr 2-Person Tent Footprint) I purchased the two-man for the additional room for gear. Since rain was likely it was good to have it dry in the mornings. The two-man tent was nearly the same price and the dimensions when stored are 7”x19” 5 pounds for the two-man versus 6”x19” 4 pounds for the one-man.
Cot (Therm-a-Rest LuxuryLite Mesh Cot) I had purchased a smaller, lighter, and cheaper cot but found it to be too lightweight for someone my size (75” / 185 lbs) and also I toss and turn a lot. The legs would collapse during the night. The Therm-a-Rest held up well.
Pillow (Big Sky DreamSleeper Deluxe)
Sleeping Bag (I have a down military mummy bag that I used in Antarctica in 1976. It is still one of the best bags even though it is a bit heavier and thicker than the newer bags. If buying new get a quality bag rated for temperatures below what you expect to camp in. You can always open it if too hot, but too cold is too cold.
Backpacking stove (MSR PocketRocket 2 Stove)
Stove fuel (MSR IsoPro Fuel Canister)
Pot and Cups (Stanley Adventure Camp Cook Set – 24oz Kettle with 2 Ceramic Cups)
Backpacking Dinners (there are a number of brands and meals, for example: Mountain House Beef Stroganoff
Food Warming Bag (Big Sky International Insulite Pouch)
Spork (Titanium Long Handle Spork)
Thoughts on Packing – Food
Jerky
Power bars
granola bars
Great Northwestern Trek – Thoughts on Packing – Motorcycle Clothing
Since this is a motorcycle trip and we would be subject to the hazards as well as the elements we had to be prepared for both. As a motorcyclist, there are items that are required for safety that, in my opinion, should never be neglected regardless of the local law. And of course, there is the local law to be aware of.
My Motorcycle specific clothing consists of:
Helmet Nolan N103 modular helmet
Boots TCX Men’s Nc Motorcycle Boots
Jacket Fox Creek Vented Racing Leather Motorcycle Jacket (I have over 100k miles on the jacket and chaps and they still look and feel great. This is probably the one thing I would pay double for to replace, but since they are guaranteed for life I won’t need to.)
Chaps Fox Creek Classic Motorcycle Chaps
Gloves (multiple for conditions)
Light breathable (BILT Interstate Gloves)
Heavy Waterproof Gauntlet (Tourmaster Winter Elite 2 MT Size Large 10 Motorcycle Gloves Black Leather)
For this trip, I added another pair of lightweight waterproof gloves, Rain Gear, and boot covers to protect my boots from the Dalton Hwy calcium. The additional gloves and overboots were not a necessity but were very beneficial.
REAX Cyclone Waterproof Gloves
Olympia Moto Sports MJ415 New Horizon Rain Jacket
Olympia Moto Sports MP215 Horizon Rain Pants
Cycle Gear BILT Tornado Waterproof Overboots
And I use heated liners for my winter gloves which not only allow me to ride most of the year in California but would prove very helpful on this trip.
VentureHeat Heated Glove Liners
Thoughts on Packing – Additional Motorcycle Accessories
I also outfitted the motorcycle with some accessories specifically for this or other long road trips.
Tie Down Straps (Amazon Cartman 1″ x 12′ Lashing Straps Cargo Tie-Down Strap) These straps are quick and easy for tying down dry bags and roll up neatly for storing away.
Velcro straps (very handy Amazon Fastening Cable Straps 20 Pack [12″ 24″ 36″]) These are lightweight and not good for securing loads but proved handy for cinching pant cuffs and other flapping articles.
RotopaX (RotopaX RX-1.75G Gasoline Pack) This fuel container can be mounted flat without leaking and is very heavy-duty.
Back rack (Detachable Two-up Tour Pack Mounting Luggage Rack) This rack allowed me to secure the RotopaX which then provided a firm flat surface for mounting the dry bags.
USB charging port (Motorcycle Dual USB Port SAE to USB Adapter) This port plugs into the battery tender socket on my bike and allowed me to charge items in my saddle bag while riding.
