Touring - Too much clothing

I've got 23.5 lbs of clothing packed and feel like it's too heavy. I'm touring from Toronto to Vancouver, going over the great lakes and I'm not sure how cold it's going to get.
Please chime in with anything you would definitely ditch from this list.

-7 tshirts
-3 sleeveless shirts
-8 pairs of socks
-6 pairs of boxer shorts
-1 pair jeans
-1 pair athletic shorts
-1 light hooded sweater
-1 pair quickdry pants with zip-off legs
-3 long sleeve warmish shirts
-2 pairs cargo shorts
-2 pairs cycling shorts
-1 toque
-a very light thin long sleeved shirt and pants for a base layer

I had originally packed much lighter, but my friend with more touring experience said I didn't have enough clothes and I should fill my front bags with them. I think it's too much and I'm not looking forward to chugging them over ontario's hills.

We CC tour in warm weather mostly but this is our total packing list in addition to the shorts and jerseys we would be wearing: Bike Shorts Bike Jersey Gore Tex jacket Fleece hoody Off bike shorts Off bike shirt Merino wool leg warmers Small toilet kit Tubes Patches Bike tool kit

If I were you, I would take a very different approach to packing. Unless you are going to be spending a lot of time in cities and want to look 'normal' I would loose the jeans and cargo shorts, most of the t shirts too. If your going planing to wear the t-shirts while riding, then I might bring two or three tops, plus maybe one insulation layer, a rain shell, and something to make you look somewhat normal. If your going to wear the cycling shorts while riding (I kind of assume), then I might add the hiking pants for looking normal. By toque, I assume you don't mean the chef thing; a thick insulating hat is always nice to have.

If I were in your shoes, my list would be a little more like this
3 shirts (or whatever you plan on cycling in)
~ 2 pairs boxers (one pair to sleep in, and one for use in town if you want to pass)
1 insulating garment, sweater, fleece jacket or something
1 quick dry pants
2 cycling shorts
1 beanie
1 shirt a normal non-tourist might wear

Also, after 30 years, the more we tour, the less we take.

I no longer take non-biking tops on my tours. Instead, I just take biking jerseys that look "normal," solid color, no logos. I wear them in the evening after showering and then on the bike the next day. I, also, wear wool jerseys that can be worn for several days (3 or 4) on and off the bike without smelling. I also carry a slinky undershirt for more warmth on riding days.

I also wear wool socks. I take 2 pair. Each one can be worn for many days without smell or discomfort.

Jeans are too heavy. I only take a pair of nylon pants whose legs zip off into shorts (and swimming trunks, in a pinch). If I'm touring through potentially cold weather, I take a pair of silk long johns. I also carry a pair of rain pants that act as an additional layer for warmth, if necessary.

I take 2 pairs of quick drying boxer shorts. Most of the time, I only wear them after taking a shower.

I also carry a rain jacket (bright yellow so a bit odd in town, but who cares?) and a thick cotton overshirt for warmth. I often wear leg warmers when I am riding but I don't like arm warmers and don't carry them.

I carry 3 pair of biking shorts to insure that I always have a clean, dry pair to put on in the morning.

This is about it for clothes for a 1 month ride. I doubt I'd carry more for a several month ride.

Have your tried to ride up a long hill with all the weight you are planning on carrying? That is where you'll decide it the weight is too much or not.

Good luck. It sounds like a fabulous trip.

Ray

I've got 23.5 lbs of clothing packed and feel like it's too heavy. I'm touring from Toronto to Vancouver, going over the great lakes and I'm not sure how cold it's going to get.
Please chime in with anything you would definitely ditch from this list.

