What Sort of Cycle Tourist am I? The following self-quiz is provided to help you build a checklist for supplies you may want to carry on a bike trip. Consider these questions carefully, as they will also affect your choices of bags and how to pack them: Scroll down for more complete discussions of travel options, gear choices and packing.
Am I willing to carry gear and supplies? (If not, you should look into tour companies that will carry your stuff.)
Will I be on dirt tracks in the wilderness, or on roads and prepared/groomed trails (asphalt, crushed limestone, etc)? A bikepacking setup is often a better choice for serious, off-road adventures.
Will I camp or sleep in a room? (also see #1)
Will I prepare food or buy it "on the go"? (Do I need to carry a stove and food?)
Do I want to travel super light or have some simple comforts (roomy tent, mini camp chair, lots of clean clothes, etc)? You may want to begin by limiting total weight and add ammenities as your comfort allows.
Will I be around other people who care if I smell really bad? (How much clothing will you bring? Will I occasionally eat at a restaurant?)
Will I gamble on bike repairs, or carry more than just the basic tools and parts? At minimum, you should be prepared to tighten/adjust any bolt or nut on your bike, and change a tire/tube.
Will I gamble on injuries, or carry plenty of first aid supplies to deal with saddle sores and accidents?
Do I need lots of electronics, and how will I charge them?
How long is the trip? (Will I need to resupply? How many bags will I need for all the stuff I considered above?)
Will I be sharing equipment with someone? (There are weight economies in sharing a tent and stove if camping.)
How will I get there and what is my trip route? (Pre-trip planning will prevent headaches later.)
To which "bike tribe" do I belong...or do I care? Are you a traditionalist carrying panniers, a bikepacker, or someone who likes to pick and choose from all the bike bag options that are available? Members of each "tribe" often sport signature clothing and gear choices ranging from hobo to racing spandex to hipster. They also tend to travel in like-minded packs. Individualists just pick the gear they like from each "column." You can even make panniers out of kitty litter buckets (Google it). Just be comfortable and have fun :)
Guided Tours (your gear can be someone else's problem) The Adventure Cycling Association offers guided tours of all types. This is an especially good resource for those who prefer to have someone else transport their suitcases and/or camping gear. www.adventurecycling.org/guided-tours/ The ACA also publishes a members' magazine, "The Adventure Cyclist," that is a great resource for those interested in touring. Classified ads for other tour operators might be found in the back pages. www.adventurecycling.org/subscribe/magazine/ Social media groups and Websites for particular trails and routes are a great resource, but you will get a better response on FaceBook, etc, if you do a little research before asking basic questions like "how long is the trail" or where can I stay." This information is readily available through the above groups and sites.
All-Terrain Touring (Bikepacking) If some or all of your travel will be on trails most suitable for mountain bikes, and you will carry your own gear, you should consider assembling a bikepacking rig. The goal is to travel light, and to mount bags within the frame, handlebar width, and close to the midline of the bike. You want to be more aerodynamic and not hit trees or rocks with your bags. Most pannier (saddlebag) attachments are not really made to handle jarring, off-road abuse, although they will hold up well on lumpy, manicured trail surfaces. If you are already a backpacker, you probably already own everything except special bike bags. Although the Adventure Cycling Association provides some information on this topic, another good dedicated resource for bikepackers is Bikepacker.com bikepacking.com/bikepacking-101/
Traditional Touring Rigs If most of your touring will be on roads or groomed trails, and you want to bring more gear, you will likely choose a pair of panniers ("saddlebags") for short trips, or two pairs for longer ones. Your bike should be able to accept racks to hang the bags. There are different schools of thought on whether a single pair of bags should go on the front or back of the bike. There are also an infinite number of preferences on bag size, style, color, and degree of water-proofing. Whatever.
Bikepacking vs. Touring? Use what works for you. In recent years, the use of the term "bikepacking" has expanded to include any sort of travel that involves attaching some sort of bags to your bike. Traditionally, "bikepacking" refers to light-weight gear made for wilderness camping on un-groomed trails. Bikepacking bags typically fit within the frame or lines of the bike, and are firmly attached to stay but when riding over lumps and bumps. Their compact placement avoids catching on shrubs and rock outcrops. Bikeackers can be "weight weenies," challenging themselves to travel with as little as possible. This is an advantage if climbing in rough terrain.
Touring rigs generally include front and/or rear panniers ("saddle bags") that hang on racks. They can be larger and allow you to carry more gear, and generally stay firmly attached on gravel roads. Many cycle tourists travel the world on a mix of paved and unpaved roads. Tourers may camp or sleep in beds most nights. While the purists in both "tribes" sometimes look on in disdain, riders are mixing up the use of bikepacking and touring bags for both on- and off-road adventuring. Use whatever you like. Have fun. Note that bikes intended for bikepacking often have more built-in attachment points for bags and bottles. Touring-specific bikes often allow you to attach full fenders, a bonus if continually riding in the rain or mud. Work-arounds are often possible where a bike does not have the attachment points (bosses) that you need. If you need to carry lots of gear, you can even add a trailer. This is a great way to travel with small kids.
