Self-Supported Bikepacking - A Sample Packing List

Dec 8, 2013
by Lee Lau  
This is just one of many examples of a packing list that one might bring for a self-supported bike trip. In this case this was for a mid-August Chilcotin self-supported trip taking 5 days and 4 nights. This is an area of linked subalpine and alpine trails and singletrack just north of Whistler/Pemberton in British Columbia (introductory article here). Unlike in the Alps there are no huts, roads or reasonably easy ways to self-extract. The entire trip was approximately 130kms crossing three alpine passes but we never measured so that is but a guesstimate.

Because we (three of us) were traversing mainly in the sub-alpine we planned for poor weather; some of us more so than others. We packed for rain and temperatures of approximately 5 degrees Celsius. In my experience, packing for freezing temperatures would substantially increase pack weight

4 day self-supported trip with inclement weather but prolonged periods of OMG views

Leaving Day 1 and 2's camp - picture Trevor H


4 day self-supported trip with inclement weather but prolonged periods of OMG views

Merino wool jerseys dry quickly in the alpine sun. The handlebar bag becomes a fanny pack (fashion idea courtesy of Mike Levy - picture Trevor H)


Pack and bike weight

All my gear fit into a 37l Alpine Threadworks Selkirk pack. This is a ski-touring pack but I used it for this trip because it is minimalist; most bike packs have too much fancy useless crap that will break or snag when you are hike-a-biking or bushwhacking. It has a top compartment that doesn't interfere with your helmet when you're biking. It's fairly waterproof. It also carries weight well. It's also a pimp red colour. Finally, it's hand-made in Canada and in this day and age of robots making equipment, I find that to be a pretty cool thing.

My final weights were:

- Pack weight - 26.91lbs
- Bike weight - 30lbs (bike 25.9lbs + 4.1lbs (saddlebag + handlebar bag)

photo

Gear before packing


4 day self-supported trip with inclement weather but prolonged periods of OMG views

Gear after packing. Handlebar bag and saddlebag not shown


Bike and tools

1. Santa Cruz Tallboy Carbon
2. Water bottle (2x) - I didn't want to use a camelback on this trip and drank out of streams
3. Handlebar bag (maps, sat phone, bear spray, bangers).
4. Seat saddle bag (multi tool, patch kit, spare tube)
5. Spare shifter cable
6. I set spare brake pads (Magura)
7. Odd spare allen head bolts
8. Knife
9. Multi tool
10. Pump
11. Shockpump (wind gorilla tape around it)
12. Long zapstraps
13. Enduro collar for Reverb
14. Wet lube

4 day self-supported trip with inclement weather but prolonged periods of OMG views

Lakeside stop on our wettest day - Day 4


4 day self-supported trip with inclement weather but prolonged periods of OMG views

Crossing an alpine pass on Day 3 and descending to sub-alpine at about 1800m. The lead rider (Bryce)'s pack weight is about 2 - 3 lbs less than mine but he ate less and carried less clothing - picture Trevor H


4 day self-supported trip with inclement weather but prolonged periods of OMG views

Approaching storms - picture Trevor H


Food

I packed enough food for 5 days to take care of unforeseen circumstances but this is a list for 4 nights 4 days providing about 3800 calories a day. Generally the freeze dried "feeds 2" packages are expensive (get them on sale) and even one "feeds 2" package isn't enough for me for dinner. Supplement with butter and ramen at night. I ate a lot for breakfast choking down lots of oatmeal with melted butter.

Note that butter is the densest food calorie for weight you can get. 1 pound for 5 days is plenty. Ramen is the cheapest caloric-dense food you can buy (500 cal a packet).