-7 tshirts
-3 sleeveless shirts
-8 pairs of socks
-6 pairs of boxer shorts
-1 pair jeans
-1 pair athletic shorts
-1 light hooded sweater
-1 pair quickdry pants with zip-off legs
-3 long sleeve warmish shirts
-2 pairs cargo shorts
-2 pairs cycling shorts
-1 toque
-a very light thin long sleeved shirt and pants for a base layer

I had originally packed much lighter, but my friend with more touring experience said I didn't have enough clothes and I should fill my front bags with them. I think it's too much and I'm not looking forward to chugging them over ontario's hills.

i'm reluctant to respond. i don't like to think of myself as a rube, but here goes... i suppose someone could think this much stuff was necessary.

circumnavigation of continential us clothing list for the minimalist. starting dec 14, ending aug 21.

one pair bicyling shoes.

one pair socks.

one pair leg warmers.

one pair bicycling shorts.

one pair goretex overpant (drawstring)

one longsleeve zipup bike jersey.

one zip-up/pullover fleece jacket.

one lightweight down jacket (swapped for gortex rain jacket at halfway point)

one ragwool stocking cap (swapped for baseball cap at halfway point)

one pair ragwool mittens.

one pair goretex uninsulated mittens.

tttthat's all folks.

I was a little staggered as I read your list. Definitely on the side of excess. Here is a list of gear I took on a four month tour (this list would suffice me on an indefinite length tour as well).
http://www.crazyguyonabike.com/doc/?o=1r4vFZo&doc_id=6090&v=e

I could have got by on less but it is nice to have a little variety of clothing to wear off bike.

i'm reluctant to respond. i don't like to think of myself as a rube, but here goes... i suppose someone could think this much stuff was necessary.

circumnavigation of continential us clothing list for the minimalist. starting dec 14, ending aug 21.

one pair bicyling shoes.

one pair socks.

one pair leg warmers.

one pair bicycling shorts.

one pair goretex overpant (drawstring)

one longsleeve zipup bike jersey.

one zip-up/pullover fleece jacket.

one lightweight down jacket (swapped for gortex rain jacket at halfway point)

one ragwool stocking cap (swapped for baseball cap at halfway point)

one pair ragwool mittens.

one pair goretex uninsulated mittens.

tttthat's all folks.

If you feel comfortable wearing the same pair of socks every day for 2+ months it makes packing a lot easier I guess.

We also carry the spring type clothespins so if the cycling outfits we washed in the motel the night before aren't dry, we can hang them from the brake cables or rear racks to dry on the road.

I've got 23.5 lbs of clothing packed and feel like it's too heavy.
I have never heard of anyone taking that much clothing. Some folks get by with that much weight including tent, sleeping gear, and cooking gear. If you take anywhere near all of that be open to mailing a LOT of stuff home.



-7 tshirts
If by tshirts you mean cotton, I wouldn't take any, but I do take a very thin tech shirt.



-3 sleeveless shirts
None, but I usually take two short sleeved bike jerseys.



-8 pairs of socks
Two pairs of polyester socks are enough. Three at most. BTW no cotton!



-6 pairs of boxer shorts
I take zero. The only off bike pants I wear are zip off leg pants and running shorts, both with a mesh brief built in. If you must take them take one pair briefs (two at most) and wash them out as needed, but I'd skip them altogether.



-1 pair jeans
No jeans or anything else cotton!



-1 pair athletic shorts
I might take two pairs of running shorts if I think I might swim in them and one if not. I wear them most of the time I am not in bike shorts including to sleep in.



-1 light hooded sweater
I have never taken one. If it is cotton I definitely would skip it. I do take one warmish long sleeved tech shirt made of light pile.



-1 pair quickdry pants with zip-off legs
Yes.



-3 long sleeve warmish shirts
Only the pile one listed above.



-2 pairs cargo shorts
Why, you have the zip offs?



-2 pairs cycling shorts
Yeah two pairs is kind of nice. I could get by with one if I was really going light.



-1 toque
Never took one. I do take a very light pile cap.



-a very light thin long sleeved shirt and pants for a base layer
I never have taken one.


I had originally packed much lighter, but my friend with more touring experience said I didn't have enough clothes and I should fill my front bags with them. I think it's too much and I'm not looking forward to chugging them over ontario's hills.
You were probably already taking too much. Your friend lead you astray.

There are a few things I missed on your list. Depending on the expected weather consider:

leg warmers or tights
thin pile cap
lightweight rain pants and jacket (I like the very light ones that come in a little stuff sack
thin gloves (I use some that are supposed to be glove liners)
possibly some off bike shoes. I have taken Crocs and they worked out well. On one trip where we hiked a lot (we spent a week in Yosemite) I bought trail running shoes, but I don't usually take them.

7 shirts? I mean 10 shirts? I mean 14 shirts?? Jeans??

