Some may suppose it loopy to journey by bike within the winter, however it’s really fairly potential if you happen to pack appropriately and keep sensible whereas out on the highway.
Right this moment I wish to share with you the way I’ve packed for my winter bike tour in Europe. I’ll present you all the pieces I introduced with me and clarify why I introduced these explicit objects.
A observe must be made that this isn’t the way you pack for a “conventional bicycle tour”. In case you are searching for a extra conventional packing listing, please try my article, “How To Pack Your Panniers“.
I’m planning to be in Europe for about 5 months, so I’ve to heat you, I’ve received plenty of stuff! And even by I’m carrying three jackets, 4 pairs of pants and an arsenal of things I’ve by no means needed to carry on any of my earlier bicycle adventures, nearly all the pieces I’ve introduced with me suits inside my 4 Ortlieb panniers.
Right here’s A Listing Of Every part I’ve Packed For My Winter Bicycle Tour:
Bicycle – Each bicycle tour begins with a motorbike. For me, the bike is a Bike Friday New World Vacationer. It’s a folding bike made by Inexperienced Gear Biking Inc. of Eugene, Oregon and it’s the identical bike I used only a couple months in the past once I traveled to Aruba. Whereas it’s in all probability not the most effective bike for navigating round within the snow, my important motive for bringing it was so I may keep away from the hefty charges which can be presently being levied on vacationers flying with a bicycle. By bringing my Bike Friday, I averted paying $300 value of charges by merely utilizing this bicycle and packing it inside a cardboard field that was underneath the airline’s common dimension restrictions. I plan to do a extra detailed assessment of the Bike Friday New World Vacationer after I’ve spent a while using it right here in Europe, however to this point, the bike has been simply nice (even when I do get a number of odd seems to be each as soon as and some time).
Rear Gentle – I’ve a big rear mild on the again of my bike. I don’t know what type it’s and I’m unsure it actually issues. The essential factor is that I’ve a lightweight! And it is best to too! Don’t depart house and not using a rear mild to your bike.
Fenders – I didn’t really want fenders for my journey to Aruba, however right here in Europe the place each single day requires me to journey by water, ice and snow, fenders are essential. I purchased an affordable pair of 20 inch Planet Bike fenders on Amazon.com they usually work nice!
Entrance & Rear Rack – To carry my panniers on the bike, I’m utilizing the rear folding rack Bike Friday advisable I buy once I received my bicycle from them… and I’m utilizing the AC Lowrider Entrance Rack from my full-size touring bike for the rack on the entrance of my bike.
Panniers – For this journey I’m utilizing a set of Ortlieb Bike Packer & Sport Packer Plus panniers. These panniers are waterproof and the “Plus” signifies that they don’t have that shiny “medical sheen” you see on the “traditional” Ortlieb merchandise. Once more, I’ll do a extra in-depth assessment of those panniers after I’ve been on the highway for some time and have extra expertise with them. However from what I’ve seen to this point, they’re very very like my outdated Lone Peak panniers. The principle distinction at this level is that the Ortlieb’s, whereas being waterproof, lack the additional pockets discovered on the Lone Peak packs.
Helmet – I forgot to say it within the video above, however I do have a helmet with me. I’m utilizing a Giro Xen bike helmet with a Matte Olive Fade to match my olive inexperienced snow pants.
Snow Jacket – Nothing particular right here. The waterproof jacket I’m sporting to each stroll round in and journey my bike in is a black Burton snowboarding jacket. I’m unsure of the precise mannequin quantity. It price about $200 USD.
Light-weight Jacket – The lighter jacket I’m sporting beneath the Burton snowboarding jacket is a black Hurley jacket I discovered at my native mall for about $70 USD. Once more, I’m unsure of the mannequin quantity or sort.
Jersey – When on my bike, I’m sporting a light-weight Fox Racing jersey. The jersey isn’t heat in any respect, however it does enable my pores and skin to breathe and helps to wick away the sweat from my physique. Apparently, this jersey is now not obtainable by the Fox web site.
