Advice on my Gear List
 

Well, hopefully this thread will go better than the last "Gear list for First Solo Tour" one...

I gearing up, pun intended, for my first tour and I'm three months from launch. It will be solo through Southern Utah, the Rockies, Cascades, and Sierra's taking place between late spring and mid fall. Please see http://www.bikeforums.net/touring/10...h-us-west.html for more details. I expect a wide range of weather ranging from the high 90's to the low 20's, with lots of rain and some snow, and high winds. Although I would like to go as light as possible, I still want to be prepared for most foreseeable events and I don't mind sacrificing some weight to do so. I plan to spend some time off the bike exploring parks, trails, and towns/cities so I have chosen dual purpose gear and clothes.

Also, I'm pretty close to my budget for gear and still have a laptop to purchase. Thus, bang for my buck options are preferred. I feel confident in most of my gear choices, but I'm at a loss when it comes to the "Bike Tools" and "Bike Repair/Replacement" sections. These sections need the most work, but I'd greatly appreciate it if the others were reviewed as well. Thank you in advance.

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Extra chain? I rode across the country with 12 other people. Some 44,000 bike miles between us. Not one chain issue. At most I would carry some extra links and learn to repair what you have well enough to get you to the next shop or until someone can send you a replacement. ? on the patch kit? Let's not go there again. Bring one, and some chain lube. Cannot your pedals be removed with an allen wrench? Don't see the need for a headset wrench. Wine bladder? Flask? Buy sports drinks if you need them. You going to carry enough for 6 months? Dump the seam sealant. You can buy some if you end up needing it. What are you going to pick up your hot pot with? Four pens? Seriously? In general, I cannot wait to see this load if you don't pare it down significantly.

U lock? I just use a beefy cable lock, and I don't do big cities. Spokes, bringing a cassette tool to remove? Hiking boots? What about some light weight ones?

This is a thoughtful list (as is your route planning) but I think you are packed way too heavy. Suggestions below are aimed at increasing pleasure on the bike while eliminating items you won't miss. Remember it's not just about having a lighter bike but also having less stuff to pack, unpack, maintain, repair, lose, etc.

I've been conservative in suggesting cuts. You could actually go a lot lighter. Make your cuts wherever you feel comfortable and then dial it in by mailing more stuff home from the road. Your route looks awesome and I think you'll have an amazing experience. Best of luck, suggestions below.

--Is the handlebar bag waterproof?

--The Surly rack is much heavier than it needs to be.

--The dry bag seems far too big given the 80 L of pannier capacity. Typically people have 40-65 L of pannier space and a 15-20 L dry bag.

--Backpack plus a dry bag seems excessive. Get a bag that can double as backpack.

--Regarding a mirror, see the Safe Zone helmet mirror reviews on amazon. Expensive but it could save your life and it has a good guarantee.

--I'd substitute a piece of tyvek for the blue tarp. Ligher and packs smaller.

--I would skip the bowl and eat out of the pot. Use a pot cozy and it saves on fuel and makes it easier to eat out of the pot.

--You don't need a flask.

--Skip the sports drink powder. Get electrolytes from real food and bring electrolyte tablets if you think you'll encounter extreme hot temps. This way you won't have to clean nasty water bottles (water only).

--I'll let others advise you on the bear canister but if a hung bag will do. See zpacks.com They have one that is extremely light and includes a lightweight cord and a "rock bag."

-- I'd get a lighter knife. See opinel, gerber, or other lightweight knives and you'll save a few ounces.

--Leave the firestarter and extra flashlight at home.

--instead of bungie chords check out rok straps. On youtube the path less pedaled has a nice review. Lighter and more convenient than multiple bungies and a net. You also won't lose them because they stay on the bike.

--One pair of shorts is enough and these should be able to double as swim trunks.

--Two wool shirts is enough

-Fewer boxers.

--One pair of long wool socks for cold weather and 1-2 pairs of riding shorts should do it.

