Play Introduction Video —– (More Videos Here)
Below is a packing list we included in our second book about our travels through South America. We have reviewed the list and feel like we may have left something obvious out, did we forget anything?
We realize it is a long list but because we are on a multi year tour we have a few extras to make life more comfortable. A lot of the electronic gear is necessary to create our web site, write and publish books, and mix video on the road. It is a bit of a load to travel with but not much considering it is practically everything we own.
We have been on the road for many years and have traveled through different climates, over various terrain and in both the developed and developing world. So we don’t always carry everything on the list at the same time and we have tried to note these distinctions where they apply and hope this packing list provides you with ideas for your next bicycle tour.
BICYCLES - Two touring bikes: each with 26-inch wheels, front and rear racks, bike computers, water bottles, cages, tail lights, kickstands, touring specific saddles, and clipless pedals.
Tim and his loaded bike (packed light for Southeast Asia).
PANNIERS (bike saddlebags) Both bikes had front and rear waterproof panniers, seat bags, handlebar bags, and pannier repair kit. We used adjustable bungee cords to hold the tent, sleeping bags, and pads on top of our rear racks. After South America, we added a clip on shoulder strap attachment to convert a pannier into daypack for off bike hikes and shopping.
CAMPING
- tent, stakes, ground cloth, and repair kit
- light weight tarp (used in wet climates to cover the bikes when camping)
- sleeping bags and waterproof dry bag stuff sacks
- sleeping pads also folds into camp chairs attachment
camping with the kangaroos
WATER PURIFICATION AND STORAGE
- 10-liter (2.6 gallon) water storage bag that converts to a solar shower with shower head attachment.
-3 bicycle water bottles (extra disposable 1.5 liter water bottles for long dry stretches)
- 0.25 micron ceramic water filter and repair kit
- iodine tablets
water filter and hand pump
KITCHEN
- 3 cooking pots and 2 coffee cups .
- utensils: two sporks
- pot scrubber
- liquid dish soap
all the pans pack into the biggest one
STOVE
- gasoline burning camp stove
- wind screen
- lighter
- repair kit
- fuel bottle (size changes depending on the frequency of gas stations and how much we use the stove).
stove and small fuel bottle
(Items below are also carried when we are camping/cooking a lot)
- small knife for cooking
- thin plastic flexible cutting board
- can opener, army style
- spices – salt, pepper, garlic, cinnamon, ginger, and more
- olive oil – kept in a sealed plastic container
- resealable bags
- dish drying cloth
FOOD - We always have at least two meals with us, in remote areas, we carry up to two weeks supply of food staples.
- coffee
- sweetener
- powdered milk
- peanut butter (when we can find it)
- bread or tortillas
- oatmeal
- pasta and sauce
- rice
- vegetables from the market or dried vegetables
- instant noodles
- canned meat
- powdered soup
ELECTRONICS
- laptop computer and power cord
- microphone
- network cable and coupler
- USB thumb drive
- MP3 player
- external amplified speakers
- headphones
- shortwave radio (phased out for an MP3 player with music and podcast
MP3 player strapped to the amplified speakers n handlebar bag.
CAMERA
- video/still camera
- additional high capacity battery
- connector cables
- power cord for charging
- lense cleaning kit
- zoom lense, wide angle lense, polarized lense
- UV filter
- mini-tripod
- blank mini DV tapes (being phased out)
- flash memory stick
POWER AND ELECTRICITY
- AA rechargeable batteries (number depends on the availability of electricity)
- AA battery charger and cord
- extension cord with three way splitter (US plugs)
- international plug adaptors
- light socket adaptor (T)
The “T” light socket adaptor makes an electrical outlet from a light bulb.
OTHER ELECTRONICS
- flash light/headlamps
- altimeter/compass watch someday we will change to a GPS.
