Laptop Packaging - How Best?

[swebb]

Hi..

Stupid question, from a stupid biker....

I'm doing my first european bike trip this year, and looking to take my laptop with me, for both mapsource (I use a Quest) and also to dump photo's etc to.

I have no idea how best to package my laptop for safe bike travel, I'll be riding my R1200GS, two up, with BMW OEM Panniers and a Givi E52 Maxia Top box.....

I'm hoping some of you more experienced guys will be able to offer some sound advice on how i can best package my laptop so as to prevent damage on my travels?

cheers guys....

Stu.

 

[Boz]

Stu, don't know about the laptop, but planning a trip round europe later in the year, where you heading?

Trying to work out what I need to take!

Cheers

 

[swebb]

Stu, don't know about the laptop, but planning a trip round europe later in the year, where you heading?

Trying to work out what I need to take!

Cheers

Nothing too adventurous for my first... heading down to south of france to a biker only campsite... plan on getting down there pretty quick.... spending a few days down there doing day tours out... then a gentle run back up.... 7 days all in all... exact routes yet to be decided....

If anyone has any "top tips" on what to take and what not to take... feel free to advise...

 

[Boz]

Well this is my list, its based on a years travelling through north and south america, so not all is relevant, so I'll just refine it for europe.

Packing List for Traveling


Bike & General Clothing

BMW Suite
Gloves summer
Gloves winter
Silk & cottons inners
Boots
Fleece neck warmer
Balaclava
Helmet
BMW thermal underwear
Electric vest and cables
Thin thermal underwear
General working gloves
Synthetic T-shirts x3
Synthetic trousers x2
Socks x4 (thick & thin)
Walking socks x2
Gaiters
Outdoor jacket
BMW Water backpack
Swimsuit
Shorts
Sandals
Walking boots
Trainers
Summer hat
Winter hat
Light waterproof jacket
Long sleeved shirts x2
Fleece tops x2
Ear plugs x10

camping & Cooking Gear

Tent
Camp seat
Tarp
Air mattress
Sleeping bag
Pillow
Matches
Mosquito net & hat
Lighter
Liner for sleeping bag
Spare pegs & rope
Stove
Gas bottle
Pans
Kettle
Cup
Plate bowl
Utensils & barbeque set
Wooden spoon
Wooden ladle
Chopping Knife
Chopping board
Oil container
Spices/Salt/Pepper/Tea/Sugar/Baking Soda
Sandwich bags
Fire starter stick packs x2
Flask
Foldable water bottle 5Lt
Sigg Bottle
Water purification tablets & filter
XL Drying towel
Sponge
Cloth
Bottle Opener
Washing liquid
Dehydrated food stuffs

General Equipment

Swiss army knife/Knife
Spare straps
Tissues travel pack
Duck tape
Head torch
Leatherman
Torch
Whistle
Knife sharpener
Bin liners with cords
Fish equipment
International plug
Compass
Sewing Kit
Rubber bands
Mirror
Binoculars
Calculator
Tie wraps
Thin steel wire
Thin rope
Playing cards
Reading, Travel & language books
Tent repair kit
Notebook & pens/pencils
Maps & waterproof case
Spare keys
Sun glasses
Reading glasses
Contact lenses
Cleaner
Eye drops
Visor cleaner & cloths
Bike Kit

Tank bag
Luggage
Toolkit
Bit set
Spark plugs & key
Air pump
Tire replacement tools
Puncture repair kit
Valves
Tubes
Tube puncture repair kit
Tire foam
Assorted nuts, bolts and screws
Bike manual - photocopy
Locktite
Pressure gauge
Metal glue
Silicon glue
Cleaner
WD40
Bulbs
Fuses
1Lt engine oil
Oil filter

Camera/Tech Equipment

Canon digital camera with remote
Battery charger
CF cards for both camera and 2610
Ipod (5GB spare memory)
Ipod card reader
Ipod power adapter
Batteries & battery charger
Additional leads & accessories
Garmin 2610