Watch – I haven’t had a watch in years. After my wrist watch broke shortly after graduating from highschool, I by no means bothered to interchange it. As a substitute, I relied on my mobile phone to inform me what time it was and to behave as my morning alarm. However for this journey to Europe, I left my mobile phone at house (it doesn’t work in Europe and I didn’t wish to pay the additional charges related to making it work over right here). For that motive, I spotted I wanted to get a watch (so I’d know what time it was once I was out on my bike or touring round). I needed a watch that got here with an alarm, however couldn’t discover one I appreciated, so I opted for a black steel watch from DKNY merely for the color and style. It tells me the time and that’s all it does.
Street ID – On my different wrist I’m sporting a Street ID security bracelet. The Street ID is a product I’ve mentioned prior to now, however it’s principally a medical ID that you just put on within the case of an accident whereas out on the highway or touring. As a result of I’m in another country and touring on my own, I really feel just a bit safer understanding that if one thing have been to occur to me, the individuals who discovered me would no less than know who I used to be and whom they need to contact.
Ski Pants – I introduced a pair of ski pants for 2 causes. The primary is that I hope to do some snowboarding sooner or later whereas I’m right here in Switzerland or Austria. The second is that I’m using my bike within the snow… and I’m really using the bike in these waterproof ski pants. The pair I’m utilizing is a wonderful pair of olive inexperienced Patagonia ski pants I obtained for about $100 from my favourite outside outlet – Low-cost Sports activities, in Ventura, California.
Bicycle Sneakers – To maintain my ft each heat and dry whereas out on the bike, I selected a pair of Shimano MP66L bicycle sneakers. These sneakers have the cleat on the underside so you may clip into your pedals, however additionally they appear like common strolling sneakers, so once I put on them off the bike I don’t instantly stand out as a “biker”. They’re additionally very snug and have a Velcro flap that extends over the laces to maintain water, wind and snow from attending to my ft.
Ski Gloves – Retaining with the chilly climate ski theme, I introduced a pair of full-fingered Dakine ski gloves. When on the bike, these are the gloves I’m sporting. Your regular summer time bike gloves simply wouldn’t minimize it in these types of climate situations.
Ski Goggles – Each for snowboarding and for my time on the bike, I’ve received a pair of Scott ski goggles. I’m not sporting these on the bike on a regular basis, however when the climate will get dangerous, they’re the very first thing I throw on to maintain my face heat and the snow out of my eyes.
Pant Leg Protectors – As a result of I’m using in lengthy pants, I’ve needed to do one thing to maintain my pant legs from getting caught in my chain. To maintain this from taking place, I’m utilizing a Deuter Pant Leg Protector on the proper facet of my bike (the place the chain is) and a makeshift pant leg protector on the left facet of my bike if crucial (the pant leg on my denims get caught on each the proper and left facet of the bike. Ugh!).
Water Bottles – Even by it’s freezing outdoors, you gotta proceed to get some fluids into your physique. I’m utilizing a pair of Fox Racing water bottles to hold my water. I received them for $5.00 USD every at my native bike store.
Tent – Despite the fact that I’m staying in residences for a lot of my time in Europe, I do have plenty of nights the place I will probably be touring from one location to the subsequent and haven’t secured locations to remain for these nights. Because of this, I needed to have the choice of tenting if crucial. I’m doing this journey on a finances, so paying for a resort each night time isn’t an choice. The two-Particular person MSR Zoid tent that I’ve introduced with me will enable me to camp if I so select.
Toiletry Equipment – I wish to maintain all my toiletry objects collectively in order that once I take a bathe or use the restroom it’s straightforward to seek out what I want. To do that, I take advantage of an Eagle Creek Wallaby Toiletry Equipment. Contained in the package I maintain all the plain issues, equivalent to: a toothbrush, toothpaste, dental floss, nail clippers, tweezers, a pack towel, deodorant, shampoo, face wash, and so forth.
Geocaching Trinkets – After I was in school I got here throughout one thing referred to as Geocaching. It’s a kind of issues that could be a little troublesome to clarify to somebody who has by no means performed it earlier than, however in accordance with the official Geocaching web site “Geocaching is a high-tech treasure searching recreation performed all through the world by journey seekers outfitted with GPS gadgets. The essential concept is to find hidden containers, referred to as geocaches, outside after which share your experiences on-line. Geocaching is loved by individuals from all age teams, with a robust sense of group and assist for the surroundings.” As part of the sport, you may take objects out of the geocaches that you just discover so long as you allow one thing as a substitute. I’ve introduced a pair trinkets/treasures with me in order that when/if I discover a geocache, I can depart one thing behind for Geocachers coming after me. If you happen to’ve by no means gone Geocaching, get a GPS or discover a buddy who has one and provides it a strive!