--I am not sure if you have clipless pedals or not but one pair of shoes should work for bike, camp, and hiking. This cuts way down on bulk and weight.

--Can you do without the external hard drive and video battery?

--Unless there is some compelling reason I would think you could skip the fluoride rinse.

--limit or skip baby powder.

--Hand sanitizer is uncessessary.

--shaving cream in uncessary. Shave in shower with steam and regular soap.

--One travel towel, not two. See zpacks.

--No washcloth.

--Deodorant is only going to do so much for you. I'd skip it but that's a personal decision.

--Buy immodium if you need it rather than carry it.

--I think others can help you trim your first aid kit a little bit. I also didn't comment on your tools but there is room for cutting there too. Others can help.

This is a very complete list.....too complete IMHO, reduce it by at least 25%, remove the obvious stuff first....3 ring binder? and get back to us.

I'd put the spare tire in the same camp.
Plan on giving your bike a full tune-up before the trip. Maybe a pair of brand new Marathon tires, a brand new chain, and a brand new cassette or freewheel.

How many miles total? Maybe leave some spares with a friend or parent that can mail them to where you intend to be in a couple of days.

Know your bike. A 5-8 speed rear end will take a standard 3/32 chain which you can literally get anywhere. A 9/10/11 speed rearend will require a more specialized chain, not necessarily carried by all shops, but most true shops should have them.

Your LHT should be able to take department store tires in a pinch.

You can make a new toothbrush old very quickly :thumb:
I wouldn't bring an extra old one :P

Plan on doing a 2-3 day "dry run" before your big trip. Maybe as soon as possible.

A neat trick is to lay out what you have and then weigh it. you might be very surprised at the all up weight.

i have a FIZIK multi-tool that has a standard and Phillips screw driver, various hex keys and a combination chain breaker and spoke key. The chain breaker is used with the 5mm hex key as the turning handle to drive out a chain rivet. For touring I'd recommend a decent multi-tool rather than a bunch of loose tools. I also carry at least one spare tube. If i flat i just check the tire and then put in the new tube and repair the other one in camp.

If you don't mind my asking, why do you want to take a pedal wrench or a headset wrench? if the bike has a threaded headset then 2 wrenches are required to adjust it. A properly adjusted headset should not go out of adjustment on tour.

I'd forgo the cutting board, spatula and wooden spoon. You can always carve a wooden spatula if you really need one.

How about a reuseable coffee filter instead of 100 paper ones?

i found thay a long butane BBQ starter is ideal for lighting my stove or for starting a fire. This is a lot better than matches or flint and steel in windy or rainy conditions plus it keeps fingers away from the flame.

Flashlight? Why not use your CygoLite headlight instead?

Instead of long underwear I take another light layer of clothing. i can then wear as much or as little as I need and can stop anywhere and take off a layer if I need to.

I think you're looking at a fairly hefty load as things stand. Not only would I be concerned with the weight but also the bulk. Things like extra eyeglasses (clear safety glasses) in a protective case or wrapped can take up a surprising amount of room.

With clothing I always try to get everything to be double duty if possible. A cycling cap is great for giving shade if you need it plus it's light and compact and can be wetted for extra cooling.

Good luck with your planning and also with your tour.

Cheers

BTW, be careful with the Sports Drink powder. I've looked at both Gatorade and Powerade poders and saw that they were mostly sugar. Sugar gives you a QUICK SHORT energy boost but then you really feel down if you haven't arrived at your destination by the time it wears off. It's the dreaded "BONK or HITTING THE WALL" and sugar increases your thirst.

Cheers

I agree, but would emphasize the "at least". There are more items on your list that I'd leave home than I am willing to take time to list, so all I will say is cut cut cut.

You forget to mention the pickup truck that you'll need to carry all this stuff in. Get rid of at least 3/4 of it. Make a pile of it all in the extra bed room or such. Live out of that pile for a week or 2. Whatever you did not use at least twice does not go on the bicycle trip. Except the emergency stuff.

