Cycle Touring essentials

[al_yrpal]

In discussion with a pal yesterday, poring over our packing lists, he came up with two things I missed - toilet paper and a flat universal sink plug!

Any more oddities?

Al

[lisap]

Depends on what else is on your list really but I second the loo paper and plug.

In an emergency I have used a piece of plastic bag and stuffed the bottom of a small wash bottle in the hole to make a plug.

As to the other kind of emergency I can't possibly comment

[lukepinkhandbag]

anti- bacterial hand wash for public conveniences. I use an Ortlieb toilet roll holder for its convenience. Wet wipes are always handy. Small piece of pack towel in handlebar bag to wipe sweat away before dripping it over super marche/bar floor. I made my own travel wash line by buying 3 metres of thin shock cord and plaiting it. Ortlieb knife, but not stainless steel so easily sharpened on convenient rock. Small tub of sudocreme and small bottle of Cuticura talc.

[b1galus]

leccie plundering kit to charge all those ipods and phones

[myheadsashed]

vaseline - for chapped lips/face, for chaffing, add to cotton wool to make a fire lighter and be used to lube cables.

[james01]

Plastic cutlery and paper plates. This makes the difference when you buy a picnic lunch from a deli or supermarket .

[Tako]

+1 vaseline and cotton balls. If you are on the road for longer than a week, a proper nail clipper.

[rualexander]

Toilet paper is bulky and vulnerable to getting wet in bad weather, a couple of packs of Kleenex Pocket tissues kept in a 'ziplock' plastic bag is a good alternative, 4-ply is best as you can peel the plys apart and have four sheets of paper, one pack can last a week or more! Or to be even more economical, or in an emergency, adopt the asian method of left hand and water!

[matt2matt2002]

Disposable gloves for when you have to fix that puncture - free at petrol stations near the pumps.

[mw3230]

Toilet paper is bulky and vulnerable to getting wet in bad weather, a couple of packs of Kleenex Pocket tissues kept in a 'ziplock' plastic bag is a good alternative, 4-ply is best as you can peel the plys apart and have four sheets of paper, one pack can last a week or more! Or to be even more economical, or in an emergency, adopt the asian method of left hand and water!

Disposable gloves for when you have to fix that puncture - free at petrol stations near the pumps.

Disposable gloves and the Asian method seem to go together!

[Ron]

I missed - toilet paper and a flat universal sink plug!

I never take toilet paper with me from home, but when on tour always retain the serviettes after a visit to cafes and restaurants.

[markenduro]

[quote=] toilet paper and a flat universal sink plug![/quote]

Sounds like you have all eventualities covered there.

Worth carrying some antibacterial hand gel, cable ties and insulating tape.
I also fit spare bolts into all unused bottle bosses, rack mounts etc in case any vital ones work loose and are lost.

[Mattie]

Pepto-Bismol

[foxy12]

Outdoor shops sell small rolls of Duck Tape which is useful for mending a variety of things. I always take a Victornox Swiss Card as well which has scissors, knife, tweezers and a pen. It fits in a wallet. And don't forget a small sewing kit. If you are going to Scotland also take midge repellent as your trip can be ruined by these small flying insects.

[lukepinkhandbag]

Toilet paper is bulky and vulnerable to getting wet in bad weather, .....That's why I have one of these http://www.facewest.co.uk/Ortlieb-Toile ... older.html