Equipment
The Bike
Koga Miyata Signature. The full story of Koga and me is here.
Bicycle Components
Everything strapped/bolted/clipped to my frame. I’m a little non-standard with the front panniers since I’m using ones intended for use on the rear rack. They hang a little low but I’ve never had a problem with them scraping along the ground or hitting curbs. Since they are 100% waterproof riding through deep water isn’t an issue. The extra space comes in very handy.
Active
| Photo | Date Added | Type | Model | Comments |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 | 02/2009 | Rear Rack | Tubus Cargo Expedition Carrier | Has held up very well under very heavy load. One of the bolts securing the "platform" to the rails extending to the frame broke however it is not critical to overall rack integrity. |
 | 06/2010 | Front Rack | Tubus Tara rack (front) w/kickstand | No problems so far. |
 | 02/2009 | Lock | AXA Frame lock | Love this lock! Switched over recently from the heavy plugin chain to the lighter version. |
 | 02/2009 | Handlebars | Nashbar Trekking ATB/Hybrid | Strong and comfortable. |
 | 02/2009 | Grips | Ergon GP1 Grips | Long lasting and very comfortable. |
 | 02/2009 | GPS Mount | RAM Handlebar Mount for Garmin 60CSx | Extremely strong. Tends to shake the GPS off on very rough roads. |
 | 02/2009 | Mirror | Ortlieb ultralite handlebar mount mirror | Doesn't stick out far enough. |
 | 02/2009 | Top Tube Bag | Kinesis Top Tube Brevet Bag | Good bag, use it to store my P&S camera. Not waterproof but it does an OK job of keeping things dry. |
 | 02/2012 | Front Panniers | Ortlieb Bike Packer Plus | This is my 3rd set. The first set had extensive wear after 1 year. The 2nd set had tears on the bottom after 2 years. I keep these panniers mounted on front racks and they are kind of low which results in them hitting the ground/curbs more. |
 | 02/2009 | Rear Panniers | Ortlieb Backroller Plus | These panniers are well deserving of their reputation. If you avoid rubbing them on abrasive surfaces they'll last forever. They are 100% waterproof. |
 | 02/2012 | Handlebar Bag | Ortlieb Ultimate 5 Plus | This is the 2nd one I've owned. The first one lasted 3 years. The side mesh pockets fell off and the bag was replaced for free under warranty. It can carry a lot more than the recommended weight and everything stays dry. |
 | 02/2012 | Handlebar Bag | Camera-InsertCamera-Insert for Ortlieb Ultimate2-5 | |
 | 02/2009 | Trunk Bag | Ortlieb RackPack Large | High capacity storage for my tent, spare parts and miscellaneous travel gear. |
 | 02/2009 | Outer Pocket | Ortlieb Outer Pocket | Have it mounted on rear pannier. Keep all my bike tools in it. Dogs like to bite it but its held up well. |
 | 08/2011 | Saddle | Brooks B17 Standard Bicycle Saddle | This is my 2nd Brooks. The first one (Imperial) went in the garbage after a year of constant discomfort. Riding on this one has been much better. |
 | 08/2011 | Case | Ortlieb map case | 2nd one. The sun ate away the first one after 2 years. |
 | 08/2011 | Safety | Avenir Compass Bell | 2nd one. The 1st one popped out of the holder and was lost. |
 | 08/2011 | Security | Plug-in Cable 150cm For Defender RL Frame Lock | Very strong cable used to secure the bike. |
 | 08/2011 | Water transport | 3x Laken Hit Water Bottle .75 Liter, Aluminum | Excellent aluminum bottles that never need cleaning. The cap will be damaged if water is allowed to freeze and expand as I found out. |
 | 10/2009 | Safety | Knog Frog LED Rear Bike Light | Great for tunnels. My headlamp is used for front lighting if necessary. |
Inactive
| Type | Model | Date Added | Decommission Date | Reason |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Safety | Delta Airzound Bike Horn | 02/2009 | 08/2009 | The sun destroys the plastic tubing and replacing it is difficult. |
| Kickstand | Click Stand Max | 08/2011 | 10/2011 | Snapped in half when bike tipped onto it during strong wind. |
Camping Gear
High elevation climates and night time temperatures in the desert mean having gear that offers protection from the cold. The second sleeping pad (Big Agnes) was picked up to provide some added space between the cold ground and me. Having the Therm-a-Rest under it also helps to protect against thorns.
