Bike Touring Packing List
THE ESSENTIAL LIGHTWEIGHT GEAR YOU NEED FOR BIKE TOURING
August 31st, 2023
I've spent 14 months in the last three years crossing the USA by bicycle, and this gear list details all I have learned about bike touring essentials and how to keep cycle touring affordable.
This is the detailed bike tour packing list for overnight bicycle touring I wish I had had when I started out 10 years ago. Included are my favorite tips for bikepacking on a budget, plus the rationale for our gear recommendations.
I ride mostly on paved roads, and the rest on good gravel or dirt. These gear list recommendations are for folks who anticipate similar road surfaces (check out our bikepacking guide if you anticipate more riding on trail).
A bicycle, clothing, camping gear, and the luggage to carry it are the essentials to a bike touring packing list.
Bicycle touring and bikepacking are great fun, and likely more affordable than you imagine. Have fun on your first or next tour!
Related: Best Bicycle for Touring
Read More: How to Get Started Bikepacking
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GEAR CHECKLIST
| GEAR ITEM | PRODUCTS WE LIKE | |
|---|---|---|
| BICYCLE AND BIKE PARTS | ||
| Touring Bicycle | ||
| Your choice | ||
| Tires | ||
| Schwalbe Marathon Plus 700X38 |
Bike touring gives you the freedom to see the country at your own pace. Photo courtesy Brandon Lampley.
BICYCLE AND BIKE PARTS
This gear group includes your bicycle and bike parts like pedals, tires, and seats.
Of the gear groups, your bicycle, safety equipment, and the bike bags (see below) is the area where you should not skimp. These items will impact the comfort and enjoyment of your ride more than the others. Aim to get the highest quality you can afford.
Brandon with his fully-loaded bike touring system at the Missouri border. Photo courtesy Brandon Lampley.
TOURING BICYCLE
WHY YOU NEED IT:
Chances are the road bike you have will work for a short tour or three, as long as it has attachment points for a rear rack. For touring, we prefer a steel bicycle frame, with lots of lug attachment points.
If your current bike doesn’t have attachment points for racks, or you want a dedicated touring bike (they also make great commuter bikes!) we go into detail about how to choose and what to look for in our review of Best Touring Bicycles.
For gravel and singletrack-specific bikepacking bikes, check out our Best Bikepacking Bicycles review. If you’re on a budget, read these stories and set yourself a Craigslist alert—bikes are one of the items on this gear list you can find used for a great price.
The Marathon Plus tires are tough enough to take abandoned roads and overgrown pavement. Photo courtesy Brandon Lampley.
TIRES
WHY YOU NEED IT:
Just about any tire will work for touring on good roads, but the higher volume the better. A higher volume tire means you can run a lower pressure, which is more comfortable.
Make sure your frame and components have the clearance for the tire size you mount, and that they play nice with your wheel width. Consult your local bike shop if you're unsure of compatibility.
OUR CHOICE: SCHWALBE MARATHON PLUS 700X38
WHY WE LIKE IT:
Since I just plain hate flat tires, the nearly flat-proof Marathon Plus is my choice. Yep, they are heavier and have higher rolling resistance, but I'm approaching 10,000 miles with ZERO flats on Marathon Plus tires. Seriously. Knock on wood.
A pedal with clip on one side, flat platform on the other allows you comfort to ride in your bicycle shoes or short rides in sandals to jump in the river . . . and then make a quick get-away. Photo courtesy Brandon Lampley.
PEDALS
WHY YOU NEED IT:
Whether you ride clip-in or not is a personal preference for bike touring. Many touring cyclists do not ride with clip-in pedals, but I prefer to do so. I find that I have more control over the bike, and the stiffer shoe saves a bit of energy.
Do not use a tour on a loaded bike to gain your first experience with clip-in pedals. Practice, practice, practice before you depart, or stick with flat pedals with hiking shoes for your bike tour.
OUR CHOICE: SPD SHIMANO M324
WHY WE LIKE IT:
For me, mountain biking shoes with SPD cleats are the way to go, and the M324 pedals are awesome. Clip on one side, and a flat platform on the other, so you can ride in comfort in any shoes. Win and win. These are also the perfect commuter bike pedals. See our guide to Best MTB Pedals for more recommendations.
You’ll be riding on your bike seat all day. If you can afford a comfortable one, you won’t regret it. Photo by Liz Thomas.
BIKE SEAT
WHY YOU NEED IT:
Ride any saddle that you find comfortable for many hours. See our guide How to Fit a Women's Bike Saddle for tips on finding a more comfortable bike seat.
OUR CHOICE: BROOKS ENGLAND B-17
WHY WE LIKE IT:
I don't have a Brooks leather saddle, but I really want one. While this isn’t a touring essential or a budget pick, it’d go a long way in increased comfort for long rides. The tensioned leather conforms to your sit bones for all-day comfort.
The Brooks is the upgrade to the holy grail of all-day comfort. My Specialized saddle fits me quite well, and I've got many thousands of miles on it. But I covet me a Brooks!
REAR RACK
WHY YOU NEED IT:
Bike cargo racks are the most secure way to carry heavy and bulky loads on a bike, and they’re downright necessary to use bike panniers to carry gear with your bike.
Most bike racks are adequate to carry cargo with your bike, but not all bike racks will work with all bikes. Find a bike rack designed for bike touring that will work with your bike. See our guide to Best Bike Cargo Racks for ones we like for carrying various loads and how they work with different kinds of bikes.
OUR CHOICE: TOPEAK EXPLORER MTX
WHY WE LIKE IT:
The Topeak Explorer racks have lasted me a decade and are budget priced.
There are stronger racks out there, but this one has handled my moderate loads just fine. If you're going to load up really heavy, or ride a lot of rough, rough roads on tour, Tubus racks are widely considered the burliest, if expensive.
To keep your costs down, use the Camelbak Podium for chilled water and gas station plastic bottles for your other water needs. Photo courtesy Brandon Lampley
WATER BOTTLE HOLDERS
WHY YOU NEED IT:
Every cyclist needs to carry water. Water bottle cages make it convenient to access and carry your water efficiently as you ride.
Pretty much any cage that holds your bottles will work, but if you’re using a half-frame bag as I do, you'll need side entry cages. See our guide to the Best Bike Water Bottle Holders for what water bottle cages we like for different kinds of bikes and for bicycle touring.
If you want to place two more bottles on your front forks, you’ll need cages there too. Some forks have lugs for a cage, but many don't. Consult your local bike shop on how to mount two cages on your front fork. There are lots of little specialty clamps that will do the job, specific to the shape and material of your fork.
OUR CHOICE: SALSA ANYTHING CAGE
WHY WE LIKE IT:
The Salsa Anything cages work great as a front fork option. One liter Nalgenes, small stuff sacks–nearly anything can be carried. Keep the load on the front forks balanced. Then, strap it tight with no loose ends.
BIKE BAGS AND BIKE STORAGE
For people who are already geared up for hiking, camping, and backpacking, a good bicycle and bike luggage are where you should spend your money.
Chances are the backpacking or camping gear you already have will work great for bike touring and bikepacking.
For bike touring, you will need separate bags designed for securely staying on and riding smoothly on a bike. Bike touring with a backpack isn’t comfortable and will feel unbalanced. These are the bags I would recommend investing in for your bike.
Bike touring past our nation’s capitol. Photo courtesy Brandon Lampley
REAR PANNIERS
WHY YOU NEED IT:
Rear panniers are the most common and typical bike bags used by bike tourists.
