Kit to be comfortable list..
As we were getting into bike touring in our fifties, comfort not speed was important, but we still did not want to be carrying a couple of elephants in our panniers, with our kit tumbling from our bags as we hit a bumpy track for the first time.
We also had a budget, buying a MSR tent, sea to summit air bed would have been fantastic. But you are talking thousands of pounds to fill your panniers with these goodies. When for a fraction of the price you can buy some really great kit.
Below a a list of what we have now assembled for our tours. It is in no particular order, I will add a short reviews and prices, to give you some idea what we spent, and show us where all our money has gone.
You can download our checklist for personal use:
Version PDF Version Word
Equipment Reviews
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JetBoil Zip Stove Write a description for this list item and include information that will interest site visitors. For example, you may want to describe a team member's experience, what makes a product special, or a unique service that you offer.
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Kovea Gas Adapter Write a description for this list item and include information that will interest site visitors. For example, you may want to describe a team member's experience, what makes a product special, or a unique service that you offer.
List Item 3 -
Ledeak Folding Table Write a description for this list item and include information that will interest site visitors. For example, you may want to describe a team member's experience, what makes a product special, or a unique service that you offer.
List Item 1 -
Ortlieb Fork-Packs Plus Write a description for this list item and include information that will interest site visitors. For example, you may want to describe a team member's experience, what makes a product special, or a unique service that you offer.
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Sawyer Mini Water Filter Write a description for this list item and include information that will interest site visitors. For example, you may want to describe a team member's experience, what makes a product special, or a unique service that you offer.
List Item 2 -
Trekology Folding Chair Write a description for this list item and include information that will interest site visitors. For example, you may want to describe a team member's experience, what makes a product special, or a unique service that you offer.
List of Services
- Tent Naturehike Cloud-Up 3
List Item 1
We originally purchased the 2 man version which was cosy with no room for our kit. The 3 man has room for us our kit and we can sit up. It is simple to set up taking about 5 minutes, there is a ground sheet and good quality pegs.
Weight 2100g
Stored size 45 x 15 dia cm
Price 139 Euro.
- Trekology Camping Chair
List Item 2
These light weight chairs can be put up in seconds, made of aluminium. They have a cup holder and are comfortable.
Weight 910g
Stored size 36 x 11 x 15 cm
Price 58 Euro for two
- Ortleib Pannier
Waterproof panniers (pair) with roll-top closure with QL2.1 system.
We puchased 4 of these and managed to pack all our spare clothes, food, cooker, kitchen, and wash kit. Plus some personal stuff and spare electronics.
Well made, easy to take on and off the rack.
Price 200 Euro for four.
- Ultra Dry Bags 20l
We purchased 2 of these 20l dry bags They are well made with welded seams and come with shoulder straps and a free phone case.
In these we stored our tent, tarp, chairs, table and bike covers. Plus our coats and electrics. With still some room to add more.
Price 40 Euro for two.
- Small Dry Bags
To keep equipment sorted within the pannier we purchased several small dry bags from 2l - 4l. These made finding everything a little easier.
Price 30 Euro for six.
- Unigear Sleeping Pad
Unigear Ultralight Inflatable Sleeping Pad. This was a surprise so comfortable. Okay it took a couple of night to get use to it. When I slept on my side I could not feel the ground. Only a few puffs to inflate. Highly Recommended.
Weight 510g
Stored size 23.6 x 8.8 x 8.2 cm
Price 50 Euro for two.
- Trekology Pillow
TREKOLOGY Ultralight Inflating Travel Camping Pillows light weight, and untra compact. Took a few goes to work out the pressure needed to be comfortable, once that was done no complaints.
Weight 110g
Stored size 12 x 5 x 7
Price 30 Euro for two.
- Agemore Sleeping Bag
Agemore Ultralight Sleeping Bag Coming in at a tiny 15 x 15 x 23 cm when fully compressed down. We found it warm enough in spring summer, can be joined together to make a double, we also have an cotton inner for chilly nights.
Weighs 700g
Stored size 15 x 15 x 23 cm
Price 50 Euro for two.
Above are the main items we had to buy, everything on our list with the exception of some clothing, we already had lying around the house or we found at car boots.
This year we will be adding a water filter, tarp and four small 4l front panniers to evenly distribute the weight on the bikes. I have compiled a list of our equipment I hope you will find it useful, if you are starting out bike touring or if you have any tips for us please share. Our list was purchased in France and Great Briton.
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