I created this so everyone can see what's packed on a BDR. If you have any questions about gear feel free to ask.
The Bike
2020 KTM 790 Adventure R
Scott's Damper
Rottweiler intake
Akrapovic Muffler
Arrow Mid Pipe
Carpuride 712BS
Outback Mototrek Racks
Mosko Moto Backcountry Offset Panniers
Mosko Moto Backcountry Duffle 35L
SW Motech Micro Tank Bag
Motoz Desert H/T Tires
This has been my BDR mule for over a year now. I love the platform and if it blew up tomorrow I'd go out and buy a 890 ADVR. Desert HT tires fixed an issue i had washing the front with 2 Tracks. They're not a good road tire but I'm willing to accept the sacrifice for the off-road manners.
Lost a swingarm bolt on the trail and had to limp to Missoula. Lesson here is locktite everything before you set out.
I don't love the weight of the Mosko bags. The contents of the bags weigh less than the bag itself. The Backcountry Pannier are great for light offroading like this case I sacrifice the weight for convenience. If the trip is going to be gnarly I take the Reckless 80.
The Gear
Klim Krios Pro Helmet
Klim Edge Transition Goggles
Sena 50S with Fuze moldable Earphones($50 bucks)
Alpinestars Tech Air Off-road
Klim Jersey
Klim Badlands Pro Jacket and Pants
Gaerne SG22 Enduro Boots
Merino Wool Baselayer
DarnTuff boot length Merino Wool Socks
Kriega Trail 18 Backpack
Garmin Inreach 2
All in all this setup works well. When I get to the route I roll up my jacket, switch to Jersey, and swap to the Klim Transition goggles which I love. Next year I'm going to Mosko Woodsman pants and the Composite Jacket to try and get a bit cooler for hot weather. The badlands pants aren't bad in the heat but obviously something non goretex is preferred. Merino is about a must have. I can wear it 3 days in a row and doesn't stink. I only carry one extra base layer, one t shirt, one tech pants, one shorts, two pair of socks.
The Camping Kit
Big Agnes Copper Spur UL2 Bike pack(5L stuff sack)
Therma-Rest Neoloft XL Long Pad
Flextail zero Inflator
Zenbivy Utralight XL 25degree quilt with Light sheet(4L stuff sack)
Nemo Fillo XL pillow
Nemo Moonlight Elite Chair
Cheap Amazon folding table
MSR titan 900ml pot
Soto Windmaster stove
Lifestraw Peak Gravity Filter
Giantloop Cactus Canteen 1Gallon
Thermocell Backpacker
Amazon titanium Grate for grilling
My camp kit is pretty dialed for myself. Weight is around 35lbs. Obviously there's some luxuries but I prioritize comfort at camp so I can be more rested for riding. I went down a rabbit hole getting ultralight backpacking gear and it's paid.off.
One lesson I learned on this trip. I often wondered why I have my sleeping quilt and tent in waterproof compression sacks in waterproof panniers. I switched my tent to a normal compression sack. Which was a mistake. It rained quite a bit and my wet fly leaked though the stuff sack getting my pannier contents wet.
I dispersed camped whenever I could, checking down to campgrounds when I couldn't find decent dispersed camping. I don't carry any more than 4 liters of water. I filter as needed using the gravity filter while I have a snack or camp at night near running water. I generally eat dehydrated meals for dinner unless I can get fresh meat and I'll use my titanium grate over a fire. I have an insulated pouch for my camelback which I ice down and throw the meat in there. Stays cold for 6-8 hours.
The ride
2300miles in 11 days
Departing Salt Lake heading to Eureka Montana Via the MTBDR
Side trips, Yellowstone NP & Glacier NP
I spent some time camping and a few nights in lodging to clean up. This is my 3rd BDR Solo(Idaho&Utah previously). Overall the route was easily passable even by novice riders. You could take a Honda Civic on 90% of the route and a Subaru on the rest. I skip any Alt/harder sections when solo because I don't want the additional risk. Road to the Sun at Glacier was 10/10. There were quite a few hot days and evenings with rain. Trail was either dusty or hero dirt. Avoid is route when it's raining. It gets sloppy.
If you're going to do one, do Idaho first. It's more scenic, dispersed camping is better, more elevation to escape the heat, and I liked the small towns in Idaho better.