There are two schools of thought on panniers:
Lots of pockets and compartments
One main waterproof compartment
Pro Tip: Panniers tend to be among the most expensive bike bags. Garage sales, Craigslist, and the bulletin board at your local bike shop are great ways to find bicycle touring gear at incredible prices! Look for panniers there.
OUR CHOICE: ORTLIEB BACK ROLLER
WHY WE LIKE IT:
My REI panniers are approaching the end of their life and I'll be looking to replace them soon. I purchased these at a garage sale more than a decade ago. While it'd be nice to have new ones, I'll be using the one I have until they wear out, which is probably never.
I lean towards the accessible pockets and compartments line of thinking when it comes to panniers.
Among the folks that prefer a big waterproof compartment style, the Ortlieb panniers are the gold standard. We go into detail on why we recommend the Back Rollers in our Best Touring Bicycle story.
FRONT PANNIERS
WHY YOU NEED IT:
The traditional bike touring setup is panniers on the front and back tires, and sometimes a handlebar bag. One way to reduce cost and weight is to only carry one set of panniers, either on the front or back tires.
There has been a spirited debate in the cycling community about whether it is better to use either front or back panniers. Ultimately, it will be a personal choice. The most important factor is to keep each side as balanced as possible.
Curious about front panniers? We go into more detail on How to Load Panniers and Front vs. Back Panniers for our suggestions.
OUR CHOICE: ORTLIEB SPORT-ROLLER CLASSIC
WHY WE LIKE IT:
If you choose to use front panniers, Ortlieb Sport-Roller Classic is a great option. The Sport Roller Classic is smaller than the Back-Roller Classic (25 liters vs. 40 liters) to better fit on the front rack. Both panniers are very durable and waterproof.
Brandon’s handlebar view. Photo by Liz Thomas.
HANDLEBAR BAG
WHY YOU NEED IT:
The handlebar bag is very convenient for bike touring. It can be used to store valuables. The handlebar bag is easily removed and carried when you park the bike.
Many touring cyclists use a larger handlebar bag that goes on the front of the bars. If you decide a larger handlebar bag is your style, you’ll have as much storage as my stem and frame bag combined. See our guide to Best Handlebar Bags for our recommendations for handlebar bags of all sizes, from ones that easily detach for use in town off the bike to ones that have large capacity.
OUR CHOICE: ORTLIEB ULTIMATE 6 PLUS HANDLEBAR BAG
WHY WE LIKE IT:
I’ve seen many folks using the Ortlieb Ultimate 6 S Plus Handlebar Bag, including our writer Mike Unger, who wrote our Best Touring Bicycle story. People love the Ortlieb Ultimate 6.
One reason is the mount for the Ortlieb bag. The sizeable bag is easy to detach and tote around with a shoulder strap for when you are in town and off your bike. This can be essential for the security of your passport, wallet, camera, etc.
Frame bag and bike cages along with insulated water bottles. Photo courtesy Brandon Lampley.
FRAME BAG
WHY YOU NEED IT:
A frame bag is a convenient way to add more capacity to your pack and keep your bike balanced. While very common in bikepacking, frame bags are not as common in bike touring–and I think they should be.
My mini pump, wind shirt, spare gloves, buffs, warm hat, and arm and leg warmers all fit inside my frame bag. It lives on my bike for town commuting and gravel riding also. My frame bag and little seat bag never leave my bike, even when I'm off the bike to do town chores.
OUR CHOICE: REVELATE DESIGNS TANGLE
WHY WE LIKE IT:
Adding the Revelate Designs Tangle half frame bag to my system was a big upgrade to my packing style last year and I love it! I don't like to wear a little backpack when riding, and the Revelate Designs Tangle in Medium is perfect for everything I need for a day out.
See our Best Bike Frame Bags guide for more details on frame bags we like and why.
DRY BAG
WHY YOU NEED IT:
I use a dry bag that attaches to the top of my rear rack for my tent. It's convenient for quick access when reaching camp. Tent poles fit better in this bag than any of my other luggage. Wet things like my raingear go here too. My small skillet is strapped on top of this bag.
OUR CHOICE: SEA TO SUMMIT BIG RIVER 13L
WHY WE LIKE IT:
The Sea to Summit Big River 13L is a good choice for a durable dry bag to strap to your rack. I see far more cycle tourists with a dry bag on top of their rack than a piece of luggage designed for the purpose. A durable dry bag is more versatile for use in your other adventures as well.
A stem bag can be designed for using paper maps, but also can store sunscreen, eyedrops, lip balm, or anything else you are likely to want close at hand. Photo courtesy Brandon Lampley.
STEM BAG
WHY YOU NEED IT:
I love cycling with a stem bag. It has a clear map window if I am using a paper map. I rarely have paper maps these days, but National Parks in the US still hook you up with a sweet paper map brochure on entry. I also use my stem bag to keep snacks, sunscreen, eye drops, lip balm, nail clippers, and my wallet.
OUR CHOICE: ROCK BROS WATERPROOF STEM CASE
WHY WE LIKE IT:
Stem bags like mine previously were common, but as paper maps have been supplanted by phone screen navigation, this type of bag has evolved. The best option I’ve found is the Rock Bros Waterproof Stem Case.
Brandon keeps his tools loaded in his inexpensive Planet Bike Little Buddy seat bag. Photo by Liz Thomas.
SEAT BAG
WHY YOU NEED IT:
My small seat bag is my dedicated tool box. It stays on the bike for town and trail use when all my other bags and rack come off. Pick one that holds all your little tools plus one tube.
OUR CHOICE: PLANET BIKE LITTLE BUDDY
WHY WE LIKE IT:
I use this inexpensive model from Planet Bike, the Little Buddy. There's a lot of variation in seat bags depending on size and the capacity you want as well as different levels of waterproofing. You can see more recommendations in our guide to Best Seat Bags and Saddle bags.
SAFETY EQUIPMENT
No amount of gear you carry can completely protect you from danger, but lights, reflective materials, and high-quality helmets will go a long way.
HELMET
WHY YOU NEED IT:
Rounding out the safety gear is a well-fitting bicycle helmet with a rearview mirror (more on that below).
You can get some ideas for helmets that work well in our Best Road and Commuter Bike Helmets guide. We analyzed independently-tested safety data on the top bike helmet models to find the best bike helmets with MIPS technology, Multi-Directional Impact Protection System.
Many tourists prefer, and I recommend, a mountain biking style helmet with a sun visor. The visor helps a lot in the rain. Find one that fits well and is very comfortable, because it'll be on your head all day. See our guide to Best Mountain Bike Helmets guide for models we recommend.
We are not linking to a specific model of helmet, because you absolutely must try them on for fit and comfort. Go to your local bike shop. They’ll be happy to help with the fitting.
Bike touring may take you places you wouldn’t otherwise visit in a car where visibility is even more important, like this construction zone. Photo courtesy Brandon Lampley.
REFLECTIVE ACCESSORIES
WHY YOU NEED IT:
A bright, reflective triangle is a general “I'm a slow-moving vehicle, pay attention” sign. Mounted on the back of my rack bag, my reflective triangle moves a little in the wind to gain more attention.
OUR CHOICE: AARDVARK REFLECTIVE YIELD
WHY WE LIKE IT:
The Aardvark Reflective Yield is bright, visible, and affordable. Be careful how you mount it. You want there to be no chance it gets into your wheel or drivetrain. Safety pins are your friend. Pin it to the rear of your left pannier, or even to the back of your shirt.
The Light & Motion Rando light doesn’t need to be big and heavy to let out a lot of light. Photo by Liz Thomas.
FRONT BICYCLE LIGHT
WHY YOU NEED IT:
No matter your touring budget, lights are the place to invest well. Safety first. Being visible at all times to cars, trucks, and other roadway and trail users is your first line of defense for safety on tour.
