The most underrated pieces of cycle touring kit

[dionherbike]

There is always lots of discussion about the newest and most essential piece of high-tech cycling equipment, but in the days where increasing amounts of pannier space are being taken up by chargers and adapters I wonder what people find is the most useful, most low-tech piece of kit they have and they just can't leave behind.

For me it's two things; ziplock bags that keep all your essentials dry without taking up too much space and are good for transporting food; Boots plastic shower cap, sold in packets of 3, good for keeping your saddle dry and thin enough to wear under your helmet (if, you know, you wear one, that is. ) when it's raining.

[irc]

The piece of elastic tied to my bar that stretches over the brake lever to act as a hand brake. Useful for parking the bike against a pole as the ground doesn't need to be flat.

[sloe]

Foam earplugs - a hostel essential.

[simonhill]

A pen - much ignored in this hi-tech world.

[Audax67]

I have a pair of folding scissors that collapse to around 3" with the points hidden. They'll get through a cable tie or trim annoying threads off Conti GP4000s. I also carry a 3" flick- ahem pen-knife with a tiny torch incorporated. One-handed operation is great if you're already holding the thing to be cut with the other hand.

Plastic supermarket bag, acts as a windstopper inside my shirt on long descents, folds up small, can even be used (gasp) for carrying stuff in.

[PaulCumbria]

The empty space at the top of the pannier. I'm amazed by how many tourists feel obliged to fill up all available storage space. I've done plenty of touring (including cycle-camping in Orkney in October, brrr!) and I've still not found a need for any more than two rear panniers and a cargo net on the racktop. I'm mystified by what people find to fill front panniers, barbags and trailers with...

[stephenjubb]

I have a pair of folding scissors that collapse to around 3" with the points hidden. They'll get through a cable tie or trim annoying threads off Conti GP4000s. I also carry a 3" flick- ahem pen-knife with a tiny torch incorporated. One-handed operation is great if you're already holding the thing to be cut with the other hand.

Plastic supermarket bag, acts as a windstopper inside my shirt on long descents, folds up small, can even be used (gasp) for carrying stuff in.

thermarest chair, very lightweight and comfortable

[stephenjubb]

down jacket

[Erudin]

Always carry a toe-strap, infinite uses, but most often to secure raincoat to outside of trunk/saddlebag on a showery day so it's easy to get at.

http://www.belgiumkneewarmers.com/2009/11/the-toe-strap.html

http://www.bikehacks.com/bikehacks/2012/01/toe-strap-third-hand.html

[meic]

A pen - much ignored in this hi-tech world.

A bit too much technology for me, I prefer the more reliable time tested, works in the wet pencil.

How about a J cloth (available free at all Tesco porches).

[al_yrpal]

"Under" rated - Sudocream?

Al

[phil parker]

A small sponge or chamois to dry the tent!

[alicej]

A spork.

[psmiffy]

plastic bags to organise the contents of the panniers - keeps smelly stuff separate - and acts as a second line of defence against things getting wet

[johnb]

Baby wipes.