Your Packing List

It all begins with a list. Well, to be more precise, it all begins with a sense of adventure (and a sense of humour). But the very next thing you’ll need when planning your cycle touring or bikepacking adventure is a solid packing list of what you’ll need – for both on and off the saddle. When planning your cycleventure, preparing your packing list and planning your needs is essential. 

Don’t sweat it too much. Whether you’re a cycling or traveling novice, chronic over-packer, or just a gearhead, you can probably get away with much less than you think. Whatever cycling, traveling, and camping gear you decide to kit yourself out with on your trip, remember – someone has cycled way more with way less. You can almost always get away with what’s already in the back of your closet. But if you want to “do it right” or “do it up” or if you’re just looking to make some core upgrades, it’s best to focus on the essentials and build out from there. Remember to keep things simple and not overdo it. One of the biggest mistakes made by cycling novices and even seasoned cyclists is to overpack – you don’t want to find yourself carrying a whole bunch of stuff you don’t really need and that just weighs you down. We’ve made that mistake too, so take it from us – don’t overpack. A good general rule of thumb for preparing your packing list is that nomatter how long you’re planning your trip to be, you probably won’t need more than what you would for a week.

We’ve put together the following list of pretty much anything and everything you could possibly need on a cycle touring or bikepacking trip. Bear in mind, though, this list reflects our personal preferences based on our own experiences – it’s what we think works best for us. So feel free to modify this list to suit your own trip requirements and personal needs and idiosyncrasies (we all have them!). 

Packing List

Luggage

1. Bike travel case

   • Essential for when you’re flying to your cycle touring or bikepacking destination. You can choose between hard and soft cases. Hard cases are great but take up more space, while soft cases sacrifice some protection, but we like them because they can collapse and take up less space when not in use.

   • If you’re flying to your cycling destination, we recommend that you arrange ahead with your accommodation in your embarkation point to store your bike travel case while you’re on the road. Most major hotels will do this for you, although they may charge a fee for this. Another option is to store your bike travel case at the train station. Most major train stations have storage lockers or a luggage-checking service, and fees are not too expensive.

2. Large duffel

   • To hold your packed panniers, other bags, and other stuff when traveling to your cycle touring or bikepacking destination. We like a soft duffel, because it can be conveniently stowed in your bike travel case when you’re not riding.

Panniers and Bike Bags

1. Panniers (rear and/or front) - 15L - 70L

   • For packing your clothes, camping gear, and other larger items. But remember to leave some empty space for stuff you pick up along the way, otherwise you’re gonna have to make some tough choices! Many riders forget to do this. Front panniers can be tricky, as they can affect the steering and balance of your bike and they generally don’t work with carbon forks. We recommend that you stay away from them, unless your trip absolutely demands them, and then be sure that your fork can accommodate them. Talk to the folks at your local bike shop.

2. Handlebar bag - 5L - 15L

   • This can often double as your day bag, and many handlebar bags can be locked to your bike. Handlebar bags are a convenient way to store easy-to-reach items, such as phones, wallets, and maps.

3. Frame bags - 0.5L - 6L

   • Mainly used by bikepackers, but increasingly becoming a cycle touring essential, these bags are a great use of empty frame space and can hold heavier and dirtier gear (like bike tools and spare parts) separate from your clothes and distribute weight more evenly on your bike.

4. Saddle bag - 0.4L - 17L

   • Perfect for smaller items that can be conveniently reached, such as a bike multi-tool or jacknife.

5. Trunk bag - 8L - 15L

   • Great way to carry stuff, including camping gear or even an insulated cooler. Like handlebar bags, trunk bags can often double as your day bag. They are easy to access and many simply click on and off your rear rack easily, making them super convenient.

Cycling Equipment

1. Bicycle lights (front and rear) and charging cables

   • These can be attached to your handlebars and seat stem, your rear and front racks, and often to your bike bags. Be sure to keep them charged and carry extras if you think your charges won’t last the duration of your daily ride.

2. Compact folding bike lock or lightweight cable lock

   • Combination locks are most convenient, since there’s no key to have to store (and risk losing!), although they are rated less secure than key locks.

