In this article, I provide you with the list of gear I’ve put together for my bike touring trips.
First, I’ve broken down the items into separate sections, followed by a table that you can download and adjust according to what you’d like to add, remove, modify, or even calculate.
Exact price details aren’t strictly necessary, but my total came to around 3000€ in 2020 (bike at 1800€, four panniers at 180€, tent at 150€, cycling shorts + jersey at 200€ on sale, sleeping gear around 100€, etc.), with some of the gear already in my possession (clothes or certain accessories provided by my parents).
I hope you find all of this useful. Happy analyzing, and feel free to share your thoughts or offer advice on my choices in the comments.
Table of Contents
Bicycle and its accessories
Some of the main components were already included on my bike, which saved me time and money on necessary accessories (bottle holders, luggage rack, lights, fenders). The rest I quickly found in a sports store or online. The key is to test your bike fully equipped to notice any small adjustments you might want to make (adjusting the saddle, tightening screws, checking wheels/tires/brakes, etc.). Whether it’s a new bike or one that’s already seen some miles, it’s best to test your gear a few weeks in advance. The most important point is to at least have a check-up done by specialists, so they can service it with the right tools.
I also opted for semi-automatic pedals. I find they offer a good compromise for alternating between (mostly) rural areas, where you clip in for optimal pedaling and a better riding experience, and urban areas, where you frequently release the pedals (for crosswalks, traffic lights, checking maps, etc.). Since they’re made of aluminum, they’re a bit heavier than automatic or plastic pedals.
A helmet and a lock (even a small one) are essential for feeling secure. The pump is, of course, regularly needed since tires deflate daily (I was inflating them to 3.5–4 bars every 2–3 days).
Repairing and Spare equipment
You’re never completely safe from a little trouble, so it’s better to be prepared at first, even if it means carrying a bit too much gear and learning from experience what you actually need or don’t. As mentioned in the advice article, it’s better to train in advance for the most basic tasks (bike maintenance, chain, tires, adjustments). It takes 2-3 hours of scrolling through YouTube to find the useful tips, then 1-2 hours of hands-on practice to at least visualize the necessary steps for basic procedures. The rest, you’ll pick up with experience or by finding quick tutorials.
Getting the gear was probably the most tedious part. I had to visit several sports stores that didn’t always have everything I wanted, or order online. I also started a bit late, which didn’t help. But you have to go through it, even if it’s not the most exciting part of the journey; it’s important to have peace of mind and travel with a clear head when challenges arise.
The bare minimum essentials are: Allen keys, inner tube, tire levers, spare chain links, chain oil (you need to clean/lubricate every 3-4 days of use minimum), zip ties, and brake pads—because you never know.
Clothes and accessories
Fortunately, I already had a lot of gear in my possession, so I mainly focused on the quality of the cycling equipment to be as comfortable as possible during my days of pedaling. There’s no need to spend a colossal budget, but I would at least recommend investing in a good pair of cycling shorts (usually around 100€ or more without discounts). I also opted for clip-in shoes that are hybrid, allowing me to pedal easily on my semi-automatic pedals but also walk comfortably on trails I might visit during a day of cycling. Classic cycling shoes aren’t necessarily the most comfortable for long walks of 1-2 hours or more.
The region and season of your trip will, of course, determine the clothing required for the journey. There’s no need for ten pairs of shorts if you’re traveling in a cool place in the fall, nor for ten fleeces if you’re crossing arid regions. You can also buy things along the way, especially if you want to discover local styles (yessir, the kimono I bought in Japan) or adapt to unexpected weather conditions. There’s no need to stress too much about this; you can easily adapt as long as there’s some population and shops/markets around. My beautiful Alsace flag is an essential accessory for a peaceful journey, I can’t go without it.
Nights / Eating and Hygiene equipment
This depends on what you want to do (sleeping in a tent or not, being able to cook something while camping, etc.).
A filtering straw is useful if you think you’ll be passing through areas with little drinkable water or few people to obtain supplies from, it can happen, so keep it in mind just in case. As for the tent size, I would always plan for one more space than the number of people who will be sleeping in it. The idea is to store your belongings and panniers safely from the weather or anyone who might be curious about your bike while you sleep, you never know. A microfiber towel is also essential. Even if the drying comfort isn’t the best, it takes up little space, is easy to pack, and dries very quickly after use or washing. It’s very practical on departure days after a good shower.
For shower supplies, I wouldn’t burden myself too much since hostels or hotels often provide the essentials.
Electronic & Papers
Electronics are indispensable for the adventurer of the third decade of the 21st century. A portable battery and a headlamp are ABSOLUTELY necessary. If your phone is your GPS, the battery will quickly drain as the days go by, especially if the phone is exposed to full sunlight. So, one or two spare batteries will be your best allies in less populated areas. The headlamp, even if you’re not camping, can be useful if for some reason you find yourself in the dark needing to retrieve things or move around. It’s lightweight and doesn’t take up much space. I’d recommend getting a USB rechargeable one; it’s convenient for recharging and, of course, less polluting than using batteries 😉
An adapter is useful when leaving Europe (for my European friends), mainly. For the Balkans, you won’t need it (European plugs), but for Japan, you will. I bought one there for about €15 (twice, since the first one got lost in a tunnel and was crushed by a truck, very great :P).
A solar panel might be interesting, but at a low price, the quality is poor, and you quickly realize it’s not very effective. I only used it on my first trip.
I’d also highlight the importance of acquiring a few reliable apps to ease certain critical moments of your trip. Whether it’s for quickly handling banking transactions on your accounts and transfers, planning and adapting your travels easily on your phone, finding accommodations at the best prices and easily, or communicating effectively with locals, all of this can be important at certain key moments of the trip. Try to organize yourself a bit in advance of departure to have everything ready for the big day, so you don’t have to worry about it later.
Additional items could include a laptop, a drone, a camera, or a smartwatch for tracking performance and capturing beautiful images. I’ve only used my phone so far, though I’m considering getting a nice camera for potentially better photos.
Healthcare
Essentials for feeling comfortable when riding your steed, basic care items should be in your panniers. Avoiding headaches or fatigue is always important. A first-aid kit takes up little space and contains many useful items for proper treatment if needed (I’ve never needed it for myself but once for a travel companion). There’s no need to bring a whole pharmacy, but a few essentials would be welcome for your trip.
Food
As for basic food supplies, I don’t think it’s necessary, except for a few freeze-dried meals if desired (in sparsely populated areas). The rest can be bought along the way, allowing you to discover regional products or enjoy meals in restaurants/hostels/food stalls (especially if you’re in countries that aren’t too expensive). The key is to have enough to sustain yourself for at least the next two meals and to carry some bars, dried fruits, nuts, etc. Vitamins, minerals, and other macronutrients will be your best allies, especially during periods of long and sometimes intense efforts. Pay attention to your body, and make sure to take proper breaks to eat and check your supplies.
Equipment List – Downloadable Doc.xslx
Useful if you want some inspiration and don’t want to copy/paste all the resources shared in the article. Let me know your feedback. Would you bring more, less, or choose different gear? And, of course, feel free to ask any questions you might have in the comments. I’ll make sure to answer them.