Notes on the Packing List

The packing list is for 2 people making long journeys by bicycle. Where items (tent, stove, first aid kit, radio, etc) are shared, they can be distributed between the 2 bicycles. Otherwise, each person carries their own kit.

For more information on some of these items, have a look at our A to Z of Long-term Motorhoming, which deals with similar issues.

Luggage: We have one pair of Carradice Super C rear panniers and a pair of Karrimor front panniers. The remainder are Ortlieb, as are the excellent map and document cases.

Tent: The tent is a Mountain Equipment Dragonfly 2XT 2007, a 2-person tent with a porch for luggage and cooking. The Thermarest sleeping mats are full-length.

Cooking: The stove is an Optimus Nova+ multi-fuel. Previously, we have always used a Camping Gaz stove for speed, ease and safety.

Basic Foods: We always carry enough food for at least a day; more if we know that we will be remote from shops or service stations for longer periods. The same applies to drinking water.

Lighting: Battery lights fit on the bicycles but also double as torches for use off the bike.

Electrical: This list has grown over the years and we now think that all the items are useful. The essentials are the shortwave radio and the bike computers. We have standardized on AA batteries as far as possible (radio, camera, lights, GPS, dog dazer, MP3 player) but we also carry spares for the smaller batteries (bike computers, mobile phones). Travel in the USA and parts of South America demands a triband mobile phone.

Bike Tools: We take a high quality lightweight tool for each job that might need to be done. This list is based on a lifetime of experience of the kind of problem/maintenance that might occur out on the road.

Accessories: We highly recommend a mirror – in our case, we use bar-end mirrors.

Spares: Like the bike tools, this list is based on experience of what has been needed and used over the years. Spare toe straps have so many uses, we always carry at least 4, fastened across the rear pannier carrier.

Documents: This is a surprisingly long list, but essential for travel in Europe and beyond. A copy of the photograph page of the passport (and perhaps other essential documents) should be carried separately from the passport, in case the latter is lost or stolen. Consider also using the USB flash drive to carry scans of essential documents, policies, claim forms, etc. They can then be printed in an internet centre or library.

Our data & address sheets (copied on the flash drive) list all the essential data that might be required, including email addresses and phone numbers. Bank details (account numbers etc), passwords and PINS can be written in coded form.

Souvenir gifts could be the 'visiting cards', small photos, postcards, flags, pens, etc.

Navigation: We now find our Magellan Meridian Colour GPS receiver, with contoured world map, not only essential but good fun.

Clothing: We aim for up to 5 layers in total. The innermost layer is thermal; the outer layer is Goretex; one middle layer is a fleece! We also aim for a bright yellow top (T-shirt or light showerproof jacket) when cycling. One pair of gloves and one pair of socks are waterproof Sealskinz. The snood is useful on cold days, for cycling and as a nightcap. A waterproof cap with a peak is a good substitute for a crash helmet when the latter is not worn. The helmet itself has a cover with a peak (peaks help keep wind, rain and sun off the face). Note that helmets are compulsory in Australia and NZ.

Cleaning: This is quite a list and will depend on personal preferences and habits. The washing-up liquid has a multiplicity of uses. So does dental floss, as strong string or thread. The hand wipes (or equivalent) should be strong enough for degreasing after a puncture repair or work on the chain.

First Aid Kit: This might also include antibiotics, needles and thread for stitching wounds and any drugs prescribed by your doctor (plus the prescription). One cyclist we know carried a 6-month supply of blood pressure reduction pills. Diabetics will know what they need to carry.

Personal: This is personal!