Packing on Velodromedary

Packing for Bike Trips

Sat, 26 Mar 2022 16:32:00 +0000

Every bike tour is a learning experience, in many ways… and part of that is keeping track of what I packed but didn’t use vs. what I’d wished I’d packed. A few friends have asked for a copy of my packing list, and before a trip I’m always looking for my random notebook of “ideas for next time”, so I’m jotting down a few of my lists here:

Universal “On The Bike” List
Light Packing List (Self-Supported + Hotels)
Moderate Packing List (Vehicle-Supported + Hotels)
[todo] Moderate Packing List #2 (Self-Supported + Camping)
[todo] Heavier Packing List (Vehicle-Supported + Camping)

Packing: Van-Supported + Hotel Tour

Sat, 01 May 2021 07:50:00 +0000

(part 3 of 5) I’m gradually going through past trip notebooks and jotting down all my packing lists down in one place. I’m writing out my packing list for an upcoming trip now so I figured I might as well copy and paste it onto the blog as well…

In 2022 I went on a multi-week vehicle-supported stay-in-hotels tour: a ~1200 mile ride through Vietnam and Cambodiawith TdA Global Cycling. Typically for this type of trip there’s a support van that transports one large duffel bag to the next night’s hotel for you, freeing you to just carry daily essentials on the bike.

Packing: Self-Supported + Hotel Tour

Mon, 29 Mar 2021 14:51:00 +0000

(part 2 of 5) I’m gradually going through past trip notebooks and random Google Docs and jotting down all my packing lists in one place.

For a week-long ride like Berlin->Copenhagen which is self-contained but involves staying in hotels every night and is not far from civilization, I pack fairly light, since I have to carry everything on the bike and don’t have to carry camping gear or significant food or bike repair tools. This type of trip often involves a few days after the riding in a city, so I want clothing I feel comfortable walking around or going out to a restaurant in.

Packing: Universal "On The Bike" List

Sun, 28 Mar 2021 08:45:00 +0000

Packing: Universal “On The Bike” List

I’m gradually going through past trip notebooks and jotting down all my packing lists in one place.

For pretty much any tour, whether supported or self-contained, camping or hotel, there’s a minimum set of gear I carry on the bike. These fit in the combination of an under-seat saddlebag (tools/medical/jacket), and a small top tube or stem bag. A typical example:

My standard list:

Bike Tools