1. Kung Pao Chicken (feeds 2)
2. Vegetable curry/rice (feeds 2)
3. Three Bean Chili (feeds 2)
4. Curry stir fry (feeds 2)
5. Big Superstore chocolate bar
6. Hot Chocolate (8 portions)
7. Peanut butter (4 breakfasts - 3 wraps each)
8. 12 wraps for peanut butter
9. Oatmeal (4 breakfasts)
10. Bars for 5 days
11. Trail mix for 5 days
12. Butter 1 pound
13. Ramen noodles 5 packets

4 day self-supported trip with inclement weather but prolonged periods of OMG views

Mmmm butter - picture Trevor H


4 day self-supported trip with inclement weather but prolonged periods of OMG views

Lots of pine beetle kill in the local area means you never lack for fire at night- picture Trevor H


4 day self-supported trip with inclement weather but prolonged periods of OMG views

Moody storms - picture Trevor H


Cooking stuff

1. Spork
2. Small and large pot (one fits in another)
3. Squishy bowl
4. Waterproof matches; lighter
5. Plastic bags
6. Garbage bag (big)

4 day self-supported trip with inclement weather but prolonged periods of OMG views

Can't say we had the greatest weather - picture Trevor H


4 day self-supported trip with inclement weather but prolonged periods of OMG views

Chance to dry out is always welcome after 5 wet thigh deep cold stream crossings - picture Trevor H


Clothing

1. One short sleeve merino; merino dries quick
2. One long sleeve merino
3. One pair outer bike shorts
4. Two pairs merino underwear (one long, one short)
5. One pair warm pants
6. Down
7. Billed sun hat
8. Hat with mesh thing for bugs
9. Ski socks for riding. Long so they can be pulled up to protect shins when bushwhacking
10. Socks for camp
11. Light waterproof jacket
12. Toque
13. Riding gloves (large fit so I can put inner gloves under them when it gets cold
14. Two pairs inner gloves
15. Camp flip flops
16. Light hiking boots

I slept in all my clothing and slept very warm

4 day self-supported trip with inclement weather but prolonged periods of OMG views

Alpine lake views


4 day self-supported trip with inclement weather but prolonged periods of OMG views

Shoes that dry out quickly are nice to have - picture Trevor H


Overnight and misc

1. Medium size pack 37l
2. Sunscreen
3. Headlamp
4. MEC Overbag Sleeping bag w/ silk liner (rated to 12 degs)
5. Ridge Rest
6. Small camp towel
7. Toilet paper (half roll)
8. Folding saw
9. Camera
10. Toothbrush
11. Contact lens solution
12. Sunglasses
13. Soft glass cases
14. Sat phone (Iridium)
15. 3x 5m accessory cord
16. Inflatable pillow
17. OR Stuff sack
18. Carried by Bryce I shared a tent (MSR Hubba Hubba 2 person tent fly and tent poles only; no inner tent)

4 day self-supported trip with inclement weather but prolonged periods of OMG views

Day 4 - it really came down.



4 day self-supported trip with inclement weather but prolonged periods of OMG views

Did I mention - never miss a chance to dry out.


Note that there are many ways to pack for bikepacking. Some heavier, many more lighter. I find that my own packing allows me to have some margin of safety yet cuts off enough weight that I can ride reasonably technical terrain with some comfort. For more ideas please look at the Bikepacking website where you can find some incredible creativity and weight-weenieness

Finally, to bore you all, here is the epic radness of the trip. No footage of drifting into corners or soulful stares.

Taseko to Tyax Lakes Aug 15 - 19, 2013 from Lee Lau on Vimeo.



Author Info:
leelau avatar

Member since Oct 18, 2009
125 articles

111 Comments
  • 229 1
 Is this kind of article a first for Pinkbike? A refreshing change from the usual Red Bull, big jib park talk. Very cool.
  • 53 0
 I don't know if its a first, but it would be great to see more of this type (and I love the other stuff too).
  • 7 0
 time to plan your big summer weekend adventure into new territory
  • 18 2
 The reason that this kind of article doesnt apear is that no one pais for it!!
  • 3 1
 Great! This article made me want to buy a carbon Tall Boy - knowing this type of adventure is possible on a suspension bike makes this type of riding much more attractive.
  • 26 0
 Great article Lee, thanks for posting! I didn't realize we started our trip just a week later at the same location, or almost the same location, we rode in to the south end of Taseko.
Packing for multi day trips is such an art and I always find it a bit stressful.

