Right here it’s! My 2016 bike tour packing record – full with each single merchandise I selected to hold with me on my biking adventures this 12 months in Portugal, Spain, France, Andorra, Norway and Sweden.
Be happy to make use of this packing record as a suggestion to your personal bicycle touring adventures… or see my e-book, “The Bicycle Touring Blueprint” for extra info on what to pack, how heavy your bicycle needs to be, what kind of bicycle and kit you have to be utilizing, find out how to get your self and your bicycle/gear to the beginning of your bike tour, what to anticipate when you hit the highway, find out how to discover free and low-cost locations to remain every evening, and an entire lot extra.
After you’ve taken a have a look at the detailed bike tour packing record under, you should definitely watch the video on the finish of this text. The video will provide you with a chance to see all of my bicycle touring gear for your self, see how a lot all of it weighs, and see how I pack my bike/gear for air journey.
Lastly, the video comes with an essential warning that you shouldn’t pack like I’m packing right here. I’m carrying much more electronics than the common bicycle vacationer wants to hold – as a result of I want these electronics to do my work right here on the Web because the Bicycle Touring Professional. You, nevertheless, ought to pack a lot lighter. So, use this packing record as a unfastened guideline to your personal bicycle touring adventures, however definitely not as one thing that needs to be emulated precisely.
Co-Movement Pangea Touring Bicycle
The Co-Movement Pangea is similar touring bicycle I’ve been using since 2012. I’ve ridden this bike throughout greater than 40 completely different nations all around the globe and it’s the bike I selected to make use of but once more on my biking adventures this 12 months in Europe.
Shimano SPD Pedals
I experience with a pair of SPD footwear, which require a particular set of SPD pedals. These pedals give me extra energy on the up and down-stroke as I experience.
Axiom DLX Streamliner Disc Cycle Rack
This was my first time utilizing this explicit bike rack and it labored out effectively. The Axiom DLX Streamliner has a narrower profile than different rear bike racks, which reduces the house on the high of the rack for carrying gear, however in any other case it’s a superb, cheap bike rack.
Arkel AC Lowrider Entrance Rack
I’ve been utilizing this similar entrance bike rack on my bicycle touring expeditions all around the globe for the final 12+ years. The Arkel AC Lowrider is an excellent entrance bike rack that I might extremely advocate.
Planet Bike Entrance & Rear Fenders
There’s nothing fancy about my fenders. They’re low-cost plastic 26 inch fenders produced by Planet Bike.
3 Water Bottle Cages
I’ve received three of those water bottle cages mounted to the body of my touring bicycle.
3 Clean Bicycle Water Bottles
It’s fairly troublesome to discover a bicycle water bottle that isn’t plastered with logos, however I managed to seek out a couple of clear plastic water bottles that work effectively for my biking adventures.
Ortlieb Bike-Packer Plus Rear Panniers
The Ortlieb Bike-Packer Plus panniers are my favourite bicycle touring baggage. They’re giant sufficient to hold all my gear, fully waterproof, and good wanting. The pannier is proven right here with a shoulder strap, however I don’t pack or carry that strap with me after I’m touring.
Ortlieb Sport-Packer Plus Entrance Panniers
Ortlieb Sport-Packer Plus panniers are good, waterproof bicycle touring panniers. As soon as once more, the product is proven right here with the included shoulder strap, however I don’t pack or carry this strap whereas I’m on the highway.
Ortlieb Final 6 Handlebar Bag
I can’t think about bicycle touring with out my Ortlieb Ultimate6 Handlebar Bag, which I exploit to hold my pockets, cameras, and varied bicycle instruments.
Knog Blinder Circle USB Bike Mild
I’ve been utilizing this Knog Blinder Circle USB bike gentle for a number of years now and it continues to perform effectively for my travels by bike. I hardly ever apply it to the bicycle (principally only for biking via tunnels), however I do use it very often as a lightweight for the within of my tent within the evenings.
Blackburn Central 50 Rear Mild
This was my first time utilizing the Blackburn Central 50 rear bicycle gentle and itt labored effectively for me. The battery lasts fairly some time and I by no means had another issues with the sunshine throughout my travels.
Blackburn Atom SL 4.0 Bicycle Laptop
The Blackburn Atom SL 4.0 bicycle laptop was a brand new addition to my packing record this 12 months. The battery on the sensor died after only one month on the highway, however that was simply changed and the pc as an entire has been working flawlessly ever since.
20 Inch Bungee Wire
I exploit this quick bungee wire to hold my tripod (and different miscellaneous gadgets I would decide up alongside the way in which) on the highest of my rear bicycle rack.
