Motorcycle Accessories, Luggage and Riding Equipment
Every single motorcycle traveler brings more gear than they need. So lay all your gear out the night before your departure and remove half of the items.
You’ll buy food and other goodies along the way so make sure you have several liters of packing space available before you leave the driveway.
Also, it’s very common that you’ll have to carry additional loads for short stretches here and there. Think: extra gas, firewood, or additional water. So have extra straps and identify where you can safely secure an additional load.
Now that we’ve gotten the ‘don’t pack too much’ part out of the way. Here’s what and why we pack the way we do…
Click on the name or ▼ below to for some information and our feedback about the gear we use.
MOTORCYCLE ACCESSORIES
Our smartphones are the technological equivalent of a Swiss Army Knife. We use it for nativation, filming, and everything else. Since the camera stabilization unit is sensitive, we use the Quad Lock anti-vibration mount for peace-of-mind.
There is never enough shelf or table space in motels – less still at wild campsites – so it’s a game-changer to be able to remove the Cardo PalkTalk EDGE from the helmet.
Our older BMW GS models are not ride-by-wire, which means no cruise control. Enter the Atlas Throttle Lock to give your wrist a break – or to hold your speed while you adjust your camera angle.
Cardo PackTalk EDGE
The air mount is a game-changer. It’s a super easy and secure on an off, which means you can charge your Edge without having your huge helmet taking up space on the table. Absolutely love it! –Greg
Quad Lock Motorcycle Mount and Wireless Charger
The Quad Lock mount makes it easy to keep your phone sure for riding and your navigation apps visible. The H2O Wireless Charger keeps cables away from your phone and charges it in any weather.
The mount is secure and super easy to connect your phone and remove it. But the real gem for me is the wireless charger so that I don’t snag the charging cable when I remove it. –Jess
ATLAS Throttle Lock
The ATLAS Throttle Lock is an easy-to-use and simple-to-install cruise control that fits almost any motorcycle.
Moxie likes to lean out to the left side of Jess’s bike, which means most of my cameras need to be mounted on the right side and operated with my throttle hand. I can set the ATLAS to hold my speed and free my right hand to ***safely and carefully*** operate the cameras. –Greg
MOTORCYCLE LUGGAGE
The age-old debate among motorcycle travelers is soft bags vs. hard panniers. We prefer aluminum panniers because they provide additional protection for the laptops and camera equipment. We also prefer the peace-of-mind of locking the cases.
Even with locked boxes, any seasoned thief who wants your gear won’t have to work hard to get it, so we always opt for paid parking or when it’s available or we pay a local to watch the bikes. It’s a terribly small price to pay for the reassurance while we’re off exploring the village or hiking the volcano.
While we prefer hard panniers, a waterproof dufflebag like the Giant Loop Tillamook is much better than a hard top case. The gear inside a top case receives every last pebble of punishment from the road. Also, the duffle bag brings the load over the passenger seat and connects it to the motorcycle for less impact on the ride performance.
Giant Loop Fandango Tank Bag
Why is my Fandango Tank Bag better than Greg’s Diablo? Because it’s the same only 2L bigger. And, yes, in this case, bigger is better. –Jess
Use promo code RUFFLY10 for 10% off
Giant Loop Diablo Tank Bag
The 6L waterproof Diablo Tank Bag features a minimalist design with a semi-rigid structure and superior build quality.
It has plenty of space for my on-bike essentials but stays out of my way. It has always kept my electronics bone dry and protected through rainstorms and tip-overs during water-crossings! –Greg
Use promo code RUFFLY10 for 10% off
Giant Loop Tillamook Dry Bag
With 48 liters of waterproof storage, the Tillamook Dry Bag is built for journeying through the most brutal environments on the planet.
One Tillamook is perfect for riding one-up on a solo trip but, as the gear mule on our trips, two handle the camping and cooking needs for the three of us. I love how bombproof it is, how it rolls closed at both ends, and the backpack straps make it easy to carry into the hotel or over to the campsite. –Greg
Use promo code RUFFLY10 for 10% off
Giant Loop Possibles Pouch
With a roll-top and daisy chained webbing on the sides, the Possibles Pouch provides 3.5L of waterproof storage that you can mount anywhere on your motorcycle.