I don't have a problem with car camping. Get a group together and take turns driving, setting up camp, cooking etc, One day a week if I'm feeling tired or have a sagging spouse, that's way cool. Bicycle touring doesn't have to be self supported. Set up your own supported tour!!
Ride!! Live!! Breath!!

mm718 had mostly great suggestions as did a bunch of others.

I would skip body powder and get Body Glide or Chamois Glide that stuff works very well and is easy to put on. I would go with a scented deodorant. Kiss My Face makes an active one that doesn't smell bad and could help mask some sweat odors though killing the bacteria is the best way to do that.

Sports drinks are mostly silly go with Camelbak Elixir which has no sugar and more electrolytes and vitamins than most others (at least of the several that my former boss tested last year). The Camelbak podium chill bottles don't hold onto flavors well so they can be rinsed and used again easily.

Baby wipes are extremely useful and I highly recommend carrying them. The Seventh Generation ones are my go to as they are generally free of crap (well until you wipe down there).

Boxers should pretty much always be ExOfficio (nearly all mine are and most of the folks I have worked with have a pair or three). They are perfect for travel and you really only need two pairs and if you have cycling shorts you could get away with one and wash it and dry it while riding and wear them at night. The new sport mesh ones are a bit lighter and I would take two anyways just to have them.

The Surly rack is well built, looks nice, works great but heavy I would switch it out for a Tubus Cargo Evo or Logo Evo rack and go with the Tubus Duo at the front. That combo is solid if you can rock it and weighs less combined then just the single Surly rack.

Curious if you are a Wob or just a general anarcho-syndicalist or just like red and black?

Thanks for the Replies


Thanks again for the replies.

Why even two pens? They do have store where you will be traveling.

I drink wine or whiskey virtually every night when I tour. I have never felt the need for a flask or wine bladder.

BTW...I showed your packing list to my LHT and it groaned.

LOL! As I kept scrolling down the list I started to imagine how long it would take to write my reply if I addressed even most of the items I felt needed addressing and thought to myself "Forget it."

I'm not going to go into too much detail here but ....

Regarding the backpack ...

That is my hand. The top bag (blue) is a good-sized duffle bag which we've used to pack carry-on stuff. The bottom bag is a decent-sized backpack. They're both scrunched into their little bags in that photo, of course ... and that is how small they scrunch up. They are also very light.

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Regarding the pot cozy ... use a toque (or in Australian "beanie"). You'll find them in your local dollar store.


Hiking boots ... I ride with mtn bike shoes with recessed clipless pedals and a sole with good traction. I've done some decent hikes in them.


Wash cloth ... use a men's handkerchief. It's lighter and it dries quicker. Otherwise just use your hands to splash the water onto your face ... or paper towel if the toilet has some.


Pens ... one pen, one small pencil, like a golf pencil. Pens can be finicky just at a bad moment.



Here's the thing to remember ... unless you're heading up the Dempster Highway or some other similarly remote area, there are shops. If you discover you need something, you can buy it at the next shop you come to. For example, I will set off on a trip very light in the clothing department ... but by the time I return, I'm hauling a wardrobe with me because I've purchased clothes along the way.

Oh, and you do not need sports drinks. Pick up a coke mid-ride if you want something laden with sugar.

A few things to consider. Remember that you can typically buy stuff pretty frequently if you find you need something you don't have along. You can also mail things home or have them mailed to you, so if you need something for part of the trip only carry it there. You will be riding exceedingly difficult terrain so a light load is highly desired IMO. I find that having a very limited number of things along makes for a simple lifestyle that I really like. So I travel with 9-15 pounds of clothing and camping and cooking stuff. You may not want to go that light, but the principles still apply. In general at least up to a point lighter is better and I think you are a long way from that point.

Having used a lot of packing styles myself I have found that going very light is more pleasant for me. To be fair I will say that I have met folks who carried VERY heavy loads and were happy with their choices.

Wine bladder? Flask?

