These are just five of the things I like to bring on my bike tours. Do you have any smart gear that I might have missed bringing? If that is the case I'm curious to read about your gear. Feel free to share your experiences below!
@waynewaddell15643 жыл бұрын
Lint from the clothes dryer. Great for starting a fire.
@BikeTouringMike3 жыл бұрын
Great hack! Never thought of trying that.
@richardbinstead93683 жыл бұрын
You’ll nearly always find lint in the seams of your pockets (unless the clothing is brand new). Enough to assist in making a fire.
@dlawrence31873 жыл бұрын
@@richardbinstead9368 Or in your navel. 🥴
@slowfox5323 жыл бұрын
Hi Mike, I always bring a space blanket with me. It can reflect the sunlight in summer and make my tent cool and dark for a better sleep, push the temperature rating of my sleeping bag in unexpected cold weather, reflect body heat from the ground if my sleeping pad has not enough r value, can be used as a improvised tarp to give me some more space in front of my tent, can warm my cold feet for hours if I add a bottle of warm water.... I coud go on for hours. To prevent the space blanket from ripping I encircle it with a light tape, this will hold for years.
@george.stefanescu993 жыл бұрын
Hi,Mike ! I took with me a Portable Sewing Box . I think it's good to have one because any time you can have some problems with your clothes and i think it's a must-have . Zip ties as well, these are light and so useful when something is broken. Thanks !
@BikeTouringMike3 жыл бұрын
I'm doing a video in similar fashion about tools and repair kit I bring, and zip ties are defenitely making it on to that list.
@countrifiedcitygirl173 жыл бұрын
Sunglasses and lip balm are my must have items!!
@nicveloadventurescardiff57003 жыл бұрын
Not in Wales 😂
@marksadventures38893 жыл бұрын
Hi Mike, my essentials include an old credit or store card with about a metre of duct tape on it, zip ties, sewing kit, good stylish protection glasses to keep your eyes safe from roadside and other debris and flies. not the closed ones - they steam up, the wrap around ones that look like shades. In the winter my small stainless steel flask allows me hot brews whilst cycling, I'm on holiday with no rush so I'm not bothered with skeleton kits - I go for comfort. 4 panniers and bar bag, then tent and sleeping bags on the rear, clothes on the front - black bag used, red bags fresh - (waterproof stuff-sacks). snacks are in the bar bag and drinks on the tubes. I try for 40 - 60 km a day but it's not a rule, I don't make hard and fast plans, I'm on holiday! First aid bag for small journeys, first aid box in the trailer for more than a week.
@petergilbert723 жыл бұрын
Hand Sanitiser. Yes, the Covid one. But it also works well for cleaning your hands after fixing a puncture or maintenance - and other hygiene stuff.
@rideswithscissors3 жыл бұрын
The pillow seems like a good idea, I have suffered enough with a lumpy stuff sack full of dirty laundry! I have rarely slept well on a camping trip. Leg cramps! Armadillo attack! Sea turtle attack! It's always something.
@tomsitzman39522 жыл бұрын
I once had a had a coyote piss on my sleeping bag and then trot off.
@stevemullin11953 жыл бұрын
I use a solar powered power bank from Amazon that I have attached to the rear rack so it stays charged while I’m riding and also charges my cell phone and additional smaller bank strapped to my recumbent trike boom that powers my bike computer and front light.
@hammockdweller3 жыл бұрын
Hi Mike, good tips. Al these items I have with me. Earplugs are really a must have if you're light sleeper such as me. Regarding the powerbank, you also need a good charger with it, a 10 watt charger will load your powerbank a lot faster then a 5W one.
@BikeTouringMike3 жыл бұрын
You're spot on there. Dang it, should have mentioned it in the video. The one that I briefly showed is actually 18W, so it's super fast.
@hammockdweller3 жыл бұрын
@@BikeTouringMike I have this charger: us.anker.com/products/powerport-atom-iii-slim-four-ports It doesn't weigh much and I can charge multiple devices at once, including my iPad. With these modern Gallium nitride chargers you get a lot of power in a small form factor. BTW I forgot to mention duct tape is always handy to have with you.
@holyfox943 жыл бұрын
Baby wipes, the ones with oil in it, are also great for cleaning your bike chain.