Lezyne Sport Drive HV Hand Pump
The Lezyne Sport Drive HV hand pump is an affordable bicycle pump, nevertheless it has labored flawlessly for my travels in Europe this 12 months. It’s compact, light-weight and simple to make use of.
Origin 8 Multi-Instrument
I purchased myself a brand new multi-tool this 12 months after my outdated one had grow to be worn. The Origin 8 picket multi-tool is somewhat on the heavy aspect, nevertheless it has all of the Allen wrenches, screwdrivers, and such that I want.
Pedal/S&S Coupler Wrench
This is similar small (however not very gentle) pedal/S&S coupler wrench that I’ve been carrying with me for the final 5 years. I exploit the wrench to put in and take away my pedals, in addition to to tighten and loosen the S&S couplers that enable me to separate my bicycle in half. See my assessment of the Co-Movement Co-Pilot journey case for extra info on how this works.
10 MM Wrench
My fenders have a small 10 mm nut that’s used to carry the fenders in place over the tires. Subsequently, I’ve to hold this small wrench with me within the occasion that these nuts ought to ever come unfastened or want adjustment.
Spare Rack Screws
Rack, fender and water bottle screws are infamous for wiggling unfastened throughout the lengthy days of biking on a bicycle tour. That’s why I all the time carry not less than two or three further rack screws with me – simply in case.
Patch Equipment & Tire Levers
If I get a flat tire, I can often restore the flat with my primary restore package and its included two plastic tire levers.
Spare Tube
Within the occasion of a flat tire, I all the time have not less than one spare bike tube on me always.
Large Agnes Copper Spur UL 1-Man Tent
The Large Agnes Copper Spur UL is a small, light-weight tent that feels fairly massive inside when you set it up. I purchased this tent due to how small and light-weight it’s and it’s turned out to be my favourite bicycle touring tent ever. Extremely really useful!
Vaude Sove Sleeping Pad
I’ve used dozens of various sleeping pads and mats over time, however the Vaude Sove is, by far, the perfect sleeping pad I’ve ever used. It’s good for summer season bike touring, however not best for winter biking expeditions.
Marmot At all times Summer season Sleeping Bag
This small, light-weight sleeping bag is right for a summertime bicycle touring expedition. The Marmot At all times Summer season sleeping bag is insulated with down, so even within the cooler nights of spring and summer season, this sleeping bag will possible maintain you heat.
Gerber Folding Knife
This small folding knife is carried in my handlebar bag and might be accessed rapidly if want be. However the principle function for this knife is for meals preparation.
Titanium Spork
A light-weight titanium spork is the one kitchen utensil I’m carrying on my bike excursions today (except you rely my folding knife, after all).
Giro Xen Helmet
I’ve been utilizing the Giro Xen bike helmet for years and years now. I’ve by no means truly had to make use of it (thank goodness), nevertheless it suits effectively and I like the massive solar visor within the entrance, which helps to maintain the solar out of my eyes as I experience.
2 Fox MTB Quick-Sleeve Jerseys
I carried two completely different short-sleeved Fox mountain bike jerseys with me on my bike tour this 12 months – along with a single long-sleeved jersey from the identical firm.
1 Fox MTB Lengthy-Sleeve Jersey
I purchased this long-sleeved biking jersey from Fox, pondering that I might hardly ever, if ever, put on it, nevertheless it turned out to be my favourite biking jersey that I wore this 12 months. The jersey is gentle sufficient that I may put on it even in sizzling climate, and since it’s long-sleeved, it helped to maintain the solar from burning my arms.
Volcolm Shorts
I don’t experience in a pair of particular bicycle shorts. I simply cycle in a pair of black Volcolm shorts – like the sort you would possibly discover at your native surf/skate store.
REI Rhyolite Rain Jacket
The REI Rhyolite rain jacket is trendy and tremendous compact. It’s very light-weight and might be squeezed into any empty areas you might need inside your panniers, nevertheless it isn’t very heat, so it must be used along with a a lot hotter, insulating jacket.
Patagonia Fleece Jacket
This black fleece jacket from Patagonia has been my go-to jacket for greater than 5 years now. Not solely does it maintain me heat in cool climate (each on and off the bike), however after 5 years of heavy use, it nonetheless appears almost model new.
North Face Rain Pants
I’ve received a primary set of North Face rain pants. I hardly ever cycle in these pants truly, and use them extra at evening to sleep in than for another function.
Giro Grynd SPD Bicycle Sneakers
The Giro Grynd SPD bicycle footwear are light-weight and trendy – precisely what I used to be searching for in a superb pair of bicycle touring footwear. Sadly, the fabric used on the only of the footwear wore out in a short time (after solely 3 months of touring), so I wouldn’t essentially advocate them till that design drawback has been fastened.
Nike Operating Sneakers
Along with the footwear that I put on whereas pedaling my bike every day, I additionally selected to journey with a pair of light-weight trainers from Nike. There’s nothing particular about these footwear. They simply match me effectively they usually’re good for strolling round in.
Light-weight Denims
Off the bike, that is the one and solely pair of pants that I put on. They’re a light-weight pair of black denims. As a result of they’re black, they work effectively in each formal and casual environments.
T-Shirts
Nothing particular right here. I carry only a couple T-shirts with me on my bike excursions. One among these T-shirts I exploit to sleep in and the others are worn when I’m exploring off the bike.
Fox Head Digit Security Gloves
As a result of I knew I might be biking in Arctic Norway and Sweden this summer season, I knew I wanted to have not less than a skinny, light-weight pair of gloves with me… and I’m positive glad I had these gloves as soon as I received to Scandinavia. I wanted them!
Fox Flex 45 Match-Flex Hat
As quickly as my bike helmet comes off my head, I instantly place this Fox Flex 45 baseball cap onto the highest of my head. It’s 100% obligatory for protecting up helmet hair after an extended day within the saddle.
3 Pairs of Black Socks
I began my bike tour this 12 months with 5 pairs of black socks, however I misplaced two pairs and rapidly realized that 3 pairs of socks was sufficient.
3 Pairs of Underwear
I rotate between the pairs of underwear I carry – with one pair virtually consistently being within the means of being cleaned or dried.
Nike Sun shades & Case
I don’t know precisely what mannequin of sun shades I’ve, however I do know they’re made by Nike. They do a superb job of blocking out the solar, however they pinch the again of my head and fall off my nostril relatively simply. I wouldn’t advocate them… and I’m within the means of looking for a brand new pair of sun shades.
DJI Phantom 4 Quadcopter/Drone
The massive addition to my bicycle touring gear record this 12 months is the addition of the DJI Phantom 4 Quadcopter (or drone). Carrying the drone, distant controller, battery charger and spare propellers was not a number of enjoyable (as a result of it’s fairly giant and weights fairly a bit), however I used to be capable of match the drone inside one in all my rear panniers and carry it with me for the whole 3 months I used to be in Europe. Watch the movies from my bike tour in Europe this 12 months and also you’ll see that the Phantom 4 received me some spectacular pictures and movies from my travels!
13″ MacBook Professional Laptop computer Laptop
As a result of I’m not simply bicycle touring, however working from the highway as effectively, I carry my MacBook Professional laptop computer laptop and charger with me. It’s fairly heavy, however I’m grateful to have it when the time comes for me to take a seat down and do my work.
Padded Laptop computer Case
My laptop might be an important merchandise that I personal. That’s why, after I’m bicycle touring, I do every thing I can to attempt to defend it. And that features wrapping the pc in a padded laptop computer case after which inserting that case into my padded backpack inside one in all my rear panniers.
Journey Good All-in-One Energy Adapter
As an American touring in Europe, it’s obligatory for me to hold an influence adapter like this one with the intention to cost all the electronics I’m carrying with me. I like this Journey Good All-in-One Energy Adapter as a result of it has a USB charger on its aspect, which makes it straightforward for me to recharge my smartphone, GoPro video digicam and bike lights.
Canon T2i DSLR Digital Digital camera
My Canon T2i DSLR digicam is getting fairly outdated and may now be bought for under $215 USD, nevertheless it has produced some wonderful bike tour pictures for me over time. I carry the digicam in my handlebar bag so I can rapidly snap pictures from the highway.
Lowepro SLR Digital camera Smooth Case
With the intention to defend my DSLR digicam, I carry it on this Lowepro SLR Digital camera smooth case. The product is proven right here with each a shoulder strap and a hand grip, however I minimize them each off (to avoid wasting weight) and don’t use both of them.
Canon EF 28-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS USM Normal Zoom Lens
That is the lens I exploit for many of my bicycle touring and journey pictures. It doesn’t produce the sharpest photos on this planet, however its zoom lens makes it essentially the most helpful of all of the DSLR digicam lenses I’m carrying.
Canon EF 50mm f/1.4 Digital camera Lens
When the state of affairs is true, I’ll pull out my Canon 50 mm lens and use it to take some actually high-quality pictures. It is a fastened lens, which produces tremendous sharp photos, however can actually solely be utilized in sure conditions.
Tokina 11-16mm f/2.8 Huge-Angle Digital camera Lens
For panorama pictures, inside lodge room photos, and video running a blog, that is the lens I resort to first. It has a slight bubble to the picture that’s noticeable in movies, however not a lot in nonetheless photos.
Canon Powershot ELPH 350 HS
The Canon Powershot ELPH 350 HS is my go-to digicam for video running a blog.The overwhelming majority of my movies this 12 months have been shot on the small, light-weight point-and-shoot digicam.
Samsung Galaxy S5 Mini Worldwide Smartphone
For mapping out my route, listening to music/podcasts, studying international languages and easily entertaining myself, my Samsung Galaxy S5 smartphone is my finest bicycle touring software.
GoPro Hero Video Digital camera
My GoPro Hero video digicam rides in my handlebar bag and is all the time inside straightforward attain. I hardly ever use the digicam, nevertheless, as its solely good for sure sorts of photographs (i.e. primarily photographs of me using on the bike, within the rain or via crowded metropolis streets).
GoPro Selfie Stick
Along with the GoPro video digicam itself, I exploit this quick plastic helmet/selfie stick to simply grip and carry the GoPro whereas I’m using. With out this plastic deal with, it will be very troublesome to make use of my GoPro in any significant manner.
GoPro Chesty Chest Mount
Factor unusual contraption permits me to experience my bicycle and movie hands-free with my GoPro video digicam. The GoPro Chesty chest mount produces a really particular kind of using shot, which I’ve discovered to be most helpful and fascinating when descending giant hills and mountains. Click on right here to see a video shot with the GoPro Chesty.
Sony Earphones
After I crawl into my tent at evening, the very first thing I often do is plug my earphones in and begin listening to a podcast. Once in a while I’ll cycle with the earphones in my ears, however that hardly ever ever occurs.
Western Digital 2 TB Exterior Exhausting Drive & Case
The entire pictures and movies I shoot on my bicycle touring adventures is saved on this single Western Digital 2 TB laborious drive. Throughout my 3 months in Europe this summer season, I shot somewhat greater than 1 TB price of pictures and movies.
Columbia Half-Monitor Backpack
I spend a number of break day the bike after I’m touring, and I prefer to have a backpack to hold my issues round in throughout these moments. The Columbia Half-Monitor Packpack can be tremendous helpful for grocery procuring.
Sony VCT-60AV Tripod
I hardly ever use my Sony VCT-60AV tripod, which I keep on the highest of my bicycle’s rear rack and secured in place with a brief bungee wire. Nonetheless, after I do wish to snap a photograph of myself, I’m glad to have my tripod at hand.
REI Toiletry Case
All of my toiletries are carried on this single REI toiletry case. I’ve not listed the person toiletries that I carried, however I’ll inform you that for this explicit journey, I didn’t pack a camp towel… and it seems I hardly ever ever wanted it.
Passport
As a global traveler, I don’t go wherever now with out my passport.
Buxton Zippered Journey Pockets
I purchased my Buxton zippered journey pockets at Staples a number of years in the past and have been utilizing it as my go-to bicycle touring pockets. I like the truth that it’s zippered, so I don’t have to fret about my money, bank cards or ID falling out.
Journal & Pen
Lastly, I selected to journey this 12 months with a light-weight journal and a single ballpoint pen. Whereas my smartphone can be utilized for all kinds of note-taking, there are specific instances when a superb old style pen and paper are precisely what you want.
So, there you have got it! That’s my full 2016 bike tour packing record. That’s every thing I selected to hold with me on my bicycle tour in Portugal, Spain, France, Andorra, Norway and Sweden throughout the summer season of 2016. Click on right here to see how this gear record compares to what I carried on my 2015 bicycle touring expedition.
Then, watch the video under for an much more detailed have a look at what I packed on my 2016 bike tour in Europe.
Please notice that for those who watch this video, there are a couple of gadgets I faraway from my baggage on the final minute – simply to make my bike somewhat lighter. Objects like my DSLR viewfinder and my keyed cable lock have been eliminated on the final minute and I didn’t use them in any respect on my travels this 12 months. That’s proper! I traveled for 3 months throughout Europe… and I didn’t have a motorbike lock. Seems, I by no means actually wanted it!
Lastly, I really feel the necessity to repeat myself by saying that you just in all probability shouldn’t pack precisely like I’ve accomplished right here. I’m carrying far more electronics than most bicycle vacationers will ever want to hold. The one motive I’m carrying a drone, laptop, and a number of high-end digicam gear is as a result of I exploit these electronics for my work because the Bicycle Touring Professional.
With every thing on this 2016 bike tour packing record packed on my bicycle, my bike weighs near 100 lbs. And belief me, that’s a number of weight to be carrying round with you. Don’t pack like this except you completely should!
If you wish to see a superb light-weight packing record, please see this text or decide up a replica of “The Bicycle Touring Blueprint,” which accommodates a number of completely different packing lists that you need to use to plan and put together to your personal unbelievable bicycle touring adventures.
You probably have any questions or feedback about something I’ve talked about on this article, please depart a remark under and I’ll reply to you simply as quickly as I probably can.
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