Active
| Photo | Date Added | Type | Model | Comments |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 | 02/2009 | Sleeping Bag | Lamina 0-Degree Synthetic Sleeping Bag by Mountain Hardwear | Doesn't pack very small but it keeps me warm well below freezing. No problems washing it in a machine (on delicate). |
 | 07/2011 | Tent | Big Agnes Copper Spur UL2 | I'm loving this tent. I did end up sending it in for repair because the zippers weren't closing but that was mostly because I never cleaned them. The tent is amazing in the rain because the fly offers enough protection to cook/clean without getting wet. The vestibules are more than big enough to store 4 panniers and a trunk bag. |
 | 07/2011 | Tent | Big Agnes Copper Spur UL2 Footprint | Does the job as far as adding a layer of protection from the ground. |
 | 02/2009 | Bag Liner | The Travel Hammock Silk Sleep Sack | Perfect for hot nights or to keep inside your sleeping bag to help keep it from getting dirtier faster. |
 | 07/2011 | Sleeping Pad | Big Agnes Two Track Mummy Pad Dark Red Regular 2 in | I'm not a big fan of air mattresses because they always get holes, this one being no exception. It is very comfortable for my 6' 3" height and it self inflates rather quickly. |
 | 02/2012 | Pillow | Thermarest Compressible Pillow, Vermillion, Large | |
 | 02/2012 | Sleeping Pad | Car windshield cover for insulation under air mattress |
Inactive
| Type | Model | Date Added | Decommission Date | Reason |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sleeping Pad | Therm-a-Rest Z-Lite Sleeping Pad | 08/2009 | 02/2012 | Trying to save space and the air mattress I still have is more suited to cold weather. I did love this pad though and would get another one in a second. |
| Tent | Big Agnes Seedhouse SL 1 Tent | 05/2010 | 08/2011 | Excellent tent but the lack of vestibule space became a problem. Water also gets into the tent if the fly door is open. |
| Tent | Big Agnes Emerald Mountain SL3 Tent | 02/2009 | 05/2010 | A little too big for one person, main zipper broke. |
| Sleeping pad | Big Agnes Insulated Air Core Mummy Pad - Long | 02/2009 | 08/2009 | Tossed, too hard to fix holes on the road. When it wasn't leaking I like it. |
| Tent | Big Agnes Emerald Mountain SL3 Vestibule | 02/2009 | 03/2009 | Never used. |
| Tent | Hennessy Expedition A-Sym Hammock | 02/2009 | 07/2009 | Loved it but rarely used. |
Cooking Gear
If you call boiling water and dumping it into something, or something into it, that’s the extent of what I “cook”. It’s nice to be prepared though. The stove is one of the most important things I carry and the MSR Dragonfly is one of the best. It can burn white gas, unleaded auto gas, kerosene, diesel and jet fuel–perfect for traveling internationally.