@tomsitzman39522 жыл бұрын
Three thing to add to Mike's list I carry a Spray bottle filled with water, I have 500 ml and a one cup spray bottle to chose from. It is my emergency water supply as well as my shower. A little ware goes a long way in a dry camp and there are no wet wipes to dispose of. On the road a squirt to the face cools me off. and washes the salt off my eyes and face. A trick I learned from a Kindergarten teacher. I like self darkening glasses. I only need to bring one pair of glasses and they adjust to the sun light, Since Covid I have discovered many uses for my cloth face mask. It works great on the road for dust and allergies and at night blocks out camp ground lights or a full moon. I have seen people wearing them, out for a walk on a winter day.
@garymitchell58993 жыл бұрын
Wet wipes is an excellent idea. I use the heavy duty floor wipes as they are bigger and stronger.
@fgfrissgereutel48323 жыл бұрын
Well it isn’t the most sexy item but I do believe it is an essential. When you go for number 2 in the great outdoors I have bought the Tentlab deuce. Really lightweight to make a little hole to put your toiletpaper in. 1. Dig a small hole. 2. Go for number 2. 3. Burn your toiletpaper in this hole. 4. Cover up the hole. Basic but vital bushcraft tip to show your love and respect to nature. ❤️🌳
@garymitchell58993 жыл бұрын
Toilet paper is obviously degradable.
@hope2someday6913 жыл бұрын
A couple tips from my backpacking gear. A Deuce of Spades trawl (from Amazon) for burying any deposits (weighs 17 grams). Also if dry your wipes they are half the weight. Just add a little water and they are good to go.
@brentjennings32673 жыл бұрын
Hi Mike. Great video as always. One item to add is a light weight tent peg hammer. I always see people roll into the campground and they search for a big rock to pound in their tent pegs. I have heard many swear words over this. REI has a great very light weight (but strong) hammer and I love it. I would add this to the list! Thanks again for all your great videos. P.S. the red light is also really great.
@Austibogo3 жыл бұрын
These videos are awesome Mike! They are so wholesome and just calming to chill out after a long day. Keep doing what you’re doing!!!
@c_steve_j3 жыл бұрын
My "always carry" items are some duct tape, a small folding knife, zip ties, emergency blanket, and/or a fire stick or waterproof matches. Been enjoying your videos ....
@patientswim68883 жыл бұрын
Hi, are there any from this list that you have never used? cheers
@neilpenny547515 күн бұрын
Thanks for the tips. The powerbank tip is especially good as it is tempting to buy a huge capacity unit. Better to have a couple of the type you mention. recharge time is a killer. Also, thanks for the tip on the tent lamp. I have gone to Decathlon to buy that. Please do share any more tips you have. Useful for a novice like me!
@wesley_brown3 жыл бұрын
Hahaha, that beanie part got me good. Your videos are so helpful and entertaining!!
@markmoreno72952 жыл бұрын
Depending on regulations, I like a stout knife which can be used like a hammer via the butt end. Heavy but useful for many things.
@BorderRambler3 жыл бұрын
Yep never go without the earplugs Mike , I also have a PD powerbank great piece of kit . Hope you are well .
@PumpkinVillage3 жыл бұрын
Very good points. Never thought of a power bank that way. Am also in the market for a pillow. Perfect timing. Just got the bike out and outfitted. Going for a test ride today. 30 F here. Take care, Al
@garymitchell58993 жыл бұрын
I put my rear panniers on top of each other for a pillow. With the hood of the sleeping bag it's perfect.
@livingsimplytosimplylive68173 жыл бұрын
Awesome tips I’m a newbie and tips / hacks are always welcomed.
@BikeTouringMike3 жыл бұрын
That's what I'm hear for. Glad you liked it!
@DavidBrown-rm6nz3 жыл бұрын
I carry some nitrile gloves for essential maintenance and a small tube of superglue which can help with cuts and cracked skin, better than plasters.
@garymitchell58993 жыл бұрын
Disposable gloves is a good idea for the really dirty repairs. Super glue is a bad idea for skin. Plasters weight next to nothing.
@c.p.72663 жыл бұрын
Always take a magnetic compass - Keep it away from Ortleib handlebar bags though..
@tomsitzman3952 Жыл бұрын
I keep reding that young people don't carry a compas. Cound crazy to me
@louiskirby4266Ай бұрын
A mp3 speaker to keep yourselves motivated, nothing like 1940 bluestohelpwith the mountainclimb
@iraholston58553 жыл бұрын
Great ideas! My Lexan/plastic spoon has been on 30 years of adventures. Inexpensive and very light. If you eat out of a bowl you can tie them together.
