After years of recreating packing lists for every trip and inevitably forgetting something important, I created one packing list that I use over and over. I still forget something on every trip, but I spend less time packing.
I use this list as a base and modify it depending on the weather and the route. This is a list of what I use when touring; you will surely have to modify it for your own trip.
Clothing
For bike jerseys, I prefer lightweight, quick drying fabric. I have a Gore Bike Wear jersey that is perfect for touring. For bike shorts and leggings, I find Pearl Izumi padding most comfortable for long rides. Friends have also recommended triathlon shorts, because the padding is thinner and dries faster.
- bike shorts (2)
- bike jerseys (3)
- arm warmers
- bike shoes
- extra shoes/sandals
- shower sandals
- sweatshirt/fleece
- wool long-sleeve shirt
- hiking pants
- long underwear pants
- fleece pants
- lightweight coat
- socks
- underwear
- bathing suit
Bike Gear
- rain booties
- rain coat
- multi-tool
- extra tubes
- framepump
- cartridges
- chain lube/cloth
- bike lights
- chammois cream – I prefer to use this in stick form, like the Chamois Butt’r GoStik, because it’s easier to carry and less messy.
- hat
Camping Gear
- sleeping pad
- sleeping bag
- tent
- cook stove – I switched to JetBoil after I found a stove and pan on sale, and I’ve never looked back. The stove heats quickly without using much gas and packs up into a small package.
- cooking gas
- cooking pots
- silverware
- headlamp
- swiss army knife
- lighter
- fire starter
- rain poncho
- camping mug
- cutting board
- clothes line
- pocket shower
- mosquito repellent
- iodine tablets
- dromedary
Toiletries
- bar soap
- face wash
- moisturizer
- sunscreen
- handiwipes
- toothpaste
- toothbrushes
- floss
- camp towel
- camp washcloth
- small Kleenex packets
- contact lens solution
- extra contacts
- glasses
Food
- coffee
- tea
- hot chocolate
- oatmeal packets
- bars
- gummies
Miscellaneous
- cell phone
- wallet
- keys
- fast cell phone charger
- external battery
- Kindle
- check book
- map holder
- coins for coin operated showers
- map
- zip ties
- ouch pouch
- ziploc bags
- sleep mask
- ear plugs (campgrounds can be noisy)
- passports
Emergency Repair Items
Because stuff happens.
- tire levers
- patch kit
- FiberFix spoke replacement
- one shift cable
- one brake cable
- tweezers
- spare bolts (stainless M5 bolts)
- spare cleat bolts
- tire boot
- SRAM quick links for a chain
Bicycle Touring in the Northwest 