Starting from the head down, here is all my gear that I brought with me from Colorado, USA to Ushuaia, Argentina. Some things I bought used, others are new. Overall this gear kept me safe and comfy all the way down and it's my pleasure to review it all to help you gather information for your trip. Sorry about the pictures, I took them in my back yard here in Colorado.

Scorpion EXO-400 Helmet

Price: $99 (new)

Color: Black and Grey

Pros: Reliable, Cheap, Cool Graphics, Comfy, Dark Smoked Shield for Daylight,

Cons: Slightly Heavy, Difficult to Speak, Insufficient Peripheral View, Clear Shield

Summary: This is the most reliable ‘bottom of the line' helmet on the market. I only purchased it because it was cheap and had cool graphics on it. I purchased it on eBay for just $99+S&H. When I first got it I noticed it was not heavy but not exactly light either.

One problem is trying to speak to people - I'm always taking my helmet off to ask for directions. The peripheral vision is good but not wide enough to know exactly what's going on beside me. For the first half of my South American trip (from the US to Peru) I had a clear visor and put on some sunglasses. This was a large pain in the ass because the frames were always uncomfortable against the side of my head and they blocked my peripheral vision severely. When I was back in the States I ordered a dark smoked visor ($35) and this made a world a difference. The visor, although great for blocking out the sun, is horrible at evening and nighttime (not that I did much nighttime driving). I was forced to either lift the visor while going 70mph on the highway or hardly being able to seeing a thing with the tinted shield down. The helmet is otherwise very comfy and is not heavy enough to hurt my neck on long trips.

Tour Master Flex Jacket

Price: $99 (used)

Color: Black

Pros: Secondhand Cheap, Water Resistant, Warmers/Waterproofs Included, Many Pockets, Not Heavy, Wind Vents, Comfy

Cons: Used, Very Hot in Warm Weather

Summary: This jacket is secondhand, purchased from a guy in Boulder, CO for about a hundred bucks who had it listed in AdvRider.com - whom I also purchased riding pants from. It was only lightly worn when I bought it and hadn't even been exposed to the rain.

I love this jacket for several reasons. It's water resistant, comes with a detachable warmer jacket (very warm) and a detachable waterproof rain jacket, it has several Velcro pockets inside, the padding and plastic inside is not cumbersome, its relatively light weight, it has zipper ‘vents' on the front for warmer weather... and it fits perfectly. If I wreck and this jacket rips I will purchase the same one - if not then a newer model.

Aplinestar SP-X Gloves

Price: $89

Color: Black

Pros: Comfy, Warm, Wrist/Knuckle Protection, Nice Grip

Cons: Slightly Bulky, Not Waterproof

Summary: I purchased these for about $89 bucks and at first I thought they would be too bulky when using the break and clutch, but quite the opposite. However trying to use a digital camera with these gloves is a different story. The gloves run on the small side so I wear XXL. They are mostly made of tough leather and have padded wrist support and knuckle protection. The wrist Velcro strap fits around the end of my jacket sleeves so no air gets into my jacket and up my arms when riding. Comfy and warm, I love ‘em.

Spidi Stormer H2OUT Textile Pants

Price: $99 (used)

Color: Black

Pros: Secondhand Cheap, Comfy, Warm, Water Resistant, Warmers/Waterproofs, Velcro/Zip Pockets,

Cons: No Butt Cushion

Summary: I purchased these pants from the same guy in Boulder I bought the jacket. These pants also come with detachable warmers and waterproofs. I usually put the pants on over my jeans (which makes it difficult when I really need to take a piss) because it's easier to change out of. Most of the padding is in the knees and hips. The pants have zip flaps at the bottom making it very easy to put boots on and take them off. Something I would like is a built in butt cushion.

SIDI Strada Evo Boots

Price: $79 (used)

Color: Black

Pros: Waterproof, Very Comfy, Nice Traction, Style, Easy On/Off, Warm, Breathable

Cons: Rain Seeps in Through Top, Nondurable Zippers

Summary: I also got these pre-owned. Although these boots are ‘waterproof' the water seems to seep in through the top while I'm riding in a downpour. I can ride through shallow rivers and puddles just fine without any water getting in. The boots don't make my feet suffocate, they can breathe. I broke one of the zipper tabs and replaced it with a paperclip - improve works. They are comfy to walk in as well as ride. I can also kick dogs out of the way without hurting my toes.

And what does it all Equal?

 Haha, Just kidding.