Since I've been asked a few times how the preparation and packing list for the bikepacking tour was, I am happy to make this entry.
The most important my Palta. 🙂 I decided on the Basso Palta at the beginning of the year and consciously equipped it with a double Di2 and a super compact power meter crank (48/32) so that I can use it for bikepacking adventures in addition to off-road rides. It was a perfect fit for me, I was able to ride quickly on the surface and for the climbs I still had enough easy gears to ride well even with the extra weight. 😀
We also decided on hotels because we wanted to combine our tour with sightseeing. This of course had an impact on the luggage, because tent, sleeping bag and other things to sleep outside were no longer an issue.
Then the right bags had to be found, which was a bit more time-consuming. Since I assumed that there would be more than just this tour, I immediately wanted some that would also be suitable for other tours. In addition to my small frame, the availability was definitely a challenge.
I wanted so much to have a frame bag because I've read so often that there is usually a lot of stowing heavy things there. But since it didn't fit without moving the bottle holder and since the luggage was manageable, I made friends with a handlebar bag.
In the end, my bags consisted of a saddle bag of up to 14 liters, a harness for the handlebar with a 7-liter drybag and a small top tube pocket. I decided on the harness because I could always easily remove the drybag without having to remove the whole harness and I also had the option of using a 15 liter bag. But for this tour the 7-liter was completely sufficient. Finally there was a small top tube pocket. The bags were from Woho because I liked them and I liked the fastening system.
With a few small changes and after I attached the frame protection film, the bags were quickly and safely installed and never disturbed or influenced the driving behavior. Apart from the weight on the climbs, you didn't notice it, I was actually surprised about that.
The packing list was regularly adjusted from the first day of the idea to the last day before departure. Here is the final packing list:
Bike:
- Repair kit, as usual
- Chain tool
- Brake pads and derailleur hanger
- Mini chain wax
- Taillight and mini lock
- Di-2 charger
Clothing:
- 1x complete bike outfit (I had one on the descent)
- Rain jacket and wind vest
- Long sleeve jersey (which I also used in the evening)
- Gloves, scarf, arm and leg warmers
- 1x short pants, 1x long pants, 2 shirts
- underwear and what to sleep on
- Bikini and small small bath towel
- sneakers
Toiletry case:
- suntan lotion
- shower stuff (everything filled in mini bottles)
- Nail file, razor brush and hair ties
- Calendula care ointment for after the ride
- Allergy tablets
- Assos Sport detergent
- Emergency pharmacy (disinfectant, pressure bandage, plaster)
Other and food:
- face mask (currently required in some countries)
- Charging connector with cable for Garmin and devices themselves
- Mini Fast-Charger (was never necessary)
- ID / health insurance and credit card, as well as half-fare
- Cash
- water bottles
- chest strap
- Carbo Basic for the vertical meters and longer stages
- Bars and gel, who knows me, knows that I am always hungry
The things were quickly divided into the pockets.
The first thing I did was put shoes, food and toiletry in the saddle bag so that the heavy things were placed directly under the saddle. I also wanted it to be separate from my clothes in case something leaked. I had either the rain jacket or the windproof jacket on my pocket, and sometimes a banana.
I had all my clothes and the chargers in the drybag on the handlebars. And in the top tube pocket everything for the day, a bar, gel, the Fast-Charger, face mask, cash, ID and other cards. I had the tools in a tool box that I could attach to the down tube with a bottle holder, a practical extra on my Basso Palta.
The mascot Franzl found his place on the saddlebag and was able to enjoy the adventure there.
Conclusion on the bags and my packing list. There was only one wet road and one little rain at the end of a trip, that was no problem for the bags, everything stayed dry. They are supposed to be waterproof, but I couldn't quite test that. But I also impregnated the bags beforehand to be sure. I was very satisfied with the bags, it quickly became clear how best to fill them and it was also brisk every day. For the next tour I would probably try again to see if a frame bag fits if you move a bottle holder down a little.
The packing list has proven itself. I actually didn't need the second bike outfit because with the sun and towel dryer in the room, the clothes were always dry the next morning, that was practically but certainly not always the case.
I would only add a sleep mask and ear plugs next time because I generally don't fall asleep that easily. Also, I wouldn't take so much food with me if you're planning a tour like this where you're never far from a city.
What's the brand of the bags? I'm waiting for my Basso Palta to be delivered for more than 6 months now and try to distract myself by planing on the bike packing equipment.
Hello the bike bags are from woobikes. Hope your Palta arrives soon.
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