Good equipment compact and lightweight can make the difference between
misery and pure adventure. A reasonable load for a week of touring with
camping gear is 15kg., 33lbs. but no more than 20kg., 44lbs. For over-nights
at an inn 10kg., 22lbs. is reasonable. Bring some tartan boxer shorts and
always check for stowaways during your greatest escape.
When you are organizing gear for your tour try and reduce the weight as much
as possible. Less weight=more enjoyment. Some items can be used for multiple
purposes. A jacket can be a pillow. Try and distribute your cooking gear and
staple foods throughout the group. Lay out your gear and decide what goes
and what stays, negotiate the lava lamp a few days before a ride.
What’s your plan? The amount of gear you need depends on your touring plans.
If you’re cycling from motel to inn and planning to only eat in restaurants,
you can travel very light. Just pack some clothing and toiletries and you’re
off. Not having to carry a sleeping bag, tent and cooking gear leaves you
with a fairly light load. Camping out and cooking your meals requires more
gear but can give you a greater sense of freedom. You are self-sufficient.
You can stop anywhere and be self-reliant with just a few essentials.
Camp Gear
Here’s a short list of things to remember:
Tent, sleeping bag, sleeping pad, groundsheet, panniers, handlebar bag,
rearview mirror, 3 water bottles, flashlight with spare bulb, pocket knife,
bungie cord, maps, towel, string for clothes line, lock and cable, flashing
tail light. A day supply of food and food staples.
Tent. Pass on the “one man prison” and get a light double size tent, the
comfort-to-weight ratio is in your favor. Check for vent netting up top. The
rain fly should reach the ground, no shorties. Apply a 3m coating. A
flapping haunted tent may not be evident in the beginning, but be assured
you will be dry.
Bagged again! Buy a sleeping bag that will keep you warm at the coldest
expected temperature. A down bag will compress more than synthetic, though
water degrades a down bag. Both bags can be thrown in the nearest dryer.
Synthetic bags include polargaurd, hollofil II, and quallofil.
Groundsheet! Bring a small plastic sheet to keep ground dampness away from
your tent.
A Therma-Rest will cushion you from hard earth; they’re compact, comfy,
light.
Reduce weight by doubling your headlight as a flashlight.
Your swiss knife will prove its usefulness and character.
Cooking Equipment
Stove, fuel, matches, pot <2qt, small pot, frying pan or
pot lid, pot scrubber, pancake turner, plate, bowl, cup, eating utensils, can opener, stovemaintenance kit, swiss knife.
Stove. A touring camp chef will appreciate a lightweight butane or white gas
stove with a windscreen. The msr whisperlite weighs only 350g (12oz.) and easy-to-get fuel seems to last forever.
Carry the food staples like pasta, rice, and pancake mix, granola, and
powdered milk. Buy perishables refreshments and heavy canned food near the
end of the day.
Maps
Maps of your route are essential. 1:100,000 Bicycling maps are best and may
be available with the Chamber of Commerce, Bicycle Association, otherwise a
highway map may be sufficient. Topographic maps show the best detail of
terrain for trail rides. Bring a map of the route or a book with some
details, review them so know where the next bike shop is and you don’t
overlook the great stuff.
Foreign Affairs
Traveling to a foreign country? Get appropriate inoculations and bring your
certificate, passport, visas, driver’s license, and birth certificate; stuff
it in your money belt. Wear your money belt and enclose all paper in a zip
bag so that they don’t get soaked from sweat.
Make a photocopy of all documents and sew it in a garment with $200us and a
credit card. If you get robbed you can recover easily and buy a round of
refreshments for your new friends at the next hacienda; sharing the stories
of your bold retort.
When packing your bike for air travel, use a bike box from your bike shop.
Take extra care to disconnect and pack the rear derailer and install a quick
release bolt to protect the front fork.
Never ship your bike ahead by air cargo, you might lose it, always check it
as luggage. If the weight of your bike is less than 20kg cost is $50 or as sports gear free.
Shop with the carriers and cycling associations, clubs, for deals.
Remember. Use security to prevent a vacation disaster. Always lock your bike
with a cable around the frame and wheels to a stationary object. Take your
handlebar bag with you at all times, panniers should lock to the carriers.
Panniers
Don’t skimp on your luggage go for the high capacity 40L corduras with
reflectors and locking suspension. Keep the heavy stuff low to the ground,
ower the center of gravity for best stability. If your bike starts to
wobble check that your load is symmetrical and evenly packed to balance from
side to side. Distribute your load 40% front, 60% back, large bags front,
small bags rear. Tighten your compression straps.
Use trash bags to line inside your panniers, they will save your stuff in
the rain. Panniers with many compartments will keep you organized. Pack your
tools in a seat-bag for easy access. Store valuables in your handlebar bag
and keep it with you for security, also good for easy snacking.
Handlebar Bags should be easily removable from the bike, and optionally
convert into a shoulder bag for valuables. Store items that you want to
reach quickly without dismounting from your bike. Store light items to
optimize balance.
Personal Items
Bring sunglasses, sunscreen and sunblock, lipbalm, toothbrush, toothpaste,
floss, soap and shampoo, comb, nail clippers, toilet paper (1/4 roll
squashed).
First Aid and Hygiene
Waterproof Matches, telephone change, insect repellent, salt tablets, iodine
or water purification tablets, sanitary pads, aspirin, ibuprofen for
inflammation, calamine lotion for insect bites, antihistamine, antibacterial
cream, tweezers, elastic and adhesive bandage, butterfly bandage, sewing kit
w/needle, shaver, toilet paper, deodorant, soap, pre-moistened towelettes.
Clothing
Helmet, cycling gloves, cycling shoes, 2 riding shorts, 3 tee-shirt or
jersey, 3 underwear and socks, wool tights for winter, wind-shell, raingear,
warm jacket or fleece.
Layering. Wear layers of light clothing to regulate your comfort by adding
or removing layers as the weather changes. The first layer cotton tee
absorbs perspiration. Next layer should be a wool or fleece sweater and then
a nylon windbreaker for cooler temperatures.
Pack a camera & film, diary/journal, 2 pens, mini playing cards, reading
material, bandana, compass, small radio, swim suit, eyeglasses or contacts,
hat or visor, pants, jeans, shirt, you may get invited to dinner.
If you rent a bike at your destination, bring comfort and your clip-less
pedals, saddle, helmet.
Tools
These are essential: Tire patch kit, tire levers, pump with a
presta-to-shrader valve adapter and air gauge, 4/5/6mm allen key kit with
phillips and flathead, chain lube, 6” crescent wrench with 8-16mm range,
selected sockets, needle nose pliers/wire cutters, crank puller, chain tool,
spoke wrench, freewheel/cassette remover, electrical tape wrapped around a
tool handle, ripstop nylon tape for the tent, safety pins, ziplock bags.
Spare parts : 2 inner tubes, 1 spare tire, 3 spokes, chainlink, brake and
derailler cables, brake pads, ball bearing, surgical gloves are a “must
have” for chain work.
Instead of carting a freewheel remover or chainwhip to replace a broken
spoke on the rear wheel, wrap that two-stepping spoke around another until
you reach the next town with a bike shop.