Each thing you carry should serve multiple purposes. It can be hard to do that for some cycling clothing (cycling shorts, for example). Things that you carry should be layerable too.

You should also know why you are carrying an item.

If you are carrying a rain jacket (that you can use on the bike), that can be used as a shell over insulation (like a fleece)in camp.

If things get really cold, you can layer (including using your cycling clothing).

Jeans are sort of horrible because they are heavy and not very warm.

You should be able to get away with just "-1 pair quickdry pants with zip-off legs" and drop the 2 pairs of cargo shorts.

You might need a light long sleeve shirt for bugs. You don't need "-3 long sleeve warmish shirts". You should be able to layer other clothing you have.

"1 pair athletic shorts" --> Why??

"1 light hooded sweater" --> A fleece without the hood.

"1 toque" --> I'm assuming this is a knitted cap to keep your head warm. If so, you shouldn't need the hood on the sweater.

Keep in mind that you can hit a laundromat once in awhile.

Don't forget, you can always stop at laundromats when you are passing through a town.

As others have said - stay away from cotton. You can get inexpensive synthetic t's at Walmart that will do the same thing as cycling jersey's without making you look out of place while wondering through small towns.

Way too much stuff. I would change it to:

-3 tshirts
-1 sleeveless shirts
-3 pairs of socks
-3 pairs of boxer shorts
-0 pair jeans
-1 pair athletic shorts
-1 light hooded sweater
-1 pair quickdry pants with zip-off legs
-1 long sleeve warmish shirts
-0 pairs cargo shorts
-2 pairs cycling shorts
-1 toque
-a very light thin long sleeved shirt and pants for a base layer

Just my 2 cents

If you feel comfortable wearing the same pair of socks every day for 2+ months it makes packing a lot easier I guess.

You know you can wash your clothing along the way ... right??? Many towns, campgrounds, motels, hostels, etc. etc. have laudromats.

Please chime in with anything you would definitely ditch from this list.

-7 tshirts
-3 sleeveless shirts
-8 pairs of socks
-6 pairs of boxer shorts
-1 pair jeans
-1 pair athletic shorts
-1 light hooded sweater
-1 pair quickdry pants with zip-off legs
-3 long sleeve warmish shirts
-2 pairs cargo shorts
-2 pairs cycling shorts
-1 toque
-a very light thin long sleeved shirt and pants for a base layer

I had originally packed much lighter, but my friend with more touring experience said I didn't have enough clothes and I should fill my front bags with them. I think it's too much and I'm not looking forward to chugging them over ontario's hills.

1. Your friend is having you on. He's rolling on the ground laughing right now.

2. Have you opted not to carry a sleeping mat? Are you planning to use all those clothes as your sleeping mat? Otherwise ... what in the world are you going to do with all of them??

3. Try a list like this:

2-3 wicking t-shirts for on and off the bicycle
1 long sleeved merino wool top for on and off the bicycle
1 light hooded sweater
1 rain jacket

2 cycling shorts
1-2 pair quickdry pants with zip-off legs
1 pair of tights

2 pairs of socks
2 pairs of boxers

1 pair of short-fingered gloves
1 pair long-fingered gloves
1 headband to cover your ears
1 toque

Wash clothes about once a week or so. Buy more clothes along the way if you're cold.


Incidentally, what time of year are you going ... you're cutting it pretty late for going over the Rockies this year.

I've got 23.5 lbs of clothing packed and feel like it's too heavy. I'm touring from Toronto to Vancouver, going over the great lakes and I'm not sure how cold it's going to get.
Please chime in with anything you would definitely ditch from this list.

-7 tshirts
-3 sleeveless shirts
-8 pairs of socks
-6 pairs of boxer shorts
-1 pair jeans
-1 pair athletic shorts
-1 light hooded sweater
-1 pair quickdry pants with zip-off legs
-3 long sleeve warmish shirts
-2 pairs cargo shorts
-2 pairs cycling shorts
-1 toque
-a very light thin long sleeved shirt and pants for a base layer

I had originally packed much lighter, but my friend with more touring experience said I didn't have enough clothes and I should fill my front bags with them. I think it's too much and I'm not looking forward to chugging them over ontario's hills.

Ha! Good one dude!

