One of the most intimidating parts of bicycle touring is knowing what to pack. It’s not uncommon to worry about overpacking, under packing, or just plain forgetting important stuff to pack. And probably the most common questions we get on our channel is “When are you going to do a video showing what to pack on a bicycle tour?” This video takes you through the what, the how and the why of efficiently packing those panniers for a successful bicycle tour.
Here’s the list I use. Every rider and every trip is unique, and this list is meant to be added to and subtracted from to suit the person and occasion.
STREET CLOTHES
Shoes (1 Pair)
T-Shirts (1)
Socks (5)
Underwear (5)
Shorts (2)
Swimsuit
Pants (1)
Short sleeve button up (2)
Smart Wool underlayer
CYCLING CLOTHES
Cycling Shoes
Cycling Shorts (1)
Hat with Rim
Water Bottles (3)
Padded undies (2)
Rain Jacket
Arm warmers
Leg Warmers
Neck gator
Head Scarf
Sunglasses (2)
Helmet
Gloves
TOILETRIES
Scissors
Deodorant
Fingernail/Toenail Clippers
Prescriptions (Counted out to days*)
Glasses & Case
Razor & Extra Blade
Contacts wetter
Contacts cleaner
Toothbrush
Toothpaste
Hairbrush
Contacts (3)
Contact Plunger (3)
FIRST AID KIT
Band-Aids (assorted sizes & shapes)
Ace Bandage
Anti-Itch Cream (i.e. Hydrocortisone)
Ibuprofen
Voltaren
Compress / Gauze Pads (med / large size)
First-Aid Ointment (i.e. Neosporin )
Adhesive First-Aid Tape
Muscle Relief Cream (i.e. Icy-Hot, Sports Cream )
Antihistamine Tablets (i.e. Benadryl )
REPAIR KIT
Parts
Spare inner tubes
Cleaning Wipes
Fasteners
Tools (multi, Phillips, Common hex, Pliers)
Tire Levers
Mulit-tool
Chair
Backpacking French Press & cup(s)
Air Pillow
Sleeping Pad
Sleeping Bag
ELECTRONICS
All cords
All Chargers
Laptop
CAMERA
Ext Hard Drives (1)
Extra Memory Cards
Drone + Batteries
Microphones + Extra cords
Go Pro with stick
EXTRAS
Small Pack
Cooler & “ice”
Extra zip lock bags
Riding Wallet
Nylon Clothes line
Sunscreen
CAMPING
Tent
Mess Kit with plasticware
Stove
Gas Canister