It's increasingly common to see "bikepackers" using panniers, and "bike tourers" using frame and handlebar bags. Unless you a a purest, use whatever works.
Pre-Trip Bike Inspection Nothing is sadder than a mechanical problem that could have been fixed before the trip. Any inspection should identify and repair: worn, cracked or rotten tires, loose spokes ( and wheels that are out of true), loose frame bolts (for bottles, racks, etc.), filthy, rusty, or worn drivetrains (chains, chainrings, or cassettes), poor shifting (cable and derailleur issues), worn wheel bearings, etc. If you are not familiar with bike repair, have a shop inspect your bike before touring. Park Tool has a great collection of DIY bike repair pages and videos. https://www.parktool.com/
What to Pack The following is a list of items to consider, and a range of options within each category. This general list is for a camping trip. You will want to modify your choices by answering the quiz questions above. Personal preferences, weather forecasts, and trip length will dictate what you leave off or add to this list.
Car Racks for Your Bikes Make sure your bikes will fit on your car rack/carrier. Adding pannier racks to bicycles can interfere with how they mount on a car rack, as they require more space. Sadly, some multiple-bike racks are actually unsuitable for the number of bikes they are purported to carry. My "4-bike" rack just comfortably transports two touring bikes (with racks for panniers), and will only carry 3 with lots of padding between bikes or some disassembly of one bike. If packed too tightly, you will loose paint and parts as the bikes rub. Bungee the front wheel on each bike to the bike frame to keep it from flopping around during travel.
Bike As noted on the Longer Trips -Cycle Touringpage, most bikes can be adapted to cycle touring of one sort or another. Some bikes may not readily accept racks, but can be adapted for certain bikepacking bags. Many bikes have fittings on at least the rear portion of the frame that will allow the installation of a rack. Certain rear racks do not require these fittings, using seat posts, the frame, and axles as attachment points. Fittings for front racks are more common on tour-specific bikes with metal forks. Choose tires with subtle tread for riding on roads or groomed trails (crushed limestone for example). Use wider tires to smooth the ride if you are carrying some weight and running on softer surfaces (35+ mm). On coarse gravel you will need 42-48+mm tires to be comfortable. Consider adding fenders or mud guards if you will ride in the rain... or get used to having a brown stripe up the back of all your shirts.
Bags Again, are you a bikepacker or a traditional cycle tourist? As noted above, bikepacking bags are often specific to certain types of bikes, but you can obviously use them on road trips as well as wilderness trails. Rack-mounted panniers are a good choice for those sticking to roads and groomed trails, and allow more gear to be carried. Mix and match as desired, although panniers may not hold up well on mountain bike trails.
Tent This should ideally be an ultralight model. The size will depend on whether you are sharing space or just want more room. If you want to keep gear in the tent, use one "labeled" for one more person than will occupy it. You'll want some sort of lightweight, plastic, ground sheet as well. If traveling light or weather permits, you may just have a hammock or bivy. If your tent poles need to go into a pannier vertically, I'd recommend padding the bottom of the bundle to avoid tearing the bag. I jamb the end of the bundle into an old, cheap, plastic drinking cup. Many tent makers now make "bikepacking" tent pole sets that collapse to shorter lengths making them easier to pack.
Sleeping Bags and Pads It's best if these pack small. Plan for weather that will be ten degrees colder than whatever the forecast is predicting, as those estimates are often wrong. Lightweight air mattresses are useful and pack small. You can take an inflatable pillow or stuff some clothing in a bag for that purpose.
Clothing
If you use them (recommened), bring enough padded cycling shorts (chamois) so you can change them out daily, washing between uses. Nasty bacteria can cause, aggravate or infect saddle sores.
Other cycling clothing can be reused or rinsed as needed. Just don't expect to be welcomed in a restaurant if you stink and are covered in mud. It can be helpful to stay in motel once in a while, where all your dirty gear can be washed and hung to dry. I would strongly advise against cycling in cotton clothing. It will quickly saturate with sweat and is difficult to dry after you wash it.
Après-cycling clothing: Get out of your cycling shorts ASAP. Clean up and enjoy some light, comfortable clothing in camp. As already noted, if you plan to visit a restaurant, you will find that sweat and dirt are unwelcome. Bring whatever outwear you may need for casual sit-down dining, or to sit around camp on a cool night. A down vest and synthetic thermal underwear are light and easy to pack. Plan for night-time temperatures ten degrees cooler than the forecast. You may want some lightweight, compactable footwear to wear around camp, especially if your cycling shoes are wet and muddy. Sandals, "crocks," or slipper shoes are popular. Quick-drying options are best.