My personal preference is still the BOB trailer for anything other than just an overnight trip.
Built up a 29er hardtail for our Chilcotin trip this year and it worked really well with the trailer:

www.pinkbike.com/photo/10037741

It allows you to pack more (food & beer!!!) and ride without a relatively heavy backpack, have a bit more comfort in camp and the riding is not much worse. There are even riding advantages depending on the terrain. I'm working on a new, home-made trailer design, that's lighter than a BOB and essentially a portage-barrel with a wheel attached.
  • 16 2
 I think you could easy shave off at least 2-3 lbs by not taking a pillow (use your cloths in your sleeping bag stuff sack) and take one pot. Freeze-dry food needs just boiling water, so one pot will suffice for boiling it. Most likely 1 jetboil with 2 gas canisters should do it for 2 people for 5 days, as you are not melting snow or the temps are not below freezing (propane/butane mix efficiency drops then). Another item is a tent- Black Diamond First Light will be a tight fit for 2 people, but for 4 nights is more then enough. It is the lightest single wall tent on the market- 1.28kg or 2lbs 13oz. Packed for 9 days in the Bugaboos (double rack, crampons, ice tool, food for 9 days 70m rope, fuel, tend and camping stuff under 60lbs). Most definitely you can pack under 25, by not taking flip flops for the camp. Lighter= faster= more fun!
  • 16 0
 Good tips. Flips flops were decadent but so good for morale after a day walking around in wet socks and shoes. I love having dry feet for the night and evenings. Our tent was just the Hubba Hubba fly and poles approx the same weight. Should have clarified I brought two pots for all three of us so some of the gear was shared. Your main point is solid - definite possibilities to shave weight if needed
  • 1 0
 Looks like a cool trip, I have a msr carbon reflex 1, double walled and only just over 2lbs.I use it with a Klymit Inertia X Frame mattress at 256g, light setup my own tent and sleep like a baby,
  • 1 0
 This tarp set up Might be something to look at for a instead of a tent. Really good bit of gear! The only problem with a lite weight matt is its not hard to put a hole in it when you're sleeping in a tent with no floor. Love them for hiking with a proper tent though.

www.youtube.com/watch?v=yMAtpWQdVbY
  • 1 0
 I've never gone bikepacking, but go backpacking fairly often and have caught the ultralight bug a bit. Gotta throw out a recommendation for "Tarp Tent" brand stuff: www.tarptent.com which my dad discovered back when we first started backpacking together years ago. Holding up great, sets up decently fast, waterproof, and weighs hardly anything.
  • 1 0
 What is the best way to bring a coffee maker? I've brought percolators camping but those can take up quite a bit of room in a back pack.
  • 2 0
 acumpton11 - I used a plastic coffee filter cone for years when backpacking. It's cheap and lightweight. The only downsides are that it's a bit bulky and you still have to carry filters, which can get wet or tear. I recently got one of the montbell coffee drippers (www.montbell.us/products/disp.php?p_id=1124510). It's basically the cone and filter in one. You just need a pair of chopsticks to suspend it over the cup. It weighs almost nothing, takes up no room in your pack, is reusable, and works great.
  • 6 2
 @ acumpton11 Nescafe 3in1, just add hot water, job done.
  • 2 2
 I use a two man tent from Canadian tire. It weighs 4.5 pounds. I could get carbon fiber poles to save more weight. I just replaced my old one, lasted for years.
The price 50 bucks. If it rains. Plastic drop sheet used for painting. weight: maybe 100 grams.
Holes? Small role of duct tape.
  • 6 0
 I think this is the best coffee option if you want something light and durable which actually makes good tasting coffee: www.aerobie.com/products/aeropress.htm

Use it at home too, it's great.
  • 2 0
 I don't think an aeropress qualifies as light for bike/backpacking. They do make great coffee though.
  • 6 0
 Why don't I see whiskey on the packing list...
  • 1 0
 I agree with aMillenarian, I carry the AeroPress. Small, light, easy to clean and great espresso shots.
  • 1 0
 acumpton11- an old hand french press, a little heavy but the best coffee you can pack and go. or the via from starbucks are a great lightweight option too, but its close to ok tasting
  • 3 0
 Those little starbucks freeze dried pouches taste the best and weigh nothing. Expensive though...
  • 1 0
 @treesmoker just fill the press with ground beans. Light. Efficient. Delicious.
  • 1 0
 French press/ mug combo does the job!
  • 1 0
 In my mind, the best option: www.handpresso.fr/
A bit heavy but really high quality.
By the way, many thanks for the post.
  • 2 0
 Saw these recently for coffee, pretty nifty:
www.ems.com/product/index.jsp?productId=21078436&cp=4294077.4268136