HEALTH
- lip balm
- sunscreen
- insect repellant and mosquito coils
- multivitamins
- earplugs
- eye mask (blindfold) for sleeping
FIRST AID KIT
- international health and first aid manual
- adhesive bandages, various sizes
- elastic-wrap bandage
- gauge, pads and roll,
- antiseptic wipe
- safety pins
- medical tape
- scissors
- tweezers
- antibacterial cream
- burn/first aid cream
- antifungal cream
- eye drop antibiotic
- aspirin/ibuprofen (which ever is available)
- antihistamine
- Moleskin
- antacid tablets
- Doxycycline (Malaria)
- Antibiotic Metronidazole (Amoebiasis and Giardiasis)
- Antibiotic Ciprofloxacin (bacillary dysentery, shigellosis)
- Antibiotic Amoxycillin (broad spectrum for general use such as infected cuts)
- Mebendazole (worming)
- Thermometer
TOILETRY/SHOWER BAG
- toilet paper
- toothbrush and toothpaste
- quick drying towel
- brush/comb
- shampoo and conditioner
- bar soap
- razor
- fingernail clippers
- small mirror
- wet wipes
CYCLING CLOTHING
- 2 cycling shorts
- 1 – 2 short sleeve jerseys
- 1 wool long sleeve jerseys with rear pockets (in cold climates)
- 1 cycling tights
- 1 pair cycling gloves
- helmet
- sunglasses
- bandana
OFF BIKE CLOTHING
- 2 short sleeve shirt
- 2 convertible shorts/pants
- 4 pairs lightweight wool socks
- swimsuit
- sun hat
- underwear
- laundry bags used to separate clothing in our panniers
- sewing repair kit
COLD WEATHER GEAR
- fleece jacket
- long underwear top
- long underwear bottom
- mid-layer/wool long-sleeved top
- cold weather hat
- long fingered gloves
RAIN GEAR
- wind/rain jacket
- waterproof socks
- waterproof helmet covers
SHOES
- bike shoes
- walking shoes
- sandals
DOCUMENTS and MONEY
- money belt
- credit card
- ATM debit card
- travelers checks – we don’t use these as often anymore and we are phasing them out.
- local currency
- maps
- travel/guide books
- passports
- tourist visas and travel permits when applicable
- copies of important documents, (stashed in a separate area)
- vaccination records (can be important at some borders)
- driver’s licenses
- small notepad and pens
SECURITY
- combination pad lock for hostel lockers
- combination cable locks for bikes
- emergency stash of US currency
TOOLS
- patch kit
- tire levers
- tire pump
- tire pressure gauge
- chain tool
- allen key set
- cassette cracker (remover)
- chain ring bolt wrench
- cone wrench if not using sealed cartridge hubs
- chain lube/rag
- spoke wrench
- 8 and 10 mm wrenches
- pedal - 32 mm headset wrench if not using threadless system
- crank puller/bottom bracket tool
- multi tool/knife - (blade, pliers, screwdrivers, needle nose pliers, file, etc.)
more than the bare minimum tool set
SPARE PARTS AND REPAIR KITS
- one folding spare tire
- spare tubes, (number depends on the continent)
- shift/brake cables and housing
- spare brake pads
- spare spokes
- bike grease
- frame bolts
- short chain replacement section with extra joining links
- electrical. tape
- zip ties
small folding emergency tire
OTHER
- laundry cord and detergent
- pillow
- mini binoculars
- recreational reading books
- English/Spanish dictionary
Spotting black swans with mini binoculars
HOME - Videos - Picture Gallery - Journals - Travel Plan - Shopping - Equipment - Our Books - About Us - Media Room - Photo Use Info - Contact
17 responses so far ↓
1 Chris Oram // May 21, 2008 at 4:27 pm
It is very difficult to know which items are per person and which are joint. So for instance I know you only have one tent, likely the repair kit is shared…. BUT the spare tire and pump is that per person or shared?
You might consider making this clear in the heading for each section, or making the whole list joint.
2 Margo Mactaggart // May 24, 2008 at 1:46 am
Hi Tim & Cindie,
Do you carry one pump between you, or do you carry a pump each?
The previous comment was posted by my husband, and I believe most of your list is clear about what is personal or shared equipment, but it is the pump question that we always discuss: He favours one pump to share, and I say it would be a disaster if one pump got damaged or lost, so we need two. So far I have won the “argument” (!!!) and we take two, but we are trying to lighten up where possible. I guess the answer depends on remoteness and ease of buying another etc., but we are still very interested in your answer.
