What do you pack when you decide to cycle across a continent? Does this differ a lot from a weekend trip? A 3 week trip?
How many pair of socks do you bring? What about spare parts? I've recently packed my bags and I this time I decided to write everything down so I finally have a decent packing list for a cycling trip.
Somehow my dad, who's joining for 2-3 weeks, has the same amount of luggage. Am I under-packed or is my dad over-packed? Maybe it doesn't really matter how long you go, at some point you just bring the same amount of stuff.
The packing List
The bike and bags:
Kona Sutra LTD
Ortlieb frame pack 4L
Ortlieb gravel pack 14.5L 2x
Ortlieb Fork packs 4L 2x
Spares and Tools:
Inner tube
Brake pads 2x
Missing links for chain repairs
Zip ties in different sizes
Pump
Alan Keys
Tape
Chain lube
Tire repair kit
Tire levers
Flash light
Brake and shifter cable
Chain breaker
Cloth
Lock
Spare spokes 2x
You can't bring spares for everything but with some basic tools and the most common spares you can get a long way. And don't forget zip ties and tape. That will almost always get you out of an otherwise annoying situation.
Clothes:
Bucket hat for the sun
Warm hat for the cold
Rain jacket
Quick dry towel
Base layer long trousers underwear
2x Long sleeved shirts
2x shorts
2x cycling bibs
Gloves
Base layer shirt
Mid layer
Fleece
Flannel shirt
4x underwear
4x socks
Cycling shirt
Tank top
2x buff
Sunglasses
70's chuck norris All-Stars
When cycling from the south to the far north it is necessary to prepare for both warm and cold weather conditions. Being able to either take off or put on more layers is key. Almost all clothes I've packed are easy to hand wash and dry.
The Kitchen:
Gas Canister
Small camping stove
MSR 400ml pan
Salt + pepper spice chain hanger
Chile flakes in a plastic bag
Titanium fork, spoon, knife and chopsticks (For roadside noodles)
Cup + liner for warm drinks
Water filter
Cloth
5x Freeze dried foods just in case
3x protein bars for snacks. (Will definitely always be present)
Knife
A small flagon of rum for those extra tough days
Sleeping:
MSR Hubba Hubba bike-packing tent
Exped sleeping mat
Sleeping bag for +- 10 degrees comfort
Pillow
Tent lamp
The tent is the place where you sleep, rest, shelter when it rains and is such an important part of the gear. It'll be your house for potentially a long time. I've went for a small compact 1 person tent. Easier to pack and also just easier to keep warm in. For my sleeping bag I chose one that's comfortable with a wide range of temperatures. If a night turns out colder I can always wear more layers.
Entertainment + Electronics
Ipad + pink keyboard to write this blog
E-reader filled with books
3 charging cables
Garmin 840 for navigation
Powerbank
Multi plug
Pad lock
Total kg: 12,3
So there it is. A pretty complet pack list for any trip. Of course you can adjust it to your needs and trip duration but hopefully it gives a little bit more insight about what you can bring on a trip. When I've completed my Europe trip I will update this again and note what I've missed or what I haven't needed at all.
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