We prefer a front light that's plenty bright for night riding, but also has a low power daytime mode that's highly visible. For more recommendations, see our Best Mountain Bike Lights guide.
I’ve never had anything stolen while I’m on a bike tour, but I always take my lights with me or hide my lights before I step away from my bike. Most of the time, I’m taking them with me to charge indoors.
OUR CHOICE: LIGHT AND MOTION RANDO 500
WHY WE LIKE IT:
The Light and Motion Rando 500 is a perfect touring front light. Durable, with multiple modes, super bright, and USB charge. It can even charge while turned on for folks running a dynamo hub (a front hub electricity generator on your bike). It also has unique side lenses for max visibility in traffic. To increase visibility during the daytime, I run this light in pulse mode all day long!
Brandon mounts his rear red light near his coffee can. Photo by Liz Thomas.
REAR BICYCLE LIGHTS
WHY YOU NEED IT:
Never ride in traffic in low light without a rear red light. Full stop. As a cyclist, your safety is your own responsibility.
OUR CHOICE: CYGOLITE HOTSHOT
WHY WE LIKE IT:
I ride with two rear-facing flashing red lights. Mounted on the back of my left pannier is a Cygolite Hotshot. The Hotshot has multiple flashing modes, each dimmable, and works great for all-day use. I’d like a bit more battery life, but it's good for the price.
REAR HELMET LIGHT
WHY YOU NEED IT:
Dawn, dusk, or in the dark, I turn on a flashing red light mounted on the back of my helmet in addition to a rear light on my bike. Because it moves with my head, I feel it more readily catches drivers’ attention in low light and darkness.
Two rear lights give me redundancy. It doesn’t have to be fancy. For safety, and redundancy, I would recommend everyone uses two rear red lights.
OUR CHOICE: BONTRAGER FLARE 1 REAR BIKE LIGHT
WHY WE LIKE IT:
I like having one of my two rear lights be one that uses AAA batteries. It means I can always pop in fresh batteries even when I've not been on top of my USB charging regime. The Bontrager Flare 1 is an inexpensive little red light that fits comfortably and securely on my helmet. The adapter on my helmet makes this light compatible without the need to purchase additional mounts, but check with your helmet.
A rear view mirror increases your bike safety quotient significantly. Photo by Brandon Lampley.
REARVIEW MIRROR
WHY YOU NEED IT:
You will be so much safer when you know what's on the road behind you. I've tried all flavors of mirrors over the years. There are handlebar-mounted mirrors, sunglasses-mounted mirrors, and helmet-mounted mirrors.
OUR CHOICE: EFFICIENT VELO TOOLS SAFE ZONE
WHY WE LIKE IT:
Hands down the best rear view mirror is a helmet-mounted mirror, of decent size. Efficient Velo Tools makes a great one.
Similar to driving a car, keep a general awareness of what is coming from behind on the road. The large majority of drivers are aware and courteous. Rental RVs and pickup trucks with trailers are the two types of vehicles that gain my close attention when they approach. These drivers don't always have an understanding of how wide their vehicles are.
BIKE LOCK AND SECURITY
A bike lock is a good start for security when on a bike tour. Consider bicycle insurance if your ride is expensive.
Also, check if your renter’s or homeowner’s insurance covers theft on a bike tour. That said, I've never met a touring cyclist who had their bike or luggage stolen on tour.
For more on insurance or the National Bike Registry, see our section from our Touring Bike story on How Can I Deter Bicycle Theft?
To prevent against theft, some bicycle tourists will choose seats at restaurants that look out on their bikes. Photo courtesy Brandon Lampley.
CABLE LOCK
WHY YOU NEED IT:
While I don't worry much about my loaded touring bike when I walk away from it while in town, I still always carry a simple cable lock. Most often I simply lean my bike against a building or tree, lock the front wheel to the frame, remove and stow my lights out of sight, and walk away.
OUR CHOICE: ONGUARD TERRIER
WHY WE LIKE IT:
A combination lock means you don't have to worry about losing a key. The OnGuard Terrier is a simple and affordable choice. It is thin and can easily be cut but is a first line of protection.
STURDY BIKE LOCK
WHY YOU NEED IT:
Many folks worry more about the security of their bike and luggage than I do. If that is you, upgrade to a burlier lock if that means you’ll sleep better.
OUR CHOICE: ABUS UGRIP BORDO 5700 FOLDING LOCK
WHY WE LIKE IT:
Treeline Review writer Sam Schild wrote about how much he likes this lock in our Best Gifts for Mountain Bikers guide and it's a lock that every kind of cyclist can appreciate.
It's much more portable than a U-lock. The lock folds down into a small footprint and mounts to the water bottle bosses on any bike. It’s almost as secure as a U-lock but takes up half the space when unused.
The lock consists of six flat steel links joined together at hinges. The steel is coated in durable rubberized plastic, so it won’t scratch your bike frame.
These hinged links fold into a rectangular cube that’s small enough to fit in most pockets. However, the best part of this lock is that you don’t have to carry it in a pocket if you don’t want to. It comes with a rubber bracket that mounts anywhere on a bike you can attach a bottle cage and uses the same standard bike bolts you’d use to mount anything else on your bike.
Brandon Lampley reaches the Missouri border. Photo courtesy Brandon Lampley.
CYCLING CLOTHING AND OFF-BIKE CLOTHES
I have a riding clothes selection that works when it's cold and rainy but is comfortable when the weather is hot and sunny, too.
I also bring off-bike clothes for camp. When I'm not on the bike and not exerting myself, I want to be prepared for freezing temperatures, even if it is uncommon while summer cycling.
Most of my warm camp clothes are dual purpose: if I need to ride when it's quite cold, I layer using my camp clothes. This is how I minimize my on-bike “clothing closet.”
If you are looking to save money on your bike gear, clothing is the best place to find deals.
Read our suggestions below on what to look for when choosing cycling clothes. Then see if anything you have already met your needs for bike touring or is similar enough to our recommended products. We’ve found many items similar to our suggested items available used.
We also suggest looking at our suggested products and sometimes you can find a similar model from last year on sale. Our Deals page is updated daily and is also a good place to check for when Cycle Tour stuff we recommend goes on sale.
BIKE SHORTS
WHY YOU NEED IT:
Even if your money is limited, you want a good pair of padded bike shorts for bike touring (actually, two pairs to be hygienic). Your butt will often hurt when bike touring. Bike shorts can help.
Choosing bicycle shorts isn’t just for butt comfort but for safety as well. Bike shorts are designed to be form-fitting and most have reflective patches. Any baggy clothing you wear can get caught on the nose of the saddle.
Good bicycle shorts can help alleviate some pain associated with deep tissue bruising where your sit bones meet the bike seat. Changing into clean cycling shorts (plus a birdy bath) helps with some chafing, skin irritation, and saddle sores.
If you are a rider who regularly wears bibs rather than shorts, you’ll want to switch to shorts for touring. Getting undressed every time nature calls is a pain with bibs; I know, I've toured with bibs, and hated undressing to poop.
Pro tip: Several big safety pins or diaper pins let you securely attach your washed shorts and socks to the tops of your panniers to dry in the sun and wind!
We’ve found the REI Junction Bike Short (men’s and women’s) to be an affordable and durable choice. Plus, they don't seem to hold onto unpleasant odors. The model I wear has been with me for more than 100 days of riding. That may not seem like a long time, but I’ve worn out other cycling shorts in far less time. The seams don’t even show the beginning of wear. We've had no fraying or stitching coming apart. I’m pleasantly surprised.