You got a bunch of folks to take you seriously, and offer advice. I assume you're a phsychology student or something?

P.S. on the off chance that you're actually serious, that is waaaaaay too much partner. 6 friggin pairs of boxer shorts? HA! Good one dude.

You guys pack extremely light. I suppose I should mention that I don't mind carrying a little extra weigh for convenience and comfort, I'm a person who can appreciate having clean clothes on. Also I'm planning on staying in Vancouver when I get there so having some extra "Normal" clothes saves me on having to buy too many things when I get there.

Seems nobody approves of the cargo shorts, but I definitely want those, i ditched the jeans though. I've cut back the other things to 4 tshirts, 3 socks, 3 boxers

Ya know there is this great invention called the laundromat. You put money and your clothes into it and it cleans your clothes. :)


Jeans are way to heavy. Instead get a pair or two of those zip off khaki pants. Much lighter and they double as shorts. Combined with a nice t-shirt or jersey they you can even look presentable in a decent restaurant. You mentioned these in your list so why the cargo shorts????

Who are you? Thurston Howell the 3rd going on a 3 hour tour? :)


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8E0BdBBb2OI

If you feel comfortable wearing the same pair of socks every day for 2+ months it makes packing a lot easier I guess.

it does make packing quicker and easier. since i had to carry them they might as well ride on me and do some good.

BTW i washed them (the socks, and a few other things) every day...

ok, almost every day.

edit: i originally thought i might have been rude when i posed the question as to whether or not the OP was serious.

after reading some of the other posts, i now realize i needn't have worried.:)

You guys pack extremely light. I suppose I should mention that I don't mind carrying a little extra weigh for convenience and comfort, I'm a person who can appreciate having clean clothes on. Also I'm planning on staying in Vancouver when I get there so having some extra "Normal" clothes saves me on having to buy too many things when I get there.

Seems nobody approves of the cargo shorts, but I definitely want those, i ditched the jeans though. I've cut back the other things to 4 tshirts, 3 socks, 3 boxers

Can you UPS the normal city clothes to Vancouver?

You guys pack extremely light. I suppose I should mention that I don't mind carrying a little extra weigh for convenience and comfort, I'm a person who can appreciate having clean clothes on. Also I'm planning on staying in Vancouver when I get there so having some extra "Normal" clothes saves me on having to buy too many things when I get there.

We pack light because we know what it feels like to climb hills carrying too much.

Tell you what ...
-- load your bicycle up with what you think you'd like to take
-- next weekend go cycle your estimated daily distance, including the biggest hills you can find, on both days of the weekend
-- decide if you really want that much stuff.

Oh, and you should also be able to lift your loaded bicycle and carry it several paces. Every so often on a tour it becomes necessary to carry everything ... such as if you're catching trains, planes, or busses. Or sometimes if you're hauling it all to the 4th floor of a hostel.

"a little extra weight ... for convenience and comfort" are contradictory phrases. Climb a few hills and all of a sudden "a little extra weight" is anything but "convenient and comfortable". And at the end of the day all you'll want to do is to drop into your sleeping bag exhausted ... not browse through your selection of 8 T-shirts for something to wear that evening.

You will be OK if you wear the same clothes 2 or 3 or more days in a row. And there are laundromats along the way. I have lived and travelled all over western Canada, and I have seen them, and used them.

How long do you plan to stay in Vancouver? If it will be for a few months, it would probably be simpler to ship a box of clothing to Vancouver rather than trying to carry them all on the bicycle.



Seems nobody approves of the cargo shorts, but I definitely want those, i ditched the jeans though. I've cut back the other things to 4 tshirts, 3 socks, 3 boxers

And as for the cargo shorts, we have dropped them from the list because the zip-off convertable pants kill two birds with one stone ... they are either long pants or shorts. So you don't need to bring any other off-the-bicycle long pants and you don't need to bring any other off-the-bicycle shorts. Cargo shorts are fairly heavy cotton, aren't they? If you must carry an extra pair of shorts to pull on at the end of a ride, go with beach shorts or basketball shorts or something light.

Try this guideline: Each piece you bring should be able to serve at least 2 functions.

