Author Topic: Life in a topbox.  (Read 7764 times)

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Offline chris1200

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Life in a topbox.
« on: April 22, 2016, 08:13:22 »
OK trying to filter with the Suzuki side panniers on may be a big drawback when I am with our lass, but being able to pack everything for a months camping/touring trip to Europe into the top-box is definitely a plus point! I even have some Beef Goulash in there! And no, I have never noticed any problem with handling or the thing bursting open. Lord how I love this bike!!

Offline Wayne_202

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Re: Life in a topbox.
« Reply #1 on: April 22, 2016, 16:43:05 »
Wow that's good going

Offline boac

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Re: Life in a topbox.
« Reply #2 on: April 22, 2016, 18:04:34 »
Is that two up camping for a month??!! That is impressive.

Offline Mystrom

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Re: Life in a topbox.
« Reply #3 on: April 22, 2016, 18:16:29 »
That's really interesting. Could you give a breakdown of the kit? Which tent, stove , fuel, pots, sleeping bags, sleep mat etc.
MyStrom.
Goodness me, is that the time?

Offline chris1200

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Re: Life in a topbox.
« Reply #4 on: April 22, 2016, 19:11:38 »
Sorry to disappoint Boac but that's just my stuff. With our lass I have to take the side panniers.

Mystrom,
The tent is a "Vango Banshee 300". Just about good enough for two with gear and very good pack size.
Stove is a Chinese copy of a tiny Vango stove I got off Amazon for £1.80 from Buyincoins. Its actually really good and even has a piezo. Cooks all my food and wakes me with my coffee in about three minutes. I also got an adaptor so I can use those really cheap canisters with it (four for £6 or there abouts).
Sleeping mat is a "Klymat Static V". Very VERY comfy and about the size of two cans of Coke packed.
Sleeping bag is a "Gelert Beyond Eris 200". Only good for two seasons but great for space saving.
The cooking pots I got cheap from "Mountain warehouse". They all fit into each other and I put the stove in there along with my "3 in one coffee". Large travel towel that's as big as my hand. Mini field spotting monoculars from China (they look like a toy but are amazing!) the size of a box of matches.
I found a cheap denim bag that is exactly the same shape as the bottom of the top box for my clothes! Cost £3! I take Aldi travel trousers which are amazing! They roll down to nothing, wash and dry in an hour, and are really well made. All my tops are thin but can be worn two or even three up it it gets chilly. Oh and always a pair of Aldi thermals! Cheap pair of boppers so I can get out of my boots, first aid kit and washing/shaving gear as per. I also take a three leg folding stool to sit on but made a little mistake when I took a saw to it so it fit in the box......now I look like a bloody Hobbit when I sit on it. All the other stuff (chargers, camera, food, ect) goes in the spaces. Hope that helps ma mate!

Offline Bratton

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Re: Life in a topbox.
« Reply #5 on: April 23, 2016, 20:39:02 »
Wow still an impressive  load out,  I was worried about just using the top box for a long weekend ????

Will have to check out some of that gear you've  mentioned  :thumb:

Offline Chris

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Re: Life in a topbox.
« Reply #6 on: June 06, 2016, 17:53:58 »
@chris1200: Nice but what do you store under the seat?  :)

Just got me a 650 vstrom and try to neatly get as much as possible useful thingies stowed away.


Offline Yoyo

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Re: Life in a topbox.
« Reply #7 on: June 06, 2016, 20:34:22 »
That's a well packed top box! I miss the space I had under the seat of my Vee, could carry so much stuff in there!

.


Offline StromGeeza

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Re: Life in a topbox.
« Reply #8 on: June 07, 2016, 13:02:12 »
Based on the recommendation I bought the Klymat Static V. Not quite as comfy as the outgoing mattress I had, but worth it for the substantial reduction in pack size.  :thumb:

Offline chris1200

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Re: Life in a topbox.
« Reply #9 on: June 07, 2016, 16:54:41 »
Ref "Static Vee". I don't know if this helps but the first time I used it I put too much air in it. When I took some out it was a hell of a lot more comfy!

Offline chris1200

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Re: Life in a topbox.
« Reply #10 on: June 07, 2016, 17:05:30 »
As to "what's under my seat".....lets think.
A 12v charger.
A "Stop and go" puncture repair kit.
Compressed gas cylinders.
Suzuki tool kit.
Electrical tape.
Connectors.
Vetrinox multi tool (large size).
Spare charging cables.
Chain oil. (small container).
Set of spare bulbs (or lamps if you need to be technical).
Spare fuses.
Binding tape. (that stuff that can seal hoses).
Tyre inflater. (one from aldi that I removed all the casing from).
Oily rag.(well you have to don't you!)
Wet wipes.
Pressure gauge.
Electrical wire.
Oh a spare pair of folding reading glasses.
.....there is something else but I can't be bothered to go take the seat off.
Yeah I know, maybe a bit over the top but even the wire has saved me on one occasion.

Offline JesterRich

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Re: Life in a topbox.
« Reply #11 on: June 07, 2016, 18:30:04 »
All that under the seat ! What have you got an armchair?

Offline chris1200

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Re: Life in a topbox.
« Reply #12 on: June 07, 2016, 19:56:01 »
.....oh and one of those batteries you charge up just in case it rains so I can run the Sat Nav from the tank bag. Knew there was something else! When I can be bothered I shall take a pic of my under seat area...as long as there are no ladies present!

Offline StromGeeza

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Re: Life in a topbox.
« Reply #13 on: June 07, 2016, 22:15:49 »
Ref "Static Vee". I don't know if this helps but the first time I used it I put too much air in it. When I took some out it was a hell of a lot more comfy!

Thanks for the tip, will give it a try next time I use it.  :thumb:

Offline obalanga

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Re: Life in a topbox.
« Reply #14 on: June 07, 2016, 22:43:08 »
impressive

Offline Chris

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Re: Life in a topbox.
« Reply #15 on: June 08, 2016, 10:13:52 »
Thanks chris1200

I think I already got an oily rag somewhere :) Just need to get some of the additional items from your list.

Offline chris1200

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Re: Life in a topbox.
« Reply #16 on: June 08, 2016, 15:02:58 »
https://www.amazon.co.uk/DBPOWER-8000mAh-Portable-Starter-Battery-DJS40-Black-Yellow/dp/B013UBRZUS/ref=cm_cr_arp_d_product_top?ie=UTF8

I also carry one of these stuck on with Velcro to the inside lid of the top box. Not that a V strom EVER breaks down, its just I am desperate to pull up along side someone with a flat battery and give it a go to see if it works!  :icon_drool5:

Offline Flanners

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Re: Life in a topbox.
« Reply #17 on: June 21, 2016, 18:59:15 »
Good thread OP. Well impressed with the top box packing and contents; found it helpful as I am doing a few days solo and didn't even consider taking just a top box! Two of us last year had panniers and a 50 litre dry bag over the rear with a tank bag; need to cut down on clothing I think this year and a few more B&Bs :smirk: I have noticed a difference in mpg with and without a top box though.

The USB power packs are a must, ran out of juice last year and lost my mapping as I did not take my GPS :angry-banghead: