One of the most common questions I get asked is what I brought with me on this trip. It’s a tricky balancing act choosing bike trip items. You want to be prepared, but you also don’t want to be weighed down too much. I’ve traveled by bike with big Burley trailers of over 80 pounds, but I think that would’ve been overkill for this trip. Instead, I have about 37 lbs worth of supplies.
So, what in the world am I taking on this trip with me!?
Part 1: The Critical Bike-Touring Gear:
- Headphones
- Portable speaker – for when headphones aren't safe but music is crucial.
- Light for my tent – so that I can see all the bugs.
- Mug – for turmeric & lemon tea.
Part 2: Reducing Risk
- Hand-packed medical kit – NOLS Wilderness First Responder course taught me a lot, but primarily that pre-made kits sometimes stink. So I added some extra medical supplies.
- 2 ACE straps, triple antibiotic, gauze, tape, bandages, emergen-c, and one cool can of calm.
- Bivvy Kit – as I understand it, a group of items meant to prolong your chances of survival until you can be evacuated. See the taped item on the left, beside the helmet. On it is written: Water & Warmth. It’s definitely an item you bring, but hope you never need to use.
- Water purification tablets, light source, guy-line, matches, trash bags, whistle, compass
- Note: I'll likely be near my bike in the situation that I would have to use this, so these are all just emergency things on top of my normal shelter & provisions.
- Bike gear: tube, a pump, and a little spirit (alcoholic and non)
Part 3: Shelter
- Tent –Big Agnes Seedhouse SL1
- Bag – Big Agnes -very warm
- Pad – This is my guilty item, it's like a real bed it's so comfy.
Part 4: Clothing
- 4 total pairs of clothing, 2 riding, 1 off. Riding gear is some padded undies, stretchy shorts, and synthetic tee. Off-gear is loose fitting shorts and a tee.
- Solid rain jacket and somewhat solid rain pants.
- Wimpy (in a good way) down jacket and two progressively lighter jackets. (Probably going to ditch one)
- 4-5 pairs of socks... I like socks.
- Crocs
Part 5: Cooking
- A pot, tiny burner, a bowl, and a spoon.
Let me know if there’s anything crucial you think I’m missing!