Advrider Hodakaguy has posted a comprehensive thread about ?packing his KTM 530 EXC for long desert camping trips. Covering 1600 miles on dirt takes some preparation and he does a thorough job of covering the important details and not getting bogged down with too much gear. His complete report is at this link on advrider.com
He had this to say about his Giant Loop gear.
“Luggage: Giant Loop Luggage – This luggage is absolutely awesome! Holds your gear tight to the bike so you can ride like a dirt bike with all your luggage. Everything stays in it’s place and there is no metal frame work to bend/break in a crash. I’ve used this luggage on numerous long distance desert trips now and it’s performed flawlessly. I like to pack everything in small individual dry bags before loading them into the GL bag, keeps everything waterproof plus makes it easier to go after a specific item.
Giant Loop Fandango Tank Bag – On our second trip I added the tank bag. Build quality is great and it’s super handy as it allows you quick access to your camera, helmet cam, extra batteries/memory cards etc. I carry my camera in a zip lock bag inside the tank bag, keeps dust out of the camera and if you go down in a river crossing the camera won’t be damaged …”
He even breaks down his whole load and describes the utility of each piece.
This is the list of bike spares he carries:
“Tools/Spares:
*Tire irons
*Spare Tube in a front fender pack (Remove the valve core from the spare tube, coat the tube in Talc, fold it up and place it in a vacuum seal-a-meal bag. The vacuum will make it a fraction of it’s normal size and the thick bag will offer abrasion resistance for the tube while it’s in the pack. If you need the tube while on the trail just cut open the pack, re-install the valve core and you have a pre-talc’d tube ready to go!)
*General hand tools…ie wrenches, pliers etc.
*Metal Epoxy stick – great for fixing
*Super Glue
*Snap Ties
*Electrical Tape, Rescue Tape
*Knife
*Lighter
*Tire Patches
*Tire Pump – I use the Crank Brothers Pump. It’s small, light weight and works great. I carry it in the Fandango Tank Bag
*Spare Spark Plug
*Spare Levers
*1 qt Oil
*Misc bolts
*Wallet Sized Multi-Meter
*Repair Manuals”
Hadn’t heard of the Crank Brothers pump and I like its quality.
Thanks for the great review and tips Hodakaguy!