T-Shirts – I introduced 4 totally different T-Shirts with me on this journey. One shirt is a piece out shirt for operating or biking in and the opposite three are to easily put on once I’m strolling round city or hanging out in my house.
Sweat Pants – At night time I sleep in a pair of light-weight Nike sweat pants. They aren’t your conventional sweat pant, however as a substitute, extra like one thing it is best to see a basketball participant sporting over his shorts throughout heat up. They’re light-weight, heat and (considerably) trendy.
Lengthy Sleeve T-Shirt – I’ve additionally packed a single lengthy sleeve T-shirt. More often than not I simply use this shirt to sleep in, but when I completely needed to I may journey in it as effectively.
Denims – As a result of I’m spending a lot time on this journey residing a “regular” existence, I’ve packed two pairs of denims. These are the pants I put on every day each in my house and exploring town on foot. Virtually everybody right here is sporting denims, so I match proper in!
Sun shades & Case – I’ve talked about in earlier articles that I’m not an enormous fan of sun shades. However regardless that I don’t like sporting sun shades, I’ll put on them if I must. At sure occasions, I do understand that sun shades are important to defending your eyes from the solar, the chilly, and/or the weather. Due to this, I’ve an affordable pair of sun shades and defend them inside my panniers by packing them inside a light-weight zippered sun shades case like this one right here.
Mini Flashlight – I’m unsure I wanted to carry a mini flashlight, however my dad and mom purchased it for me as a present only a few days earlier than leaving on my journey and felt I ought to carry it for them, if not for the rest. I’m utilizing it at night time as a studying mild and as a method of checking the time in the midst of the night time (as my watch doesn’t mild up).
Bicycle Mirror – I really introduced two bicycle mirrors with me on this journey, however most individuals received’t want to do that. I introduced my trusty CycleAware Reflex mirror and I introduced the small, stealth-like ViewPoint mirror (additionally from CycleAware). First and foremost, I packed a mirror as a result of I needed to have the ability to see automobiles approaching me from behind, however I introduced two mirrors just because I needed to spend some extra time taking part in round with the ViewPoint mirror. Bringing the Reflex mirror was a no brainer, however I introduced the ViewPoint as a result of it’s unimaginable small and wouldn’t take up plenty of house… and since I merely needed to experiment some extra with it whereas I used to be on this journey.
Knife – I’ve introduced a knife with me on each bicycle journey I’ve ever taken. I carry it for self-protection, however I primarily use it to chop up my meals. On this journey I’m utilizing a Kabar Folding Knife.
Patch Equipment – Within the occasion that you just get a flat tire, it’s a good suggestion to have a patch package available. However extra essential than having a patch package is understanding easy methods to use it.
Tire Levers – Inside my patch package are two tire levers. Typically occasions, tire levers are available in units of three, however I’ve discovered that two are all you actually need.
Bungee Wire – Additionally packed inside my patch package is a tiny little bungee wire which I take advantage of to strap my tent to the again of my bike. The bungee is so small that it received’t stretch to carry down something additional, so when you have extra stuff to hold on the again of your bike, you’ll want a much bigger bungee wire.
Spork – Along with the knife I’m carrying to chop my meals, I’m additionally touring with a light-weight spork. I’ve introduced this alongside simply in case the residences I hire alongside the best way don’t have utensils or if, when touring on the bike, I wish to eat one thing that requires a spoon or fork. I’m utilizing the Sea To Summit Titanium Spork I reviewed right here.
Cable Lock & Key – To make sure my bicycle doesn’t get stolen, I’ve introduced a keyed cable lock. To learn extra about easy methods to lock up your bike and which forms of locks I favor, please learn my article on “Locking Up Your Bike“. The important thing to the lock is connected to a lanyard which is then connected to my snowboarding jacket. This manner, my lock is at all times on me and I’ve no probability of shedding it or misplacing it inside my panniers.
Pedal Wrench – On most days there may be no need to regulate or take away my pedals from the bike. However there are two important occasions on a bicycle tour wherein placing on or eradicating the pedals is essential – the beginning and the tip of your tour. To get the pedals on and off my bike at these two factors within the tour, I carry alongside a light-weight pedal wrench. Discovering a wrench when out on the highway may be, at occasions, troublesome or unimaginable. So having the wrench with you is incredible when the time lastly comes to make use of it.