Hygiene & Medical

Toothbrush x2
Toothpaste
Liquid soap
Shampoo
Moisturizer
Scissors (large and small)
Condoms
Sun cream
Towel
Lip balm
Detergent
Shaving cream
Razor & blades
Insect repellant
Safety pins
Fist aid kit
Snake bite kit
Dental kit

Medicines:

Shots
Malaria pills
Constipation pills
Diarrhea pills
Sea sickness pills
Antihistamine pills
Ointment
Aspirin
Pain relief
Foot powder/cream
Sterile gloves
Vaseline
Dental floss
Multi vitamins
Dehydration powder
Superglue
Thermometer

Documents & Money
Passport
Old passport
Driving license
Int driving license
Vaccination card
Health insurance
Motorbike insurance in all countries
Motorbike registration
Valuable item insurance
Inventory list for customs
Visa cards
Traveler’s cheques
Cash
Money belt
Banking card
Carnet de passage
Type registration BMW
Calling cards
Scottish flag
Identification photos
Address book
International doctor list

Other costs

Shipping bike
Preparing bike
Crate/Straps for bike – BMW dealer

 

[swebb]

Thanks Boz for your "concise" list of travel "necessities" however i'm not planning on staying out in the wilds, hunting for food, or anything more than a normal bikers campsite, in Southern France in late August.....

I appreciate the tongue in cheek gesture, however 99% un-necessary for my journey....

I'll endeavour to remember your list should I go on a "long way round" type run, but short of that.... me thinks i'll be fine...



Anyone have any sensible "top tips" and still looking for some good advice for packing my laptop aboard my GS?????

 

[demito]

Well this is my list, its based on a years travelling through north and south america, so not all is relevant, so I'll just refine it for europe.

Packing List for Traveling


Bike & General Clothing

BMW Suite
Gloves summer
Gloves winter
Silk & cottons inners
Boots
Fleece neck warmer
Balaclava
Helmet
BMW thermal underwear
Electric vest and cables
Thin thermal underwear
General working gloves
Synthetic T-shirts x3
Synthetic trousers x2
Socks x4 (thick & thin)
Walking socks x2
Gaiters
Outdoor jacket
BMW Water backpack
Swimsuit
Shorts
Sandals
Walking boots
Trainers
Summer hat
Winter hat
Light waterproof jacket
Long sleeved shirts x2
Fleece tops x2
Ear plugs x10

camping & Cooking Gear

Tent
Camp seat
Tarp
Air mattress
Sleeping bag
Pillow
Matches
Mosquito net & hat
Lighter
Liner for sleeping bag
Spare pegs & rope
Stove
Gas bottle
Pans
Kettle
Cup
Plate bowl
Utensils & barbeque set
Wooden spoon
Wooden ladle
Chopping Knife
Chopping board
Oil container
Spices/Salt/Pepper/Tea/Sugar/Baking Soda
Sandwich bags
Fire starter stick packs x2
Flask
Foldable water bottle 5Lt
Sigg Bottle
Water purification tablets & filter
XL Drying towel
Sponge
Cloth
Bottle Opener
Washing liquid
Dehydrated food stuffs

General Equipment

Swiss army knife/Knife
Spare straps
Tissues travel pack
Duck tape
Head torch
Leatherman
Torch
Whistle
Knife sharpener
Bin liners with cords
Fish equipment
International plug
Compass
Sewing Kit
Rubber bands
Mirror
Binoculars
Calculator
Tie wraps
Thin steel wire
Thin rope
Playing cards
Reading, Travel & language books
Tent repair kit
Notebook & pens/pencils
Maps & waterproof case
Spare keys
Sun glasses
Reading glasses
Contact lenses
Cleaner
Eye drops
Visor cleaner & cloths
Bike Kit

Tank bag
Luggage
Toolkit
Bit set
Spark plugs & key
Air pump
Tire replacement tools
Puncture repair kit
Valves
Tubes
Tube puncture repair kit
Tire foam
Assorted nuts, bolts and screws
Bike manual - photocopy
Locktite
Pressure gauge
Metal glue
Silicon glue
Cleaner
WD40
Bulbs
Fuses
1Lt engine oil
Oil filter