I find your list of medicines very useful, as we are planning a trans-Asia trip, and from previous travel experience I can see the need for something to treat amoebas and worms.
You are an inspiration to us!
Margo
3 Tong Jun // May 24, 2008 at 11:22 am
Hi Tim & Cindie,
It has been a long time since I visited the website several weeks ago. I bought your book from America and it has been posted to me (shanghai ,China). About half of the pages was read. I am so happy because I didn’t read such a heavy book written by English.
I will continue to read it although I have to prepare my thesis.
Good Luck.
Tong Jun
4 Tim and Cindie // May 24, 2008 at 11:39 am
Hi Margo and Chris,
To answer your question about the pump, it depends on your riding style, we carry one pump between us because we ride together, if you ride separately, where one person rides ahead and then the other catches up then you should consider carrying two pumps. Tim and I ride together all the time, I draft off of Tim and when we climb hills we balance the weight so I stay with him. Since we carry only one pump I (Cindie) carry it inside my rear pannier, it takes a little longer to get to it but we have never lost it. Carrying it inside keeps it from getting dirty too, we have carried it this way for 4 years and it has worked for us. We hope this answers your questions and sparks new discussion too. As for the medicine, boy it is important to carry some emergency supplies. Enjoy your trip across Asia and thanks for your comments we are going to adjust our equipment list to make it clear what is shared.
5 Fred Bouwman // May 25, 2008 at 10:46 am
HI Tim/Cindie,
A few questions. You discussed your bike on another website but I don’t recall if you are still riding the Koga’s or you have a new bike. I am looking into one now and would welcome any recommendations.
You mentioned that you have cable locks but I am not sure if this means you carry a cable to lock your bikes? What about U-locks?
I have a rough sketch of my bike tour coming together and will be starting in Seattle and go all the way to Argentina, so much of the first leg will be similar to yours, from Mexico down. Unfortunately (for me) I lost your first book in my move to Bermuda so want to order it again but will wait until your second book comes out and get both. Do you have an estimated time of release?
Keep up the great site, I continue to follow your progress and think your equipment list is fantastic, a great resource.
6 Tim and Cindie // May 27, 2008 at 1:02 pm
Fred:
On our blog post before this one we had a similar question about our bikes. Please scroll down to the comment section. It should answer all your questions. (See link below)
http://downtheroad.org/adventure-travel-bike-touring-blog/2008/04/15/roadnews-newsletter-six-years-down-the-road-breaking-even-and-meeting-friends-april-16-2008-sent-from-twizel-south-island-new-zealand/
We have used a number of locks through the years until we figured out what we liked. In (cheap/undeveloped) countries where we stay in hotels most of the time we use a thin cable with a separate combination padlock. This is a light setup for that odd time we do not have our bike in the room or lock them up while in a store. The padlock can be used on hotel room doors and hostel lockers. In (expensive/developed) countries, where we camp most nights, and the bikes are locked up all night we use a heavier cable with a built in combination lock.
I do not like “U locks” because it is hard to find something small and sturdy enough to lock the bikes to. With a cable we regularly lock our bikes to a tree or picnic table.
Good luck on your trip through Latin America. Our second book about our ride through South America is just days from being completed and available on our web site.
7 John Thomson // May 30, 2008 at 8:35 am
I can not find your comments on the type of bike you use… Also, what wheel components do you use, who assembles the wheels for you and what specific tire do you use? Thanks
8 Tim and Cindie // May 30, 2008 at 12:45 pm
John:
For our packing list I really tried to avoid brand names. I just wanted a simple list to show readers what we carry and hopefully give new touring cyclist ideas on what to pack on their next trip. The bikes are described above with “Two touring bikes: each with 26-inch wheels, front and rear racks, bike computers, water bottles, cages, tail lights, kickstands, touring specific saddles, and clipless pedals.”
This list will eventually link to corresponding pages on our web site where we discuss our experience with the various bike parts and camping gear including the brands we like and links to online stores.