Multi-Instrument – Anybody touring by bike must have multi-tool. The multi-tool ought to comprise all of the allen wrenches and screw drivers wanted to make changes to your bike. Test to ensure your multi-tool has all the pieces you will want to your journey earlier than you allow house.
Pump – To maintain my tires on the correct stress, I’m utilizing a Topeak Harpoon Grasp Blaster bicycle pump. It’s bigger than plenty of different bicycle pumps available on the market, however it’s extraordinarily sturdy and I don’t have to fret about it breaking inside my panniers whereas out on the highway (one thing that has occurred with different bike pumps I’ve used prior to now).
Waterproof Bag – I’ve received plenty of digital gadgets with me on this journey. To maintain a few of the smaller electronics protected and dry, I’m utilizing a small Sea To Summit waterproof bag to retailer these essential electrical possessions. Water and electronics don’t combine, so the waterproof bag inside my waterproof panniers merely add an additional layer of safety to my issues.
Exterior Arduous Drive – I’m taking plenty of images and recording a ton of video on this tour. My laptop computer laptop (which I’m additionally touring with) comes with a 180 GB onerous drive, however it’s merely not sufficient. So as a substitute of buying one other laptop with a bigger onerous drive, I purchased a small exterior onerous drive which connects to my laptop through USB. The onerous drive I’m utilizing is a 500GB Western Digital My Passport Important. As I point out within the video above, the most effective factor about this difficult drive is that it doesn’t require an extra energy supply like so many different exterior onerous drives do. As a substitute, the drive merely pulls a cost out of your laptop by the USB. This one little options is large for anybody touring world wide, as a result of having two digital gadgets to plug into the wall would, underneath regular circumstances, require two totally different energy converters. However with this difficult drive, I solely want the one energy converter for my laptop and might journey that a lot lighter as a result of I don’t want two energy converters for my a number of digital gadgets.
USB Reminiscence Stick – Along with the exterior onerous drive, I’m additionally carrying a small PNY 8 GB USB Reminiscence Stick. I in all probability don’t really want this once I’m carrying each my laptop and the exterior onerous drive, however I introduced it simply in case. I take advantage of it to retailer and again up actually essential paperwork and I take advantage of it to shuttle recordsdata from my laptop to public computer systems for printing… or vice versa.
Ethernet Wire – As a result of I’m touring with a pc and staying in residences that (in accordance with the commercials) have Web entry, I introduced alongside a brief Ethernet wire simply in case the house I’ve rented comes with Web entry however doesn’t really include the wire to attach the Web to the pc. (This has occurred to me throughout my travels prior to now, so I’m attempting to keep away from a repeat of these cases.)
Battery Charger & Rechargeable Batteries – The rear mild on my bicycle mild makes use of two AA batteries. Due to this, I’ve introduced 4 AA rechargeable batteries (2 inside the sunshine and a couple of as a backup) and a (European) battery charger. I may simply purchase new batteries alongside the best way and save somewhat weight on my bike, however I’d slightly save the cash I’d spend on new batteries and do what I can to recycle, cut back, and resuse.
Strolling Sneakers – On all however one in all my bicycle excursions prior to now I’ve introduced only a single pair of sneakers. I had one pair of sneakers to journey in and the identical pair of sneakers to stroll round in. However on this journey I introduced a second pair of strolling sneakers for 2 important causes. The primary motive for bringing a pair of strolling sneakers is as a result of I knew I deliberate to do plenty of strolling on this journey. I made certain the sneakers I chosen have been barely waterproof too, as I knew I’d be strolling in chilly, ice, and snow. The second motive for bringing a pair of strolling sneakers is that after biking all day in my Shimano using sneakers, I needed to have a clear, dry pair of sneakers that I may slip into. I’ve large ft (Dimension 12 US) so bringing a second pair of sneakers takes up nearly a complete pannier, however it’s value it when you understand that this isn’t just a few week lengthy journey. I’m right here for 5 months and I wish to be snug!
