Archive-URL: http://search.bikelist.org/getmsg.asp?Filename=touring.9805.0014.eml
From: Alan Bloom <abloom(AT)sr.hp.com>
Subject: Packing list
Date: Fri, 1 May 1998 12:45:46 -0700 (PDT)
Keith Nichols <KGNICHOL(AT)fcc.gov> wrote:
> Sometime ago, I found a gear list that was incredibly
> complete, and have since lost it, and lost the internet cite for
> it. It was a simple text-only list that had the items listed to the
> right and 2 check-off columns to the left. One column was for
> a supported tour and the other for a self-supported tour. It
> used parentheses to form the check-off boxes.
That sounds like my list. It is posted on SteveC's web site at:
http://blueridge.databolts.ibm.com/bikes/clubs/touring/FAQ.packing
There are a couple other packing lists in the same area. By the
way, my list was compiled over two years ago. Since then, I have
extensively modified and updated it, based on my experiences on my
subsequent coast-to-coast self-supported tour. Here it is.
Alan Bloom
------------------------------------------------------------------
Here's my canonical check-off list for bicycle touring. It is broken down
into sections based on my recent 4000-mile self-supported tour: (1) items
that I took and actually used, (2) items taken but not needed, (3) items
left behind that I would have used, and (4) a large number of items not
taken or needed that I have seen on other people's lists.
This list does not include consumables such as water and food.
-------------------------------------------------------------------
THINGS TAKEN AND ACTUALLY USED:
Bicycle Items: Weight, pounds
Bike 26.5 Including bottle cages, etc.
Fenders 1.100
Water bottles (3) 0.375
Frame pump 0.125
Mirror 0.125
Cyclometer 0
Seat bag 0.125+
Map holder 0
Cable/lock 0.750
Headlight w/batteries 0.625 Also used for a flashlight
Tail light w/batteries 0.250
Reflectors w/hardware 0.250
Rear rack 1.250 Trek brand, aluminum, similar to Blackburn
Rear panniers 4.125 Nashbar brand
Straps to hold stuff to racks
Tools:
13/14/15/16mm
cone wrenches 0.125
Spoke wrench (.127") 0.050
Cleaning cloth 0
Scotchbrite pad 0
Tire levers 0.100
Tool pouch 0.125
Swiss army knife 0.125
(includes screwdrivers)
Needle-nosed pliers 0.250 Used for ham radio as well as bike
Wire cutters 0.200 "
Small Channel locks 0.300
Mini flat file 0 For filing overlong spokes
Freewheel remover 0.200
Pocket volt-ohm meter 0.250 For testing cyclometer & computer modem
Alligator clip lead 0
Spare Parts:
Patch kit with boots 0
2 Tubes 0.500
Rubber bands 0
Spare tire 0.750
7 spare spokes 0.100 Needed all 7!
Parts pouch (total) 0.500
- Nylon filament tape Came in handy many times
- Tie wraps Ran out, had to buy more
- Spare bolts/nuts
- Electrical wire To fix cyclocomputer mount
Clothes:
Cycling shorts (1 pair) 0.375
Cycling jersey (1) 0.375
Cycling gloves 0.100
Cycling shoes 1.875
Socks (4 pairs) 0.500
Helmet 0.500
2 Sweatbands 0
Sunglasses 0
Football jersey 0.500 Can also be used for cycling
2 pr waterproof shorts 0.700 Can also be used for cycling
Underwear (4) 0.500
Sun hat 0.125
Polo shirt 0.375 For "dressing up"
Cold:
Windbreaker 0.500
Thermal socks 0.100
Acrylic sweat shirt 1.125 Mailed home after crossing Rockies
Warm gloves 0.300 "
Long cycling pants 0.875 "
Wool cap 0.375 "
Rain:
Rain cape 0.940
Rain spats "
Helmet cover "
Neoprene shoe covers 0.875 Also served as shoes in camp
Toilet kit: (all) 0.250
- Carrying pouch
- Throw-away razor
- Tooth brush
- Toothpicks
- Toothpaste
- Q-tips
- Sewing kit
- Soap/soap dish
- Washcloth
- Ear plugs
Camping Gear:
Tent/ground cloth/bag 6.500 Large 2-man tent
Down sleeping bag 2.750
Waterproof stuff sack For down sleeping bag
Thermarest pad & bag 1.625
Thermarest repair kit 0
Thermalounger 0.625 Rarely used
Plastic garbage bags 0.250 Took too many - only needed a couple
Candle Lantern/matches 0.500 Only used a couple times
50' rope/twine 0.125 25' or 30' would have been fine
6 Plastic clothes pins 0.050 Very useful
Large sponge 0.050 Used instead of a bath towell
Toilet paper 0.125
Net bag for laundry 0.100 Used to hold dirty clothes
Cold-water detergent 0.500 To wash out cycling clothes each night
Cooking Gear:
Plastic cup
Plastic TV dinner plates The type with only one compartment that
is deep enough to hold soup or cereal
Plastic knife/fork/spoon I broke the cheap plastic utensils - had
to buy beefy camping-type replacements
First aid kit: (all) 0.500
- Aspirin/ibuprofin/etc.