I figure that sometimes I'll want some wine or whiskey after a long day. It seems more bang for your buck and had to cut out some weight somewhere. :)
I guess it depends on what and how much you drink, but doesn't most distilled liquor come in light plastic bottles these days. Unless you are a heavy/daily drinker. My suggestion is to buy small quantities when you want them. For me that means that once in a great while I buy a bottle or little half size bottle of wine, always when there is someone to share it with.

--Is the handlebar bag waterproof?

Yes, though the quality is questionable.
A zip loc bag(s) take care of that

--The dry bag seems far too big given the 80 L of pannier capacity. Typically people have 40-65 L of pannier space and 15-20 L dry bag.

Agreed, I got it when I had much more bulky gear (believe it or not). I plan to fold the excess underneath. Any Problem with that?
I'd suggest skipping it altogether. Your panniers alone will hold a lot of gear. I'd put the tent on the top of the rear rack. If rolled with the floor on the outside it won't be any wetter (or drier) after all day in the rain.

--Backpack plus a dry bag seems excessive. Get a bag that can double as backpack.

Do they make that? I figure I need a small day bag for some hiking.
Any small backpack can double as a dry bag. Depending on how big you need the choices can vary. I'd suggest the REI Flash 18 (about 12 oz) or for lighter duty use the Sea 2 Summit Ultra-Sil® Dry Day Pack (about 3 oz).

--I'd substitute a piece of tyvek for the blue tarp. Ligher and packs smaller.

Whoops, I actuall have a Dash 2 footprint.
FWIW, I stopped using any footprint or ground sheet years ago. Patch any little holes, recoat if necessary, start using a groundsheet inside the tent if the floor ever gets really shredded. I have never had to go as far as recoating or using a groundsheet inside though. The tents have lasted a long time without and then failed in some other manner.

--I'll let others advise you on the bear canister but if a hung bag will do. See zpacks.com They have one that is extremely light and includes a lightweight cord and a "rock bag."
I have done quite a bit of touring in bear country (Trans America, Southern Tier, Southern half of the Sierra Cascades, etc.) and never needed a bear canister. In parks where the bears are acclimated to humans they typically have bear boxes. I do hang my food and toiletries sometimes where there aren't bear boxes. In all my touring I have had my food taken only once, and that was because I arrived late didn't notice that they had poles specifically for hanging food. Raccoons got into our food, but it was my carelessness. BTW, remember that on most tours you can buy food daily the majority of the time. I suggest buying only what you need as close to camp as possible. That way you never need to carry very much food.

One pair for both on and off the bike?
I take one pair of bike shorts and one pair of running shorts.

I'm considering this, but having a clean shirt to go to bed in sounds appealing. Also, I've heard of rotation systems (one on the bike, one for camp/town, one to sleep in/reserve) which is why I choose three. Thoughts?
I typically wear running tech tees most of the time. They weigh only a couple ounces or so. I find two enough, but they are light enough that an extra isn't the end of the world.

Clipless. I was thinking of just having the hiking boots, boot the sandals sound nice for a hot day and stream crossings.
Your call. I find that for me real bike shoes are the way to go. I may or may not take some other footwear depending on the trip. Light trail runners are the heaviest I'd consider for a second pair and only if I actually will be hiking difficult terrain and/or for more than a few miles at a time. When we stopped for a week in Yosemite, I bought a pair of trail runners and would have mailed them home if it hadn't been only a few days from the end of our trip.

--One travel towel, not two. See zpacks.

The hand towel is super tiny and can be sued for dishes, though I will consider it.

--No washcloth.

This I'm a bit baffled at. Wouldn't you want to get the dirt off when you do get a chance to take a shower? As of right now I'm cutting down to one.
I take a "microfiber towel" the size of a large washcloth. I think I bought a pack of 4 for something like $5. They were sold as car washing rags or something. You can find them at pep boys. They work as well as camp towels and are far cheaper.

--Buy immodium if you need it rather than carry it.