Socks – Retaining your ft heat in chilly climate is significant. Sneakers play an essential half on this, however socks could also be much more essential. Because of this, I’ve introduced three pairs of heavy winter socks, a pair pairs of dress-type socks, and some extra pairs of anklet-type socks you may put on with shorts in the summertime time. In whole, I’ve 8 pairs of socks, which is a bit too many (I now understand). I’ll probably find yourself ditching a few of the gown and anklet socks and narrowing the 8 pairs I’ve now right down to 4 or 5.
Underwear – I didn’t point out this within the video, however I did carry underwear as effectively. Numerous pairs. Don’t overlook to pack some underwear!
Arm Heaters – To maintain my arms heat once I’m on the bike, I’m utilizing a pair of Pearl Izumi arm heaters. I haven’t used these but, however I did use them on my final journey by Europe, so I assumed I’d carry them alongside this time as effectively. I’ll in all probability put on them as soon as April and Might roll round and my heavy snowboarding jacket comes off.
Spare Tubes – Within the occasion of a flat tire, I’m carrying two spare tubes. If you wish to learn extra about spare tubes and what number of it is best to carry to your lengthy distance bicycle tour, try my article, “How Many Spare Tubes Ought to You Carry?“
Chain Lube – To maintain my chain lubricated, I’ve received a small bottle of winter chain lube. Ask your native bike store to advocate a series lube for the using situations you suppose you may be in in your tour. In my case, these items is made to get moist!
Belt – I wish to slot in when touring on this journey, so sporting a belt is crucial. Not solely does sporting a belt assist me mix in with the remainder of society, however it additionally helps to maintain my pants up! I don’t really want the belt firstly of the tour, however I wager that by the tip I’ll have misplaced a major quantity of weight and that belt will definitely turn out to be useful.
Face Masks – The face masks I’m utilizing on this journey is actually saving my life once I’m out on the bike. If it weren’t for the face masks, I may by no means cowl the distances that I’m protecting on this tour. It’s just too chilly to be out on the bike for any important period of time and not using a face masks. There are a variety of nice face masks to select from, however I’m utilizing a Seirus Innovation Consolation Masque (which is identical masks I ski in throughout the winter).
Beanie – Along with the face masks, I’ve additionally packed a easy black beanie to maintain my head heat. I put on this off the bike greater than on it.
Lengthy Underwear Bottoms – To maintain my backside half heat, I’ve packed a small, skinny pair of black Duofold thermal underwear. They pack right down to an extremely small dimension, however they’re not made for biking and the pair I’ve is likely to be a tad bit too small.
Cash – Sadly, you gotta carry some cash in your bicycle adventures. I want you didn’t, however you do! On this journey, I’ve US {Dollars}, Euros, Swiss Francs, and even a number of Polish Zloty (left over from my earlier journey to Europe). Bank cards again up this arsenal of currencies.
Spare Screws – On nearly any fully-loaded touring bike is a set of entrance and rear racks that maintain the panniers to the bicycle. These racks use a set of screws to remain in place and generally, these screws come unfastened when you’re out on the highway. As a result of this has occurred to me on earlier excursions, I at all times carry a pair additional screws on my bike, only for this occasion. If I lose a screw, it’s not an enormous deal as a result of I at all times have a number of backups available. On this journey, I’m carrying 4 additional screws.
Baseball Hat – If I have been extra trendy I would sport a extra European hat, however it’s merely not my model. On this journey I’m sporting a easy white baseball cap to cowl my head and maintain individuals from looking at my occasional helmet hair.
Bike Shorts – As soon as April and Might rolls round I hope that the climate will probably be heat sufficient to truly placed on a pair of shorts. When (and if) that does really occur, I’ll have a pair of Fox mountain bike shorts to put on. These shorts appear like common shorts you’d see somebody sporting on the mall, so I can put on them each on and off the bike and never instantly stand out as a bicycle owner. I didn’t carry conventional spandex bike shorts on this journey.
Sleeping Bag – To remain heat at night time, I’m utilizing a North Face Cat’s Meow sleeping bag, which in accordance with its tag, will maintain me heat in temperatures as little as 20°F or –7°C. In accordance with a BicycleTouringPro.com reader, the Cat’s Meow is now longer in manufacturing by North Face, however there are a variety of comparable sleeping baggage in manufacturing. When packing for a winter bike tour, you desire a bag that may maintain you heat at night time, however the bag also needs to match inside one in all your rear panniers. If it doesn’t match inside one in all your rear panniers, it’s in all probability too large (Or your panniers are too small)!
