The most underrated pieces of cycle touring kit

[Justin]

Plenty of big chunky flapjacks of various flavours. A bag of Fox's Glacier Fruits and a bag of Fox's Glacier Mints. Petzl Tika XP Headtorch.

[Richard Fairhurst]

The relevant pages torn out of/photocopied from the Good Beer Guide.

And yes, pen and paper.

[alicej]

The relevant pages torn out of/photocopied from the Good Beer Guide.

And yes, pen and paper.

The Good Beer Guide is now available as an app for iphones and Android phones, which not only tells you about good real ale pubs nearby but also uses your GPS to show which is the nearest to wherever you're standing http://www.camra.org.uk/gbgmobile

Beats photocopies until your battery runs out.

[johnb]

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...

Let me be the first to help you understand what others pack into four panniers.

Front Carradice super C.

Left pannier, thermarest prolite 4 mat.in outside pouch, tool kit, puncture kit.

Right pannier, snugpak merlin 3 sleeping bag, outside pocket, spare batteries, matches, lighter.



Rear, Carradice super c,

Left pannier, Terra Nova superlight solar 2.2 tent, set of pots, utensils cutting board, stove, emergency food for 2 days,

Right pannier, 3 cycling shirts, 3 cycling shorts, 2 pair socks, 3 pair boxer shorts, fleece, zip off trousers, 1 pair shoes, 1 shirt, waterproof jacket, waterproof trousers.

Hope your somewhat enlightened.

[PaulCumbria]

Thanks Johnb, most helpful. It would seem that what you put in front panniers, I put on top of the rack. Now if only I can find out what people put in their barbags and trailers...

[meic]

I tend to put my daughter in the trailer when I am touring (or otherwise), she wriggles too much to go in the panniers.

[johnb]

Thanks Johnb, most helpful. It would seem that what you put in front panniers, I put on top of the rack. Now if only I can find out what people put in their barbags and trailers...

Sometimes put them on the rack myself.

Barbag, wallet, camera, passport, snacks, glasses, sunglasses, sunscreen

[takeonafrica]

A toothbrush - for cleaning the chain
(http://blog.webtogs.co.uk/2010/07/09/cycle-touring-maintenance-essentials/)

[andrewjoseph]

bungees and old inner tubes.

[welshwoodsman]

i second the baby wipes. 1001 uses. also cable ties,perfect for instant repairs.

[jags]

how many baby wipes that is the question.

[jags]

all my gear is high tech or so they told me when i bought it.

[johnb]

all my gear is high tech or so they told me when i bought it.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=yo ... 2u6oEHv8j0

[Mattie]

Bag of sweets

[MarkF]

A spork.

Yep, a spork is now essentail kit for me along with Asda folding toothbrushes.