Packing list

From biketrip.org

What it looks like

The list shown below is very extensive and very descriptive. That's also a very good starting point for providing tips, that's the goal of the Packing List Project: describing every item on the list by an article exploring the choices, manufacturers and advantages/disadvantages of options.

[edit] Bicycle

You will first need a bike...

[edit] Removed for shipping

Pedals: Kept in a Ziploc bag during shipping because they're greasy
Saddle: Make sure it's well protected during shipping
Front rack: Keep the screws in a Ziploc during shipping
Rear rack: Keep the screws in the same Ziploc as above

[edit] Extra parts

2 tubes: Change tube when you have a flat and repair the punctured one in the evening
1 foldable tire: Get two if you're going on a long trip in third world countries.
Screws: Take extra screws for all screws on the bike (racks, saddle, lights...). Take extra screws of different size for emergency repairing.
1 Cable brake and 1 derailleur cable: Make sure the cable ends fit your settings
2 Brake patch: For long trips only.
5 Spokes: And think about going to your local bicycle shop to learn how to repair it. Keep them with the tent poles so they don't get bent.
Chain: If you have a 9speeds thin long chain, otherwise you should be fine.
Chain ring: A quickfix extra chain ring doesn't hurt
Pedal straps: They wear off very quickly
2 Hose-clamp: For tying up anything that could break: racks, frame, handlebar...

[edit] Tools

Pump: If you can't attach it on the frame, the smaller the better.
Presta <> Schrader converter: Only if your pump can't handle both
Tube patch & Glue: Make sure you have enough, make sure the glue isn't dry
Tire levers: For puncture repairing
Chain cracker: For changing the chain
Spoke trimmer: It's a good idea to train at home fixing spokes
Allen key: Make sure it fits your : rack screws, handlebar screws, saddle screws
Screwdriver: Consider one of those all-in-one cycling tools
Wrench: For the pedals
Cassette cracker: Especially of your wheel is old and more likely to break a spoke
Lubricant: For the chain and derailleur
Duct-Tape: A big one
Leatherman or Swiss Army Knife: The Leatherman has a plier which is useful
Superglue: Inside a hard container to avoid spillage

[edit] Equipment

Water bottle: The bigger the better, consider using a bottle rack for PET 1.5l bottles
Water bag: A 10 L that turns into a shower bag, especially for long lonely trip
Lock: Key lock, no code (they rust). Separate the keys. If you're traveling with someone, exchange a copy of your keys
Padlock: For hostels lockers
Cyclocomputer: A cheap one
Front and Rear LED Lights: Make sure you have the batteries

[edit] Cyclist

[edit] Safety

Cycling gloves: For warm and cold weather. The cheapest the better
Helmet: Try your helmet on trips at home. Compulsory in some countries !
Sunglasses: Cheap one, change when scratched
High visibility reflective yellow jacket: Especially if you need to ride during the evening or under heavy rain/fog. Might even be compulsory in some countries.
Anti-dogs stuff: Whistle and treats work great.

[edit] Shoes

Cycling Shoes: Don't use cleats when traveling !! Cleats make you need to carry an extra pair of shoes !! Use straps !!
Sandals: Or an extra pair of walking shoes if you use cleats

[edit] Cycling Clothes

Padded or not cycling shorts: 2 or 1 unpadded shorts or 3 padded.
Cycling pants: For cold weather, usually unpadded. Waterproof is possible.
Underwear: If you don't use padded shorts. Yes, padded shorts are used without underwear.
Jersey or TeeShirts: Take at least one long sleeve version for cold weather or protection from the sun.x
Socks: A lot, usually short. Take warm socks too for cold weather, GoreTex socks for rain
Rain, wind proof jacket: Light, strong, expensive
Warm fleece: For cold weather
Waterproof Shoe Covers: Not the one in Neoprene, the GoreTex one ! For extremely wet weather, consider taking two pairs.

[edit] Non cycling Clothes

Pants: Long trekking like pants
Underwear: If you use padded shorts
Socks: Can be the same as the one you use for cycling though
Sweater: Warm, always a good idea. Or use your fleece.
Warm hat or cap: For cold weather or heavy sun

[edit] Containers

Front panniers: Waterproof or take a rain cover
Rear panniers: Waterproof or rain cover
Handlebar bag: With shoulder strap so you can carry it easily with you
Plastic containers: Small Tupperware-like for storing the glue, soap and everything fragile
Ziploc: Lots of them, all sizes. Nothing except maybe your clothes if your bags are really waterproof, nothing should be stored outside your Ziploc bags. Regroup your tools in bags like emergency, flat tires, electronics, documents...
Big waterproof bag: For the sleeping bag and mattress
Straps: 5 or 6, long, strong, non elastic and expensive. Use them to strap the big waterproof bag, your jacket if it's getting too warm, sandals etc... You can use them tied together as a clothes rope for drying