You want two pairs of bicycle shorts for touring. I prefer black, so that they dry quicker in the sun after I wash them out. Rinse or wash your shorts every night, and rotate to your clean and dry pair the next morning.
In general, you'll want a well-padded chamois for day after day in the saddle. We have some recommendations in our Best Men's Mountain Bike Shorts and Best Women's Mountain Bike Shorts guides. Additionally, although those guides are focused on MTB shorts with more coverage and protection, many are available as a 2-in-1 with chamois and baggies, so you'd have the option to wear the baggies over your chamois while in town for more modesty.
BIKE JERSEY
WHY YOU NEED IT:
I don't always wear a jersey. Often, my sun shirt or wool top and wind jacket (see below) are comfier. But, one jersey always makes the bike tour packing list: my very bright, high visibility one. Especially on roads near cities, or during rush hour, the extra high vis top is nice.
If you usually ride with a snug jersey for aerodynamics, consider upsizing for more comfort on tour. If you are well adapted to always having snacks or bottles in a jersey pocket, take two.
Many Pearl Izumi Quest Cycling jerseys (men's and women's) are available in blinding bright yellow, which is in contrast to wool shirts and other layers I wear. It's also in contrast to a surprising number of jerseys out there. I prefer a short sleeve, half zip jersey, but the Quest line is available in long sleeve as well.
Bike gloves protect your hands from the sun and keep a better (less sweaty) grip on your handlebars. Photo by Liz Thomas.
BIKE GLOVES
WHY YOU NEED IT:
One pair of simple bike gloves and a second pair of full-finger cool-weather gloves are key. If you already have gloves, they will work with one caveat: they need to be tight. Any loose material can potentially get stuck in your brake levers.
Most bike gloves come with a high vis option. We recommend choosing one with better visibility (bright color/reflective/etc.).
OUR CHOICE: PEARL IZUMI CYCLONE
WHY WE LIKE IT:
We like that the Pearl Izumi Cyclone gloves have the added benefit of being high vis when you hand signal your turns. I also carry one pair of cheap wool gloves for camp because wool doesn't melt when you touch your hot pot or stove. Note that the women's are not available in as high vis colors, so if your hands can fit in the men's, those are the models we'd recommend.
Brandon riding in the rain in Arizona. Photo courtesy Brandon Lampley.
RAIN JACKET
WHY YOU NEED IT:
If you already have a rain jacket, it is fine for your first bike trip (see our Best Rain Jackets guide for other outdoor rain jackets). It’s not optimal for touring, but it'll work.
As you get more into bike touring, you’ll likely want to upgrade to a bike-specific rain jacket. The cut will fit better when riding, and the reflective bits and bright colors are nice for safety. They’re often designed to be more aerodynamic.
WHY YOU NEED IT:
I recommend all bike tourers pick up cycle-specific rain pants, even if this is your first tour.
If you’re trying to save money, a strap like this one will make your hiking rain pants work OK for cycling. If the weather is warm enough, you can just forgo the rain pants and get wet from the waist down.
But if you've got a little money to spend, go with dedicated bike rain pants.
Resting off the bike. Still wearing the bike shoes. Photo courtesy Brandon Lampley
BIKE SHOES
WHY YOU NEED IT:
I find that Mountain bike shoes with SPD cleats are the way to go for bike touring. Compared to road cycling shoes, they offer better power and control on the bike. They're also comfy enough for all your walking around tasks in the daytime.
I prefer a well-ventilated black pair. They're ventilated to keep feet cool and dry on the bike, and black so they dry quickly when the sun comes out after a rain. For more information, see REI’s How To Choose Bike Shoes article or our guide on Best Mountain Bike Shoes.
I've toured with waterproof shoe covers before, but find that just letting my feet get wet, or putting plastic bags over my socks if it's a cold rain or snow, is less of a hassle than wrestling with overshoes. Search closeout shoe models for a great deal.
SOCKS
WHY YOU NEED IT:
I carry two or three pairs of cycling socks for bike riding, and one pair of thick, warm wool ones for camp.
I find the Smartwool crew bike socks reliable. Height is a personal preference. I tend to carry shorter socks, but I always carry one pair that are knee height. They’re great in cold weather.
HIKING SANDALS OR CAMP SHOES
WHY YOU NEED IT:
An over the top of the foot sandal works as your town shoes (something to wear other than your bike shoes). I like over the top “soccer style” sandals because you can wear warm wool socks with them when it's cold in camp. You can also wear them without socks if it’s warm.
Our guide to Best Recovery Sandals for Runners has exactly the style that is great for bike touring. There's nothing like slipping into a pair of lightweight sandals after a long day in bike shoes.
The double-sided hybrid bike pedals we recommend work fine with your sandals for short distances. This is great when you’re in town and want to run to the store but don’t want to put on your bike shoes. Or when you’re at peak laziness and would rather ride your bike 80 yards to the campground toilet rather than walk there. A lot of folks may opt for a camp shoe instead, which sometimes have built in insulation. See our guide to Best Camp Shoes for our favorites.
OUR CHOICE: BIRKENSTOCKS
WHY WE LIKE IT:
If you want to be more stylish, a pair of Birkenstocks is comfortable, easy to slip on, and you may even have a pair of those around already.
A simple plastic model is perfect. On a long tour, you can replace them for a few bucks at the dollar store.
The Prana Caldera Sunshirt is part of Brandon’s biking uniform. Photo by Liz Thomas.
SUN SHIRT
WHY YOU NEED IT:
A sun shirt with a hood is the real hero of the movie on long, cloudless days. Size it so that it’s nice and loose, the sleeves overlap your gloves, and the hood goes over your helmet. See our guide to Best Sun Shirts for more recommendations.
I basically live in my sun shirt on tour. If it's cool in the morning, I layer my jersey over top and my wind jacket over that. As it warms up, I strip down til comfy. My old favorite sun hoodie, the Prana Calder, has been discontinued, so I'm recommending our top winner in our Best Sun Shirts guide. Find something comfortable and size it loose.
WIND SHIRT
WHY YOU NEED IT:
A wind shirt is a bit of a luxury since you’re carrying a rain jacket. But in the same way, we recommend a wind shirt for PCT thru-hikers in addition to a rain jacket, so do we for biking
I use a Patagonia Houdini wind jacket (men’s and women’s) rather than a biking specific model. It is part of my backpacking and ski touring costumes also. I use a few small safety pins to secure the rolled-up hood for use on the bike. The Houdini packs down tiny, easily fitting in a jersey pocket.
Since I first wrote this story, Patagonia has come out with the Houdini Air jacket (men's and women's) , which is a more breathable wind shirt. You can read about why we like it so much in our Best Men's Windbreakers or Best Women's Windbreakers guide. We also like it so much it is in our Gift Guide and also has a dedicated in-depth long-term review of the Houdini Air.
Brandon on an East Coast bike tour in late fall/early winter. Photo courtesy Brandon Lampley.
BASE LAYER / LONG UNDERWEAR
WHY YOU NEED IT:
Size your long underwear bottoms to fit over riding shorts. I prefer long underwear to leg warmers or full length riding tights with a chamois because they are more versatile. I can use my long underwear as sleeping clothes when it's cool. A medium to expedition weight synthetic fabric is my recommendation. I often start out on cool mornings with my long johns over my bike shorts, and shed them after an hour or two. See our guide to Best Base Layers for our favorites for different seasons.
On a very cold riding day, my REI merino midweight half-zip is my base layer. Most days, it’s also my sleeping shirt. Long sleeve, half zip is nice for versatility. Because it's merino wool, it's got natural anti-odor properties.
