Essential Kit for Trans AM

[colini39]

Hello Again,

Just wanted to throw in another curve ball and ask what people on here deem to be essential kit to take on an unsupported ride across the U.S. ?

Hope to hear from anyone.

Thanks

Colin

[irc]

Sufficient clothing but not too much.
Toolkit
Tent, mat, sleeping bag
Two or three bottles depending on how many cages your bike has.
Maps.


 

[DaveB]

Money

[Mark Manley]

Whilst the replies given include the absolute minimum you will require you really need to give us a little more information about how you intend to travel, camping or motels, cooking yourself or using restaurants whenever possible.

[staehpj1]

Hello Again,

Just wanted to throw in another curve ball and ask what people on here deem to be essential kit to take on an unsupported ride across the U.S. ?

Hope to hear from anyone.

Thanks

Colin

You can get by with amazingly little.  I took 14 pounds of gear and bags on the Southern Tier and had a bunch of stuff that isn't completely essential.  I did a little exercise and decided that about 8 pounds of stuff was pretty doable with cooking and camping.  That said I find it more pleasant to take a bit more.  Things like a camera, a pillow, and a pair of light trail running shoes are nice extras that bump my gear weight up to at least 12-14 pounds or so.

My list for my upcoming trip and the one from my southern tier are examples of somewhat minimal lists, but they do have non-essential items.  Links:
http://www.crazyguyonabike.com/doc/page/?o=7&page_id=292760&v=D
http://www.crazyguyonabike.com/doc/page/?o=7&page_id=266711&v=7R

[indyfabz]

Whilst the replies given include the absolute minimum you will require you really need to give us a little more information about how you intend to travel, camping or motels, cooking yourself or using restaurants whenever possible.

+1. Your route, direction and time of year may also influence the list. For example, if you do the Northern Tier west to east in starting in May, you very well might want a warm hat, warm gloves and other stuff to keep you warm and/or dry. It can get pretty cold and wet in WA during that time of year. You might not need such stuff on a more temperate route.

[Galloper]

A sense of humour and a liking for meeting people.