I have implemented an additional section in my workflow to ensure the protection and safety of my gear. Firstly, I utilize bikepacking popcorn bags along with waterproof dry bags and reflective insulation. This combination works wonders in safeguarding my equipment, even in sub-zero temperatures. To maintain optimal battery temperature, I also include a heat hand warmer when necessary. For instance, I use a stem bag to secure my drone and controller, while another stem bag is dedicated to my camera gear, tripod, gimbal, and wireless microphone. Each bag is adequately padded and equipped with waterproof compartments. I also reserve a stem bag specifically for batteries, charger, and cables, including an international wall socket for convenient filming and on-the-go recharging.

The setup I have described is primarily designed for easy access to capture exceptional video moments while on the bike. It allows me to swiftly grab and shoot or quickly charge my equipment. However, there is one downside to this setup: when I need to stop for food shopping or any other activity that requires me to divert my attention away from the bike. Considering the significant value of the smartphones, drone, and battery banks, I take precautions to protect my gear.

To address this concern, I always carry a Sea to Summit foldable backpack stored in my top tube bag. Whenever I need to leave the bike unattended, I transfer all my valuable items, including my wallet and passport, to the backpack. This ensures that everything is securely with me and minimizes the risk of loss or theft. It provides an additional layer of peace of mind, knowing that my expensive equipment and essential documents are kept safe, just in case.

Now, let’s delve into how I store and protect my editing equipment. I employ a tomtoc hard case to house all my hard drives, iPad Pro, card reader hub, AirPods Pro, and various cables. To provide an extra layer of security, I place the tomtoc hard case inside a 100% aqualung dry bag. This double-layered approach ensures the utmost safety. Considering that I typically engage with my editing gear at night within the confines of my tent, I store it within my sleeping bag, providing an additional cushioning effect and shielding it from any bumps along the trail. On Sundays, when I dedicate time to editing, I simply remove the gear from my sleeping bag while at the restaurant, ensuring total protection throughout the process.

I really dislike thieves; they are despicable individuals. So, how can I protect my gear when I’m traveling? The truth is, I never let my bike out of my sight, but there are times when I have to, like when I sleep in a tent or when I need to go shopping, eat at a restaurant, or stay in a hotel.

Firstly, when it comes to hotels, if they tell me I can’t bring my bike to the room, I simply inform them that I won’t stay and cancel my booking. Interestingly, once you assert this, they usually allow you to keep the bike in the room. Even high-end hotels like Hilton resorts have accommodated this request for me on several occasions. It’s a rule I never break.

Next, when I go shopping for food supplies, I usually do a weekly shop, which means I buy a lot of items. It takes me about an hour to navigate the store, trying to decipher the different languages on the packaging. It’s true what they say, never go shopping when you’re hungry. So, I find a bar nearby and bring my bike inside. I explain that it’s expensive and I don’t want to leave it in the street parking. They almost always agree, and I enjoy a few beers and order some food for lunch. Afterward, I let the bartender know that I need to go and get a new SIM card from the shopping mall across the street, and they’re okay with me leaving the bike there as I’ll be back for a few more beers. Then I go shopping, take my time to look for deals, and return to the bar to enjoy a few more beers. It’s worked out well for me.

When it comes to restaurants, I typically look for a place where I can either eat outside or have a clear view of my bike from the window. I’m willing to spend an extra 10 minutes searching for such a place, and if I can’t find one, I’d rather not eat there. I try to avoid situations like that.

I’m a big guy, weighing over 100kg and standing at 6 feet tall. I can handle myself, and I’m not afraid to confront jerks. Sometimes, it’s even a stress relief for me. Generally, I don’t have a problem with people approaching me and trying to go through my bags. There was one incident in Sri Lanka where someone quickly backed off when they heard me tell them to “fuck off” and I gave them a smack on the head. So, I’m not too concerned about thieves when I’m on my bike.

Now, let’s talk about sleeping arrangements while camping. After a long day’s ride, I’m usually exhausted. I fall fast asleep after editing and watching some zombie movies and having a few beers. I always try to find a stealth camping spot where no one can see me. If there are too many people around, I move on and set up camp in the dark. I bring my gadgets inside the tent because I need to work on my editing. Here’s a trick I’ve found to be effective: I tie my bike to the tent guy lines. These lines are so thin that no one can see them. If someone tries to steal my bike, the whole tent shakes, waking me up immediately. At that point, I ready to kill them all. Then I bury them in a shallow gravel pit. I’ve been doing this for years, and it has worked great. My bike and gear have always been safe. The only expense I’ve incurred is buying a few shovels over the years, but it’s a small price to pay for peace of mind