Bike Touring Gear (Starting out)

There were a few steps that went into planning for what to bring on this bike tour. Weather and climate pre-determined a lot of clothing and shelter choices and I wanted to make sure that I bring enough to be semi-self sufficient and prepared along the way. But, I don’t want to be prepared for everything since there seems to be always one more thing that needs to be bought… that weighs one more pound… ad infinitum.

To start, I read many blogs about experiences during other peoples bike tours which are literally all over the internet and well done on “Crazyguyonabike”. Then I read about specific gear lists and tried to get a better understanding of an appropriate toolkit and clothing. These three posts are some that I highlighted for being extra helpful for planning.

Bicycle Touring Pro (clothing essentials)

Bicycle Hobo (toolkit)

Adventure Cycling (everything + how to pack)

When I’m backpacking, I know that I like to have things in groups so that I can limit digging around in my bags and stay organized. That way when I’m ready to make camp I don’t have to throw my clothes all over the ground, or when I’m ready to cook I can just pull out my stove and food. It also helps to group things together when planning check-lists of things to bring. Laying out gear on the floor works too. I keep most all of my camping gear in a Rubbermaid container; before a trip I can run through imaginary shelter set-ups and just grab what I need, then imagine weather and clothing needs, food and cooking, etc, grabbing the proper equipment as I go and stuffing it in my backpack.

My Groups

1. Shelter/sleeping
2. Clothes/accessories
3. Bike gear
4. Electronics
5. Cooking
6. Toiletries

 

Shelter/sleeping

My shelter is kind of an experiment at the moment, as I’ve only spent a few clear nights under the tarp. In order to set up camp and get some shut-eye, I have as follows: Thermarest Z-lite ground pad, 8’x10′ Sil-nylon tarp, parachord, 6 stakes, and 55 degree sleeping bag. Not shown: Standard blue nylon ground tarp, base layers, down jacket (warmth/pillow), and wool socks.

Tarp, sleeping bag, pad, stakes, and rope

Clothes/accessories

This trip will be in the summer/fall so I’m preparing for hot days and warm nights. It’s going to get smelly regardless.

3 shirts (1 jersey, 1 synthetic T, 1 cotton T), 2 shorts (baggies + swim trunks), 3 chamois padded shorts (2 liners, 1 regular), wind breaker, long sleeve shirt (for sun), rain jacket, UV buff, 2 bandanas, sun hat, sun glasses, regular glasses, riding shoes, riding gloves, running shoes, sandals, 2 pairs of underwear, and 2 pairs of riding socks.

Clothes

Bike Gear

I wanted to bring enough tools to fix all the minor things that I will come across like changing or patching flat tubes and routine maintenance. To that end, I’m bringing rags, rubber gloves, multi-tool, lube, 1 extra hex key, spare tube, 1 spare brake and 1 spare shifting cable, quick links, tire pressure checker, tire lever, patch kits, spoke wrench, extra spokes, extra bolts, bike pump, mini pliers, and duct tape.

Hopefully I won’t need any more than this

Electronics

Basically all I want to do is have my phone charged in case I need to call someone or I get lost and have service and take pictures with my camera. I plan to upload pictures from stranger’s computers or public libraries and I have no idea how realistic that expectation is. So, I’ve got some extra AA batteries, a back-up lithium ion 10,000 mAh, charging cords and adapters, camera, bike lights (front and rear), solar light, wrist-watch, and phone.

Cooking

My cooking set-up has been the same for a while now. Propane, Optimus stove, titanium pot, spoon, and a lighter. Reliable and light. I’m already craving mac n’ cheese and instant potatoes. My only concern is refilling the propane stove so I may just be eating dry food for days at a time.

Toiletries

I don’t need to explain this. Soaps for washing, teeth brushin’, shaving, hand-sanitizer, basic first aid stuffs like neosporin and tylenol, etc.

 

What did I miss? That’s Misc.

Judging from this picture…bungee cords, maps, helmet, water bottles and water treatment, panniers, little nalgenes, journal…my whole bike…that’s next!

And I like to think I’m not materialistic…

 

Thanks for reading!