@PaulVoorberg3 жыл бұрын
Mike, check out the Uribag. Great for when you need to leave a message in the middle of the night and don't feel like getting out into the cold with the bears and the bulls. Compact, light weight, and won't break and cause a splash.
@fgfrissgereutel48323 жыл бұрын
Hi Paul, bedankt voor de tip! Heb hem direct besteld! 😃 Ik hou van kamperen, maar plassen midden in de nacht grrrrr.... Ben heel benieuwd!
@darkmat243 жыл бұрын
An excellent suggestion for colder months indeed. I reuse old nut bags, as they are often made of heavy duty plastic, they self-stand, closed shut with dual zipper, can be folded real small and we throw them in the bin anyway.
@simoncee90113 жыл бұрын
Thank you Mike.
@danmitchell37583 жыл бұрын
Mike you read my mind! I hav been looking into power banks. Your video was exactly what I needed. Thanks
@BikeTouringMike3 жыл бұрын
Great to hear that you found it useful. What I forgot to mention in the video is that you need a Usb C-charger with at least 10W output to be able to fast charge your powerbank. I brifly showed mine in the video, but didn't talk about it. I just use my Samsung S20 charger for the job.
@eugenetaheny21683 жыл бұрын
We purchased two of the Trekology pillows 4 days ago....! Good reviews and good price so looking forward to using them...👍🏽 😴😴
@BikeTouringMike3 жыл бұрын
Haha, what a coincidence! We'll they have gotten some good reviews, so I got great expections for it.
@richardbrannan5783 жыл бұрын
Purchase your wet wipes ahead of time and open the package to dry out. A few dribbles of water on a dried out wet wipe brings it back to life and you have a dry wipe to dry the crevices.
@brentjennings32673 жыл бұрын
When bike camping you are almost always in a tent. What about the tent pegs and specifically pounding them into the ground? Almost everyone I see tries to step on the pegs or looks for a rock to pound them into the ground and then perhaps when it does not go well they use bad language. I found a very light weight high impact (looks like something out of your tool box) hammer from REI. It is very light weight and your can really beat on the tent pegs without damaging the hammer. I cannot do without this wonderful tool! P.S. got the Sea-to-Summit pillow and it is really great. Get this pillow. You get what you pay for. Forget about the other pillows in my opinion.
@garymitchell58993 жыл бұрын
A hammer isn't necessary. You can push them in with your feet if you're careful.
@garymitchell58993 жыл бұрын
I'm taking a powerbank for the first time this year. I've got a dynamo but it's not enough. I've met some guys who use solar and I did think about it but they're bulky. The powerbank is relatively heavy but small. I usually go in a hotel like once a week and I can re-charge overnight.
@corneliusscipio7773 жыл бұрын
All agree except ear plugs and black bonie, you must stay ALWAYS alert what is going on around you
@brimstone333 жыл бұрын
It's harder to stay alert if you're tired all the time because you don't get good sleep. The real danger is not when you are snug in your tent at night. It's when you are rolling down the road where anything can come flying at you at any moment.
@astro613623 жыл бұрын
Good information. Especially about the power banks. Thanks.
@lizp86523 жыл бұрын
Hi Mike, Ive enjoyed your touring videos - motivation to get out for 'training' during lockdown. This is a good list - the red light at night is a new idea to me. Instead of wet wipes I usually carry a damp flannel in a ziplock bag and rinse it out whenever I get the chance (usually when getting drinking water). But I have sterile wipes in the first aid.
@jerryz.30873 жыл бұрын
Hey Mike...was hoping someone would've already hit this one, but when it comes to camping, I always bring along a folding shovel to bury any deposits. Not the classiest, but you know what I mean. Thanks for the video Mike, hope all is well.
@joelvaldez753 жыл бұрын
Good suggestion
@jasboehlke2 жыл бұрын
Thanks Mike, used your affiliate link for the Treklology pillow. Was debating using an existing pillow but is very large and this looks like a better solution for a lot less space at a super reasonable price and I like the idea of the strap to the pad to hold it in place. I do wonder how that works though, do you then place the pad inside your bag or the mummy top over the top of the pad/pillow combination, which of course would keep body oils off of the pillow as well.