But overall, for the weight you just can't beat those little Starbucks Via packets and a regular cup. Not the most gourmet thing in the world, but it beats carrying an extra piece of equipment for coffee. Then again, I often just say screw it and bring my percolator Smile
  • 1 0
 Any one do camp coffee? You take a vessel of boiling water.( I use my stainless pot/eating bowl) Add two heaping table spoons of fine ground coffee per cup. Let it sit for 3 to 5 minutes. Carefully pour the dark liquid into your cup leaving most of the grounds at the bottom. I then add some cheap instant hot chocolate mix. Kind of like having cream and sugar in one package.
MEC makes a sweet compact lil espresso maker.
  • 1 0
 for coffee i tried the open ended paper teabags that come with a plastic clip cup rim hook type thingy. bodum french press strainer plunger worked great with ALPKIT ti mug - perfect fit.
  • 12 0
 Great post Lee, thanks for sharing! I am inspired to try this next season, perhaps start with an overnight and then graduate with experience. Awesome!
  • 9 0
 Just wanna throw out a big thanks to Trevor Hawkins for lugging camera gear and getting these fantastic shots (and for his 151-fueled antics), Tyax Air for their fantastic service, and the grizzly zombies for not eating our brains.
  • 7 0
 You publish this in December?! Here I am trying to settle into ski season and force biking from my mind, but now I've got the maps out and planning!
Great article. I second the sentiment that it's a nice change from the usual Pinkbike content.
  • 3 0
 Nice pics and detailed writeup...i agree re flip flops and dry feet! After a XCanada tour this summer i would .....
-ditch the flips for lightweight "croc"s or cheap clones for warmth and camp/ shower shoes
- advise to get kmife/spork combo -more robust- from MEC NOT the cheap spork as i broke 3 too easily and pasta with a 2 inch utensil is frustrating
-agree meals for 2 are really for one when u r burning high calories in the mountains- the Chicken Marsala made me sweat and kept me methane warm beware!
-was the weight with water on board??? Water and food were weighty to ride when self supporting..Aquatab purifier was light and added security without the taste...giardia is not fun!
-squishy bowls - great concept but too flexi - i opted for hard tri cornered stacking cup bowl which my MSR POCKET Rocket guts fit into for packing....had too many top spill lap dances with the sqishies after a long day of pedaling just a personal experience...
Thx for a concise informative post!
  • 1 0
 I used water bottles. No humans live in a large portion of this area so the only contamination source would be bears
  • 1 0
 Speaking of which i did not see any rope to hang the food up on your list nor bear spray?
  • 3 0
 Its in the list
  • 3 0
 And just so other people don't get the wrong idea - Giardia can be transmitted by certain animals, the beaver being the most famous carrier!
  • 6 0
 I've got asian stomach but yah its not for everyone
  • 2 0
 I've been using Orikaso camping dishes for about 5 years and they've been great. Fold completely flat and flexible in your pack and weigh very little. If you can still find them they can be a great option.
  • 2 0
 Is that why Beiber fever never spread in Asia? To have such luck.. Smile
  • 3 0
 I do the same thing on the Gulf islands. Not quite as primitive. Im surprised you don't use a water filter. You cant predict where parasites are. There could be an animal taking a dump two meters up stream. I have had a bout of Beaver fever. Last for days. Personaly I will never drink from a stream again. Looks like a great adventure .Nice to see two wheels taking us far into the wilderness.
  • 1 0
 Agreed, I'd add one of these to the pack: www.lifestraw.com.au
  • 7 0
 Sorry but half a roll just ain't enough
  • 2 0
 I have done many trips in the Chilcotin Mountains and used a Bob trailer. It carries everything for you with nothing on your back and or bike. We would leave our Bob's at different camp spots and summit passes and ride down with out it. Just awesome adventures! Great article as biking is a great way to get out into the mountains for multi day exploring!
  • 1 0
 i've followed in the footsteps of the Williams Lake crew many times. You guys were the pioneers for sure.
  • 2 0
 A definite gota do at least once. I'm torn though on what would be better. Pack for maximum agility (superlite) to get most out of the ride or pack heavier for a longer, more comfortable trip?

