The following cycler's checklist will help to plan your next bicycle touring adventure. Not all items listed will be needed on every trip. Pack only what you need and leave the rest at home. Remember, you've got to carry what you pack.

Bicycle Touring

Bicycle Gear

• Bicycle (either road or mountain bike depending on whether tour is on pavement or dirt roads)
• Two water bottles and carriers
• Rear pannier carrier and bags
• Front pannier carrier and bags
• Handlebar bag
• Front light with spare batteries and bulb
• Flashing rear safety light
• Security lock
• Pump
• Extra straps or bungee cords to secure gear

Tools

• Compact screwdrivers to fit bike
• Allen wrenches to fit bike parts
• Tire irons
• Spoke wrench
• Freewheel tool (be sure it fits your freewheel)
• Six-inch crescent wrench
• Spare tire
• Spare tube
• Tube patch kit
• Spare gear and brake cables
• 6 spokes to fit your rims
• Chain lube
• Small tube bike grease
• Small selection of spare nuts and bolts to fit bike part

First Aid

• Antibiotics
• Antiseptics
• Tylenol
• Benadryl
• Tincture of Benzoin
• Sterile gauze pads
• Roller gauze
• Nonadherent dressing
• One-inch adhesive tape
• Steristrips
• Ace wrap
• Large compress
• Moleskin
• Second Skin
• Tweezers
• Bandage scissors
• Irrigation syringe
• Low-reading thermometer
• SAM splint
• Space blanket
• Talcum powder for saddle sores and for flat tires -- dusting the tube before placing it
• Pencil and emergency report form
• Emergency Phone Numbers and money for a phone call

Clothing

• Bike helmet -- if you have a brain, protect it!
• Long underwear (lightweight tops and bottoms. Synthetic is best or wool / synthetic/cotton blend)
• Cycling shorts -- I prefer the baggie outers with pockets to the tight Lycra geek look
• Cycling socks (two to three pairs--I like those made by ThorLo)
• One pair long pants
• T-shirt (cotton / synthetic blend such as those made by Sierra Designs or Patagonia or synthetic such as Tekware by The North Face)
• Fleece, Polartec or wool sweater
• Bathing suit
• Insulated hat
• Fleece or Polartec jacket
• Cycling gloves
• Rain suit (jacket and pants)
• Warm gloves for around camp
• Windbreaker
• Cycling shoes
• Camp / hiking shoes

Personal

• Quick drying towel
• Soap and shampoo
• Toothbrush and toothpaste
• Hair brush
• Personal medications
• Feminine hygiene
• Lip balm
• Compact mirror

Camping Gear

• Compact tent with rainfly
• Sleeping bag and pad
• Backpacking stove and fuel (butane is typically the most compact and easiest to use)
• Cooking pot
• Cup, plate and eating utensils
• Can opener

Miscellaneous

• Wrap-style sunglasses
• Multi-tool knife
• Waterproofed maps
• Mini flashlight
• Compass
• Waterproof matches
• Sunscreen
• Insect repellent
• Daypack for side trips off the bike
• Hat
• Nylon cord
• Sewing kit
• Bandana
• Toilet paper
• High energy snacks
• Camera and film