Motorcyclist USA — September-October 2017

42 | september | october 2017

SHIFT

GEAR

ADVENTURE OVERNIGHTER MUST-HAVES

Essentials for sleeping under the stars

JULIA LAPALME

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5

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• camping and motorcycling go hand
  in hand, but when you strike out for the
  great unknown, leave the luxuries at
  home and focus on the essentials. Here
  are several suggestions:

1) Hands full? Use your head. Powered

by three AAA batteries, the Ledlenser

SEO 5 ($50) converts with the twist of a

dial from a broad swath of light for close-

up use to a 180-lumen “pencil” beam for

backcountry staredowns. A red-light

mode aids night vision. All in, including

the adjustable strap, 3.7 ounces. 2) When

military types praise features and dura-

bility, common man can rest easy. Spec’d

in black, of course, the Leatherman

MUT EOD ($170) has 10 tools—from the

usual needle-nose pliers and various

cutters to an oxygen-tank wrench and

even a hammer, all with a 25-year guar-

antee—with 39 known uses. Pocket one

for your next mission. 3) For those who

prefer a bigger gulp, Hydro Flask makes

a Wide Mouth version of its insulated

stainless-steel drink bottles. Water

stays ice cold for as long as 24 hours

and half that with hot stuff. All sizes

(32-ounce shown, $40) are compatible

with Hydro Flip and Straw Lids, which

makes getting your drink on easier. 4)

Just because you’re on the road doesn’t

mean you have to put aside your favorite

rituals, like eating. MSR WindBurner

1.0L Stove ($140) has an enclosed,

windproof burner that boils water fast

so you can enjoy a hot meal quickly and

efficiently. Windburner Coffee Press Kit

($20) turns said stove into a personal

brewing machine. 5) Therm-a-Rest

NeoAir XLite MAX SV ($190) boasts a

unique SpeedValve that permits ultra-

quick inflation (and deflation) with a

fraction of the usual muscle. Plus, its

“Triangular Core Matrix” construction

and reflective “ThermaCapture Barrier”

ups comfort, stability, and warmth for

a better night’s sleep. A stuff sack and

repair kit are included. —Matthew Miles

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