Possible trip options:
-over nighter (super light).
-heavier extended stay.
-have wife/friends meet at various campsites along the way.

Great article- thanks for including details on pack list/other peeps suggestions too!! I love seeing holistic biking experinces.
  • 2 0
 At minimal cost its very possible to do this trip with way lighter packs. Either you can get floatplane drops to support you or you can travel hut to hut just like the Euros

www.tyaxadventures.com/guided-adventures/mountain-bike
  • 1 0
 Looks sweet, thanks man.
  • 1 0
 pack lighter for longer of coarse!!
  • 3 0
 Technically, animal fats (lard/fish oil/tallow) have a higher energy density than butter, but close enough...

definitely a smart way to pack in Kcals.
  • 2 0
 I think coconut oil is the densest they come at 8.9Kcal/g. It's also delicious.
  • 1 1
 Lard isnt any good without bacon. Being from quebec (originally) i would say carry maple syrup and the fixings for poutine as a last night meal.
  • 1 0
 Great post Lee, ski touring packs are definitely the best I find too! We lucked out and had hot, dry weather for our mid-Sept trip which meant the ugly, full-brim sun hat became critical to my well-being. I also strapped the bear spray holster securely to my top tube, can't be too quick access! We saw no less than 5 grizzlies climbing to Windy Pass - not ideal!
  • 1 0
 From my backpacking experience I´d recommend - down sleeping bag,one titanium pot+alcohol stove,tarp,water filter/carry less water/ and lighter bag.For one week long hike in alps a carry bag less than 20lbs including food,1l water and small DSLR.Serch for ultralight backpacking web pages.
  • 1 0
 Very good article. I usually ride multiday mtb trips alone (hard to persuade others to join) and I don't take a tent to reduce pack weight - I just take big water resistant sheet, which is light and can be fold to small sack. And I don't take any cooking devices, steal mug and a campfire is enough. Coffee? Nescafe 3in1 as someone mentioned. Frozen flavoured raw meet for first long evening under the millions of stars. Summer, where are you?
  • 1 0
 Here's my food list:
Peanut/almond butter
Silver hills squirrelly bread (hand compressed)
(skim) milk powder (hand pulverized to a smaller grain) with whey protein powder
Canned fish (sardines, tuna, salmon...) prefer cans that are self-openning pull-tabs, but not necessary.
power bars (most brands)
trail mix, although this would seem redundant (wild roots from costco is okay. I don't like the vanilla chocolate drops sweetened with sugar)

But no ramen, lived of mr noodles ages ago. Swear the refined white, wheat flower is an excitotoxin. Don't care about the value for calories. Reminds me of an endurance race biker back in the day who swore on doughnuts for doing the Iditabike and other races. Though he almost always won. Lol.