If you bring a wicking T-shirt, you should be able to wear it off the bicycle, in the evenings, for a day or two, and then wear it for a day or two on the bicycle before it goes into the laundry bag. Same with the long-sleeved merino wool top. Same with the sweater (polar fleece?).

The zip-off pants are great off the bicycle for a couple days, and serve 2 purposes - shorts if it is warm, longs if it is cold. But they can also be used over your cycling shorts for cycling on cooler days. If you bring a pair of beach shorts of basketball shorts, you can wear them for sleeping or swimming or sitting around the campsite at the end of the day, and you can put them on over your cycling shorts if you feel more comfortable dressed that way going into a large grocery store.


The thing is ... if you get to Winnipeg, and decide you're really missing cargo shorts, you can pick them up in one of many Walmarts there.


You still haven't mentioned when you're going ... this year? Next year?

My load for Northern Europe Autumn, with some low temps would include:
2 merino Tshirts
1 synthetic T shirt
1 cycling jersey
1 thin long-sleeved jersey
1 fleece pullover
2 pr cycling shorts
1 cycling underwear
1 athletics shorts
3pr polycotton briefs
3pr cotton socks
3pr woolen socks
1 pr thick socks.
1 polycotton hiking style pants
1 polyester leggings
1 windproof
1 waterproof top/bottoms

I used to take cargo shorts but the lighter weight, black boxing style athletics shorts are just as presentable, and have a pocket.
Socks are my achillies heel, I can never take too many but they are easy to pack and help pad out the corners of your panniers. I may switch the cotton for light coloured merino.
Separate windproof and waterproofs are a very versatile combo that can be doubled up for insulation.
Fleece is very bulky, a thin synthetic padded jacket is next on my upgrade list.

You guys pack extremely light. I suppose I should mention that I don't mind carrying a little extra weigh for convenience and comfort, I'm a person who can appreciate having clean clothes on.
I have to say that whenever I read or hear someone saying this I don't get it at all. For me comfort on tour is primarily comfort on the bike. That is where it matters. No way I would consider it comfortable schlepping 70+ pounds of gear over a mountain pass.

If you have actually done a long tour before and are in the habit of carrying a ton of stuff, then you probably know what is best for you. Otherwise I'd advise going as light as you think you can and then going over the list a couple more times pitching stuff and replacing stuff with lighter stuff.


Also I'm planning on staying in Vancouver when I get there so having some extra "Normal" clothes saves me on having to buy too many things when I get there.
The answer to that is obvious, mail a box of stuff ahead.

Ya know there is this great invention called the laundromat. You put money and your clothes into it and it cleans your clothes. :)

You don't even need a laundromat. All you need are high-tech quick-drying fabrics, a small bottle of liquid laundry detergent, and a sink. I wash everything in the sink as soon as I get to my daily destination, wring it out, and hang it up to dry. By the next morning, everything is generally clean, dry, and ready wear again.

For stuff that's critical (ex: cycling shorts) I'll bring an extra to use if the first one is still a bit damp come morning. In general, I try not to bring more than 2 of any piece of clothing.

I have to say that whenever I read or hear someone saying this I don't get it at all. For me comfort on tour is primarily comfort on the bike. That is where it matters. No way I would consider it comfortable schlepping 70+ pounds of gear over a mountain pass.

I don't have 70 lbs of gear.. I've got 20 lbs on the back and and 18 on the front.



You still haven't mentioned when you're going ... this year? Next year?

Leaving tomorrow.

Less stuff, more washing at night.

have someone to mail your extra stuff to.. if you over stock "necessities"..

Less stuff, more washing at night.

I just went over to walmart and bought some all polyester socks, boxers and a shirt for cycling in.. I was rolling with all cotton, but everyone here said stay away from it.

Hello there. Let me know when you are passing through Thunder Bay, Ontario, cheers

I don't have 70 lbs of gear.. I've got 20 lbs on the back and and 18 on the front.

20+18 = 38lbs total - 23.5lbs of clothes = 14.5lbs of spare parts, tools, camping gear, and food? I think I took more stuff than that on my last credit card tour!

20+18 = 38lbs total - 23.5lbs of clothes = 14.5lbs of spare parts, tools, camping gear, and food? I think I took more stuff than that on my last credit card tour!

Not including the food. But yeah, my camping kit is pretty ultralight.

