Packing

Here’s a breakdown of the things I bring with me on a ride.

Bags:

  • Touratech Zega Pros (31/38L, Anodized Black) with pannier mounts – fantastic bags and after using soft packs for the first year of my rides I’m very happy I went to the hard cases.
  • AltRider Rear Luggage Rack (AT16-P-4000) – the sides bend down so it’s easier to attach straps and hold down my dry bag.
  • Givi XS320 Expandable Tank Bag with tank lock
  • DrySpec 50L bag: used on the back of the bike that extends forward onto the rear seat. I used to have a rear hard case, but it created some turbulence. I use ROK Straps to keep the bag securely strapped to the bike.
See Touratech cases mounted on the Touratech Pannier Rack. Photo taken on Highway 2 (Highline) in eastern North Dakota. There was NO ONE on this road.

AltRider Rear Luggage Rack (AT16-P-4000)

DrySpec 50L bag

Riding Gear:

  • Summer: Klim Induction Jacket, Klim Voyage Air Pant
  • Cooler: Klim Latitude Jacket, RevIt Neptune GTX Pant
  • Boots: TCX Infinity EVO Gore-Tex Boot
  • Helmet 1: Schuberth E1 Adventure helmet with Sena Schuberth 10UA Bluetooth Headset 
  • Helmet 2: Shoei R1200 with Sena 20s Bluetooth Headset
  • Gloves: Klim Inversion Pro in the summer / Klim Badlands GTX long glove
  • Socks: I wear wool long socks – same that I use for skiing as they can be reworn without getting stinky like cotton socks.
  • Neck: Gaiter (fleece) when riding in cool/cold weather

Sleep:

  • Eno 2 person hammock – gives enough space to wrap around myself at night
  • Eno extension straps for hanging between trees
  • Klymit blow up pillow
  • Klymit rain cover
  • Sleeping bag – compact 25F bag with a insulation blanket between the bag and the hammock

Tools:

  • Air: Small compressor / CO2 instant fill cartridges
  • Tire socket to remove rear wheel and tools to remove tire from rim – I have a center stand so that helps when working on the bike on the side of the road.
  • Various wrenches
  • Leatherman multitool

Spare Parts / etc:

  • Extra tubes
  • Windscreen screws
  • Touratech mount for case
  • Chain cleaner and chain lube
  • Toilet paper (2 compact rolls)
  • Flip-flops – when I stay in a place that has shared shower facilities
  • Towel – quick dry

Safety:

  • Helmet – 2 screens, one clear, one dark
  • Sunscreen – face and neck
  • Bear spray – a must in the PNW
  • Knife – I have a SOG SAT002-CP Flashback – Black TiNi 
  • Satellite Tracker: DeLorme inReach SE Satellite Tracker – Here’s a link to a review.
  • First Aid Kit with general supplies
  • Adventure Medical Kits Trauma Pak Pro with QuikClot & Tourniquet
  • Ear plugs – bring extras, you will lose them.
  • Glass cleaner and microfiber cleaning towel for glasses and helmet windscreen
  • Eye drops – my eyes get dry after riding 6-10 hours a day
  • Grayl: GeoPress Purifier Bottle – has come in so handy when in areas where I only have access to streams/lakes and don’t want to drink all of my packed water.
  • External batteries for phone/tablet charging
  • Small solar panel for strapping on the rear bag to charge the external batteries as I ride.

Cooking:

  • JetBoil – with two containers of gas. (I will also use an Esbit solid fuel stove on some trips)
  • French press – GSI Java Press (30oz) or I’ll bring my Aeropress.
  • Titanium spork – long handle
  • ÜBERLEBEN: Stöker Flatpack Stove
  • ÜBERLEBEN: Kessel 2.0 Pot + Waxed Canvas Bag
  • Weatherproof matches
  • Small fire starting cubes when I want to build a camp fire
  • EXOTAC: Nanostriker XL Firestarter

Food:

Typically I’ll bring:

  • Freshly ground coffee (stored in French Press container in a ziplock bag)
  • Trailmix
  • Protein bars
  • Dehydrated meals (I’m pescatarian so I’ll usually bring some camp salmon as well to combine with some of the dinners – pastas, etc.)
  • Fresh fruit bought at local places as I ride
  • Two insulated metal containers for water
  • Energy mix and hydration packets to add to water – use flexi-cup to mix, never mix in metal container

Fun stuff:

MORE TO COME!