My Packing List for my Cross-Country Trip in 2015... What are your thoughts?

[jhawk]

Hi guys,

I thought I'd get a bit of input from the community here on my packing list for my cross-country tour in 2015, across Canada (and probably beyond - want to travel the world, so I do!) In the hopes of getting some perspective on what others have taken on such journeys of similar scope and length. In addition to what I'm missing, what I need to chop, what I can do without, etc...

https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1r-zMw0VYO1HjMzyQURmemka1vjG7b0BqopCieWQXrIA/edit#gid=0

The link is there, you should be able to see it! Opinions are always welcome!

Cheers,

Jack.

 

[steveindenmark]

My first thought is that you are missing a camera and tripod. I read lots of cycle Tour books and articles and if there is not a fair smattering of photos in it I can lose interest rapidly, especially if the author does not appear in any of the photos. I carry a mega cheapo tripod from e Bay, with the thinnest legs you have ever seen.

You may have the idea of using your Galaxy for the photos but there isnt always somewhere to stand it to take "selfies".

Secondly, a book. For me, a tablet does not replace a book. I am reading Full Tilt, Ireland to India with a bicycles by Dervla Murphy. She rode it solo in 1963 and part of her kit list was 1.25 automatic pistol and 4 rounds of ammo which I would not suggest you carry. Its a good read and shows how little we need to carry on big trips.

Steve

 

[mysticmeg]

We did this a few years ago (with a tent rather than a hammock which meant thermarests were top of my do not forget list). I would suggest too many clothes here at least halve the amount take a small tube or bottle of travel wash and wash the clothes out everynight you can. Jeans are too heavy look for lightweight clothes such as rohan (there are some big mountains to get over ).
Other things we learned
When you replace your first tyre if you have to then keep it for a back up
Almost anything can be repaired with insulating tape or a jubilee clip. My rack ( only had rear racks) broke 1000 miles or so in and lasted the rest of the trip held together by the jubilee clip.
Insect repellent! sunglasses, buff (kept flies out later and kept the rain and snow out of my face at the beginning)
Maps - too old fashioned for some but don't run out of power and a visible sign that you are looking for something thus encouraging people to help. Actually in Canada the problem aas the other way so many people stopped to talk, offer us a shower, directions, advice, drugs that it was occasionally disconcerting. Fantastic trip, fantastic country, lovely people. Have a great time

 

[sidevalve]

As above but you could try a mini tripod or clamp. I must agree with the book idea too. A tablet/reader etc is fine and carries a lot of stuff but if it breaks [or gets stolen] it's gone and you're stuck, a book is both less valuable and harder to damage.
I would also take a few cable/zip ties - the number of things they can repair/bodge in an emergency is amazing and they only weigh a few gramms.

 

[SatNavSaysStraightOn]

matches
fuel
fuel bottle...

something to clean your trangia bowls... (washing up liquid & J cloth...)

water bottles, & cages.
mulitool kit
long nose pliers
chain repair tool
oil & rag for cleaning chain.

This is my list for next week. 8 day tour - I don't add quantities but mostly it is 1 or 2...

this link (http://www.crazyguyonabike.com/doc/page/?o=8S&page_id=178231&v=ly) was our equipment list for our long tour.

 

[steveindenmark]

I would still go with a full heights tripod. Quite often with mini tripods and clamps you cannot get the correct photo or there is nowhere to fasten the clamp.

I have just weighed mine and it weighs 420 grammes and is called a Hamas Star 05

Steve

 

[Saluki]

What is an 'LS Shirt'?
Do you need that many pairs of cargo shorts?

Your first aid kit. It's not been ticked as 'have' or 'need'. I am assuming that is an oversight

I did a tour using horses and travelling light was the way to go for me (and for the horse). I needed far less than I thought that I would and sent a whole lot home again when I met up with some car owning friends along the way.

 

[SatNavSaysStraightOn]

LS Shirt = long sleeved shirt at a guess....

 

[alans]

wrt clothes

buy some Tilley stuff.You can tour with 2 pairs skiddies,2 vests, etc etc.
One to wear & one to wash.This stuff really does dry very quickly,is comfortable to wear & durable

http://www.tilley.com/canada_en/

it's not cheap but it is full value for money & you will certainly avoid the false economy trap.

 

[jhawk]

Hi all, and thank you for your responses.

I can see now that there are a multitude of things that I can eliminate and/or change on my list - as well as some things that I have overlooked!

@steveindenmark : You are correct in that my phone will not do for the "selfies", or other photos that I may wish to take on tour - perhaps a camera and a tripod such as your own would be a good investment, it's simply a case of "other priorities and no money" at the minute. I'm looking at purchasing a set of slap straps and carabiners to go with my Hennessy Hammock set up, which you can view below: (Please note that this is my father's set up, I will simply replicate that as I learned it the other day.)



@mysticmeg : Thank you - and the clothing washing bag is a great suggestion something that I had not previously considered! The jeans I will ditch, probably in favour of some lightweight wind pants or convertible pants. The tyres will need replacing, certainly the rear one, although the front seems to have plenty of life left in it. I will keep the rear one as a back up nonetheless.

Insect repellent - I would die without, the mosquitoes love my English blood! I will also be taking a map, too. And a book or two (Alastair Humphreys' two books about cycling around the world are top of my "to buy" list at the moment! Those will accompany me). I was mainly going to be using my tablet for updating my website, social media and writing articles for clients.

@SatNavSaysStraightOn : Water bottles and cages are accounted for I have three of each attached to the bike. Fuel, matches and fuel bottles - also incoming. Cleaning material - also incoming. I have a multitool already - it should be listed on the list as "Have"? Oil & rag for chain cleaning - also incoming! (There's a lot of stuff that I've yet to purchase, I know). And yes, you're right - LS = Long Sleeved Shirt.

@alans : Thanks for the recommendations - will check out Tilley's, just looked at the prices now... Wow. Maybe Christmas!

 

[HelenD123]

Way too many clothes. Glad you've already decided to ditch the jeans! I'd suggest 2 cycling jerseys, 1 cargo shorts (presuming for on the bike), one shorts for off the bike which can double up for on the bike if necessary, one T shirt and one long sleeved shirt. I wouldn't bother with convertible pants as they're not great for cycling in. Just get non-convertible lightweight walking trousers. I'd add some long tights or trousers for cycling in on cold days.

 

[Gravity Aided]

On the hat, look for what is called a boonie hat in the States.Got mine from a place called Cabelas, I believe they also sell Tilley hats as well.