This list is also good for (summer) mountaineering (I use it for local trips in the Sea to Sky, Garibaldi, and other areas of SW BC.
  • 1 0
 Adding this comment because I read a post here about making "home-made" BOB trailers. I used to make them out of old xc hardtail frame/forks. It was the weight of a frame (appr. 3 1/2 lbs), an xc rigid (tange) fork (1 1/2 lbs) and a rear wheel with a skinny tire 2 1/2 lbs). i would attach it to the rear axle or chain/seat-stay junction area (with a pivot). I would put a bora 50 pack on one side, and a bora 30 on the other, like panniers. I would try to evenly distribute the weight.
  • 2 1
 Awesome! We requested this article and PB made it happen! If it is legal, I would bring a 22 caliber pistol to get some fresh meat to supplement my packing. Just something to get a rabbit here and there. Maybe a really compact fishing pole too. That is, unless that might draw in the bears, in which case I would avoid looking for fresh food at all. I am not about to tangle with the bears.
  • 1 0
 It's funny, a lot of the polar explorers eat pemmican which is mostly fat and meat. Butter and bacon-two of the best thing ever. Theirs was fat and finely dried and ground meat. I'd be more inclined to go the BOB route as well since it also keeps the weight down low. I liked the list of supplies. Concise but not lacking.
  • 1 0
 Have to agree with sal and thomas re going the 'bob' route. sal took up into the chilcotins for the first time in the 90's(?) and we have tried bobs, paniers, backpacks and a few homemade bobs. Shreddie has tried or convinced others to try a variety of bike setups as well. the panniers were trashed by the end of the trips self destructing like most of the homemade bobs (good luck thomas). the backpacks weight over days of riding means more time on your seat and it adds up to a sore ass by day 5. one of our riders has an aversion to bob-life feeling the torques on rear axle and frame warrant the sore butt, and has tried to co-erce us into horse assist options. bob makes a nice seat when flipped over and a potential grill over the fire (speculated but never tried). nothing cooler than bobs little push up the other side of a gully or over an obstacle. bitch going up lorna et al.....love the chilcotins. thanks sal for introducing us. you rock buddy.
  • 1 0
 Bike packing is really taking off in the southwest USA. The 300 mile Arizona trail race and the 500 mile Colorado trail race are 2 of the big races that happen every year. My older brother is a winning bike pack racer and started a custom bag company. Check out his products: nukesunrise.com
  • 1 0
 After a couple of similar trips as Lee describes I've decided that riding with a 28lbs pack sucks. Totally. Nowadays, if I head out into the wilderness I prefer to set up a sort of basecamp somewhere, go riding / exploring during the day, come back in the evenings. You can also bring more stuff too without cutting down too much. If you're willing to accept 2 grueling "approach-days" with a shitload of gear, you'll have a great time!
  • 1 0
 Tried this once and it was crazy fun. The only complaint I had was that biking to the camp site/mountain peak with a 20 to 30 pound pack isn't as fun. It was the going home part that got me stoked.

Need to do this again soon. haha. Thanks PB for the tips.
  • 1 1
 We have every year the same experience in alps; in Switzerland, france, Italy, with the difference that we prefer to sleep in B&B or refuge. its great AM and its not necessary to carry tend and cooking stuff which would make our backpack much more heavier!
  • 3 0
 It's not really the same, as they say in the reading " Unlike in the Alps there are no huts, roads or reasonably easy ways to self-extract" this is about a self supported journey into the wild. It's like a dh rider saying to an Xc rider it's the same but I take the lift. What do you do when there's no lift?
  • 3 0
 Great article. Looking at your food list I can only imagine you had some epic farts hahaha
  • 1 0
 Here are some bikepacking gear related posts I wrote up. Provides some options that are less challenging to ride with than a huge backpack:

thelazyrando.wordpress.com/?s=bikepacking+gear
  • 1 0
 let the bike take the strain - strap a small drybag to saddle & handlebar that way you can get away with a small 12l backpack.
2 x 13l drybags on a bike with only 1 gear. handles great jumps pretty well too!
  • 1 0
 Im planning a trip from manchester to la rochelle if anyone wants to come along? non of my mates are crazy enough to do it ;D
  • 1 0
 I've done a handful of hiking trips just like this... Always been on my bucket list to bring a bike with me instead of hiking shoes.
  • 1 0
 "Finally, to bore you all, here is the epic radness of the trip. No footage of drifting into corners or soulful stares." -LL