Active
| Photo | Date Added | Type | Model | Comments |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 | 02/2009 | Stove | MSR Dragonfly Liquid-Fuel Stove | Works like a champ at any altitude. It'll be the loudest stove you ever own. |
 | 02/2009 | Stove | MSR 33oz Fuel Bottle | The fuel line filter in the pump had to be replaced a couple times because it got clogged. |
 | 02/2009 | Stove | MSR Dragonfly Expedition Service Kit for Liquid-Fuel Stove | |
 | 02/2009 | Cookware | REI Ti Ware Nonstick Titanium Pot – 1.3 Liter | Great pot that has retained it's no-stick surface after 3 years. |
 | 11/2010 | Cookware | Optimus Titanium Spork | |
 | 02/2011 | Cookware | Snow Peak Titanium Plate | |
 | 02/2009 | Cookware | Snow Peak Titanium Trek 700 Mug | |
 | 02/2011 | Cookware | Evernew Slick Non-Stick Titanium Frying Pan | |
 | 02/2009 | Cookware | Tupperware FlatOut 3-Cup Container | |
 | 02/2012 | Filter | Katadyn Hiker PRO Water Microfilter | 2nd one I've owned. The plunger handle on the 1st one broke after a year. Katadyn, after I begged a little, replaced the handle for free. The pump broke because the cartridge was clogged which would have cost almost as much to replace as a new one... so I just bought a new one. |
 | 02/2009 | Utensil | GI Type US Military P-38 Can Opener | Ultralight and durable. |
 | 03/2012 | Water transport | MSR Dromedary Bag – 10 Liter | Had the 6l for 3 years before upgrading to the 10 l. This bag is indestructible and I couldn't live without it. |
 | 02/2011 | Water heater | Water Heater 220v 1.0 liter | A little bulky but it's lightweight and boils water in no time. I use it a couple times a day. |
Inactive
| Type | Model | Date Added | Decommission Date | Reason |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Filter | SteriPEN Adventurer Handheld Water Purifier | 10/2009 | 02/2012 | Maybe it's broken but I can't get it to work after 2 years of hardly ever using it anyway. Left it in Florida. |
Clothing
I’m carrying a bit more than usual just because on long tours you tend to take longer breaks. I can’t go around wearing the same shirt for a week. With this gear I can comfortably camp in temperatures down to about -25C (-13F). Riding in sandals hasn’t been a problem even when it’s cold and wet. The waterproof socks and shoe covers keep my toes nice and warm.
Active
| Photo | Type | Model | Comments |
|---|---|---|---|
 | All weather | Nashbar Ragster II Cycling Sandals | |
 | All weather | Columbia Trail Meister hiking shoes | |
 | All weather | 2 pr underwear | |
 | All weather - cycling | Louis Garneau Men's Liberty Shorts | |
 | All weather - cycling | Giro bicycling helmet | 2nd one. The 1st one developed a crack after 3 years. |
 | Cold weather | Patagonia R2 Jacket | |
 | Cold weather | 1 pr cold weather socks | |
 | Cold weather | Pearl Izumi Men’s Therma Fleece Leg Warmers | |
 | Cold weather | Patagonia Lightweight Capilene Crew | |
 | Cold weather - cycling | Pearl Izumi Inferno Glove | |
 | Cold weather - cycling | Louis Garneau X-Warmer Booties | Fit my size 13 sandals perfectly. |
 | Cold weather - cycling | Long Sleeve Bicycle Jersey | |
 | Cold weather - cycling | UA ColdGear Tactical Hood Headwear | |
 | Cold weather - cycling | The North Face WindStopper Neck Gaiter | |
 | Glasses | Oakley Flak Jacket Polarized XLJ sunglasses | The lenses were good for a year before getting too scratched up. Bought some new lenses on a Florida trip. |
 | Rain gear | Novara Stratos 2.0 Bike Jacket | |
 | Rain gear | SealSkinz Waterproof MVT Socks | |
 | Rain gear | TAIGA Helmet Rain Cover | |
 | Rain gear | Novara Stratos Rain Pants | |
 | Warm weather | Board shorts | |
 | Warm weather | Convertible hiking pants | |
 | Warm weather | 2 pr Under Armor t-shirt | |
 | Warm weather | 1 pr lightweight socks | |
 | Warm weather | Cargo shorts | |
 | Warm weather - cycling | SweatVac Bandana Style Black | |
 | Warm weather - cycling | 2x Long Sleeve Bicycle Jersey | |
 | Warm weather - cycling | Smartwool PhD Cycling Ultra Light Mini Crew socks | |
 | All Weather | REI Ultra Light Jacket | I keep wanting to leave this behind but rain jackets are a bit flashy in cities. |
Inactive
| Type | Model | Date Added | Decommission Date | Reason |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rain gear | Novara Stratos Bike Jacket | 02/2009 | 02/2012 | Needed a more subtle color for city walking and it smelled a bit after 3 years. |
| All weather | SweatVac Performance Race Hat | 02/2009 | 01/2012 | It blew out of my open handlebar bag into a river. :( Great hat. |
| All weather | Shimano Bike Sandals | 02/2009 | 02/2012 | They were pretty worn out after 3 years. I loved these sandals. Very comfortable for riding and short hikes. |
| Casual | 1 pr REI Sahara Convertible Pants | 02/2009 | 06/2010 | Lost in Mexico. |
| Cold weather - cycling | Louis Garneau 2008/09 Cycling Helmet Cover | 02/2009 | 02/2012 | Upgraded to the Taiga helmet cover |
| Cold weather | Mont-Bell Thermawrap Pant | Won't need for the next stretch in Europe. | ||
| Cold weather | Western Mountaineering Flight Vest | Won't need for the next stretch in Europe. |
Tools & Spare Parts
All the basics for keeping my bike on the road.