@nicveloadventurescardiff57003 жыл бұрын
Thanks for the pillow recommendation 👊🏻
@baldandbiking3 жыл бұрын
Some great tips. Unfortunately I've already bought all my devices for this years excursions, but I'll keep your advice in mind while using them incase I want to make any changes next year. Cheers!
@abstractblue11212 жыл бұрын
Hey Mike, I've read elsewhere that baking soda, mixed with a bit of water, could be a great substitute for a deodorant. Have you tried it? Wet wipes, especially those daisy scented ones, are believed to attract bears to your campground. Would love to hear your take on that as well.
@ericvandermunnik85893 жыл бұрын
Hi Mike! Great video, you got me sold on the inflatable pillow ;) Working on a similar video (w2w) at the moment so really interesting to see yours. Thanks and Tailwinds, Eric
@zinteko3 жыл бұрын
Useful tips, Mike!what about new traveling? where u want to go?
@BikeTouringMike3 жыл бұрын
First of all I want to go back to Norway and do a long (about 14 day) tour along the Arctic Coast. But I really want to go to some warmer climate to do some cycling as well, but I realize that it will probably have to wait for another year.
@zinteko3 жыл бұрын
@@BikeTouringMike i see.i want to try Austria and Italy this summer but not sure due to covid.Good luck to you!
@jerrys883 жыл бұрын
Small USB fan. I can sleep in a hot tent as long as I have air blowing on my face. Otherwise torture. Also lightweight folding chair - weighs 1 lb. (.45 kg). Sounds frivolous but worth the extra weight.
@PaulCansdale3 жыл бұрын
Helpful tips thanks Mike!
@Sergio_Loureiro3 жыл бұрын
My hack for a portable pillow: the inside of a bag-in-box wine box. It is inflatable with my mouth.
@rasmuswi3 жыл бұрын
Seems like your problems are my opportunities. I always think camping is good for me because it's impossible to sleep until 14:30 in a tent, it will be baking hot and too noisy long before that.
@alanhanley95153 жыл бұрын
Do you ever ride off in the morning with your Beanie still in place? Only joking obviously....another great vid.
@BikeTouringMike3 жыл бұрын
Haha, at the moment I usually have a eanie or a buff on my head when I commute to work, since it's so cold in the mornings. But I usually don't pull it down over my eyes ;-)
@TalleyrandsPuppet3 жыл бұрын
Good tips, thank you.
@robingood622 жыл бұрын
Hi Mike, I wonder why you don't bring a solar panel anymore? Specially for wild camping I find my solar panel essential. I use it as a windshield aswell while cooking. Without solar panel I woud get real problems on biketours.
@vermonthillsumc3 жыл бұрын
Thank you for this.
@edlaws68673 жыл бұрын
Great advice once again. I’m that guy snoring 50 yards away! Is the red light useful when loitering outside a French massage parlour?? Spring has sprung here we had 24 degrees this week. Much love Ed
@michaelmatthews40963 жыл бұрын
Hi mike how are you today my friend?what about rain equipment!
@mauritzallberg73023 жыл бұрын
My power bank is 20000 ma, after this i look at it, its 5 w in and out. Now i know why take 24h charge, i will look at out w now
@BikeTouringMike3 жыл бұрын
There are also those that have a 2A input (USB A) that are about twice as fast, so that might be a good option as well. Bust the PD ones are the best, but can be a bit more pricey.
@Daysdontexist3 жыл бұрын
Lol so many pillowws"
@michaelmatthews40963 жыл бұрын
Mike would you like to do a video chat?let me know when ok?
@katerhofmann3 жыл бұрын
what a lovely cat. what is its name?
@BikeTouringMike3 жыл бұрын
His name is Blixten which means Lightning in english. It's kind of an ironic name since he is 12 years old a bit chubby and very slow. 😉
@katerhofmann3 жыл бұрын
@@BikeTouringMike i saw him previously in a video of the Bicycle Touring Pro, when he and his friends came for a visit on their Sweden tour. older video, but youtube suggested me that recently. Always a joy to see a random cat appear in youtube clips that are about something else.
@BikeTouringMike3 жыл бұрын
Haha, funny coincidence! Darren had to use a lint roller for about 10 minutes after Blixten sat in his lap for most of the evening. :-)