What gear?

[opalko]

Is there a list (or maybe more than one list) of what gear (camping and then everything else) for beginning touring?

Cheers

[whittierider]

http://www.machka.net/packinglist.htm
http://www.reallite.com/SST_CompleteList.htm
I'm sure others will have more (better?) lists.

[WesternFlyer]

There are some good articles under the "How-To Department" at the ACA homepage.  Look up bicycle basics.
 http://www.adventurecycling.org/features/howto.cfm#Basics  

I advise reading the article on ultra-light touring as a starting point.  If you are starting out getting your gear--start out light!  You'll be glad you did.  





Western Flyer

A wise traveler has no fixed plans and is not intent upon arriving.
           Lao Tzu

[staehpj1]

What I took on the Trans America is in my journal at:
http://www.crazyguyonabike.com/doc/staehling2007

There are lots of other journals in the crazy guy site that have lists.  It is a good idea to read a bunch.

If you have experience in other forms of self supported camping (backpack, canoe, kayak) skills and gear choices carry over well.

[Westinghouse]

Staehpj1:

I just looked at your "Two Grads and a Dad" cycling journal yesterday. It is really great, and plenty of attractive photos too.

[staehpj1]

Westinghouse,

Thanks for the comment about our journal.  We really had a wonderful trip.  To do a trip like that is great, but to share it with my daughter was priceless.  The other young woman on the trip is now a very good friend and like family too.  I think the trip will be something special to all of us for the rest of our lives.

[raybo]

This page has 5 links to information about packing lists.

Ray

Visit the on-line bike touring archive at www.biketouringtips.com

This message was edited by raybo on 10-27-08 @ 12:39 PM

[opalko]

All I see is info on different fuel types, not packing lists?

[raybo]

Opalko,

Thanks for pointing this out.  I fixed the link in the above post.

Ray

Visit the on-line bike touring archive at www.biketouringtips.com

[Thunder]

http://www.struck.us/CheckList/BicyclingChecklist.html#BikeChecklist

You have to use some judgment, but usually the judgment reasoning is presented.

[raybo]

One thing to keep in mind when you are assembling your gear is the weight of packaging.  After my first bike tour, I tried to reduce the weight I was carrying.  I was able to take a pound or two out of my toiletries kit just by getting rid of most the packaging.  

If it comes in a metal can, don't take it.  Find another product that is a creme that you can put in small plastic tubs.  Don't take more than you need, like toothpaste.  Get small, travel-sized amounts.

Take a hard look at your pants and shirts.  Buy lightweight and quick drying versions.  Jeans and t-shirts are not lightweight.

Just a few thoughts.

Ray

Visit the on-line bike touring archive at www.biketouringtips.com

[Sectrix]

Check out a book by a fellow named Ray Jardine, "Trail Life", or the older, "Beyond Backpacking". It is more geared towards hikers, but the sections on tents and sleeping bags and such does apply to any self-contained rider. I used this book as the basic guideline for all my gear selection. As an idea of what you can do with proper gear selection, he was able to hike the PCT with a base weight of 15 lbs. My base weight for the TA trail is about 20 lbs. I could shave off some extraneous gear and save another 5 lbs or so.

[John Nettles]

I have toured for right at 30 years.  My golden packing rule is everything must be able to do double duty unless absolutely critical, i.e. tent.  Of course, this is a personal preference and every person has a different definition of "critical".  I have toured for years with a total weight of 25 pounds, including packs, and 3 days of clothes. 

Clothes are a good example on how to do double up.  Do you really need a jersey or will just a regular t-shirt work?  I must have "cargo" type cycling shorts and when I get to camp, I shower, and change into the next day's clothes.  I have a pair of zip-off legs pants for day hikes and something a tad dressier.  Again, every one is different so do a few weekend trial tours before setting out.

[MrBent]

Lots of good advice, and we each have our special goodies/needs.  The nice thing about biking is that you can carry a bit more than back packing and still enjoy yourself.  For me, one thing I splurge on is sleeping gear.  I MUST have a comfortable pad, and I like being able to convert my pads into chairs.  I carry a fat Thermarest (2") with a chair conversion cover.  The whole rig clocks in around 2 or 3 lbs., but I've got the best seat in the house for cooking/hanging/reading, especially on rest days, and the bed is excellent.  I've been using a Big Agnes air mattress, too, with some success.  I'm less than thrilled with the chair arrangement, however.  I'm thinking of going back to the T-rest.

Of course, lighter is generally better, but you need to find what works for you.

Cheers,

Scott

[Westinghouse]

Tent, sleeping bag, ground pad, clothing, eating utensils, stove optional, pot and pan, hygiene articles, towel, first aid, lights, spare tire, spare tubes, tools, patch kit, pump, bug repellent depending on where and the time of year, camera, journal, pens, cell optional, maps, water, food, snacks, drinks.

Do not go anywhere without having your patch kit, tools, and pump close and readily at hand.

That is about all I can think of right now.