If you don’t already own a wool shirt, this is the bike touring item you are most likely to find at a thrift store or garage sale. That being said, we like the REI Merino Midweight because they offer a great value, have natural anti-odor properties, and can often be found on sale.
MIDLAYER
WHY YOU NEED IT:
For my Route 66 ride, I treated myself to one new clothing piece. And it was a good choice. A good midlayer is useful on and off the bike. It can help extend your clothing system to cooler temperatures or be a standalone in summer.
Admittedly, my body runs warmer than most, but the Smartwool Smartloft is a great camp jacket for bike touring. It’s incredibly comfortable and appropriate for a huge range of temperatures. I also wear it in the morning and evenings in town.
PUFFY JACKET
WHY YOU NEED IT:
Off the bike, a warm jacket is essential for camp.
I want my camp clothes to function well as riding clothes when necessary and I used my puffy jacket on and off the bike. I only used it riding for long descents in cold air, but it was perfect for this. See our Best Down Jackets guide or Best Synthetic Insulated Jackets guide for more recommendations.
Our favorite is the Patagonia Nano-Air (men's and women's). It’s the only puffy jacket I’ve ever worn that I can keep wearing for really cold weather aerobic exercise. I’ve found it dries off my sweat and moves enough moisture to be fine ski touring in -5 F degree weather, so cold cycling would be right in its wheelhouse.
Brandon Lampley layered his vest over his windshirt and baselayers during his winter bike tour across the U.S. West. Photo courtesy Brandon Lampley.
WARM VEST
WHY YOU NEED IT:
A puffy vest can be worn on and off the bike, keeping your core warm without stressing your arms on the bike.
My vest is also the perfect layer to wear over the top of everything else when I roll into town and want to layer up to slow down and sightsee. Insulated vests are just plain awesome as far as I’m concerned.
I like the Patagonia Nano-Air Vest (men's and women's) in hunter orange. As mentioned above, the Patagonia Nano-Air is the only puffy jacket I’ve worn that moves sweat and moisture fast enough to wear during cold weather aerobic exercise, like bike touring.
I like lots of options for layering, and the way I get away with the Smartwool Smartloft 120 as my warm jacket is to carry the Nano-Air vest in addition for 3-season use. On a cold evening in camp, I’m wearing both.
WOOL HAT
WHY YOU NEED IT:
You want a dedicated off-the-bike warm hat. It doesn’t have to be fancy (but can be). Fleece or wool works.
SUN HAT
WHY YOU NEED IT:
You’ll be getting plenty of sun on the bike, so it's a good idea to make a sun hat part of your standard off-the-bike costume. Get a sun hat for off-the-bike protection. See our guide to Best Sun Hats for more ideas. If you want something with more ventilation, our Best Running Hats guide.
OUR CHOICE: TILLEY AIRFLO
WHY WE LIKE IT:
I've been wearing a Tilley AirFlo for years. It's great and will last forever. It also holds its shape incredibly well after being packed and crushed every which way. Your favorite trucker hat works great too with a bandana.
SUNGLASSES
WHY YOU NEED IT:
Sunglasses with UV protection keep your eyes healthy, and help you to see better when the sun is glaring. Better vision while biking means a safer ride. To learn more about the power of sunglasses, take a look at our Best Running Sunglasses guide, which also includes multi-sport sunglasses.
OUR CHOICE: OAKLEY SUTRO
WHY WE LIKE IT:
The Oakley Sutro Polarized Sunglasses is the winner of our Best Multi-Sport Sunglasses for its lightweight frame, its durability, and its polarized, polycarbonate lens. These sunglasses are the model we tested that works best for cycling while also being versatile enough to use for other sports.
NECK GAITER
WHY YOU NEED IT:
Probably the most versatile small clothing piece, I actually ride with at least two neck gaiters, often three if I haven’t lost one.
OUR CHOICE: BUFF
WHY WE LIKE IT:
Neck warmer, face mask, sweatband, skull cap–the uses are endless. The Buff is also a favorite in our Essential Backpacking Accessories guide for that reason—it’s super versatile.
WATERPROOF STUFF SACKS
WHY YOU NEED IT:
Since I don't use waterproof panniers, waterproof stuff sacks are key to my clothes packing.
OUR CHOICE: SEA TO SUMMIT ULTRA-SIL DRY BAG
WHY WE LIKE IT:
Light, durable, and even kinda see-through when you forget which one has that bright jersey you're looking for. I find 5 L and 12 L to be the most useful sizes.
PERSONAL ITEMS
SUNSCREEN
WHY YOU NEED IT:
Sunscreen is important for protecting your skin. UVA and UVB rays cause skin cancer, sun spots, wrinkles, leathery skin, and rashes. Sunscreen should be broad spectrum, at least SPF 30, and water resistant. For more information, check out our guides to the Best Sunscreens for Your Body and Best Face Sunscreens.
OUR CHOICE: SUN BUM ORIGINAL SPF 50 SUNSCREEN LOTION
WHY WE LIKE IT:
The Sun Bum Original SPF 50 sunscreen is our top sunscreen for most bodies because it is oil-free, non-comedogenic (i.e. it doesn’t clog your pores), and it contains vitamin E.
INSECT REPELLENT
WHY YOU NEED IT:
Overeager insects can really ruin a ride, especially when those insects bite, sting, or suck your blood. We recommend insect repellent that uses picaridin rather than DEET, since studies show no significant difference between the two and picaridin sounds fewer neurotoxicity alarms. You may not think you need bug spray while you're riding, but you may still need it in camp depending on the time of year.
OUR CHOICE: SAWYER PICARIDIN LOTION
WHY WE LIKE IT:
The Sawyer Picaridin Lotion is our pick for best insect repellent for its longevity. It lasts up to 14 hours, rather than 12 hours with a spray. Plus, unlike a lot of other bug sprays (like DEET) it won't melt or degrade your technical gear.
TOILETRIES (TOOTHBRUSH, TOOTHPASTE, SOAP, ETC.)
WHY YOU NEED IT:
Engaging in a lengthy bike tour doesn’t mean your hygiene needs vanish (though, wouldn’t that be convenient?). Be sure to pack whatever you need to keep yourself healthy and clean as possible–toothbrush, toothpaste, soap, contact solution, etc. Items like nail clippers and tweezers can come in handy outdoors, too (think hangnails or ticks).
MEDICATIONS AND FIRST AID KIT
WHY YOU NEED IT:
Safety should always be your top priority in the outdoors, and being prepared with medications and a first aid kit is one of the best ways to ensure the safest trip possible. Over-the-counter medications like Benadryl, Tylenol, and Ibuprofen can come in clutch (provided your doctor has cleared you to use such medications).
It’s also important to be prepared with any prescriptions you may need to take, especially in the case of an emergency. First aid kits may also include bandages, ointments, and small tools. To build up your first aid kit, check out our guide to Emergency Preparedness Kits.
When biking across the country, some city or county parks allow tourists to camp. This is a camping set-up in a local park en route that features all of Brandon’s gear. Photo courtesy Brandon Lampley.
CAMPING GEAR AND SLEEPING GEAR
Unsupported bicycle touring requires you to carry sleeping/camping and food/cooking systems.
However, it's possible to not carry camping or cooking gear. For example, on a short tour like the C&O Canal Towpath, you might stay at B&B’s every night.
Some folks enjoy longer supported tours, or what’s known as “credit card touring”–staying in a hotel every night. For this style of biking, you'll only need to carry the items listed above: toiletries, changes of clothes, bike repair equipment, and food and snacks.