Inactive
| Type | Model | Date Added | Decommission Date | Reason |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bicycle repair | Pedro's Universal Bicycle Crank Remover with Handle | 02/2009 | 03/2009 | Never used + heavy. |
Personal Care Items
Fairly standard things except for maybe the umbrella, expandable baton and hair clippers. The umbrella is great for breaks when there’s no shade. The baton is good for clubbing people over the head that try to rob me. Clippers pay for themselves on long tours.
Active
| Photo | Date Added | Type | Model | Comments |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 | 05/2010 | Hygiene | Ultralight shaving mirror | |
 | Cleaning | Camp Soap – 4 oz. | ||
 | 02/2009 | Cleaning | Walkabout Wash Kit | |
 | 02/2009 | Hygiene | Fast drying towel | |
 | 02/2009 | Office | Fisher Trekker Space Pen | This pen is incredible. Long lasting and writes well. |
 | 02/2009 | Utilities | Ka-Bar 2-3050-9 Mule Field Folder Knife | Little heavy but great for cutting up just about anything. |
 | Hygiene | Sunscreen SPF 60 | ||
 | 02/2009 | Safety | First aid kit | All the standard things needed for patching/treating cuts, bites and scrapes. |
 | 02/2009 | Utilities | 50 ft nylon/polyester cord | Mostly use this for hanging clothes but in Alaska it kept my food high up in the trees away from bears. |
 | 08/2011 | Hygiene | Philips Norelco Hair Clipper | Keeps my hair nice and short. |
 | 08/2011 | Repairs | Tear-Aid Roll Non-Vinyl (A) | |
 | 08/2011 | Utilities | Smith's PP1 Multifunction Sharpener | Did a great job sharpening my knife. |
 | 02/2012 | Hygiene | Coleman Insect Head Net | |
 | 02/2012 | Cleaning | Ortlieb Folding bowl / Bucket / Sink (Medium/5L) | |
 | 02/2012 | Storage | Sea to Summit Big River Dry Bag, Blue, 8-Liter | |
 | 02/2012 | Comfort | Peltor H9A Optime 98 Over-the-Head Earmuffs |
Inactive
| Type | Model | Date Added | Decommission Date | Reason |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Accessories | GoLite Chrome Dome Trekking Umbrella | 05/2010 | 02/2012 | Trying to carry less stuff. |
| Safety | Sea to Summit Mozi Mosquito Net Shelter | 07/2009 | 02/2012 | Someone either stole it from my campsite or I lost it. :( |
| Safety | Night Watchman Impact Baton, 26-Inch | 08/2011 | 02/2012 | Might not be allowed in Europe. |
| Comfort | Peltor 105 Over-the-Head Earmuff | 08/2011 | 09/2011 | I forgot them in my hotel room. :( |
| Flashlight | Surefire E2L-HA-WH Outdoorsman 6V LED Flashlight | 02/2009 | 08/2011 | Left it in Florida. Never used it. |
| Hygiene | Remington Short Cut Clipper | 05/2010 | 08/2011 | Left it in Florida. Doesn't work on 240v grids. |
| Radio | Radio Shack AM/FM/WX/TV Pocket Radio | 04/2009 | 12/2010 | Never used it. |
| Fishing | Streamlines Tideland casting handline | 02/2009 | 07/2010 | Shipped to Atlanta from Guatemala, never used. |
| Lighter | Windmill - Delta Shockproof Lighter, Matte Green | 02/2009 | 07/2010 | Gave away in Guatemala, never used |
| Safety | Dog Dazer II - Ultrasonic Dog Repeller and Trainer | 02/2009 | 04/2010 | Broke in Mexico |
| Hiking | Leki Super Makalu Anti-Shock Trekking Pole | 02/2009 | 04/2009 | Lost on Katy Trail, MO |
| Security | Pacsafe 120 Anti-Theft Backpack | 02/2009 | 05/2009 | Shipped to Atlanta from Missoula, never used |
| Security | Pacsafe 85 Backpacker Medium | 02/2009 | 04/2009 | Shipped to Atlanta from Council Bluffs, never used |