3. CO2 inflators and/or mini pump

   • CO2 inflation units are super convenient. They’re small, making them easy to stash away on your bike so you can always have a few handy. They contain pressurized CO2 gas and can fill your tire quickly, saving time and effort of a manual pump. They consist of a CO2 cartrdige and inflator head or nozzle that attaches to the valve stem of your tire.

   • You may choose to carry a mini pump, either in addition to or instead of CO2 inflators. Mini pumps are, well, mini - they’re small and durable that can be carried in your pockets or stored in your frame bag is best. Remember that your mini pump is an emergency pump only and meant to get you to the nearest bike store.

4. First aid kit (with emergency numbers)

   • We recommend you make a list of emergency numbers, which is often best stored in your first aid kit. Just in case.

Cycling Tools and Parts

Note: Talk to the folks at your local bike shop to get guidance where needed. Longer or more rugged or isolated bike trips will require different tools and parts than short trips or road trips where the necessary amendities are relatively nearby.

1. Swiss Army knife or Leatherman

2. Bike multi-tool (with everything you need, including allen wrenches, screwdrivers, tire levers, etc.)

3. Spare tube(s)

4. Patch kit (depending on the trip)

5. Spare tire (depending on the trip)

6. Chain tool (depending on the trip)

7. Small bottle of chain lube and rag (depending on the trip)

8. Spoke wrench and spare spokes sized for your bike’s wheels (depending on the trip)

9. Spare brake cable (depending on the trip)

10. Spare derailer cable (depending on the trip)

11. Spare brake pads (depending on the trip)

12. Spare clipless-pedal cleat bolts (depending on the trip)

“MacGyvering” Essentials

There ain’t nothing you can’t fix with this stuff

1. Bungee cords

2. Assorted zip ties

3. Small rolls of duct tape and electrical tape

4. Hotel shower cap(s) (to cover your stuff to protect it from rain and dirt)

Cycling Clothing

1. Cycling helmet

2. Cycling shoes (touring shoes are good for both riding and walking)

3. Cycling shorts and/or pants (depending on the season)

4. Cycling shirt(s)

5. Cycling gloves (with or without fingers depending on the season)

6. Cycling sunglasses (and hard case)

7. Cycling socks (wool or synthetic - quick dry)

8. Cycling rain jacket and pants (depending on the trip)

9. Leg warmers, or tights (depending on the trip)

10. Waterproof shoe covers (depending on the trip)

Off-the-Cycle Clothing

1. Shorts

2. Pants (jeans, chinos, zip-off legs, and/or rain pants depening on the trip)

3. Belt

4. T-Shirts

5. Button-down shirt(s) (creasless, no-iron work best)

6. Underwear and socks

7. Sandals, flip-flops, and/or lightweight shoes

8. Bandana(s) (many uses!)

9. Lightweight jacket and/or wool sweater (depending on the trip)

10. Beanie (depending on the trip)

11. Gloves (depending on the trip)

12. Swimsuit (depending on the trip)

Miscellaneous Accessories

1. Sunglasses (and hard case)

2. Sunblock

3. Insect repellent (depending on the trip and the season)

4. Toiletries

5. Towel (lightweight, quick drying)

6. Flashlight and/or headlamp

7. Sewing kit

8. Trip journal (write it all down for posterity!)

9. Roll of toilet paper (you never know!)

10. Bear spray and cords to hang bear bags (depending on the trip)

11. Camera (if you don’t want to use the one on your phone)

12. USB hub (for charging your lights and phone)

13. Universal adaptor (for overseas cycleventures)

Camping Gear

1. Sleeping bag

   • Synthetic bag that is compact, dries quickly, and keeps you warm even if wet.

2. Sleeping pad/mattress (and optional pillow)

   • Self-inflating backpacking pads are (fairly) comfortable and packable.

3. Tent (compact and lightweight with rainfly)

   • Remember to bring a few spare tent pegs (they get lost easily).

4. Personal eating utensils (fork, spoon, cup, bowl)

5. Small backpacking stove (with fuel bottles)

6. Small backpacking cooking pots

7. Water-carrying bladder or container (collapsable)

8. Water filter (depending on the trip)