Wheels = http://www.downtheroad.org/Equipment/Wheels/Bicycle_Touring_Wheels_Spokes_Rims.htm
Tires = http://www.downtheroad.org/Equipment/Bike_Parts/Touring_Tires.htm
Bikes = http://www.downtheroad.org/Equipment/Bikes/Touring_Bicycle.htm
Hope this helps
9 Judith White // May 31, 2008 at 6:52 am
Been following you for the last 12 months and today when I checked out your site realised that your heading fot Latest News reads : The continuous Roound the WOELD bicycling tour. Yep that’s right WOELD. Thought you might like to correct it before you set out to Alaska.
Happy biking
10 Larry Apigian // May 31, 2008 at 1:14 pm
Just got the first book you wrote a few days ago- it’s terrific. Can’t wait for the second. What an adventure, and you’re sharing it with all of us - thankyou!! Love the pics too! As for Freds questions about the bikes. I have the same ones. Looking forward to Africa trip soon. Trying to get geared-up and confused about the bikes. Would Surly Long Haul Trucker frame work with modifications you talked about? Fred, if you read this, let me know where you’re at on this. Thanks, Larry
11 Fred Bouwman // Jun 1, 2008 at 10:17 am
Hi Larry,
I have toured on a Bike Friday (with a trailer) but I have doubts about the sturdiness of the trailer wheels/connections in the less developed countries. I will be doing an extended tour starting in Toronto, going east to Seattle, then south to Argentina, which is Phase 1 before heading to Europe. Tim had some comments about trailers and I think they are valid (harder to keep your eye on it, 4 wheels/tires to worry about, less draft if you ride with a partner etc.).
So, I am looking for a bike and considering Trek or Cannondale and would welcome any input.
I’d love to hear about your plans for Africa. (fbouwman@ias.bm)
12 Mal // Jun 14, 2008 at 12:30 pm
Great site.Really admire and envy what you are doing. Its inspired me to get of my butt and do something similar.
Have you, or are you planning to, visit U.K. on your travels, especially Scotland. There’s some great cycling and sights to be seen here.
13 Mario Manzari // Jun 17, 2008 at 9:27 pm
Dear Cindy and Tim,
thanks for your reply. I have been searching my Mac for an hour trying to pinpoint the cover of your second book: couldn’t remember where I had seen it. No trace of it in your blog nor in your site. Where could it be? Never mind: I have just found it attached to your last e-mail. Thanks a lot.
I’ve spent a lot of time reading comments on your “firstborn” in the Amazon.com site. Very favourable reviews indeed! Thanks for your reply.
I subscribed to your newsletter and bought the PDF of your first book. Am looking forward to reading it in the summer (if I can take a few days’ holiday).
I’ve read your advice to contact you on your blog and am glad to comply. It took me some time to find it, though. Couldn’t you give it greater evidence in your home page?
After surfing your blog I am amazed at the enormous quantity of chores you have on hand. Am I right in thinking that, in a way, cycling is the least cumbersome thing you do? Or, to put it in another way, is your “hours of rest”?
I’d have lots of questions to ask you, but, for the moment, I’ll leave you to your new travel. All the best.
14 Tim and Cindie // Jun 18, 2008 at 11:17 am
Mal,
We are happy to know that we have inspired you to get out and ride. Yes, we do plan to go to the UK in the future. At the moment it would be expensive for Americans with US dollars. Scotland is high on our list of places to ride.
15 Tim and Cindie // Jun 18, 2008 at 11:58 am
Mario,
Yes, cycling is the least cumbersome thing we do and we always look forward to getting on the road again. It is a simple life style and we love it. Our second book has been a long time coming and this week we will see it in print. Whew! After this our work load reduces some and we get to ride from Alaska to Arizona.
Below is a link to our second book’s cover, it is hot off press, (not available on our web site yet), next week we will be running a prepublication special.
http://downtheroad.org/Publishing/2DTR_in_S_America/cover.jpg
We would be happy to answer any questions you may have.
Tim and Cindie
16 John Thomson // Jun 18, 2008 at 2:41 pm
Tim - What kind of bike handlebar do you use and who has them? Thanks
17 Tim and Cindie // Jun 18, 2008 at 5:48 pm
John:
We use regular Mt. bike straight bars and bar ends. If we were ever to upgrade we would buy some mustache handle bars like the ones found at the link below
http://www.downtheroad.org/Equipment/Bike_Parts/Bike_handlebars.htm
Leave a Comment