| Lighting | Coast Camp Light | 02/2009 | 05/2010 | Left in Atlanta, GA, never used |
| Comfort | Walkstool Comfort 22" inch XL Compact Stool Portable Folding Chair with Case for sports & travel Photography | 02/2009 | 03/2009 | Left in Atlanta, GA, never used |
| Comfort | Big Agnes Cyclone SL Chair Kit - 20'' | 02/2009 | 03/2009 | Left in Atlanta, GA, never used |
| Safety | Halt! Dog Repellent | 02/2009 | 06/2009 | Tossed at Canadian border, should have tried to bring it across |
| Safety | Safety Triangle | 02/2009 | 05/2010 | Tossed in California, didn't use once Ortlieb bag that it attached to was sold |
Photography & Electronics
Everything I need for taking pictures, browsing the web, watching movies, updating my web site and keeping things charged. The GPS has been extremely helpful, especially when navigating large cites and in areas where there are lot’s of roads but no signs.
Active
| Photo | Date Added | Type | Model | Comments |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 | 12/2010 | Navigation | VDO MC1.0+ Wireless Altimeter/Cycle Computer | Susceptible to interference from other electronics. A wired version would have been better. |
 | 01/2010 | Photography | Olympus Stylus Tough-6000 10 MP Waterproof Digital Camera | Durable but picture quality is what you would expect from a P&S. |
 | 08/2011 | Computer | ASUS Eee PC 1015PEM 10.1-Inch Netbook w/2GB RAM | |
 | 08/2011 | Entertainment | X-Mini II Capsule Speaker | Love these speakers. Wish I would have bought them sooner. |
 | 08/2011 | Computer | Case LogicNeoprene Notebook Sleeve | |
 | 08/2011 | Computer | Case Logic Hard Drive Case | |
 | 08/2011 | Computer | Buffalo 500 GB USB 2.0 Portable Hard Drive | Good for storing movies and backups. |
 | 08/2011 | Computer | Apple iPod touch 32 GB (4G) | Perfect for travel. Use it for quick wifi access, reading and travel related apps (currency conversion and translations). The camera is horrible in low light. |
 | 08/2011 | Computer | Survivor Extreme Duty Case for iPod Touch 4G | It's a pain to get to the dock connector or headphone jack but it offers great protection. |
 | 08/2011 | Charger | Ultra Thin Solar Powered Backup Battery and Charger | |
 | 08/2011 | Charger | Sanyo 1500 eneloop 2-AA Ni-MH Rechargeable Batteries with USB Charger | I have 6 eneloop batteries for my GPS, headlamp and mouse. They are simply the best rechargeable batteries on the market. |
 | 08/2011 | Camera | Canon EOS Rebel T3i 18 MP CMOS Digital SLR Camera and DIGIC 4 Imaging with EF-S 18-135mm IS f/3.5-5.6 Standard Zoom Lens | |
 | 08/2011 | Camera | Transcend 32 GB SDHC Flash Memory Card | |
 | 08/2011 | Camera | Wireless Shutter Release Remote for Canon EOS, Rebel | |
 | 08/2011 | Computer | Logitech M305 Wireless Mouse | |
 | 08/2011 | Computer | Alfa 1000mW 1W 802.11b/g USB Wireless WiFi Network Adapter With 9dBi Antenna | Another thing I wish I would have bought a long time ago. Excellent reception for something so tiny. |
 | 02/2009 | Power | Universal World-wide Travel Adapter | |
 | 02/2009 | Power | Socket Adapter 660 Watt, 125 Volt, Two Outlet | I can never have enough ways to plug things in. |
 | 02/2009 | Utilities | Petzl Tactikka XP Desert Camo Headlamp | Excellent headlamp. |
 | 08/2011 | Safety | Streetwise Door Alarm | Great for protecting hotel room doors. |
 | 08/2011 | Safety | Pet Agree Ultrasonic Training Aid | 2nd one. First one just stopped working after a year. It works on 50% of the dogs I encounter. |