The reason I'm thinking of it is food/water poisoning on the GDMBT away from stores. Thoughts?
Your call, I would skip it myself

re: the handlebar bag. If it's the one I think it is, I like the weight but the appeal of something like Ortieb is the quick detachment and then you can carry your valuables with you into stores, restaurants, etc. The main compartment is also totally waterproof.

Yes you could tuck the extra weight of the dry bag but it would be dead weight since you don't need it. Also having all of that room can encourage over packing. Not a big deal though whatever you are comfortable with. If you do go with something smaller sea to summit has great dry compression sacks. I like the Event model. They have an even lighter one but there may be durability concerns so I would avoid the "ultrasil."

Re: backpack and dry sack see REI's Flash series. I don't have personal experience with this but one of the posters above does so hopefully he'll chime in. I don't know if this backpack is a dry bag per se but you could pack such that this isn't an issue.

Lots of cozy "how-to's" on youtube. See shugemery and others.

I won't tell you how to drink your whiskey but no, you don't need a flask :)

re: the bear bag: you could hang a pannier but the zpacks kit is 1.6 ounces and it can serve as your feedbag too. This 1.6 ounces includes the cord and rock bag, so it should be even lighter than hanging a pannier. ZPacks.com Ultralight Backpacking Gear - Lightload Towels

re: my comments on clothes. I got a little confused about on and off-bike. Yes, I would always have dedicated clean comfortable clothes to wear at the end of the day. For me that's very important. If you keep working with your current list it might be helpful to distinguish between and and off bike clothes.

Re: my typo socks vs shirts I meant socks. Regarding having one reserve riding shirt. I think most people do that but it's completely doable to do it with just one and I've seen people do this before with no complaints.

Re: Shoes. Two pairs or three? I wasn't sure if the sandals had cleats or not. I ride platforms no straps and would make small sacrifices to have just one pair of shoes that would work for everything. I value lightweight streamlined elegant packing over having more choices. Personal preference, either way is fine.

Regarding hand sanitizer, you'll have wipes.

Re: a washcloth. It's light so it's not a big deal but I have no use for one and I don't remember seeing them on the scores of packing lists I've reviewed.

Re: Deodorant. Yeah, that makes sense. Travel sized would be good. "Pit paste" in a UL container would be another option

Re: Immodium and the Great Divide-specific questions go to crazyguy and email people who have ridden it. You could to this by going to journals>categories>routes and the rest will be self-explanatory. Contact people through their guestbooks of their GD journals. One of them is an ER doctor who packed light so he might have an interesting perspective. If you want his journal link I can track it down.

Let me reiterate something someone said above. Add weights in ounces to your spreadsheet, include a total weight, and repost your list. That will make it easier for people to give you feedback. Then at your first convenience go on a shakedown ride preferably an overnighter.

From your other thread:

"My general plan is to to an Amtrak from Chicago to Flagstaff, AZ. I'll take the Grand Canyon Connector North to the Western Express, take that East to the Great Divide, take that North to the Northern Tier,"

So you're planning to ride the GD all the way from Salida, CO to Columbia Falls, MT, which would include climbing the famed Fleecer Ridge unless you detour, carrying all that stuff or a load relatively close to it, on a Surly LHT with low riders?

That brings up an interesting thing that I have observed. Strangely, two lists can look almost identical if not giving detailed info and actual weights and one can be WAY heavier than the other. Details and specific choices of items make a big difference.

Thanks for the replies

Thanks again for the replies!

I hate chemicals as well. They generally make me sick so I try to stick to more natural scents and avoid a lot of the chemical laden crap.

Certainly get some cycling shorts. You will be thanking me pretty early in the trip and later into the trip. A good chamois will help a lot when riding long distance. Once you cut a lot of the stuff you are planning on carrying you will have space for a pair or two of cycling shorts you will be wearing most of the time any way. So long as you aren't wearing cotton you will be better off but honestly a good padded cycling short and a good saddle lead to great comfort.

ExOfficio are just the nicest boxers out there, really comfortable, lightweight, quick drying with an Aegis microshield treatment. Just good quality stuff.

