You've heard it before, but you can never hear it enough: Plan to pack according to the weather. A three-day biking tour through dry terrain will differ greatly in regards of what you need to pack from a pedal through rainforest-lined blacktop.
Also, while you do have those panniers to carry your load, it's better to aim for the less-is-more approach. Packing less will increase your balancing ability, reduce weight drag, and give you spare room for that fantastic souvenir that you encounter during your bike tour, especially if you're weaving into small towns while touring.
For the heavily-laden, also consider one of the new towing trailers that you can attach to your bike; there are some that can handle most singletrack routes, though you'll be going slowly.
All-season clothing
- Helmet
- Sunglasses
- Jersey
- Fleece vest or jacket
- Wicking tees
- Wicking long-sleeve top or jersey
- Arm and leg warmers
- Cycling shorts (2)
- Soft-shell pants
- Wicking underwear
- Cycling shoes
- Off-bike footwear
- Wicking socks
- Padded cycling gloves
- Non-cycling convertible pants
Wet or cold weather add-ons
- Waterproof and breathable jacket and pants (hard or soft shell)
- Waterproof and breathable gaiters
- Weather-resistant gloves or overgloves
- Goggles
- Helmet liner, skullcap, or stocking cap
- Mid or expedition-weight base layers
Travel gear
- Handlebar bag (with clear map slot)
- Front and rear panniers with rain covers
- Seat bag
- Water bottles
- Hydration pack
- Headlight and taillight
- Headlamp
- Batteries
- Rearview mirror
- Bungee cords and compression straps
- Accessory cord (25+ feet)
- Lock
- Maps and guidebooks
- Cyclometer
- Cell phone or PDA
- GPS
- Watch with altimeter and alarms
Tools and spare parts
- Spare tubes (2+)
- Spare tire
- Spare spokes (6+)
- Bike-specific multi-tool (with spoke wrench, allen wrenches, screwdrivers, etc)
- Multi-tool (with vise-grip and needle-nose pliers, knife)
- Spoke wrench (sized for your spokes)
- Chain lube
- Chain tool
- Spare chain link
- Compact tire pump with gauge
- Tire levers
- Patch kit
- Adjustable crescent wrench (6-inch)
- Brake and derailleur cables
- Assorted nuts and bolts
- Duct tape
- Emergency whistle
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Ohh,Ohh, what a waste of time. Are folks so stupid that they don't know how or what to pack for a trip. This reminds me of those 1930's Popular Mechanics Camping books. You really have to be kidding. Anyone who thinks this is informative is a moron.
John Benton on 11 June, 2010