Gear and Equipment for season 5

For this Season I am mixing gear from previous trips with some new gear. As I don't have a specific route in mind for Season 5, I will update my blog throughout the season when I change any of my gear or setup!

Motorcycle clothes

I am wearing the same helmet as in the previous season: the Arai Diamond White Tour X-4, with a Sena 3S headset incorporated in it so I can hear the directions and listen to Spotify while riding! I brought the adventure outfit that REV’IT! sorted me out with several months ago, which is the Horizon Ladies Jacket and pants. I also decided to bring the high boots that I got for motocross and enduro, the Expedition H2O boots. For gloves, I brought the set that I also had with me in South America, during season 2, the Sand 3 Ladies. These gloves are super comfortable and great when you ride in hot climates!

When I arrived in Springbok, just before I entered Namibia, I received a parcel from REV'IT !. In it, were the Sand 4 ladies jacket and pants with matching gloves . Perfect riding gear now that I have to deal with different types of weather! The brightblue waterproof liner of my Sand 4 ladies jacket proofs to be handy as an inbetween jacket when not riding. 

Luggage system and navigation

Upon arrival in South Africa, I bought myself a second-hand Honda CRF250L from 2013. A dual-purpose bike that is light and easy to handle on African dirt roads! I brought my Mosko Moto bags that I had on Dhanno in season 2 with me, and they fitted easily on the Honda too.

The combination of bags that I am using is the Mosko Moto Reckless 80 with a Scout 30L for some extra storage space. I also attached two extra Molle 2L pouches and one Molle 4L pouch to my Reckless 80. I like the Hood Tank bag that I used on Ronin so much, that I brought it also. This tank bag doesn't have a hydration pack integrated, but I was very lucky that Fire it Up motorcycles, where I bought my Honda CRF250L, sponsored me with a 3L Hydration Pack from CamelBak.

The handlebar got fitted with Acerbis Handguards, and I mounted my new Garmin XT navigation system on it. This navigation system is a massive upgrade from the one I had previously, the Garmin Zumo 396 and it got sponsored to me by MrGPS - thank you so much!

I also bought the GIVI S111 Powerhub kit and brought it with me. With this kit, I have three USB connections safely protected against water and dust inside my tank bag, and I can use these to charge my phone or camera batteries while riding.

Filming equipment

Every season I check and upgrade my equipment in order to keep on improving my video quality. For this season I used most of my equipment of last season and added some new items to the list. If you would like to create videos of your own motorcycle adventure, then don't forget to check out my online courses about Motorcycle Vlogging. You can find more information here. 

Action camera's
I am using a GoPro Hero 9 for most of the filming on the road. To be able to connect this camera to an external microphone, I use the GoPro Mediamod.

In season 3, I started using the GoPro Max, a 360-degrees camera. Using a camera like this opens up an entirely new array of filming possibilities which I am still exploring. I can mount this camera on my handlebar, just like a normal GoPro.

Mounting GoPro's
For the majority of the time, I use two different cameras simultaneously. One on my handlebar and one on my helmet. The construction on my handlebar consists of three different parts. Firstly, I use a handlebar RAM mount, so I can attach a RAM Composite Double Socket Swivel & Ratchet Arm on top. Finally, a RAM Go Pro adapter mount is attached to that so you can easily mount your GoPro on it. Like in the previous seasons, I use a ProShot helmet mount to mount my GoPro on my helmet.

Vlogging Setup
When I walk around places, I use my regular vlogging setup: the GoPro Hero 9 , with mediamod and an external microphone.

Drone
Just like in Seasons 2 , 3 and 4, I use the DJI Mavic Air to film my aerial footage. This drone is small enough to fit in my motorcycle’s tank bag.

Safety equipment

For staying safe on the road, I brought my satellite phone with me again and some handy tools in case of a flat tire. 

Satellite phone
I travel with a Thuraya XT-LITE satellite phone which I topped up with 50 dollars worth of credit. This allows me to ring any number, local or foreign, whenever I need help. It’s an expensive device but for me, it’s worth the investment. I hope that I’ll never have to use it, but I’m glad to have it with me.

This satellite phone does not have coverage in every single country in the world though, so it’s wise to always check upfront if it works in the country you’re traveling in!

Tire tools
Now that I am riding a motorcycle with tubed tires again, I need to be prepared to fix a puncture! I bought a lightweight aluminum tire lever set because of its compact size and small weight.

Another handy tool I bought there is the Wheel Wedge. When you re-install a rear tire by yourself, you are basically just one hand short. I use this tool to lift up the tire just enough so I have one free hand to place the axle back in place. The tool itself is small and light, and it’s just a matter of attaching the tire levers to it.

Ready to hit the road!

That’s it. My most valued equipment for riding around the world on a motorcycle: Africa edition. For stories about my travels with Savannah, click here.