yourrealdad

So here is my tentative list for my summer tour through the Colorado Rockies. Am I forgetting anything or should I leave out something/change quantities?

Thanks

Cyclesafe

So much of what one packs comes down to personal preference. I'd rank everything you've listed by weight and then ask yourself foreach item:

- Do I REALLY think I'll need it?
- Can I make do by using something else I am taking for that purpose?
- Is there another lighter alternative?
- Can I easily buy it while I'm on my trip if it turns out I need it?
- Can I easily mail it home if it turns out I don't need it?

I think only you can answer your question. If I were seriously answering, I'd leave the boat and electronics home.

carkmouch

No boat. nuh uh

Keep the ipod, cell phone, leave behind the camcorder

and forget the spork, just bring a spoon.

but it's YOUR bike tour so you can decide for yourself, but yeah especially if you are going to be in the mountains, you'll want as little weight as possible.

raybo

There is a real difference between making an inclusive list of things to take and actually pushing them up a hill (or the Rocky Mountains, in your case). Pack all this up, put it on the bike, and ride it somewhere for an overnight and see how it feels.

The first time I toured, I discovered several heavy items that I replaced with lighter weight but equivalent products. One example is a pair of heavy Levis I replaced with lightweight nylon pants. Another is lightweight "wicking" t-shirts instead of heavy cotton ones. Instead of heavy and bulky cold weather gear (jacket), try lightweight underlayers, such as long underwear.

Also, you need to decide how many of something you need. I tour with two "dry overnight" boxers that are very lightweight. Since I shower at the end of the day, I am only wearing underwear when my body is clean and only until I go to bed (I sleep boxerless). I can go several days without having to change them.

As for socks, consider taking wool, that can be used several day before needing to be changed or synthetics that dry quickly.

Check your toiletries carefully and get ride of any heavy containers (like shaving cream cans) and replace them with small plastic ones.

Have a great ride/float.

Ray

The Smokester

Rain gear?

John Nelson

Once you take the kayak, I think the weight of everything else gets lost in the noise.

How warm of stuff you need depends on how high the passes are that you will cross and how high you will be camping. I'd at least take arm warmers, knee warmers, wool socks, a skull cap, full-fingered gloves, and a rain jacket.

burtonridr

If you dont plan on using a trailer, could you please post a pic of your bike full loaded with a kayak. Its always interesting to see bikes loaded with things like kayaks, surf boards, boogie boards, etc

I think your nuts taking a kayak along for a trip that will last all summer, but if you do it, definitely take the camcorder.

rwp

Bug spray and sunscreen

yourrealdad

have to keep the kayak, it is fundraising and my life. Forgot the sunscreen and bug spray good call. My jacket is my rain gear. Goretex paclite.

thanks so far

kayakdiver

Lexan bowl or a big insulated mug that can serve dual duty? Headlamp? I'm sure I'll come up with some more......

yourrealdad

Jet boil is the mug, got the head lamp on there. Let me know when you get some more. Do you all carry deoderant?

John Nelson

I've carried bug spray for many trips in the Colorado Rockies, but I've never used it. Depending on where you are and when, you may not need it. The higher up you are, the less likely you'll need it. I have heard reports of nasty mosquitos in some of the lower-elevation (relatively) towns.

amckimmey

This is not really a spork.
It's cool though Spork From Light My Fire, no need to bring a separate knife for food, just use a pocket knife, something you have otherwise.

yourrealdad

thats exactly what I have

staehpj1

Dunno, depends on how you look at it. It might make it even more critical.

amckimmey

how about a picture of your kayak? do you have a bike trailer for your kayak?

Im thinking of getting a kayak

Randochap

Do not, I repeat, do not attempt this in Northern BC, Yukon and Alaska. In fact, pack a bug hat.

northboundtrain

Seems like your tool kit is missing a few items.

Here's my basic repair/parts touring kit:

pump
small sharp knife
couple of rags
couple pair of latex/nitrile gloves
chain lube
2 tubes
one spare folding tire
2 tire levers
patch kit
exta master link and a few spare regular chainlinks
Allen keys: 2, 2.5, 3, 4, 5, 6 mm
miniature screw driver consisting of #2 phillips, #1 phillips, and flathead tips.
chain tool
spoke wrench
brass wire brush
presta to shrader adapter (so I can air up at a gas station in case my pump fails)
2 spare spokes with nipples for each spoke size
small pair of channel locks with the handles cut to about half length (good for taking apart a chain at the master link or straightening a dinged rim)
a half sheet of 200 grit wet-dry paper (to smooth out channel lock marks on a rim, scuff a tube for patching, sharpen a knife, etc.)
a small piece of an old tire a couple of inches long (for a blown-out sidewall emergency repair)
electrical tape
zip ties
small assortment of 5 mm and 6 mm nuts and bolts

raphael88

towel?

soulfullspirit

i am busy packing my panniers got them all laid out on the floor and throwing stuff out that i think might lighten my load like shampoo and shaving cream, then i read you are taking a kayak on a bike **********??? Now im thinking i might take my BBQ

bikiola

rope and other things for bear camping?

MichaelW

You need to do a short shakedown tour with some camping and kayaking to see what to bring and what to leave. Can you combine any of the kayaking gear with cycling, eg helmet or waterproof top?