A Packing List for Scattered Minds
I was/am terrible at packing and doing so in an orderly fashion. I have an interesting mix of perfectionism, apathy, and anxiety that leads me to forget essential items like meals or my headlamp, and I end up packing a lot of chocolate and wine. So I made some lists to help me pack, and had my friends help create lists to plan meals and snacks, since I am really terrible at that part.
Keep in mind that these are not exhaustive or prescriptive lists, you know what you need, this is a guideline.
Gear & Health Essentials
Make sure you have what you need to be comfortable and healthy on and off the bike!
Ride
Bike racks
Panniers, or whatever luggage works for you!
Bike lights
Chamois butter
Helmet
Navigation (map/GPS/phone)
Chain lube
Multi-tool
Zip ties
Bungee cords
Extra tube(s)
Patch kit
Tire irons
Travel pump
Water bottles
Sleep
Sleeping bag or quilt
Sleeping mat
Camp pillow
Shelter (tent/hammock/tarp)
Bathe
Toothbrush & toothpaste
Sunscreen
Deodorant
Camp towel
First aid kit
Fashion
Headlamp
Cycling shorts
Cycling shoes
Cap
Flannel
Camp pants
Socks
Undies
Puffy jacket
Beanie
Rain gear
Wool base layers
Sun/clear lenses
Camp shoes
Cook
Backpacking stove & fuel
Lighter
Cooking pot
Spork
Knife
Cutting board
Coffee filter
Camp soap & 1/2 sponge
Cup and/or bowl
Play
Book
Journal
Camera
Tarot Cards
Frisbee
You gotta eat!
Planning camp meals has always been a challenge for me, and I always keep my ears perked to learn from others. Consider durable and single-serving vegetables and fruits, or something like a head of cabbage that can be used as a wrap for other things.
Breakfast
Instant coffee
Quick oats
Granola
Nut butters
Bananas
Chia seeds
Protein powder
Lunch (on the road)
Salami, jerky
Cheese
Nuts
Dried fruit
Trail mix
Carrots
Apples
Tuna/salmon packets
Bread, pita
Nutrition bars
Electrolyte tablets
Hard boiled eggs
Happy Hour
Cheese
Crackers (without the box)
Flask
Bagged wine
Chocolate
Dinner
Minute rice
Quinoa, couscous
Pasta, mac & cheese
Indian meal packets
Tuna/salmon packets
Ramen
Spinach
Dehydrated beans
Freezer biscuits
Seasonings
Salt
Pepper
Garlic/onion powder
Nutritional yeast
Hot sauce