Touring - What I'm packing this year

Hi everyone!
I'm touring in Britain this year. I stay at Bed and Breakfast places (B&B) so I don't need a tent or camp stove.

Attached is a list of what I'll be taking. It has been 2 years since I've been out, so I would appreciate some updates.

Thanks,

Allan

Pannier 2003-what I really need to pack

INTRODUCTION
I’ve toured Europe and parts of North America on my bike. I tend to be a minimalist—Just pack what you really need. I am assuming that most journeys begin or end with public transport. I have listed items and packing here assuming that your bike will be your checked luggage and your two panniers your carry on. This is why I have left room in the left pannier for a helmet and the right for the handlebar bag (unless you want to pack it with your bike).

Check with your transportation provider—They almost always have special requirements for carrying a bike. You may have to take off your front wheel and handlebar and reverse your pedals.

All panniers leak. Some just leak more than others. Most will survive a light rain, none will keep your stuff dry in monsoon season. I wrap everything that can get wet in those nifty Ziploc Easy Zipper® bags. They come in various sizes. I also keep those wide elastic bands that come with broccoli—eat your broccoli! I put clothes in the bags and roll them from the bottom up with the top partly open to exclude the air. I then seal them and hold them rolled up with an elastic band on both ends. Don’t laugh I’ve stayed warm and dry biking in a flood in the south of England and long distance winter biking in Canada.

What you see here are a set of clothes to wear and a set to change into. After you’ve soiled them, you’ll have to wash them. I take showers with my clothes on first. Post items listed will dry over night. If it won’t dry, don’t take it.


LEFT PANNIER
· Helmet
· Medicine bag (see below)
· Foul weather gear (top and bottoms)
· Wicking underwear
· Bike shorts with chamois
· 2 pair pants (1 in summer)

RIGHT PANNIER
· Handlebar bag (see below)
· Reflective jacket with pit zips
· 2 pair long sleeved wicking undershirt (1 in summer)
· polymer t-shirts
· 2 pair cycling socks

HANDLEBAR BAG
· Maps
· Compass
· Snacks
· Tour info (B&Bs, attractions, etc)
· Cycling gloves
· Photocopies of passport, ID, cash and credit cards
· Disposable camera

TOOL KIT
· Multi-use tool
· Set of compact Allen keys
· Pedal wrench
· Spare tube

MEDICINE BAG
· Aspirin (or other anti-inflammatory
· Wipes (ones for baby will do)
· Prescription medicines with copy of prescription
· Toothpaste and brush
· Underarm deodorant
· Anti-nausea pills
· Anti-diarrhea pills
· Anti-fungal cream (gets rid of jock itch)
· SPF 30 sunscreen
· Shampoo and rinse
· Body cream
· Bandages
· Items of a personal nature
FOOD BAG
(any five of the following)
· Tuna in a pouch
· Banana
· Packaged cheese
· Bread or crackers
· 2L water (obligatory)
· Energy snacks
· Energy drink powder (optional)


MONEY BELT ((on your body at all times)
· Passport or other ID
· Cash
· Bank card
· Credit card

Well I can think of a number of extra items, number one would be a large holdall.

We bought a couple of them a few years back, made of very thin nylon, they are designed to put a fully loaded rucksack into so as to make them more secure and not have loads of straps and buckels hanging about whilst loading on a plane. They are also ideal to put two panniers, your bottles, pump, locks, lights, helmet and other suff for when you travel by plane.

This way you only have three things to worry about at check in and arrival. The bike (you need the tools handy to turn the handelbars etc), the big holdall, and your hand luggage which is the bar bag. The hold all folds up small enough to fit in a pocket.

Other Items

A swiss army knife (Tin opener, corkscrew etc)
A mug
A washing line
Post card list
Pen
Dark glasses
Swim gear and a small pack towell

Brains,
Thanks for your reply.
I actually do have a Swiss Army knife which I carry with me at all times, but I forgot to put it on the list.
I'm now a bit concerned about carrying it on a plane. I had it temporarily confiscated in a court room recently when I went to meet my friend who is a barrister. The police officer claimed it was a concealed weapon. Luckily I had an officer of the court (my friend) nearby to act on my behalf.

I also carry clip-on sunglasses, but wasn't sure I'd need them.

I'm definately adding a washing line, a mug, a list and a pen, as well as a small towel. Swim suit. Do you really think I'll be swimming in April?

On the subject of postcard lists, how common are internet cafes in rural Britain?
Three years ago when I was biking in Kent, the only access I had to the internet was at a youth hostel in Canterbury.
I was seriously considering sending an e-postcard instead of the hard copy, but wasn't sure I'd have access.

Thanks again. I truly appreciate the wisdom of your local knowledge.

Allan


http://www.bikeforums.net/images/j900small.gif (http://www.bikeforums.net/images/j900big.gif)

ALL Tools and knives MUST be in the hold baggage.

Do not put anything even remotely sharp in hand luggage, screwdrivers, scissors, tools etc. Even if you get through the relatively lax US security, the European security take a very dim view of such things, if you are caught at best you loose it, at worst you end up in jail for the night whilst they make sure you are not a paid up member of Al-Queda, the IRA, Mossad, Basque Separatists or any other violent organisation.

(Mind you, at least you won't be sent to a remote island and interred without trial for a year or two as seems to happen with US prisoners)

As for internet access in rural England - I think we can safely say zero.

The only place other than the airports and the centre of the major cities where you are likely to find internet access if places were you get large congregations of either tourists or students which you might find in a few of the costal towns

Go for post cards - it's easier.

What about a pump.
Duct tape, and cable ties.
Wet clothes take a lot longer to dry in England, so a mesh laundry bag might be useful. You can strap it to the top of your rack to let damp things dry while you are riding (provided it isnt raining).

Internet acces is more common now, esp in touristy areas. Youth hostels commonly have them as do libraries.
Swimming stuff is uselful any time of year. Most pools are indoors, and its a nice way to relax.
I would take one pair of quick drying long pants, on of shorts (both polycotton) and one pair of leggings/track pants which can be used on or off the bike. Dont forget a fleece or pullover.

If I was travelling ultra-light, I would forget the waterproofs and use a Buffalo cycling jacket as a windproof/pullover and raingear. If you do take a waterproof, it will probably be too sweaty for cool dry days. I usually use a micro-fibre windproof jacket.

Leave out the mug, you can get one at any B+B or hostel.