For unsupported bike tours, I’ve toured mostly in a manner similar to thru-hiking a long trail. I find a place to camp each night, usually in the wild versus a campground. I prepare my breakfast and dinner most mornings and nights in camp on my cookstove (see my section below). This style of cycle touring requires carrying a little more equipment to create this self-sufficiency, but it is very affordable when your goal is pedaling for weeks and months.
For both the Camp/Sleeping and Eating equipment sections, I'll be a lot more brief. Most of these items are covered here on Treeline Review with in-depth articles. Gear that works great for backpacking and thru hiking also works great for bicycle camping.
This section includes gear that you’ll need to be self-sufficient (e.g., not staying every night in hotels).
Sometimes when you’re on a long bike trip, you may find non-traditional campsites. Photo courtesy Brandon Lampley.
LIGHTWEIGHT TENT
WHY YOU NEED IT:
Yes, you want a tent. Compared to backpacking trips, your bike camping spots are more likely to be developed campgrounds. You'll be happiest with a full coverage tent. A bivy sack is a poor substitute, and a tarp provides little privacy.
OUR CHOICE: BIG AGNES TIGER WALL BIKEPACKING TENT
WHY WE LIKE IT:
While a backpacking tent will work just fine, some companies have designed tents specifically for bikepacking. Our favorite example is the Big Agnes Tiger Wall Bikepacking Tent, the winner in our Best Bikepacking Tent guide.
The idea behind this model is that when you're on a cycle tour or bikepacking trip, you want poles that fit onto handlebars and more robust stuff sacks with daisy chains that strap onto a bike. The bikepacking version of the Copper Spur backpacking tent that we recommend for backpacking also has the same bike-friendly features.
If you already own a backpacking tent, though, we don’t think the added advantages of a bikepacking-specific tent are worth getting a new tent. Oftentimes, the only difference is a more bike-friendly stuff sack (which is still handy, but not buy-a-new-tent handy).
SLEEPING PAD
WHY YOU NEED IT:
Sleeping pads keep you warm and more comfortable when you sleep outside. This is particularly important if you’re bike touring anywhere that gets cold at night.
OUR CHOICE: THERMAREST NEOAIR NXT
WHY WE LIKE IT:
My camping or backpacking sleeping pad is the same as it is for cycle touring: the Thermarest NeoAir. Read our Best Sleeping Pads story for more details on why we think this is the best option for long bike trips.
SLEEPING BAG
WHY YOU NEED IT:
Like sleeping pads, sleeping bags keep you warm and comfortable at night. I use the same sleeping bag I use for backpacking for my sleeping bag for cycle touring. I tend to use a twenty degree bag year-round.
Read our Best Sleeping Bags story for more on why we like this bag.
The loft of the Feathered Friends Swallow 20 (men's) and Feathered Friends Egret 20 (women's) is incredible, and the temperature rating is conservative. This bag is tried and true for our testers, and we see this as the best quality for your dollar.
If you already own a backpacking sleeping bag, though, you should be fine using that same one for your cycle tour. But if you're looking for something warmer or want to upgrade your system, the Swallow will not disappoint.
PILLOW (OPTIONAL)
WHY YOU NEED IT:
A pillow is a good idea for folks who want to prioritize comfortable sleep on their bike tour. While some may consider this a luxury item, it’s great for anyone who shifts a lot in their sleep, wears their extra clothes to bed (rather than using them as a pillow), or anyone who has injuries or conditions that would benefit from better neck and head support. Check out our guide to the Best Backpacking Pillows to learn more.
OUR CHOICE: SEA TO SUMMIT AEROS PREMIUM
WHY WE LIKE IT:
The Sea To Summit Aeros Premium is comfortable, supportive, soft, lightweight, and packs down really small. We also appreciate that its valves are unobtrusive and easy to use.
Back of the bike kitchen. Photo by Brandon Lampley.
CAMP KITCHEN
Another important organizational gear group for bike touring is for equipment for eating. It’s pretty straight forward.
You’ll want to create a compact, light, and functional camp kitchen to prepare food. It’s basically the same setup we recommend for backpacking, but add a small skillet!
Many cyclists do forgo a stove and pots on tour, as you’ll often encounter restaurants for hot food. But you will find it much more affordable to prepare your own food. And how do people even function without a proper cup of tea or coffee?
To see my suggestions for a food list and nutrition to stay healthy on trail as well as some recipes, see my Food section below.
STOVE AND FUEL
WHY YOU NEED IT:
For ease of use and compact size, we recommend a canister stove. They work great, are fuel-efficient, and boil water fast but also simmer. See our Best Backpacking stove story for more details.
OUR CHOICE: MSR POCKETROCKET DELUXE
WHY WE LIKE IT:
We appreciate the MSR PocketRocket Deluxe’s capabilities in both boiling and simmering modes, as well as its ease of use, durability, and light weight.
COOKWARE (POTS, PANS, UTENSILS)
WHY YOU NEED IT:
One pot is plenty, but two can be nice if you’re a party of two cyclists.
See our Best Backpacking Cooking Pot story for our recommendations. Below we recommend a pot and skillet combo set.
OUR CHOICE: GSI OUTDOORS ESCAPE 3L
WHY WE LIKE IT:
The GSI Outdoors Escape is a winner in our Best Backpacking Cooking Pot, for its thoughtful design and portability. It packs down flat and is easy to strap to a bike.
SMALL SKILLET
WHY YOU NEED IT:
Depending on the length of your trip, where you’ll be, and what you plan to cook, a skillet is handy for cooking up quality meals to fuel your adventure. Skillets allow you to cook when fires or other sources of heat are either unavailable, unsafe, or inconvenient.
OUR CHOICE: PINNACLE FRYPAN
WHY WE LIKE IT:
Any small and light skillet will do, but, if you’re after a new cookset, and you like the recommendation of a small skillet for long bike trips, we highly recommend the Escape HS 3L Pot + Pinnacle Frypan from GSI Outdoors.
This collapsible 3L pot folds nearly flat when stowed with the Frypan. We’ve seen this cookset stowed in a full-frame bag on a bikepacking setup. Since bike luggage is more flatly shaped than backpacks (and being aerodynamic is important, too), having collapsible gear is especially handy.
MUG
WHY YOU NEED IT:
Always carry a mug. You’ll get a discount at coffee shops and avoid making trash. When other campers offer you a glass of wine, you're ready.
OUR CHOICE: SNOW PEAK TITANIUM SINGLE WALL
WHY WE LIKE IT:
Although the double-walled insulated mugs keep your coffee hot and beer cold for a long time, they’re no good over a campfire. That’s why I use a single-walled mug.
SPOON
WHY YOU NEED IT:
Spoons are arguably the most useful utensil for cooking and eating outdoors. Long-handled spoons in particular are nice for accomplishing both.
OUR CHOICE: TOAKS TITANIUM LONG HANDLE SPOON
WHY WE LIKE IT:
The titanium withstands heat and corrosion, plus a long-handled spoon is killer for your outdoor cooking and eating needs. Get yourself one!
SPATULA
WHY YOU NEED IT:
Yep, you will enjoy having one–to scrape the last mac n cheese from the pot, and to make your awesome skillet meals. I like a silicon blade with a wood handle. Mine’s pink and I love him.
COLLAPSIBLE BOWL
WHY YOU NEED IT:
A collapsible bowl or two has lots of great uses and takes up little space on the bike.
OUR CHOICE: SEA TO SUMMIT X BOWL
WHY WE LIKE IT:
You can use a collapsible bowl for both food prep and serving. They also work for dishwashing. Use one with warm soapy water for a quick face wash and birdy bath.
A Tupperware type bowl with a secure lid is an alternate budget choice but takes up more room.