My Possibles Pouches used to be called “Moxie’s pockets” because they carried her kibble and other necessaries. During the world adventure they carry small gifts like stickers and the GoRUFFLY Wristband to give to those we meet during the journey. –Jess
Use promo code RUFFLY10 for 10% off
Giant Loop Pannier Pockets
I use a pair of Pannier Pockets between my tank bag and tank bag panniers for carrying two essentials: emergency food on one side and treats for Jess on the other. So, I guess also it helps be feel like a better protector and a thoughtful partner! 🤣 –Greg
Use promo code RUFFLY10 for 10% off
RIDING GEAR
We used to wear the four-season touring suits for adventure riding but not anymore. Now, we opt for more stylish and yet understated gear from Alpinestars. Here’s why:
- On a hot day, you’re going to boil inside a 10lb touring jacket no matter how big the vents are.
- Heat and blazing sunshine is the extreme weather that we face more often than extreme cold and rain – that was true even riding up to the Arctic Ocean.
- As the day gets colder, it’s no big inconvenience to add layers.
One more consideration in our decision is this: Every motorcycle traveler looks like a space alien when we pull into a traditional village. But an astronaught-looking suit with huge cargo pockets, a dozen zippers, and noisy colors makes first contact a little more difficult. Wearing more understated riding gear helps a little in our experience and making meaningful connections has enormous value to us.
For head protection, there’s just nothing we’ve tried that looks as good, feels as comfortable, and moves as much cooling airflow as the NEX X.WED2. Challenge us on that – we dare you!
Lastly, for riding boots we want superior off-road protection but also walking comfort off the bike. You know your Toucan or Corozal is comfortable when you keep wearing them around the campsite at the end of the riding day!
Nexx X.WED2 Helmet
The Nexx X.WED2 Helmet is the ultimate ADV helmet with MX helmet ventilation and ADV comfort and features.
I didn’t want to get it just simply because Greg got it first – but once I tried it on I had no choice. Super comfortable, lightweight, great ventilation, and a sun visor. Love it! –Jess
Alpinestars Stella Hyper Drystar Jacket
The Stella Hyper Drystar Jacket is an all weather sport riding jacket fully armored with 450D and 600D textiles.
It looks great and fits like a glove wihtout any cumbersome pockets in my way and weighing me down. Sleek, stylish, low-key, and protective. –Jess
Alpinestars Daisy v2 Women's Riding Jeans
The Daisy v2 Jeans are cut slim and tailored for coverage while you are in the saddle.
They are beautifully form-fitting and durable with just the right amount of stretch and armored up for adventure. I love pulling up somewhere and looking good but a little less ‘moto traveler’. I think it makes it just a tiny bit easier to interact with locals. –Jess
Alpinestars Corozal Adventure Drystar Boots
The Corozal Boots are tough ADV boots with great protection but also allow you to walk and explore comfortably off the bike.
These boots are totally deceiving. They look like monstrous sh*t-kicker boots but they wear and walk super comfy almost like slippers. You could say they’re mean on the outside but with a sensitive soul. –Jess
Alpinestars Stella Atom Gloves
Light, protective, and airy. I also like that they have excellent tactile sensation so I can completely feel my controls. –Jess
Alpinestars Stella Andes v3 Drystar Gloves
The Andes v3 Dyrstar Gloves are mid-season all weather performance gloves with goat leather construction for superior abrasion resistance.
I love the warmth, the long gusset, and the protection. But, honestly, I’d probably wear them just for the style and detailing! –Jess
Alpinestars Leonis Drystar Jacket
The Leonis Jacket allows massive airflow for hot conditions and includes a waterproof liner for rain and storms.
The best fitting riding jacket I’ve ever worn. It’s lightweight and protective without all the unnecessary extras that load you down and tire you out. –Greg
Alpinestars Raider v2 Drystar Pants
The Raider Pants are extremely versatile allowing for a wide variety of riding conditions and seasons.
Slender and great-looking, they are also super comfortable off the bike. That means I’m never in a hurry to strip these off when we reach the campsite. –Greg
Alpinestars Toucan Gore-Tex Boots
The Toucans are technical and durable and brimming with intelligent design features for adventure riding.
Breathable Gore-Tex and a soft inner, they look way meaner and nastier on the outside than they feel on the inside. –Greg
Alpinestars Copper Gloves
The Copper Gloves are lightweight and move lots of air for hot weather riding.
Light, protective, and airy for most summer riding conditions. They give great tactile response and work with the smartphone screen. –Greg
Alpinestars Valparaiso v2 Drystar Gloves
The Valparaiso Gloves are three-season, waterproof gloves with excellent protection, including hard palm sliders.
Just the right amount of warmth and insulation without the dreaded bulk and loss of mobility. –Greg