New to touring on a bike!

[Tasker]

'As for sleeping mats, i'll probably get one of these (they're abit cheaper and seem to get good reviews)'

Now you've done it!

 

[pkeenan]

Thanks alot for the advice everyone. I'll probable get one of those trangia 27 stoves, im sure I'll fit it in a pannier! As for sleeping mats, i'll probably get one of these (they're abit cheaper and seem to get good reviews) http://www.alpkit.co...category_id=289

I've just bought myself the Swedish Army Trangia - £9.99 on ebay (with another 5 on postage ). Having not yet got it, let alone used it, I cannot offer much insight - though I can tell you it's cheap and a simple design (I strongly believe that the simplest designs for things like this are the best). There'll be quicker stoves on the market, naturally. But with cycle touring what's the rush?

 

[roller0605]

Before I did my big tour through Europe, I went somewhere safe (Menorca) for a 10 day cycle trip to try everything out and see how it went, what I needed to get, what didn't work etc etc.
As a woman travelling on my own it gave me a lot of confidence!
For months before I left I spent a long time reading books/forums/internet to find out what everyone else took on a cycle tour and eventually narrowed it down to what suited me. I ended up with 4 panniers on my Dawes Sardar - what a fantastic bike!! LOVED every minute.