Rain gear. Useful in camp and if heavy rain will be encountered while riding. During a rainstorm, you will often find that these items (and the clothing you are wearing) will get wet from the inside due to perspiration while riding. In a light mist on a warm day you may stay drier without a rain coat :) While riding, I've only worn rain pants in a cold, torrential downpour, but they are also welcome when you need to sit on a wet picnic bench, and to block wind on a cold night in camp.
Cook Kit and Food Stove: If you are making your own hot food, some sort of compact backpacking stove is required. Weight is important. A preferred type uses canisters of pressurized propane/isobutane for fuel. Stoves using liquid fuel (white gas, etc) also work well. Ideally the stove should be able to pack inside whatever pot you bring. Don't forget a lighter and utensils. Camp Food: While pre-packed backpacking meals are convenient, they can be pricey. Flavored noodle or rice packets from the supermarket can be supplemented with foil pouches of chicken or fish for a cheap, filling meal. Some folks use a dehydrator to make their own camp meals. Camp recipes can be found online. If you are a coffee drinker, plan for that. Trail/Riding Food: You will need to hydrate and keep your energy level up during a long ride. Make sure you drink plenty of water and consume some carbohydrates every 15-20 miles. Snacks should include a bit of protein as well. Carry at least two large water bottles and refill them often. Avoid the dreaded "bonk." This occurs when you run out of "fuel" and suddenly feel lethargic, weak, grumpy, dispirited, and generally yucky. Sports drinks are a popular way to intake sugars, but your water bottles, hands, and handlebars may get sticky after a while. There are plenty of sports bars and gummies on the market that give the same boost, and old-school GORP can be fine too.
Electronics We've become quite dependent on our devices. Plan for charging them along the way. A decent portable device charger should be able to recharge a normal phone at least several times. Do you use a separate device for navigation? Plan to charge that as well. Do you really need to leave your phone on all day? Do you really need to see texts, news alerts, and emails in real time? Don't expect universal cell service. Enjoy the ride. I like to print out directions and camp/hotel reservation confirmations just in case my phone dies at just the wrong moment.
If you are using devices powered by replaceable batteries, bring extras. While I've never needed them, solar chargers and front wheels with generator hubs are available if you will not be near an electric outlet for 4-5 days or more. If you are riding on roads, bring a rear flashing light. Have a front light as well if you will ride at night, or through rail trail tunnels. You'll want a headlamp for camp.
If you are riding an E-bike, first make sure it is a type/class that is legal where you are riding, then make sure it has the range to get you from A to B every day, and consider where you will charge it. Generally, overnight stays are going to require frequent patronage of indoor facilities or RV campsites with electrical hookups. Class 3 E-bikes are generally prohibited on trail networks, as are any bikes with motors exceeding 750 watts (1 HP).
Directions There are many apps that can generate route maps. It never hurts to confirm via Google Earth (zoom in) or a bit of web surfing that trails appearing on route maps actually exist. It is amazing how many non-existent trails appear on Google mapping products. Road directions are usually fine, but I have been sent the wrong way up one-way streets :) I've also been routed to "trails" that exist only in the minds of a trail planner, but have been on Google products for over a decade, in spite of complaints.
Personal Health Products (other than standard toiletries) Bring sunglasses, toilet paper (portajohns do run out), wipes, sun lotion, bug repellent, and chamois cream (unless you are one of the lucky folks who can do without it for days). Packing some antifungal, triple antibiotic, and hydrocortisone creams can help you treat "hot spots" on your buttocks from too much saddle time, before they become sores or worse. A first aid kit is also very helpful. The occasional fall, scrape, blister, poison ivy encounter, or insect bite may require attention. If you take medications, bring them. If you have a medical condition that could become an sudden issue for you or your riding partners, wear a RoadID or other medical information wristband. Share your relevant medical background with your riding partners, so they know how to help you in an emergency.
Tools and Replacement Parts Essentials: You will obviously need to bring one or more spare innertubes and a patch kit. You will need some sort of tire levers to remove most tires for repairs.
You should have a multitool on your bike that fits all the bolts on the bike. If your wheels, seat, brake pads, etc. are held on with hex nuts, bring a small adjustable wrench.
Have a tire pump on your bike. I'm a fan of Topeak's RoadMorph G, which has a gauge and a fold-out foot pad for use while pumping. CO2 cartridges sound good, but when they are gone you can't fill any more tires. Battery-powered mini pumps are iffy as well. You'll be stranded when the battery fails.
Carry a couple of extra frame bolts of the sizes used to attach water bottle holders, racks and fenders. They can occasionally shake loose.
Others Items to Consider: On a longer trip you may find it useful to carry an extra tire (I've destroyed several in remote areas). If riding partners have the same tire size and width, just share one. A spoke wrench and chain removal tool (and a short length of chain links) can be handy. For long journeys, some folks will carry extra spokes, tools to remove a cassette, a pedal wrench, etc. A bike lock is important if you'll need to go into stores or camp near civilization.