FOOD BAG
WHY YOU NEED IT:
Containing all your food in one or two bags is a good idea. I use a roll-top stuff sack.
OUR CHOICE: SEA TO SUMMIT LIGHTWEIGHT DRY BAG
WHY WE LIKE IT:
This dry bag is dependable, lightweight, and durable.
BIODEGRADABLE SOAP FOR DISHWASHING
WHY YOU NEED IT:
You’ll need to clean your dishware to prevent mold or contamination in your food. Biodegradable soap helps us cause less harm to the environment. However, it is important to note that biodegradable soaps can still cause harm–according to the EPA, a single ounce of biodegradable soap must be diluted in over 150 gallons of water to be safe for fish. They also provide food for harmful algal blooms. To learn more, read our Eco-Friendly Gear Swaps piece.
OUR CHOICE: DR. BRONNER’S CASTILE SOAP
WHY WE LIKE IT:
Dr. Bronner’s Castile Soap uses nine or ten vegan, eco-friendly, fair-trade certified and/or certified organic ingredients. It’s highly concentrated, so a little can go a long way, and it works well.
HYDRATION AND WATER STORAGE
WATER FILTER OR PURIFIER
WHY YOU NEED IT:
Depending on where your bike tour takes you, you may benefit from a water filter or purifier so you can drink from natural water sources. Your personal needs may vary as far as what type of filter or purifier is best for you–read more in our Best Backpacking Water Filters and Purifiers guide.
I always carry a dropper bottle of chlorine bleach so that filling up from clean streams is an option. Streams near roads are often more contaminated than backcountry streams, so are not our suggested water source. If you want to keep the option of drinking from streams open, you may prefer carrying a water filter.
OUR CHOICE: PLATYPUS QUICKDRAW
WHY WE LIKE IT:
The Platypus QuickDraw is the winner of our Best Overall Backpacking Water Filter for its compact, lightweight portability, its ease of use, its dual caps, and its integrity test indicator to ensure it’s still functioning.
WATER BOTTLES OR HYDRATION PACK
OUR CHOICE: CAMELBAK PODIUM
WHY WE LIKE IT:
The Camelbak Podium bottles are amazing! Insulated and with a reliable open / close function, they’re available in a couple of sizes to fit in your cages.
For example, I can fit the larger Podium Big Chill in one of my frame cages, but I need a shorty bottle for the other. Trust us, carry at least one insulated bottle on your cycling tour. The Podium Big Chill filled with ice and fluid gives about 4 hours of icy drink even in hot weather. On my forks, I use screw top one-liter water bottles.
WATER BLADDER OR COLLAPSIBLE WATER CONTAINER
WHY YOU NEED IT:
Water bladders allow you to carry water on you more easily, since they are lightweight and portable.
OUR CHOICE: PLATYPUS BLADDER
WHY WE LIKE IT:
This water bladder is durable and a nice size for most bike touring needs.If you are into carrying water bladders, bring a Platypus bladder water carrying capacity of 4 bottles, about 3-4 liters. If you'll only have 2 bottles mounted on the bike, we recommend a 2L bladder in addition.
ELECTRONICS AND POWER
The Garmin Fenix 5X Plus makes keeping track of distance, speed, heart rate, and where you are easy—without draining battery from your phone or requiring a bike computer. Photo by Liz Thomas.
GPS WATCH
WHY YOU NEED IT:
A GPS watch is a luxury item but is convenient while touring. I use my watch, which logs my rides for Strava and this saves my phone battery. And rather than a bike computer, all the metrics I want are tracked and displayed on my watch face.
OUR CHOICE: GARMIN FENIX
WHY WE LIKE IT:
We go into detail in our GPS Watch story about features that are useful for bike touring. You can also learn more about how we use the Garmin Fenix for bike touring in our in-depth long-term review of the Garmin fenix.
To read our comparison of the most popular models of GPS watches, read our Best Hiking and Backpacking Watches.
MOBILE PHONE PROTECTIVE CASE
WHY YOU NEED IT:
Most smartphones will work fine for cycle touring, but regardless of your phone maker, we recommend using a protective case. Chances are you are already using some kind of case. But if you’re looking for a tough waterproof option for this trip, I like the LifeProof Fre Series waterproof case.
OUR CHOICE: LIFEPROOF FRE
WHY WE LIKE IT:
With a little creativity and some zip ties, you can handlebar mount your phone case clip for on the move navigation. The clear window of a stem or handlebar bag is designed for a phone. But, I have found on sunny days that overheating in the stem bag can be an issue. I've had better luck mounting my phone on my handlebars. Exposed to the wind and upright, the phone is able to stay cooler.
POWER BANK BATTERY
WHY YOU NEED IT:
About 10,000 mAh storage and two USB outlets make my preferred backup battery.
OUR CHOICE: TRAVELGO PORTABLE CHARGER
WHY WE LIKE IT:
Nearly any lightweight external battery you have will work. There are lighter options out there, but this external battery balances price, weight, and usability and has lasted us many bike tours.
CHARGER
WHY YOU NEED IT:
When I find an outlet, I charge my lights, battery, watch, and phone all at once.
OUR CHOICE: LENCENT 4 PORT USB TRAVEL ADAPTER
WHY WE LIKE IT:
A 4 USB wall charger is a game-changer for quick charging for multiple devices. Nearly anyone you have at home will work, but I highly recommend the 4 USB charger. This one is inexpensive and gets the job done.
PORTABLE SOLAR CHARGER
WHY YOU NEED IT:
A portable solar charger ensures your electronic devices stay charged, while harnessing the power of the sun. This comes in clutch when you won’t have access to electrical outlets but still need to charge devices, like your phone, GPS, or watch.
OUR CHOICE: BIG BLUE 28W USB SOLAR CHARGER
WHY WE LIKE IT:
The Big Blue 28W USB Solar Charger is the winner of our Best Solar Charger because it is lightweight, powerful, and easy to use. It can charge small devices on-the-go for one or two people, and it is simple to use. Like all solar chargers, it charges best while not in movement with continuous light, so plan to set it up in camp at the end of the day or charge during lunch breaks.
HEADLAMP
WHY YOU NEED IT:
You’ll want a headlamp for nighttime in camp. See our full review of headlamps.
OUR CHOICE: BIOLITE HEADLAMP 330
WHY WE LIKE IT:
The Biolite Headlamp 330 has a comfortable fit, bright and long-lasting light, and doesn’t feel too heavy. The battery life is long and is rechargeable.
Bike shops along major touring routes are happy to help you with major and minor repair. Photo courtesy Brandon Lampley.
BIKE REPAIR AND MAINTENANCE
Not a lot to say here, except you should carry at least the tools you need to change a flat tire. Twice. Your best line of defense is to start your tour with a well-maintained and adjusted bike.
Before you head on your trip, you'll want a tuneup at your local bike shop or REI bike shop.
Even if you are a competent mechanic for basic bike adjustments, treat yourself to a workshop or course from your local bike shop, REI, or community center.
I learned from the ‘school of hard knocks’ while touring. I’m a handy guy and still spent some frustrating roadside hours tinkering with derailleur adjustment.
Take a class. Your future self thanks you.
REPAIR TOOLS
A mini tool with a variety of Allen keys is great for checking that all your rack, bottle, and luggage bolts stay snug. A chain tool and master link is a good idea too. See our guide to Best Bike Tire Pumps for more recommendations for small and lightweight options.
I carry these tools at a minimum:
Mini Pump: Topeak Mini Morph
Multi Tool: Topeak Multi Tool
Tire Lever: Pedro's Tire Levers
I carry two bike tubes just in case
Patch Kit. These don’t last forever, so check if the one in your kit is 6 months old or less before starting your trip.