[edit] Camping

[edit] Sleeping

Tent: Use it before your trip ! Make sure it has enough room for all your bags. Waterproof is a must, dark colors.
Tent stakes: Light aluminium expensive one because they tend to be heavy. Get extra one, you always lose some.
Tent poles: Aluminium or Carbon, no steel
Tarp: Either to protect the tent from ground humidity or to protect the bicycle for the night
Sleeping bag: Make sure it will handle the low temperatures you might meet
Sleeping mat: Therm-a-rest like
Sleeping bag sheets: In silk, they will sock up the humidity instead of your sleeping bag

[edit] Cooking

Stove: One that will take all possible types of carburants
Fuel bottle: Small one. Keep it in an airtight bag (Ziploc again). Don't carry one, even empty, that has been used before, when taking the plane.
Fuel pump: Kept in an airtight container. Wash it carefuly before taking the plane or they can confiscate it.
Stove wind shield: Light and useful to protect the stove from the wind. Helps cooking faster too.
Cooking Pot: Big enough so you can store your stove in it. The lid can be used as a pan. 1 is enough !!!
Pot handle: Light
Pot scruber: To clean the pot after using it
Liquid dishwasher: Some liquid natural soap used for the body can be used here as well, no need to bring extra stuff
Fork, knife: Or better and lighter: sticks !
Mug: Light aluminium one
Candles: For lighting the camp at night, some repel mosquitoes (theoretically at least)
Lighter: Take an extra one. Waterproof matches can be a good idea
Bottle & Can opener: You might have one on your Leatherman/Swiss Army Knife

[edit] Repairing

Sewing kit: With safety pins, thread and needles
Fuel pump tools: Lubricant, extra plunger, wrench to take it apart
Rope: For the tent

[edit] Food

[edit] For cycling

Fruits: Bananas work best, dried fruits are also very good
Energy bars: Snickers work great, in South America, Mantecol is the definitive cycling energy food !
Water: Plenty of water, you should never get thirsty, never miss an occasion to fill up your water bottles. Never put anything else than water in your water bottles or you'll regret it
Sports drink: Gatorade-like stuff

[edit] For base camp

Pasta: For carbs. No spaghettis, small pasta, in a Ziploc
Rice: Again, in a Ziploc
Dried meat: Where available. Dried sausage works great too
Tuna, Sardines or Canned Meat: Tends to be very heavy
Mash potatoes powder: Always a success
Cheese: A bitch to carry but you're so happy to have it for lunch !
Salt, Pepper: In a plastic container.
Sugar: In a Ziploc
Oat Meal: For mornings
Instant Coffee or Tea Bags: In a Ziploc
Powdered milk: In a Ziploc
Fruits or Veggies: Don't carry them too long, usually a good idea to buy them a few kilometers before setting the camp
Bread: Great for lunch
Butter: For cold countries only ! Also great for sandwiches at lunch
Dry biscuits: Excellent when dipped in coffee or tea
Dried powdered soups: For cold evenings
Soy Sauce or Seasoning: To give those pasta some taste

[edit] Hygiene

Toothbrush: Small and light
Soap / Shampoo: Kept in a plastic container. Use non polluting stuff.
Toothpaste: Kept in a plastic container, again non polluting
Towel: Small one that dries fast
Toilet paper: In a Ziploc.
Shavers: Don't be a pussy, use the soap as shaving cream
Tampons: Mainly for ladies
Make-up: Just kidding, it's a bike trip not a beauty contest !!!
Sun block: One that doesn't wash off easily.

[edit] Electronics

Camera: Small, light
Camera USB cable: If it works for the GPS too it's even better
Memory cards: Or films for old timers
Batteries: For bicycle lights, camera, flashlight...
Battery charger: One that fits for all type of batteries
Adapter: Small cheap
Headlight / Flashlight: Those Petzl light stuff work great
Camera stand: Small and light
Radio: Always nice to know about the weather
GPS: Very handy when you know how to use it. Not compulsory though
GPS Charger: And/Or USB cable
Cell phone: But internet is more useful abroad
Cell phone charge: Lots of chargers huh ?! Think 50 years ago, that list was non existant !

[edit] Documents

Maps: Even if you have a GPS ! Make sure you have the maps well in advance of your trip for long term planning
Logbook: For souvenirs
Language picture book: More for breaking the ice than actual communication
Addressbook: For postcards and people to remember
Passport: In a Ziploc !
Vaccinations book: For yellow fever countries
Plane tickets: Though now it's all electronic, always keep the summary of your flights
Prescriptions: For any drugs you might carry
Pens: In a plastic container to avoid ink spills
A good book: For those lonely camping-in-the-middle-of-nowhere nights
Cash, VISA, Travelers Checks: Keep them in separate places !
Hostel membership card: Vital if you plan on going to hostels a lot
Presents !: Don't forget little presents to give to your hosts. Can be anything from your country, pictures from your family...

[edit] Emergency

Medicines: Make sure you carry the prescriptions. Large scope antibiotics, pain killers, intestinal stuff.
Misc medicines: Suiting your needs
Body warmer: Can come in handy
Bandaids: All size
Disinfectant: In a small plastic bottle, no glass
Talc: (baby powder), known as the white powder, for skin irritations