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
19 Comments
Thank you for video. I am about to head back out on my pilgrimage myself.
Very informative video. Amazing if you shop around you can find good products on the cheap. Do you pack a patch kit? Good luck on your upcoming trip. Take care, Al
Thanks Roland. I don't take the laptop, but I do take a cheap android tablet with keyboard and mouse. It has an SD card reader and charges easily of a power pack. It is not great, but it allows me to copy SD cards, view movies etc.
Well done and constructive. Thanks.😊
I did pick up on some good tips here. I have not toured in a long time so this helps. Thanks and happy trails to you.
Thanks for the tips, I was wondering what you have on your bike. I watched all your videos, but I didn't know about Julianna getting busted (lol). I'll be looking forward to your next solo biking tour.
Interesting product details.
Looking for your next bicycle tour videos!
So many beautiful videos already (HUGE bicycle travel collection).
Your tours are SOLELY about the scenery and related historic details,
and are not at all ego trips!
Thank you, Roland and Julianna, for taking us with you!
Excellent video on your set up. Organization is critical for keeping the bike balanced and more stable to handle. Good advice about labeling the bags. FYI Ortleib makes a set of 3 packing cubes that fit their rear panniers.
Rule of thumb is to have the weight 60% on the back and 40% on the front.
Thank you for sharing. So much good information
👍
Great surprise! Excellent information as always! Appreciate the time it took to do this and give us new ideas to consider!
Roland, when can we expect footage of your Wisconsin tour? The German police need to realize we like to be SEEN while riding our bikes. "Distracting" lol
Hello again, Thanks for the informational video. Yes, camping gear is awesome these days with so many options. I am working on a plan for my first bike packing adventure. It was great to get a few tips from you. Happy Trails!
Carmen from Fargo
Thats great to know, I think you are pretty organized! Well, I'll see you in your next video I guess. Thanks for the info for packing on long bike trip.
I use the Osmo pocket 2 creator combo simple one handed operation and a gimbal built in
Roland, first of all my wife and I truly love your videos, the scenery, and your excellent commentary during your rides.
I must share a funny with you.
I’m in my 60’s and did quite a bit of hiking, backpacking, and camping years ago.
Last night as you were going through your camping gear, I made a comment to my wife how incredible today’s gear is as compared to what we used back in the day.
Approximately 1 minute later you made the exact same statement.
We both chuckled.
Have a great one Sir.
Thanks Roland, really appreciate the info.
Bonsoir Roland,
You must be a strong rider, that’s an impressive gear list.
Tks for that.
Laptop vs Tablet, Tubless tires + sealant vs tubes + patch kit, padded undies + regular shorts vs bibs are a matter of personal preference.
About the later, AFAIK everywhere in continental Europe ( the UK is another conversation which we will NOT start) Lycra clad cyclists are a no brainer.
You can go everywhere in your cycling gear without attracting oblique looks.
Being immediately recognized as a cyclist, and a bicycle-tourist, even, has its advantages, you aren’t one out 80ish millions ordinary tourists in France per year, but a special one.
I’m right there with you on everything you said in this video
Thanks!
Don't forget your shaver! 😉 Thanks for the list and have a great trip!