A screwdriver, pliers, hammer and Crescent wrench may not a toolkit make, but with them, you’re off to a darn good start. Same with these knots. Sailors and mountain climbers may require more specialized options, but with these essentials, you’ll be able to tow a bike, pitch your tent, secure a ruptured pannier or lash [...]

A 2012 BMW R1200GS, in “wet,” ready-to-ride form, weighs 525 pounds, and it’s Gross Vehicle Weight Rating—the maximum permitted weight of the bike plus rider and all accessories and gear—is 992 pounds. Assuming you’re a 200-lb. rider (wearing helmet and gear), that means you can safely carry 267 lb. of cargo without exceeding the manufacturer’s [...]