Packing theoriesEach item to consider is listed under a category. The numbers of the situations below in which you would want to have it are shown to the left of it.
- Small & heavy on front; large and light in back.
- "During-ride" stuff on front (clothing, repair, etc.).
- Make valuables hard to get, or easy to take with you.
- Limit locations of food and other fragrant items.
- The higher you stack your rack, the harder your bike is to control, and the more likely your bike will fall over when it is parked.
- Keep TP handy.
Bike and Luggage 1 2 3 4 bicycle 1 2 3 4 rack, or trailer w/storage bag 1 2 3 4 cargo straps and/or bungie cords 2 3 4 rear panniers, or trailer w/storage bag 2 3 4 front rack w/panniers, or trailer w/storage bag 2 3 4 fenders 2 3 4 headlight for emergencies and tunnels 2 3 4 visible blinkie back light 3 4 headlight (battery or generator) 5 lock and cable 5 computer 5 handlebar bag 5 safety flag Shelter 1 2 3 4 tent, fly, poles, stakes 2 3 4 ground sheet 5 pillow 5 mallet for tent stakes 5 space blanket Nourishment 1 2 3 4 water bottles and/or Camelback (filled) 2 3 4 some of these (not everything, please) carbs - granola bars, GORP, bread fruits - banana, apple, grapes, raisins, orange drinks - water, sport drink, fruit juice energy - Snickers, pop tarts, Powerbar, ClifBar others - PB&J sandwich, cheese, gum, Oreos utensils - Lexan spoon and military can opener 3 4 IF COOKING stove saucepan waterproof matches or lighter (if stove not self-lighting) dish soap / dishpan pot holder or handle scrunges IF NOT COOKING eat warm stuff at restaurants eat cold stuff at camp 5 vitamins Nighttime 1 2 3 4 sleeping bag, or sheet & blanket & diaper pins 1 2 3 4 waterproof bags for bedding and clothes 1 2 3 4 flash light 2 3 4 sleeping pad (Therma-Rest is best) 5 alarm or ear plugs 5 30' 1/8" nylon rope to suspend food 5 mosquito netting Maintenance & Repair 1 2 3 4 pump 1 2 3 4 patch kit 1 2 3 4 spare tube(s) 1 2 3 4 tire lever(s) - nylon or carbon fiber are lighter 2 3 4 screwdriver(s) 2 3 4 allen wrench(es) 2 3 4 needlenose locking pliers 2 3 4 spoke wrench 2 3 4 Kevlar spoke 2 3 4 chain breaker 2 3 4 hand wipes 3 4 duct tape (wrap around seatpost) 3 4 needle & black thread 4 spare Kevlar spoke(s) 4 cables - brake and shift 4 spare cleats with screws and spacers 4 crescent wrench 4 headset wrench 4 crazy glue 4 1/2 oz light oil 4 1/2 oz grease 4 2 dozen ball bearings each: 3/16" and 1/4" 4 brake pad set 4 patch kits - tent and mattress 4 chain links 5 pocket knife or multi-use tool 5 freewheel remover 5 spare tire 5 nulon filament tape 5 tie wraps 5 spare bulbs & batteries 5 small hose clamps 5 "S" hook for panniers 5 presta/schrader converter Clothing 1 2 3 4 jersey, or other wicking shirt 1 2 3 4 shorts 1 2 3 4 shoes 1 2 3 4 socks 1 2 3 4 headband or dew-rag 1 2 3 4 windbreaker / rain jacket 2 3 4 tights or leg warmers 2 3 4 something for sleeping/campground/swimming/after bathing 5 street clothes 5 laundry soap 5 balaclava 5 sandals 5 gloves 5 plastic clothes pins and line 5 waterproof helmet cover Personal 1 2 3 4 helmet 1 2 3 4 rear-view mirror on bike, helmet and/or glasses 1 2 3 4 pain relief & anti-inflamatories 1 2 3 4 medications, prescriptions 1 2 3 4 first aid for road rash - large gause pad, adhesive tape, Neosporin, wet wipes 1 2 3 4 cash ($10 hiden for emergencies only) 2 3 4 ID and emergency numbers, health ins card discount cards (auto, senior citizen, Kroger) credit card soap, pack towel or large sponge, wash cloth inflatable honey toilet paper, baby wipes, baggie 2 3 4 cash - available and hidden - $50s can be hard to break 5 wallet 5 tooth stuff, roll-on, shaving stuff 5 dental floss 5 wrist watch 5 sun screen, sun glasses, helmet visor 5 eye glasses or contact lenses (incl spares) 5 comb 5 hand lotion, petroleum jelly, Ben-Gay, lip balm 5 eye drops, body powder 5 you know whats 5 bag balm, pepto-bismol tablets, sodium, potassium 5 bug repellant, pepper spray 5 razor, nail clippers or file 5 antihistamine (insect bites and stings), inhaler 5 neck soaker, dust mask, cold mask 5 Ace bandage 5 cell phone for emergencies Other 2 3 4 maps and highlighter 2 3 4 compass 5 address book 5 pen and paper 5 book to read 5 radio (weather) 5 camera & film, or disposable camera 5 digital camera and blank CDs 5 fanny pack 5 extra bungie cords 5 voicemail quick-ref guide 5 day pack 5 spare keys for vehicle
- miniumum
- long weekend
- week(s) or very rural
- month(s) or uncivilized
- you decide - personal choice