Camera/Tech Equipment

Canon digital camera with remote
Battery charger
CF cards for both camera and 2610
Ipod (5GB spare memory)
Ipod card reader
Ipod power adapter
Batteries & battery charger
Additional leads & accessories
Garmin 2610

Hygiene & Medical

Toothbrush x2
Toothpaste
Liquid soap
Shampoo
Moisturizer
Scissors (large and small)
Condoms
Sun cream
Towel
Lip balm
Detergent
Shaving cream
Razor & blades
Insect repellant
Safety pins
Fist aid kit
Snake bite kit
Dental kit

Medicines:

Shots
Malaria pills
Constipation pills
Diarrhea pills
Sea sickness pills
Antihistamine pills
Ointment
Aspirin
Pain relief
Foot powder/cream
Sterile gloves
Vaseline
Dental floss
Multi vitamins
Dehydration powder
Superglue
Thermometer

Documents & Money
Passport
Old passport
Driving license
Int driving license
Vaccination card
Health insurance
Motorbike insurance in all countries
Motorbike registration
Valuable item insurance
Inventory list for customs
Visa cards
Traveler’s cheques
Cash
Money belt
Banking card
Carnet de passage
Type registration BMW
Calling cards
Scottish flag
Identification photos
Address book
International doctor list

Other costs

Shipping bike
Preparing bike
Crate/Straps for bike – BMW dealer

And what's the weight of all that together?

 

[Snooky]

Swebb

I carry my laptop everyday in the top box and as long as there is something padded under it then shouldn't be a problem, Main issue with all laptops will be vibration affecting the Hard drive or shaking the memory loose, but never had a problem with mine failing yet.
I have my waterproofs at the bottom and the laptop in a small rucsack on top.

 

[Fanum]

Anyone have any sensible "top tips" and still looking for some good advice for packing my laptop aboard my GS?????

My Dell dimension has been to Eastern Europe, all round the bumpy bits in t'alps and across the Sahara in a series 3 landy and down the washboard roads of Sengal and the Gambia with no ill effect, as well as being used regularly on the bike for work all round the UK.

On the europe trip, i just had it in a thin laptop bag and it survived well. (in fact, it was a kid's lunch bag thing I got from Safeways for 5.99 )



Now it's in an Antler semi-rigid bag with some velcro straps that hold it away from the outside edges of the thing.....

I suspect that keeping it away from direct vibration is the answer....put something soft around it and under it, and make sure there's no hard contact points that will transmit the high frequency vibration....then the bumps and holes will get dampened by the clothing around it as well.

Keep it in the right hand pannier, so it's away from the heat of the 'zorst.

I understand that some laptops don't 'park' the heads on their hard drives, which is probably the most vulnerable componant...unless they're shut-down properly, so it may be worth doing a proper 'shut down' rather than leaving it in standby or just closing the lid.

HTH

 

[demito]

I carry my laptop every day in a padded laptop bag. No ill effects so far. If you are planning something more adventurous then this can be a valid solution:
http://www.pelican.com/cases/cases.html

Top gear, padded, dust and waterproof.

Considering buying it myself for an extended trip.

Cheers

Demito

 

[swebb]

thanks guys... much appreciated.... my questions answered... standard laptop bag it is then.... just padded out

Cheers again guys...

Stu

 

[puryersc]

You must be going to some 'orrible places if you need 'Fist aid' kits.

 

[demito]

You must be going to some 'orrible places if you need 'Fist aid' kits.

Can't you manage with the bottle of engine oil that you need to take anyway . Save some weight

 

[Chisurz]

To avoid the extra space taken up by the lap-top bag, my daughter made me a custom cover using that light foam packing material and bubble wrap (both handily supplied in the CB screen box!) and sticky tape. Foam wrap on the inside, bubble wrap on the outside, took my daughter no more than 10 minutes.

This solution lasted for a 2500 mile round trip earlier this month and took up minimal space. I always packed it vertically in one of the panniers between a couple of layers and it is still working just fine...