Down Jacket – For simply the identical motive that I introduced two pairs of sneakers, I’ve additionally packed an extra jacket. This third jacket is a reversible down jacket made by an organization referred to as “Floor”. I’ve by no means heard of the corporate earlier than, however I received an unimaginable deal on the jacket, so I purchased it. It’s heat and I normally simply put on it once I’m inside and off the bike.
Duffel Bag – With a purpose to get my 4 panniers and all the pieces inside these panniers to the airport, after which to my house in Luzern the place I began my winter bike tour by Europe, I used a big duffel bag bought from my native Goal retailer. The bag is large enough to suit all my issues inside it, however it’s skinny sufficient that it will probably fold down and match inside one in all my panniers. To see how I used this duffel bag to get my issues from California to Switzerland, ensure you watch my video, “Packing For The Airplane. Getting Your Gear To The Begin“.
Briefcase/Pannier – Once more, I knew I’d be doing plenty of strolling on this journey and I needed to have a bag to stroll round with that wouldn’t instantly name me out as a touring bicycle owner. Because of this, I made a decision to carry my Lone Peak pannier briefcase. The bag seems to be like a standard laptop computer bag, however it additionally attaches to the racks in your bicycle, so you need to use it each on and off the bike.
Passport – Anybody touring abroad wants a passport. Get it early and maintain it protected. I don’t know what occurs if you happen to lose it… and I don’t wish to discover out!
Pockets – On earlier journeys I’ve merely put a rubber band round my bank cards and money and referred to as it a day, however on this journey I’m utilizing a Buxton zippered journey pockets to maintain my bank cards, cash, and ID so as.
Lip Balm – All the time inside shut attain is a tube of lip balm. You may not want this, however I believe it’s good when the climate will get chilly and dry.
Skinny Gloves – Along with the heavy snow gloves that I put on when on the bicycle, I’ve additionally packed a smaller, lighter pair of Burton gloves. These are the gloves I stroll round city in. They’re straightforward to pack down they usually slip on and off the hand with ease.
Meals – Inside my panniers I’m additionally carrying a small quantity of meals. I normally don’t have greater than three days value of meals on me at anyone time as a result of meals is really easy to come back by right here in Europe. If I have been touring in one other a part of the world, I would must make a bigger meals allowance. That being mentioned, I’ve received a lot stuff with me on this journey that I actually don’t have plenty of room to hold a lot meals. I normally wish to have no less than half a pannier put aside only for the storage of meals, however it isn’t taking place on this journey. I’ve damaged my very own rule (which simply goes to indicate that any rule may be damaged)!
Mini Tripod – Touring alone signifies that I don’t get any images of myself except I ask a stranger to take the picture of if I set the digicam up on a tripod and take the picture through the digicam’s timer. To do the later, I take advantage of a small mini tripod just like the one discovered right here. It’s light-weight and an enormous assist when setting the digicam up for self-portraits.
Digital camera Clamp– For extra difficult picture ops, I take advantage of a Pedco UltraClamp to connect my digital digicam to road indicators, tree branches, fence posts, and even my bicycle’s handlebars. In lots of circumstances, the mini tripod simply doesn’t minimize it, so this digicam clamp saves the day if you gotta get “the shot”. The clamp is heavy, however rugged. In case you are bringing a digicam with you and also you care what your images appear like, I believe this product is value carrying.
GPS – To navigate round Europe (and do a little bit of Geocaching alongside the best way) I’m utilizing an affordable Garmin Etrex Legend GPS Receiver. The GPS was an enormous assist to my navigation efforts on my final journey to Europe, however on this journey the GPS has been fully ineffective to this point. The clouds have been so thick since arriving right here in Switzerland that I’ve been unable to get a sign to the receiver. Once more, when April and Might roll round, hopefully the solar peaks its head by the clouds and the GPS will change into helpful once more. However till then, I’ve a sense I’m caught navigating the quaint method – with maps.
