Luxuries

[Galloper]

I read in an article on touring, many years ago, that one of the keys to a successful trip was having a luxury.   I've always subscribed to that.   By a luxury I mean something non-essential but more something you carry with you which makes the trip more enjoyable.

In recent years I've carried an MP3 player but my big luxury has always been a book or two.   I've recently treated myself to a Kindle and that has just popped to the top of my luxury list.

What do you take?

[Elessar]

I would take my Android phone because it has the Kindle app as well as lots of other "tools" that could be useful, provided that a cell signal is available.  Weather, internet, blogging, camera, gps, and reading many newspapers.  I can read off line and have completed dozens of books from Amazon as well as Wattpad.  I wouldn't use the gps except in the case of emergencies because it is the biggest power hog and would only last a few hours if active.  It's a nice toy but the power supply would be an issue because it only holds a charge for about 36-40 hours.  In the case of traveling I guess I would turn it off unless I was actively using to extend the service period between power outlets.

[knolltop]

Good topic.  :thumbsup:

[Stevenp]

Great topic!

I am yet to go on my first Xcountry trip from east to west. I am considering a gps, but it doesn't feel so much like a luxury item, more than a necessity for me. I have considered a time or two whether to take with me a fishing pole, like a smaller pole, not the regular poles.

Has anyone done that and was it worth it? I'd be interested (on one of your sidenotes) if you have had fishing pole experience?

[DaveB]

Great topic!

I am yet to go on my first Xcountry trip from east to west. I am considering a gps, but it doesn't feel so much like a luxury item, more than a necessity for me. I have considered a time or two whether to take with me a fishing pole, like a smaller pole, not the regular poles.

Has anyone done that and was it worth it? I'd be interested (on one of your sidenotes) if you have had fishing pole experience?

There are several makers who offer light multi-section fishing rods and small light weight reels intended for backpackers, etc. that would be suitable. 

However, your biggest problem (and expense) will be the need for a non-resident fishing license in every state you want to fish it.   Unless you can be certain you will only fish on private land and with the owner's permission you will need a fishing license for each state.

[shorecycler]

I love the idea of bringing a fishing pole. I am working on my first tour as well and this sounds like something to sink a little thought into. Usually my luxury is riding my bike so I hadnt put any effort into this aspect. As far as a fishing license... "OOPS! I had no idea..!" A fishing infraction in Kansas is my last concern hahaha

[haakon]

I think a nice luxury for any trip is a nice bottle of whiskey or scotch or whatever you like.  Pour the liquid into an empty plastic Aquafina bottle (or two) and have a nip or two each night, rationed throughout the trip.  A nightcap is a nice way to put closure on the day, when everything is put away.  It's fun to measure an approx. length of a trip (or a section) by how much is left in the bottle too.  Something to look forward to!

[knolltop]

I think a nice luxury for any trip is a nice bottle of whiskey or scotch or whatever you like.

:thumbsup:!!

[staehpj1]

In general I think that taking a luxury item along is usually just a reason to carry more than needed.  Up to a point, for me at least, the best luxury is a light load.  I guess it depends on what you call a luxury though.  One person's luxury in another person's necessity.  The thing is that on most packing lists half of the necessities are really luxuries.  I know that I am still deciding that things can be trimmed from my list each trip.

That said if taking one luxury allows you to be OK with leaving 5 other things home maybe it is a good strategy.

The closest thing to luxuries in my panniers are a small pillow and a camera.  I do like a little luxury in the form of something nice for dinner and maybe a bottle of wine once in a while to go with it.  That doesn't need to be carried far though.

[Tourista829]

I second the phone. I know some will say, touring is to get away from this but it is nice to keep in touch and be able to use some of the functions. My Samsung Galaxy Android Phone. I too like to travel light. It serves multiple functions, saves weight, and area:

1. Phone
2. Kindle Reader (goodsize screen)
3. Camera
4. Music
5. News
6. Weather
7. Internet (look up campsites, motels, restaurants, hospitals, bike shops)
8. Text
9. Check Email (Work & Personal)
10. Entertainment (Watch Movies, Sports, & Play Games)
11. GPS
12. Journal

I am going to purchase a Schmidt NAB 28 dyno hub with E-Werke to be able to charge the phone, my spare battery, and run my lighting. Sweet!!!

[bogiesan]

Luxuries, by definition, are not necessary.
If your luxury item were to be stolen, lost, washed away in a swollen river, or run over by an SUV, you might mourn the loss but you should be able to simply shrug it off.

Some of the items discussed in this thread would present real issues if lost.

I don't do self-supported touring because of my many years of backpacking. My last two seasons, I decided to go ultralight. Reducing my load from 45-60 pounds to less than 20 pounds taught me much about luxury and the value of every gram on my back. As a result, my load for supported tours is dramatically less massive. I have less stuff to keep track of. I can pitch and strike camp in minutes. The luggage truck guys benefit, too.

david boise ID

[indyfabz]

I now carry a small santoku knife instead of the Swiss Army knife I used to tour with.  Got tired of slicing with such a small blade.  I also take a small, thin cutting board so I don't have to use my plate.  Good coffee and french press mug.  Corkscrew, as I try to have wine every night.

[mucknort]

I love the idea of bringing a fishing pole. I am working on my first tour as well and this sounds like something to sink a little thought into. As far as a fishing license... "OOPS! I had no idea..!" A fishing infraction in Kansas is my last concern hahaha

I googled "fishing fines in Kansas" for ya, shorecyler, and the total of the fine plus court costs for fishing without a non-resident license would be $153.50. Other states charge up in the hundreds of dollars. Some will impound your fishing gear and your vehicle (would be a bummer to lose your bike while on tour).
On our last tour, we let our son fish because he is below the legal age for most states (usually 16). Even then, we were taking a chance since most states require any adults with the fishing minor to have a current license. I've heard a couple of horror stories regarding that situation in my home state.

I also take a small, thin cutting board so I don't have to use my plate.

These thin flexible plastic cutting boards are great cuz they are lightweight and are big enough to put all of your cut up veggies/fruit/cheese on for the meal instead of a grungy picnic table/etc.:

[lonerider]

My luxury is tea. Don't need it, but really desire it some days so I bring it.

[Galloper]

Eeh Lad!   Tea is an essential.   Nowt better than a cup of Yorkshire tea and a slice of cake at the end of the ride