This is a basic packing list, with notes and links to product reviews.
You can vary this list to suit the destination and season. Remember that less is more.
Unless you’re planning a trip to somewhere very remote, you should be able to pick up most things en route. Most cyclists end up packing too much and then shipping a box back home to lighten their load.
Bicycle Equipment
- Bike computer
- Bottle cages and bottles (ideally 3)
- Compression straps or cargo net
- Lights
- Lock
- Take-A-Look Mirror
Tools & Spare Parts
- Brake and gear cables
- Brake pads
- Chain lube
- Duct tape and zipties
- Mini cassette remover
- Multi-tool (with a chain breaker)
- Patch kit
- Topeak Mountain Morph Pump
- Rag for cleaning
- Replacement spokes
Camping Gear
- Flip flops or sandals (for grotty showers)
- Groundsheet (extends your tent’s life)
- Headlamp
- Tent
- Sleeping bag
- Sleeping bag liner (preferably silk)
- Sleeping mat
- String, 6-10 meters (numerous uses, including a clothesline)
- Water bladders (to carry extra water)
- Water ilter
Clothes*
- Bandana (soak it in water to keep your head cool in hot weather)
- Cycling shoes
- Cycling shorts (1-2 pairs)
- Hat with a wide brim
- Long-sleeved shirts (one lightweight to protect from sun and one warmer for cool temperatures)
- Long-johns (to sleep in and as an extra cycling layer on cold days)
- Padded cycling gloves
- Rain jacket and pants
- Socks (3-5 pairs)
- Sunglasses
- T-shirts (2-3 pairs)
- Underwear (3-5 pairs)
*We love Merino wool clothing. It’s warm, breathable and odour free. You can wear Merino wool clothing for several days in a row and it still won’t stink. In general, pick clothing that is versatile (zip-off cargo pants, for example, instead of a pair of pants and a separate pair of shorts) and lightweight.
Kitchen
- Cleaning supplies (dish soap, scrubber)
- Cookware (MSR Alpine)
- Kitchen sink (folding bowl)
- Screw-top bottles (for oil, honey, etc.)
- Spices (our top 3: italian seasoning, curry and cinnamon)
- Stove
- Thermos (ideal for quick coffee and tea stops, or to make ‘instant soup’ at lunch – especially in cooler weather)
- Utensils (spork, cup, bowl…)
Toiletries
- Basic kit (shampoo, toothbrush, sun screen…)
- Baby wipes (an ‘ instant’ shower)
- Laundry powder for hand washing
- Menstruation cup
- Toilet paper (or use water to wash yourself so there’s no dirty litter to dispose of!)
- Travel towel
First-Aid Kit
- Bandaids
- Emergency blanket
- Gauze
- Medicines (for colds, diarrhoea, head aches, dehydration)
- Scissors
- Tiger balm (for mosquito bites)
- Tweezers