Digital Digital camera – To doc my journey, I’m utilizing a Canon Powershot SD1100. It’s an 8 Megapixel digicam that makes use of an SD card and a lithium battery. I bought an additional lithium battery for the digicam, however appear to have misplaced it. That being mentioned, I believe you will need to have an additional battery to your digicam as a result of when you find yourself out on the highway and your battery dies, it’s nearly unimaginable to discover a place to cease and cost your battery till you might be performed using for the day. And even then it may be troublesome at occasions to discover a energy supply to your digicam. It’s greatest if you happen to simply carry an additional battery so you may ensure you don’t miss that once-in-a-lifetime shot.
Reminiscence Playing cards – My digital digicam shops its images on SD playing cards and I’m carrying three SD playing cards with me on this journey. I’ve one 4 GB SD Card and two 2GB SD playing cards to function backups. When the playing cards get near full, I again them up onto my laptop and/or my exterior onerous drive.
Digital Digital camera Battery Charger – As a result of my digicam makes use of a lithium battery, I’ve to carry a particular battery charger only for the digicam. Fortunately, the Canon Powershot SD1000 comes with a particularly small battery charger. Really, the small battery charger is without doubt one of the important causes I purchased this digicam within the first place. Area and weight is essential for any touring bicycle owner… and this battery charger is each small and light-weight!
Earphones – Whereas I’m not touring with an iPod or another type of MP3 participant, I do have my laptop computer laptop with me and I take advantage of the Sony earphones I’ve packed for this journey when listening to music and when speaking with family and friends through Skype.
Clip-on LED mild – Along with the bike mild connected to the again of my bicycle, I’m additionally carrying a small LED mild which operates on a watch battery and clips to clothes or any small exterior flap. I introduced it alongside for this journey as a result of it’s light-weight and can assist to attract consideration to me when the climate will get dangerous and visibility drops out on the roads.
Pens – Inside my pannier/briefcase I’ve 4 pens and a couple of pencils. I take advantage of this stuff to write down in my journal, map out my every day routes and listing out objects I wish to add to my buying listing.
Microphone – I’m utilizing Skype and a low price Skype subscription to make cheap worldwide telephone calls to varied individuals world wide. To make these calls, I don’t essentially want an exterior microphone (as a result of my laptop computer has a inbuilt mic), however the exterior mic actually provides to the readability of my calls. And since I’m doing enterprise whereas I’m touring, I felt it essential to make my telephone calls as clear as potential. Because of this, I’m carrying a easy exterior mic for my laptop.
Thank You Notes – After I meet individuals who assist me on my travels, I like to go away them somewhat thanks observe. I believe it’s a pleasant solution to say goodbye and it leaves impression on these you meet alongside the best way. I began this journey with about 18 easy thanks notes and matching envelopes.
Studying Books – There may be normally plenty of spare time on most bicycle excursions… and because of this, I like to recommend bringing a studying ebook or two. On this journey I’ve one ebook in German (as a result of I’m attempting to study German whereas I’m right here) and one ebook in English. I’ll both donate the books to a library as soon as I’m completed, or just throw them away.
Journal – Along with the books I’m carrying, I’m additionally writing in a journal. Inside my journal I doc what I accomplish on a daily foundation, however extra importantly, I take advantage of my journal to plan out my actions for the longer term. Click on right here to learn extra about utilizing a journal in your bicycle tour.
Laptop computer Pc & Charger – The costliest and most essential piece of kit I’ve introduced on this journey is my laptop computer laptop. I’m working whereas I journey, so my laptop computer is significant to my operations right here. This web site and dozens of different websites I handle by my enterprise at Silver Mountain Advertising would fall into the Google sandbox if I didn’t have this laptop with me. I’m utilizing a Sony Vaio VGN-CR220E and it’s about one yr outdated. If you wish to get me a brand new laptop (PC or Mac), I’d be more than pleased to simply accept.
Laptop computer Sleeve– To maintain my laptop protected when touring, I’m utilizing an REI E-Wrap Pc Sleeve to pad and defend my laptop computer inside my panniers.
Flip Mino HD Video Digital camera – And eventually, I didn’t point out this within the video above, as a result of I used to be really utilizing this merchandise to provide the video, however I’ve introduced a Flip Mino HD video digicam with me and am utilizing this merchandise to provide all the movies you see on this web site. The digicam data with 1280 x 720 pixels, which qualifies it as excessive definition. That being mentioned, the standard is nowhere close to that of upper high quality excessive definition cameras. However for the touring bicycle owner, it’s an excellent little digicam to doc your journey.