My card isn't too bad I think I am a few months behind but things are going well in our branch so it is just me being occasionally lazy and busy and not being able to make a lot of meetings or events. There have been problems in different branches or HQ over the years. A big part of it is it has been hard for some folks to move forward into the future and understand the union is changing. However interpersonal stuff will always be around and we just have to plow through it for a better tomorrow.

Lots of debate about rust inhibitors. It doesn't hurt. There are many frames that have endured decades of abuse without the inhibitors. Your frame won't rust out on this trip. But, you do live in Chicago where they salt the roads, so it may not be a bad idea if you ride in the winter.

You will grind down the tires quite a bit in 5000 miles. If you rotate them once or twice, most quality pairs of tires should survive the trip, but it might not hurt to have a replacement plan in mind. I don't think I've been stuck beside the road due to hole that is too big in a clincher tire. I've had a few flat sewups in my life, but even those holes were also typically small.

I have started carrying Park Boots. They are easy to carry. About 2x as big as needed (so far). If used as a long-term repair, they will eventually chew through a tube (1000 to 2000 miles). There are a lot of DIY boots that may be just as effective, including MONEY.

Even if you finish the trip on the original tires, you may be ready to replace, so a set of spares at home isn't a bad idea.

Foldable tires are easier to ship and carry than wire bead tires, with no real benefit of wire beads.

As far as the chain. If it is dry, it may well last the whole trip. If you hit a lot of rain, you could wear out a couple of chains.

Like the tires, have a replacement plan. Most quality bike shops should carry the spares. Or, if you know where you're heading call ahead.

Heck, you could also wear the brake pads a bit depending on your riding style, but they won't leave you dead beside the road unless you really neglect your maintenance.

Did you discuss where you're staying? There are likely a few BF members what would hold supplies until you pass through, or give you recommendations of places to shop when you come to town. And, may even loan you a couch for a night.

I know the basic idea of Anarcho Syndicalism, but whats a wob?

Three activities/experiments ...

1) Decide what you think you'll need, pack it ... and do a short practice tour. Try to travel over varied terrain and don't necessarily pick a bright sunny weekend. If you think you might encounter snow and cold, pick a weekend where you might encounter snow and cold. Short tours can help you determine what you need and what you really don't need.


2) Decide what you think you'll need, pack it ... and try to lift and carry your bicycle with all the gear on it. If you can lift it and walk several paces with it, good. If you can't get it off the ground, you might want to rethink. This is especially important if you're going to be making use of trains or buses where you might need to carry your gear. As an extra experiment ... try cycling up a fairly steep hill in your local area with all your stuff. If you're halfway up and starting to entertain ideas of tossing it all into the ditch, you might want to rethink.


3) Look at each item you're thinking of bringing. Does it have two or more purposes? For example, you can bring a small bottle of a clear fruit-scented shampoo and have it do for washing yourself, doing your dishes, and doing your laundry. It might also work as shaving cream.
Bring one small bottle of deodorant and it can be used both as a deodorant and also as "Body Glide" or some of those, if you happen to need it.

When it comes to clothes, I go with 3 wicking T-shirts and rotate them. One on me when I'm riding, one on me when I finish my ride for the day, one in reserve. A couple days later, the one that was on me when I finish my ride for the day becomes my riding T-shirt, the riding T-shirt goes into the laundry, and the one in reserve becomes my evening shirt. When that evening shirt becomes a riding shirt, it is time to find a laundry.

You're not going to be able to find 2 or more purposes for everything, some things just have one purpose, but have a think about each of your items. Can you get away with one item instead of several.


For example ... on your list, you've got a beanie and a balaclava. You don't need both. Get a light balaclava that folds up to become a beanie.
And your bandana will work as a face washer (washcloth) ... although you could bring a handkerchief as I suggested above. If you are going to go with a washcloth, get one from the baby department.
Think about zip-off (convertible) pants which would work as pants and shorts.
If you've got baby wipes and/or hand sanitiser and/or antibiotic ointment, you don't need rubbing alcohol or antiseptic power.