LUBRICANTS AND CLEANERS
About once a week, I clean and lube my drivetrain. I prefer Muc-Off products.
I carry small bottles of both Wet lube and Dry lube.
This brush works great for cassette cleaning.
SPARE PARTS
I run these heavy beasts of a tube in my tires. Again, I roll heavy because I hate changing flats. I’ve not tried out a tubeless tire set up, but y’all rolling tubeless should carry a tube and levers just in case.
NUTRITION
In contrast to backpacking, cyclists often pass multiple grocery stores a day. While each tourist’s tastes and nutritional needs are unique, all will find having access to fresh food regularly a treat.
One of the high points each day touring for me is the grocery store stop a few miles before my campsite. I get just what I need, and do it again tomorrow! Or sometimes, I buy for a few days when in remote areas.
That being said, you should plan to always have some emergency items on hand to prevent bonking, like electrolytes.
ELECTROLYTE POWDER
Electrolyte powder contains essential minerals like sodium, chloride, magnesium, potassium, and calcium to help you stay hydrated. Powders are easy to pack and lightweight.
ENERGY BARS
Energy bars with quality ingredients and a good mix of carbs, fats, and protein can pack a nutrient-dense punch at a small weight.
HOW TO PACK FOR BIKE TOURING
While cyclists will debate whether it is better to use either front or back panniers, ultimately, it is be a personal choice. The primary factor is to keep each side as balanced as possible. The following are some advantages of each option:
FRONT PANNIERS ONLY
Better for climbing hills.
Better for dirt roads because there is more grip over the front of the bike.
There is better heel clearance
REAR PANNIERS ONLY
There is more storage space. Rear panniers are typically larger than front panniers.
Slow speed maneuverability and U-turns are easier.
Parking and pushing it up stairs is easier. The urban environment is fraught with stair hazards. Whether a few steps up the walkway or a flight of motel stairs, inevitably, we will be called on to push a fully-loaded bike up a flight of stairs.
I use a zippered bag that attaches to the top of my rear rack for carrying my tent. It's convenient for quick access when reaching camp. Tent poles fit better in this rack bag than any of my other luggage. Wet things like my raingear go here too. My small skillet is strapped on top of this bag.
Many folks use a durable dry bag strapped to their rack in the same position. The Sea to Summit Big River 13L is a good choice. In truth, I see far more cycle tourists with a dry bag on top of their rack than a piece of luggage designed for the purpose. A durable dry bag is more versatile for use in your other adventures as well.
My frame bag and little seat bag never leave my bike. The Revelate Designs Tanglein Medium is perfect for everything I need for a day out.
LIGHTWEIGHT BIKE TOURING TIPS
HOW TO KEEP YOUR BASEWEIGHT ON THE BIKE LOW
The story shows you my bike touring packing list. I split it into sections: Bike, Bike Luggage, Electronics, Clothing, Camp, Repair, and Kitchen and Food.
To keep your bike touring weight down, here are my top three tips:
Minimize the clothing closet.
Invest in a light and high-quality sleep system.
Grocery shop often to keep the weight of food carried low.
This philosophy guides the way that I pack and how I like to choose my gear.
BICYCLE TOURING VS. BIKEPACKING
These terms now get used somewhat interchangeably, but touring usually implies riding on roads and using panniers for luggage, while bikepacking refers to riding on rougher tracks and trails with frame-mounted bags.
Of practical import between the bikepacking and touring is the volume of luggage carried.
Traditional touring often uses front and back panniers yielding 70-100 liters of storage. The system we recommend for road touring (back panniers plus a couple small bags) creates 45-65 liters of storage. This is the same volume lightweight backpackers carry.
The common bikepacking setup includes a frame bag, large seat bag, and handlebar bag. Bikepacking bags often have a total volume around 25-40 liters of storage— similar to ultralight backpackers’ amount of gear.
This article focuses on a system of clothing and equipment for extended three-season touring on roads. It all fits well in 50-60 liters volume bike luggage. Stay tuned as we have more bikepacking specific content on the way!
And if bikepacking trails catch your fancy, visit our review of Best Bicycles for Bikepacking.
BICYCLE TOURING FOOD LIST
BEST FOODS FOR BICYCLE TOURING
Here are a couple of my go-to camping meals. I grab fresh bread, cheese, and fruit for on the go lunch. Lunch is also the meal when I’m apt to visit a local diner or mom and pop restaurant. Again, eating lots of yummy fresh foods is one of the highlights of touring for me. A skillet full of veggies makes my tired legs happy. I am an omnivore, and my recipes reflect that. Vegan and veggie cyclists will find grocery store trips far more affordable than eating from restaurants as well.
QUICK AND SIMPLE SKILLET MEALS FOR LONG BIKE TRIPS
Buying minimal portions of the raw materials, these two meals serve two folks, one ravenous cyclist, or one with leftovers for lunch.
VEGGIES AND EGGS WITH BACON, ON A BAGEL
Divide your bacon in half. Fry up the first batch and put it aside for snacks during the day. While it's sizzling, dice up some veggies of your choice. I dig a small onion, garlic, and red bell pepper. Dice up the rest of the bacon, add it to the veggies, and cook it all together. Drain a bit of the bacon grease, add your scrambled eggs, bonanza! Put the eggs aside while you quickly toast your bagel in the pan, soaking up any remaining grease. Enjoy. If you’ve purchased more eggs than you want to eat for brekkie, boil the rest. Boiled eggs will keep for a couple days in all but the hottest weather.
GREEN CHILI BEEF SOFT TACOS
My go-to: affordable, filling, good nutrition, and leftovers travel well. Flour tortillas, a pound of ground beef, a can of diced green chilis, a couple zucchini, a bundle of cilantro, cheese if you like. The trick to this one is cooking the ground beef first and putting it aside to use the fat to fry up your zucchini. I tend to have a bit of onion and garlic around, and that goes in the skillet at the start with the meat. Cooking the zucchini takes a bit; a great time to chop cilantro, slice cheese, lay out your tortillas, have a nip of whiskey.... Put the meat back in the pan, add the green chilis, and fix up some killer tacos. Individually foil wrap leftovers as prepared tacos for tomorrow, or a late-night snack, and put ‘em in a plastic bag.
Brandon passes through the town of Brandon on his bike tour. Photo courtesy Brandon Lampley.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR / WHY YOU SHOULD TRUST US
Treeline Review’s Senior Editor Brandon Lampley just completed a bicycle tour from Denver to Santa Monica along old Route 66. During the last few years, Brandon has pedaled more than 9,000 miles around the United States, through all seasons of the year, encompassing 14 months of cycle touring in 2 years.
He wrote this story because he thinks you’ll be interested in the clothing and equipment he carries on a bike tour. With the goal of touring on a small budget, he carries all the clothing and camping gear necessary to be comfortable in a large range of temperatures and weather conditions. Have fun, sleep and eat well, meet interesting characters—those are his priorities.
Brandon’s recent month-long Route 66 trip included cold rain and light snow, but also sweltering temperatures through the Mojave desert. He camped every night save one. Brandon has refined a lightweight clothing and equipment selection that works well in the large range of weather encountered.
Brandon has been writing about outdoor gear for more than a decade, including Treeline Review’s How to Crew and Pace an Ultrarunner story. He was previously a senior editor at Outdoor Gear Lab. For three years, Brandon lived and worked in Phortse, Nepal as the project director of the Khumbu Climbing Center where he worked alongside Nepali climbers to increase safety for high-altitude climbers and workers.
You can read all of Brandon's stories on his author page.