Leaving tomorrow.

And when are you planning to reach the Rockies?

And when are you planning to reach the Rockies?

mid-september

mid-september

You might be all right as far as snow goes, but it is not unusual for it to have started snowing by then. When you reach Calgary, check the weather ahead, and at that point you might want to buy some heavier clothes.

I don't have 70 lbs of gear.. I've got 20 lbs on the back and and 18 on the front.
I have a hard time imagining someone who would take 23.5 pounds of clothes having that little total gear load. If you do I have to say that I am very surprised. What are you counting and what are you not counting? Personally I typically count panniers and handlebar bag, their contents, and any gear that is strapped on the rack.

Just about any panniers I have seen weigh at least 6 pounds for 4 panniers and some are twice that or more. Assuming you have a handlebar bag, that adds up to 30 pounds or more for just bags and clothes. Does your tent, sleeping bag, sleeping pad, cook set, tools, camera, wallet, phone, book, tools, and spare parts weigh in at 8.5 pounds?

If possible, it is nice to have someone at home that can mail you stuff or accept stuff you want to mail home. The postal service and general delivery is a big help in adjusting the load up or down.

In any case have a great trip.

I have a hard time imagining someone who would take 23.5 pounds of clothes having that little total gear load. If you do I have to say that I am very surprised. What are you counting and what are you not counting? Personally I typically count panniers and handlebar bag, their contents, and any gear that is strapped on the rack.

Just about any panniers I have seen weigh at least 6 pounds for 4 panniers and some are twice that or more. Assuming you have a handlebar bag, that adds up to 30 pounds or more for just bags and clothes. Does your tent, sleeping bag, sleeping pad, cook set, tools, camera, wallet, phone, book, tools, and spare parts weigh in at 8.5 pounds?

If possible, it is nice to have someone at home that can mail you stuff or accept stuff you want to mail home. The postal service and general delivery is a big help in adjusting the load up or down.

In any case have a great trip.

The weight of the bags themselves is included in the weights I'm giving.
I didn't count my seat post bag which is a few pounds of tools and stuff. and the 23 pounds on the front wasn't just clothes actually, it includes the 4 pannier covers, my first aid stuff, 2 spare disc brake rotors and a flashlight and some food, and I've got it down to 15.6 lbs after removing some things. My handlebar bag isn't more than 3-4 lbs right now. That's my phone, a few knives, wallet, lip balm, bear mace, TP, glasses, sunglasses and sunscreen. So say 20 on the front fork right now. I took it out for a ride and it doesn't feel very good steering with more weight than that.

My back bags weigh in at 22.2 lb now. That's the hammock, sleeping bag, bike cover, maps, coffee maker, coffee, metal cup, wash cloth, towel, kryptonite lock, soap and deodorant, tooth brush and paste, solar panel, most of the food I plan on carrying, an extra full water bottle, bike pump, KFS, my "warm layer" clothes and various other odds and ends. One of the rear panniers is a little less than half full, and the water filter will be going in there, which is a lifesaver bottle which is rather large but very light. I'll probably toss a good size bag of rice in there too, and that'll be my total load.

My friend is carrying the jetboil which we'll use for cooking. As for plates and stuff we'll take a stack of paper ones from the dollar store.

Also I'm pretty sure I mentioned that my original clothes list looked pretty much like what everybody else quoted me here. I only added more stuff when my friend who has done more long distance touring than me said I should have more clothes and fill the front bags with them. I told him I received some great mocking here for that and he said we're just stronger than you guys. :D

Also we stealth camp every night and your clothes get pretty dirty and stained and burned, and there's stretches of northern ontario where we'll only see a tiny town every 2-3 days.

Also we stealth camp every night and your clothes get pretty dirty and stained and burned, and there's stretches of northern ontario where we'll only see a tiny town every 2-3 days.

?????

Have you done some "stealth camping" in preparation for this trip?

I have done a bit of "stealth camping", and my clothing didn't get pretty dirty and stained and burned. Why would they?


Your list didn't have much in the way of outer wear and you haven't mentioned it in subsequent posts ... what are you carrying in the way of helmet cover, booties, gloves, jackets, rain pants, etc.?

