Touring - Packing Poll

When you pack your panniers and other bags for a bicycle tour, do you just stuff everything in anywhere it might fit, or do you prefer to have a specific spot for everything?


I am very specific when I pack. One pannier contains my clothes and toiletries. The other pannier contains my camping gear. The Carradice on the back contains tools, and any heavier items. The handlebar bag contains personal items which I might need throughout the day like tissues, snacks, camera, etc.

Combo, but I seem to have a pretty infallible memory for where I put my stuff on each individual trip.

I do have certain things that go in specific spots no matter what though - particularly true of my handlebar bag items.

I like to compartmentalize. I have a place for everything. I also have a portable lumbar pack (to grab and go) that has my emergency kit, digital camera, sunglasses, maps, and other small items that I use often.

I start out specific but as the tour goes on, wherever is where most things end up. Oh well.

I use single compartment ortleibs, and things still each have a place. Front panniers- tent, sleeping bag, sleeping pad, first aid kit, ground cloth, TP/trowel, jacket, tarp, bear rope. Rear panniers, one food and kitchen, one clothing. A couple of items act as floating ballast, and the handlebar bag's contents are standard ones.

My setup goes like:


Front-left: bike stuff: pump, tools, tubes, rags, oil
Front-right: camping gear, stove, pan, tools, soap, extra water
Rear-left: tech: laptop, rechargers, batteries
Rear-right: trip clothing, towel, shampoo and stuff
Top of rack and rear panniers with bungees: sleeping bag, camping tent, camping mattress
Then on top of things wherever it fits: food for the day, cangaroo pouch with valuables like camera, passport, wallet .. this one I take when Im off the bike
Other attachments: GPS attached to aero bar, iPod on left armband case