Hi everyone!
I've got a long trip planned this summer (about 6 weeks) and I'm not new to riding. However, I am new to long-term and long-distance riding. I just have no idea about weight and what's typical. This is the gear I have and I know there are many lighter options, I just don't have the money to do that for every piece of equipment.
The current setup is this:
- Trek Checkpoint ALR 4 (52cm, I'm 5'7" 155 pounds)
- Ortlieb Gravel Pack Panniers (12.5L each)
- Ortlieb Fork Panniers (5.8L each)
- Apidura 3L Frame Bag
- Apidura 1.5L Top Tube Bag
- Ortlieb 5L Ultimate Handlebar Bag
On my rear rack:
1.Paria Thermodown 15 Sleeping Bag (2 pounds, 14 oz.)
2. Thermastat Prolite Apex Sleeping Pad (28 oz.)
3. Naturehike Cloud-Up 2 Person Tent (3.52 pounds)
All of these are held down with some bungee cable.
I haven't even filled the bags yet with clothes/cooking gear but I'm trying to be as light as possible. It just feels SO MUCH HEAVIER already. I tried weighing it last night and it seemed like I'm at about 35 pounds all together with bike weight. I believe the bike is around 20-21 pounds stock.
Does this seem right? Do you have any suggestions? I took it for a spin this morning and it didn't feel particularly difficult or more challenging to pedal but I worry about climbs and hills. Is this too much gear?
This is a complete beginner post and I apologize ahead of time–I just don't really know!
Thank you!
by wowchips
6 Comments
Yeah that seems about right to me for what you’re carrying.
Keep in mind all of your camping gear is pretty heavy – two person tent and a 15 degree sleeping bag are naturally going to add some weight. That sleeping pad is pretty hefty too compared to others.
I rode the whole west coast. If anything being heavy makes you go slower uphill but faster down it. I wouldn’t worry too much just see gore this one goes and adjust the next time!
I have a similar set up. Here are some of my suggestions.
I have my sleeping system up front on the forks. I use anything cages with dry bags. I’m sure you could get your stuff in the panniers. This helps distribute the weight evenly.
Make sure to use a dry bag if you still want to bungee your sleeping system on the rack. Those bags they come in won’t keep your stuff dry in weather.
Your weight seems fine to me. Just needs to be distributed correctly.
Cool set up! But ditch your saddle for a Brooks B17. You will thank me.
Don’t forget you’re going to need more water than what you have there.
If you’re really concerned about weight, you might take a look at r/Ultralight. Some of those folks are a little extreme in their approach, but there’s a ton of good info on decreasing the weight of your camping gear. If you weigh everything out, they’ll even look over your gear list and offer ideas for how to save weight.