Also I'm planning on staying in Vancouver when I get there so having some extra "Normal" clothes saves me on having to buy too many things when I get there.
Ship the extra clothing there.

So I've been living in Victoria for a month now and I just remembered this thread and thought I'd conclude it here. The tour was great, best experience of my life, and I didn't have any problems with gear really. We were all a little heavier than the posters in this thread suggested, but it was okay because you get stronger as you go, and once we were out of Ontario it was all downhill anyway. There sure were some good climbs north of superior though.
My raleigh sojourn performed admirably, didn't even get a flat until Vancouver.
Thanks for the advice everybody.

223686

I carry about that TOTAL weight including camping equipment, water, fuel and tools. Here is what I'd do based on your list:

-7 tshirts - I carry total of 3 synthetic t shirts (Columbia Titanium) that can be used for riding and off bike around town and even a cool weather base layer.
-3 sleeveless shirts - I skip these because I want the sun protection and just use the shirts above
-8 pairs of socks - I carry 4 pairs total because they are light but 3 is really adequate
-6 pairs of boxer shorts = I carry 3 pairs briefs
-1 pair jeans - Forget it. Too heavy and bulky and not warm. Use the nylon pants if cold. I sometimes carry a pair of thin Hot Chillys long underwear that are like spandex tights. They are emergency pants and can be layered under nylom pants if cold or worn alone while biking in AM cool air. Rolled up they are smaller than a fist.
-1 pair athletic shorts - Okay if you cannot stand wearing bike shorts after riding.
-1 light hooded sweater - bring a mid=weight fleece pullover that I can layer with other stuff
-1 pair quickdry pants with zip-off legs - YES
-3 long sleeve warmish shirts - I just use the fleece pullover and layer other stuff above. Maybe bring just one if expecting cool weather.
-2 pairs cargo shorts - Maybe bring 1 if you do not bring athletic shorts.
-2 pairs cycling shorts - I bring 3 usually
-1 toque - Not sure what that is.
-a very light thin long sleeved shirt and pants for a base layer - You already have these above so why bring more?

I also bring a very thin nylon windbreaker to layer with (wear it almost every morning when I start out), and a Gortex rainshell, but many would probably not carry both...
I basically plan to do laundry about every 3 days and can get by an extra day or handwash something in a pinch if I have to and throw it on top of a pannier to dry while riding.

I carry about that TOTAL weight including camping equipment, water, fuel and tools. Here is what I'd do based on your list:

-7 tshirts - I carry total of 3 synthetic t shirts (Columbia Titanium) that can be used for riding and off bike around town and even a cool weather base layer.
-3 sleeveless shirts - I skip these because I want the sun protection and just use the shirts above
-8 pairs of socks - I carry 4 pairs total because they are light but 3 is really adequate
-6 pairs of boxer shorts = I carry 3 pairs briefs
-1 pair jeans - Forget it. Too heavy and bulky and not warm. Use the nylon pants if cold. I sometimes carry a pair of thin Hot Chillys long underwear that are like spandex tights. They are emergency pants and can be layered under nylom pants if cold or worn alone while biking in AM cool air. Rolled up they are smaller than a fist.
-1 pair athletic shorts - Okay if you cannot stand wearing bike shorts after riding.
-1 light hooded sweater - bring a mid=weight fleece pullover that I can layer with other stuff
-1 pair quickdry pants with zip-off legs - YES
-3 long sleeve warmish shirts - I just use the fleece pullover and layer other stuff above. Maybe bring just one if expecting cool weather.
-2 pairs cargo shorts - Maybe bring 1 if you do not bring athletic shorts.
-2 pairs cycling shorts - I bring 3 usually
-1 toque - Not sure what that is.
-a very light thin long sleeved shirt and pants for a base layer - You already have these above so why bring more?

I also bring a very thin nylon windbreaker to layer with (wear it almost every morning when I start out), and a Gortex rainshell, but many would probably not carry both...
I basically plan to do laundry about every 3 days and can get by an extra day or handwash something in a pinch if I have to and throw it on top of a pannier to dry while riding.

So I've been living in Victoria for a month now and I just remembered this thread and thought I'd conclude it here. The tour was great, best experience of my life, and I didn't have any problems with gear really. We were all a little heavier than the posters in this thread suggested, but it was okay because you get stronger as you go, and once we were out of Ontario it was all downhill anyway. There sure were some good climbs north of superior though.
My raleigh sojourn performed admirably, didn't even get a flat until Vancouver.
Thanks for the advice everybody.

