Comfort Gear

[cyclesafe]

After much cutting and slashing, the load on my BOB is down to about 35 lbs. However, I may be foregoing some lightweight, low-bulk items that could make my trip more comfortable.  I would be interested to know what some of you experienced bicycle tourers bring that although not entirely logical from a weight/bulk POV, nevertheless make your trip better.  Examples could be a chair frame for your Thermorest or even a extra Thermorest.....  

[wanderingwheel]

One of the things I always liked about touring is that I can bring the stuff that usually doesn't make the cut when I go backpacking.  I carry a chair, extra clothes, a larger tent, books, and a camera.

Sean

[Badger]

The last tour I took I brought a small radio and then found out where I was camping the radio had no reception.

[driftlessregion]

When I was younger I slept on 1/4" of something called "blue foam." Now that I'm 53 the thick Thermorest and chair option is not longer a luxury and well worth the bit of extra weight. So is the 16 year old single malt Scotch.

[biker_james]

Last year I started carrying a small folding camp stool, and my wife got a tiny (actually a childs) folding lawn chair that we carry for when we camp, or just want to stop on the roadside for a snack or whatever. We also each have our electric toothbrush. Usually I will have a pocketbook, but I came back from our tour last year with several books purchased at a great little used book shop. Deck of cards and a cribbage board. One year we took a walkman and mini speakers (battery powered)and a solar charger, but we never did use the walkman the whole three weeks, so it is history. My wife has to have her small camping mirror, but I'm not sure if that is in the luxury category or necessity.
Things like a camera and notebook are not considered luxury itmes on our trips. Helping preserve memories is essential-looking at the photos now helps us survive until its time to go again.

[jnorth]

definitely a three-legged stool with back rest(turn the empty BOB over for a table), a small pillow, and  at least a one inch thick thermarest if the trip is more than 7 days.

[ptaylor]

I once started a 7 day tour with a friend who took a television set. This was some 10 years ago, and it was not one of your modern small high tech TV's. It had about a 12 inch screen and must of weighed 10 pounds. He kept it playing all night in his tent. He insisted on getting camp sites with electricity. He was a strong biker, and carried it in a 2 wheel Burley trailer.

Actually, this was his first and last self contained tour, and he gave up after 2 nights and went back home.

Gramps

[Mira!]

A mirror is DEFINITELY in the necessity category!  

[magno_michael]

Two wonderfully versatile items that go on every trip with me: a flexible plastic placemat, and a frisbee.  The placemat can serve as: a placemat, a cutting board, parts tray, wind screen, camp seat, funnel...and its virtually weightless, and rolls up for easy packing.  The frisbee is great as a eating dish, serving tray, bowl, cup... and I find nothing better that warming up stiff muscles in the morning with an invigorating round of tossing the frisbee.

[freightbike]

My forum name pretty much spells out my preferences. Nuf said. Back in 83 in western Montana I ran into a guy cycling from Boston to Seatle with a irish setter in a bugger trailer! that poor dog!
May the wind at your back always smell like home.
                  MORG

This message was edited by freightbike on 3-28-08 @ 9:20 PM

[driftlessregion]

I pity anyone using the original trailer, the Bugger. What a poor design, but glad I had one. At the time it was the only trailer out there.  See one when you use Google Images: Cannondale Bugger.

[bogiesan]

google "ultralight backpacking" for long discussions of what to add
back once the goal of going light has been achieved.
You will find lots of interesting suggestions that just don't appear on
bikers' radar. But "comfort" is strictly subjective. I must have some kind
of seat/chair with back support. A small chair from Crazy Creek is
much lighter than the cover/frame for my Thermarest but the cover
provides additional puncture resistance for the mattress. I discovered
those egg crate ultralight sleep pads from Cascade Designs add
substantial padding under any Thermarest for almost no mass gain.
Depending on your expected night temps, a silk bag liner can add
several degrees to your sleeping bag without much mass.
Wool.

david boise ID
 

go, ristretto, FCP/AE
"Read the manual."

[WesternFlyer]

I take an extra drinking cup.  I enjoy being able offer a cup of tea in the morning or a sip of wine in the evening to a fellow rider, or the car camper who drops by to talk story.

Western Flyer

Its greatest virtue is that in moderate quantities it produces the illusion of well-being and sparks a desire for celebration. Isabel Allende