What to pack for a bike tour

First and essential rule is pack light. Think at what you’ll really need, list down the essential and remember that at least you’re going to a very remote territory, you will always have a way to find shops and eventually buy whatever you have forgotten. When you are going for a cycling tour, you will spend most of your time cycling, that mean you’ll need a practical cycling gear and few extra cloths for visiting places or going for dinner, do not even think about carrying fancy dresses for a party or high hills.

You know how cyclists pay attention to the weight of their bicycles, that is because each single kilograms you decide to carry with you will require an additional effort for you and it will slow you down.  Here on the side you can see a simple tab a summarising how much the weight affects your speed in different % slopes. As a reference we take 1 km of climb, with weight differences in range with 1, 5 and 10 kgs. In the pink cells you can see how much we lose in term of time, for instance: uphill at 9% for every 5 kg of weight we lose 17.09 seconds. When you travel you’re not really in a competition, however you have to think that the reason why those kilograms are slowing you down is because you have to spend more energies to climb. So think careful when you pack your bags.

On most bicycle tours, you’re on the move with little time for laundry and drying. When possible, travel with fast-drying clothing. Synthetic fabrics typical of sport cloths are not only the most breathable and quick drying, they are also the easiest to pack. Avoid duplicates, but be ready for different weather condition. Don’t forget a rain gear, even for a small trip, it can be very uncomfortable riding damp and cold.

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Here below a basic indispensable list for your bicycle tour.

1. EQUIPMENT
   • Helmet
   • Glasses / Sunglasses
   • Bike-packing packs (seat pack, handlebar pack, frame pack, etc.) or bags
   • Lights (front and rear)
   • Water bottles
   • Lightweight lock (opt.)
   • Mobile-phone
   • Solar/portable charger
   • Electronic chargers cables
   • Adapters (opt.)
   • Maps & Compass
   • GPS (opt.)
2. CLOTHING
   • Wicking jersey or top
   • Padded shorts or tights
   • Socks
   • Sport Bra
   • Underwear
   • Glows
   • Bandana and skullcap
   • Bike Shoes
   • Trekking Sandals or Shoes
   • Windstopper
   • Rain gear
   • Insulation layer for cold conditions
   • Evening wear (one set to go out when you’re not cycling)
3. CAMPING
   • Light Tent
   • Cloth (to dry and clean the tent)
   • Sleeping Bag
   • Sleeping Pad
   • Camping multi-tool
   • Headlight
   • Cooking Set (opt.)
   • Shower bag (opt.)
4. HYGIENE / TOILETTE
   • Sunscreen (opt.)
   • Lip balm
   • Hand Sanitiser
   • Small Toothpaste and Toothbrush
   • Biodegradable soap
   • Deodorant stick
   • Hair comb
   • Shaver (opt.)
   • Body and Face oil
   • Mosquito repellent
   • Toilet Paper (better biodegradable)
   • Pre-moistened wipes
   • Towel
   • Sanitary pads (opt.)
   • Prescription medications and vitamins
   • First Aid Kit
5. BICYCLE REPAIR TOOLS
   • Spare Tube
   • Patch kit
   • Pump (at least up to 6 atm.)
   • Cycling Multi-Tool (with chain tool)
   • Lubricant
   • Spare brake cable and derailleur cable
   • Spare brake pads
   • Replacement chain links
   • Spare spokes and wrench (opt.)
   • Duct tape
   • Cutter or scissors
   • Tire patch
   • Zip ties
   • Spare Nuts and bolts
6. MISCELLANEOUS
   • Passport, wallet and ID
   • Insurance and Travel insurance card
   • Cash and/or credit cards
   • Plastic bags (for dirty laundry, wet clothes)
   • Small sewing kit
   • Kindle book (opt.)
   • Camera / GoPro (opt.)