223686
Glad you had a good trip!

One T-shirt, shorts, underwear and socks to ride in.

One T-shirt, long pants, underwear and socks for camp.

Thin windproof jacket and running tights, rain jacket and pants, waterproof gloves and socks for riding in and/or camp

I'll take another windproof jacket to double up if it gets cold. Gets any colder I'll buy a fleece jersey along the way.
Basically no bike specific clothing.
My t-shirts, underwear and socks are all COTTON! Yeah! Rock on cotton! Damn industry trying to sell t-shirts for $100! :lol:

Glad you had a good trip!

Thanks dude, it was great.

I was a little staggered as I read your list. Definitely on the side of excess. Here is a list of gear I took on a four month tour (this list would suffice me on an indefinite length tour as well).
http://www.crazyguyonabike.com/doc/?o=1r4vFZo&doc_id=6090&v=e

I could have got by on less but it is nice to have a little variety of clothing to wear off bike.

how much did this weigh, please? i couldn't find it in the article.

If you feel comfortable wearing the same pair of socks every day for 2+ months it makes packing a lot easier I guess.

I've heard the optimal is to carry three socks. Two of them you wear on your feet and the third soaks in your water bottle. Each day rotate the clean sock from water bottle to left foot, the left sock to right foot and the right sock to the water bottle. :)

So I've been living in Victoria for a month now and I just remembered this thread and thought I'd conclude it here. The tour was great, best experience of my life, and I didn't have any problems with gear really. We were all a little heavier than the posters in this thread suggested, but it was okay because you get stronger as you go, and once we were out of Ontario it was all downhill anyway. There sure were some good climbs north of superior though.
My raleigh sojourn performed admirably, didn't even get a flat until Vancouver.
Thanks for the advice everybody.

223686

Glad you had a good trip, man. I'm sure that was a great one.

I've heard the optimal is to carry three socks. Two of them you wear on your feet and the third soaks in your water bottle. Each day rotate the clean sock from water bottle to left foot, the left sock to right foot and the right sock to the water bottle. :)

Is this your only water bottle?

Everyone's packing list is different. We all struggle with comfort vs. weight. I've learned that I can put up with a little funkiness to save weight, but I don't like to be cold. I also vary my list depending on where I go. If I'm touring in the Rockies in summer I prepare for real cold - it can be over 100 degrees, but it can also snow.

I carry several lightweight things and layer them if it gets cold.

For riding I carry three jerseys, three pairs of bike shorts, a high-vis windbreaker, and a pair of tights. I could get by with two kits, but they're light, and with three (which I wear at least twice before considering washing) I can go longer before laundry day.

I carry two poly-pro, longsleeve shirts - one light weight and one medium. I can wear either or both, depending on conditions. I can wear either or both while riding on a cold morning. I bring a fleece vest. It helps keep my trunk warm. I find the two polypro shirts are good enough for my arms. I save weight by bringing a fleece vest, as opposed to a jacket.

For my lower half, I bring two pairs of shorts - one really lightweight pair of running shorts, and one almost-as-light pair of "water shorts" - cargo style, fast drying. Occasionally I find a place where I can go for a swim. It's nice to have a dry pair of shorts to sleep in. Both pairs of shorts have mesh shorts sewn in, so I don't bring underwear. I also bring a pair of warm, fleece sweatpants. I know they're not what most people would bring, but I like them. They're comfy and warm. I went on one tour without them, substituting some lightweight, camping-style pants with zip-off legs, but I missed my sweats. When I wear them under my rain pants, I'm pretty darn warm!

I also bring rain pants and a rain jacket (with a zip-off hood). When it gets cold, I wear them as an outer layer. They really hold the warmth in!

I have a small, fleece stocking cap I wear at night. It keeps my head warm when it's cold (I sleep with it on) and it doesn't weigh much.

When I'm going to higher elevations I bring some long-sleeve, waterproof, winter, riding gloves. On a cold, wet ride they're invaluable!

I bring a couple pairs of shorty socks, and one pair of regular-length socks.