 | 02/2012 | Navigation | Garmin GPSMAP 62stc Handheld Navigator |
Inactive
| Type | Model | Date Added | Decommission Date | Reason |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Safety | Travel Alarm w/ PIR Motion Sensor, 100 dB Alarm w/Flashlight | 08/2011 | 02/2012 | Good idea at the time but I use the other one a lot more. |
| Communication | Zoom 3095 USB Mini External Modem | 02/2009 | 02/2012 | Thought I might have needed a modem at some point--I thought wrong. |
| Camera | Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 II Camera Lens | 08/2011 | 02/2012 | Great lens but I hardly ever use it. |
| Computer | ASUS Eee PC 901 20G | 02/2009 | 08/2011 | Sold after 2 years. Great netbook but the hard drive space became an issue and the power receptacle barely accepted the plug so charging was difficult. |
| Camera | Canon PowerShot SX20IS 12.1MP Digital Camera | 03/2010 | 08/2011 | Excellent camera but my desire for a DSLR meant it had to go. |
| Computer | Apple iPod touch 32 GB (3rd Generation) | 10/2009 | 08/2011 | Sold it. Upgraded to 4G model. |
| Computer | OtterBox iPod Touch 2nd Gen Armor Case | 02/2009 | 10/2009 | Sold it when I sold the 3G iPod Touch. |
| Navigation | Cateye CC-MC100W Micro Wireless 10-Function Bicycle Computer (Black) | 02/2009 | 12/2010 | Upgraded to VDO in Ecuador |
| Charger | Sunlinq 12 watt Folding Solar Power Panel | 07/2010 | Shipped to Atlanta from Guatemala, could not use after Tekkeon battery broke | |
| Computer | Canary Wireless Digital Hotspotter HS-20 | 02/2009 | 07/2010 | Shipped to Atlanta from Guatemala, obsoleted by iPod Touch |
| Charger | Tekkeon MP3450 myPower ALL Rechargeable Battery | 02/2009 | 05/2010 | Broke in Mexico |
| Computer | Apple iPod classic 80 GB Black (6th Generation) | 02/2009 | 10/2009 | Sold in Monterey, upgraded to iPod Touch |
| Computer | Otterbox Waterproof Case for Ipod Classic  | 02/2009 | 10/2009 | Sold in Monterey, didn't fit iPod Touch |
| Camera | Pentax Optio W30 7.1 MP Digital Camera with 3x Optical Zoom | 02/2009 | 01/2010 | Lost in Tepic, Mexico |
| Entertainment | JBL On Tour Portable Speaker System ( Black ) | 02/2009 | 03/2009 | Sold in Cookeville, TN, never used |
| Camera | Canon 40D DSLR Camera | 02/2009 | 05/2010 | Sold in Monterey, CA, at the time I felt it was too "high profile" for where I was traveling to, regret selling it now |
| Camera | Tamron 18-270mm Zoom Lens | 02/2009 | 05/2010 | Sold in Monterey, CA |
| Camera | Canon BG-E2N Battery Grip | 02/2009 | 05/2010 | Sold in Monterey, CA |
| Camera | Ortlieb Hip Pack | 02/2009 | 05/2010 | Sold in Monterey, CA, sold with Canon camera |
| Charger | iSun BattPak 3-Way Battery Charger | 02/2009 | 05/2010 | Broke in California |
| Watch | Suunto Core Wrist-Top Computer Watch | 02/2009 | 05/2010 | Died in California after water seeped inside |
| Navigation | Garmin 60CSx 2.6-Inch Mapping Handheld GPS | 02/2009 | 02/2012 | I've owned this GPS since 01/2007. It is amazingly durable. It's survived drops, days of rain and thousands of miles of rough roads on my bike. Upgraded to the 62stc after running into issues with it shutting down on bumpy roads. |
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I really love the door alarm and motion sensor ideas. I have been thinking about how to deal with the problem of bike theft while camping and this should be a great help.
whow scott you did an amazing job by putting this list together looks good