- Benadryl For bee sting
- Bandaids
- Ace bandage
- Prescription medicine
Miscellaneous:
Driver's license 0 Needed for identification
Maps
Book to read 0.375
Journal/notebook, pen 0.125
Envelopes, stamps 0
2 1.5-liter WaterBottles0.125
Change for phone/showers
Wallet/credit cards 0.250
Checkbook 0.125
Wristwatch
Sun screen 0.300
Chap stick 0
Insect repellent 0.300
Power bars (4) 0.600
Ziplock bags 0.125
Voicemail quick-ref guide
Disposable camera 0.125 (Total up to here including bike: 66.59 lb)
Shortwave ham radio 4.500 Shipped home before end of trip
transmitting station
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
THINGS TAKEN BUT NOT NEEDED:
Bicycle Items:
Front rack 1.100 Shipped home after a few days
Front panniers 1.950 "
Spare parts:
Toe clip strap
In parts pouch:
- Spoke nipples
- Chain links
- Brake/gear cables
- Small tube of grease Used Frank's
Clothes:
Bandana 0
Reflective cuff straps 0 Could never find them when needed
Camping gear:
Spare lantern candles 0.250
Mosquito head net 0 Stayed inside tent when mosquitoes present
Small folding water jug 0.100 I used the 1.5 liter bottles
Wire finger saw 0
First-aid kit: These items should be taken just in
case, even though I didn't use them
- Gauze
- Antiseptic wipes
- Adhesive tape
- Water purification tablets
- Bactericide
Misc:
Deck of cards 0.125
Health insurance card 0
Emergency contact 0
Safety pins 0
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
THINGS NOT TAKEN BUT NEEDED:
Tools:
3/4/5/6mm allen key 0.125 I had planned to use Frank's
12 mm socket wrench 0.250 To adjust pedals. I borrowed one.
Big wrench 1.600 For freewheel remover. I borrowed
them from gas stations when needed
Spare parts:
- Brake blocks Lost a brake pad on the road
- Chain oil All I had was grease
- Black electrical tape To secure handlebar tape
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
THINGS NOT TAKEN AND NOT NEEDED:
Bicycle Items:
Camelback 0.500
Spare batteries/bulbs 0.125
Handlebar bag
Tools:
8/9/10/11mm hex wrnch 0.125
1/2" hex wrench 0.200 For seatpost bolt
Chain rivet tool 0.200
Screwdrivers 0.150 Used Swiss Army knife
Small crescent wrench 0.250
Crank puller 0.375
Chain cleaner 0.375
Tire pressure gauge 0.100
Floor pump 1.900
Spare parts:
Hand cleaning paste
Clothes:
Extra shoelaces 0
Arm warmers
Leg armers
Polyester slacks 0.875
Tennis shoes 1.500 Used cycling shoes (toe clip type)
Sandals
Sweat shirt/pants
Pajamas
Foldable raincoat 0.875
Swim suit 0.250
Toilet Kit:
- Nail clippers/file
- Comb/brush
- Deodorant
- Shampoo Used hand soap
- Shaving cream Used hand soap
- Mirror
- Bath towel 0.500 Used sponge
Camping gear:
Shower curtain hooks 0
Pillow 0.250 Used stuff sack stuffed w/clothes
Wisk broom 0.125 Freestanding tents can be cleaned
by turning upside down and shaking
Bike cover Used rain cape
Flashlight Used headlight
Batteries
Water filter
Wash basin
Spade/trowel
Shower bag
Cooking gear: Used Frank's cooking gear at first
& then ate only cold food in camp
Cookstove/fuel
Windscreen for stove
Matches/lighter
1.5-2 quart pot
Small pot
Frying pan
Pancake flipper
Bowl
Pouch for utensils
Cutting knife
Wood/plastic stirring spoon
Can opener Used Swiss Army knife
Dish soap Used Woolite
Scrubber
Dish towel
Plastic bottles
Salt/spices
First-aid kit:
- Moleskin Bandaids seemed to work fine
- Salt tablets Couldn't find any in stores
- Tweezers Used Swiss Army knife
- Scissors Included in sewing kit
Misc:
Transportation tickets 0
Passport
Guidebooks
Bike repair book
Prescription glasses
Camera & film 1.000 Used disposable cameras instead
Portable radio
Two-way radio
Board/clipboard
Small binoculars
Portable computer/discs Used Frank's and Adam's
Dictating recorder/tapes
Compass
[END]