Heated Grips Kuryakyn Heated ISO Grips I have large hands so I like the larger diameter of these ISO grips. I changed to the heated grips for the Alaska ride and found them helpful but not sufficient by themselves.
Saddle Bags Hardware LocEzy Saddlebag Mounting Hardware Knobs These saddle bag mounting knobs were to replace the pin stud type fasteners. These threaded bolts are more secure for both theft and the pounding road.
Cell Phone Mount RAM Mounts X-Grip Large Phone Mount This stays on my bike and allows me to have my phone handy for use as a GPS, quick access camera, or if someone needs me.
Thoughts on Packing – Tools
Since I do my own minor maintenance I just started making a list of the tools I use. Especially those I use regularly and would most likely be of use on the road. After all, you’re not going to break down an engine or transmission on the road. Likewise, on a heavy Harley Davidson, you’re most likely not going to try to change a tire on the road. As a note, my 2008 Road King Classic came with spoke wheels and Dunlop white wall tires. While I prefer this look I have mounted Michelin Commander III tires on cast wheels. The Michelin tires provide nearly twice the long-distance miles and the cast wheels allow tubeless tires which can be plugged on the road to make it to the next town.
You won’t need to take your good shop tools on the road with you since you won’t use them regularly. An inexpensive set of sockets and wrenches will work and won’t be as painful if lost or stolen. Also on most bikes, you have loosened or tightened everything so many times and kept them clean, that lower tensile tools will survive.
The Tools listed all tuck neatly in a small canvas bag that rests in the bottom of my saddlebag.
Normal Tool Kit:
End Wrenches 1/4-5/8 (I seldom use a 3/4 or above on the road)
Sockets (I just take a 1/2” drive and thread them on a wire)
Ratchet and 2-3 extensions
Swivel Adapter
Allen Wrenches
Torx Bits (I use the socket type since there are limited sizes on my Harley but a bit set would work as long as it has large enough bits)
Flat and Phillips Screwdrivers (a multi-screwdriver will work but make sure it is good strength; I wouldn’t use ratcheting due to strength issues)
Slip-Joint Pliers
Needle Nose Pliers
Side Cutter Pliers (the needle nose may have a side cutter but are not as easy to use in some applications)
Crescent Wrench
Vise Grips
Duct Tape (first aid for bike, clothes, yourself)
Electrical Tape
Zip Ties (assorted; good for a temporary fix on cold parts)
Latex gloves (grease and waterproofing)
Additional tools for this trip:
12 Volt Test Light
16 Gauge Wire (aka Bailing, rebar tie, hobby wire; good for a temporary fix on hot parts)
Tire Pump (Amazon Slime 40061 Tire Inflator)
Tire Plug Kit (Amazon Slime 1034-A)(for tubeless tires)
Portable Jump Starter (Costco Type S 8000MAH Portable Power Bank Jump Starter)
Great Northwestern Trek – Thoughts on Packing – In hindsight
There were some things I didn’t use but would take them again if I did the ride again.
Tools – Luckily we did not need anything other than a screwdriver, test light, and electrical tape to troubleshoot the broken wire for my heated gloves.
Bear Spray – Because as a sign at one of the outposts read, “What doesn’t kill you makes you stronger, BEARS will kill you.”
Sunscreen – Even with nearly 24 hours of sun we remained covered in clothing for protection against mosquitoes, cold, or road rash depending on the activity.
Headlamp – A whole lot of daylight on this trip, but you never know and it is small and lightweight.
RotopaX – I didn’t have to utilize spare fuel but you never know what is going to be open and there is no roadside assistance.
And there are things I might leave behind if I did the trip again.
Batteries – As noted earlier I took all rechargeable devices so no batteries needed.
Solar panel We didn’t use this as much as we thought since we were able to charge items on the bike while riding.
Computer When I returned I found the notes I took on my phone and text messages and photos sent from the road were better than the information I had entered in the computer on the road. I also didn’t need to create and download any GPS routes since there are few roads to choose from.
Drone Got some nice shots from the drone but everything is so wide open it wasn’t as necessary.
Garbage bags I might bring one just to cover my bike seat while in restaurants. A couple of times the deep bucket of my seat was a deep bucket of water.
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