But what about putting your goggles on?
  • 1 0
 All that soulfulness adds weight
  • 1 3
 OK article Lee. It would have been nice if you would have posted Garmin results along with your article. My wife and I have now had two trips into the Chilcotins. I have to say that it's not our favorite place to bike/walk. The first time was riding from Tyax lodge over a couple passes to Spruce Lake and then back to Tyax lodge in a day. It was really beautiful, but there was a lot of time spent pushing our bikes. The last time was into Graveyard Creek. That trip I captured on my Garmin. Anyway, I know there was a lot of time spent pushing our bikes during that trip. My wife and I actually got so tired of pushing our bikes that we turned around and walked/road back to camp. I'm sure I could have completed the trip faster on foot. I am a sucker for punishment, so I will probably be back to the Chilcotins for more of it. Very beautiful place!!
  • 5 0
 I have met suckers for punishment. They don't complain about it.
  • 1 0
 Here is great company for bike touring stuff. www.revelatedesigns.com Made right in Alaska!
  • 2 0
 Is that a bottle of vodka in the film at the bottom? Big Grin
  • 1 0
 Correct
  • 1 0
 How did you eat the butter? By itself?
What brand/model of merino wool clothing you used? I tried it once and was itchy.
  • 2 0
 lutexas - i mixed the butter in with the dehydrated food. Also put it in the breakfast oatmeal. As for merino I use Smartwool and Sugoi because i can get them at a reasonable price. I/O Bio and Icebreaker are also excellent. Look for something that can take a bit of wear especially at shoulders from packstraps
  • 1 0
 Merino! Excellent stuff...I got a few tops from On One in the UK, beautiful gear...not too dear
  • 2 0
 Nice article. Thanks for posting.
  • 2 1
 brilliant article.... now I just need to find some multi day rides to do in Australia... damn this flat island I live on!
  • 2 0
 Snowy Mountains around the Hume and Hovell track would have some excellent remote bike touring, basically Yass to Albury with very little bitumen road riding. Or Down Vic way, the high county, can ride in from melbourne via lilydale and Warby, then head into the range then onto gippsland, mt buller, or a circuit back to melbs - with minimal road riding... nothing like the amazing stuff in this article but Frown
  • 1 0
 thanks for the article lee! I want to do this right after after I graduate in my gap year
  • 2 0
 Maybe some new shoes my man. Those things are beat !
  • 1 0
 thanks for this article... i am planning my own trip like this right now!...
  • 2 0
 Thank you so much for posting! This is THE article I've been waiting for.
  • 1 0
 Nice trip! Feel pain in my back just to think about riding with that big bag.
  • 1 0
 Pretty cool. Looks like you ran flats and hiking shoes?
  • 2 0
 Yep, flats and either hiking shoes or 5.10s. There is a fair amount of hike-a-bike up there so comfort is more important than pedal efficiency.
  • 1 2
 I didn't see any bear repellent listed. Not a thought? I would love to make the drive up there and rock this kind of trip in 2014...
  • 3 0
 Bears spray and bangers in the handlebar bag for quick access. All three of us continually made noise too as we spent time in dense bush travelling up valleys
  • 1 0
 Cow bell on the bars or under the saddle maybe?
  • 1 0
 were already up to our knees in snow here, I miss biking Frown
  • 1 0
 Great article, thanks Lee!
  • 2 0
 What? No olive oil?
  • 7 0
 what? no baguette?
  • 3 0
 pas normal!
  • 2 0
 Great article!
  • 1 0
 Awesome article! More stuff like this please, PB
  • 1 0
 Thx Lee!! Very inspirational trip.
  • 1 0
 90 percent sure you cant do that in the uk
  • 2 0
 LewystheMTBer, there's a large number of multi day routes in the UK, particularly in the north of england (lakes, moors & dales) and Scotland. One of the more well known multi days is the coast to coast crossing that Ratrace are using now for their "thecrossing" event.
  • 2 0
 I agree to some level, its not quite the same experience when there is roads and towns everywhere, but then again that makes it the perfect place to start, your not gonna die at least haha!
  • 1 0
 I think you could cut down weight a ton (like sub 20lbs).
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 Other people gave ideas. Please give yours
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 remove sunscreen if its cold and you'll being wearing longsleeves anyways, ridge rest (replace with big agnes to save space), toilet paper (use leaves/chinese squat method = little to no wiping necessary anyways), folding saw (WHY?), sunglasses case (sunglasses pocket?), satelite phone (substitute for cell phone - I realize this might not be an option), inflatable pillow (c'mon!), smaller pack, only 1 hat (you can just use the bug net hat for everything), 1 pair inner gloves (why 2 anyways?), rain pants instead of warm pants (you already have long underwear anyways), no spork (just pocket knife to eat with/carve a spoon in 30 seconds for soupy stuff), 1 pot, no squishy bowl, 1 sack of oats (reduce waste on environment too).

I just went on a 20 day bike tour in NZ and I had more or less the same stuff as you. Trip looks awesome by the way. It seemed like I really didn't need a lot of the things after I was done. Striving to bring less is always good.
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 That sleeping mat appears to be quite large,therma rest has a line of pads caled Neoair and packed are about the size of a Nalgene bottle.Great article,i'll be heading up there in a couple weeks.
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