More Things for Your Packing List
I think that gear envy is a pretty real phenomenon for a lot of people. Those feelings of scarcity or inadequacy (I wish I had that” or “Why didn’t I think to bring that?!”) are amplified when your friends have cooler gear than you; or perhaps it’s the high stakes of outdoor survival that put the lizard part of my brain on edge. Whatever the case, here is a list of stuff that didn’t make it to my helpful packing list spoke card, but are nice (and lightweight) additions to your setup. I will periodically update this list, since there is always new gear to covet.
Last updated: September 2020
GEAR
Camp Chair
When the shrimpy gals and I went on our bike trip around the Olympic Peninsula, I had apparently missed the memo about lightweight camp chairs. My friends each had their own in different colors, and I had to admit, I felt left out. Their REI chairs came in at under a pound (there are a number of different brands and types), and were pretty handy when the ground was rocky, wet, or both. Most nights I just sat on my damp camp towel like a chump. I have been hunting for these chairs second-hand, but it seems like people like them enough to hang onto them forever and ever.
Just look at how cozy these campers look, sipping beer and relaxing in their lightweight camp chairs!
Biodegradable Doggie Bags
I don’t have a dog, which is why I needed my friends with dogs to illuminate the perennial utility of biodegradable doggie bags.These bags work in a pinch for holding snacks, energy bar wrappers, used tampons, little bits of camp trash, waterproofing your shoes (slip them over your socks before you put on your shoe)… the list goes on!
A little roll of doggie bags is pretty compact, and a negligible amount of weight for most cyclists. If you are traveling in areas without trash or recycling, these are the perfect size for keeping those little bits of junk you collect along the way from floating around and messing up your bike luggage.
Cargo Net
I have seen quite a few people riding with these stretchy cargo nets, and I wasn’t sure if they were for me. Most of the time, I see the nets used to smoosh a bunch of random bits and bobs in a front basket, or wrangling a stack of takeout boxes on a rear rack. Both are noble uses, but I didn’t know if there was a ton of utility for long-distance touring. However, I came around to the cargo net after my friend demonstrated the utility for drying out clothes during the day.
When you’re riding day after day, it’s important to keep yourself as clean as possible — especially your crotch. Chafing and rubbing can turn into saddle sores (or worse) if the affected skin is constantly damp and dirty. However, it’s often hard to get clothes completely dry if you wash them at the end of a long day of riding. The cargo net allows the cyclist to dry clothes throughout the day (assuming there’s sun).
I was attempting to use bungee cords for the same effect, but bungee cords don’t allow the clothes to lay as flat. The pant legs or shirt arms would flap around in the wind, curl up on themselves, and never dry. With the cargo net, everything stays where you put it, so it will receive maximum sun exposure.
Garbage Bags
You can’t go wrong having a regular old trash bag (or two or three) on hand. There are endless uses for these indispensable accessories!:
Waterproof bag liner
Tent
Groundcloth
Beach blanket
Laundry bag
Rain poncho
Tablecloth
Tourniquet
Pants
Saddle cover
Superhero cape
Stylish head covering
Shopping bag
Shade cover
Waterproof sleeping bag cover
Packing Cubes
Before packing cubes I was using a very ragtag system of cotton totes, gallon plastic bags, and old sleeping bag stuff sacks to keep all of my gear categorized and neat in my panniers and bags. While those were functional (and cheap!) I thought there might be a better way. A few weeks before a bike trip I was helping a friend move and she mentioned that her mother had gifted her a set of packing cubes that she would probably never use. I texted her and asked if I could try them out, and if she needed them I would always give them back. I used the medium cube for my clothes and food, and the smaller ones for electronics, first aid, and bike repair stuff. I loved being able to pull whatever bag I needed with confidence, rather than digging around and having to guess every time I needed something.
FOOD & SNACKS
Nori Sheets
I am gluten-intolerant, and finding gluten-free stuff to funnel food into my mouth can be a challenge. It is also challenging to make interesting and nutritious meals when you’re on the road for long periods of time. My sweet friend Bisque brought nori sheets on our latest bike tour and I was so inspired. She made little hand rolls with instant rice, tuna or tofu, furikake seasoning, and whatever veggies were on hand. They were simple and yummy little dinner treats!
Cabbage
Dumpling is the true queen of camp gourmet, because she was a wilderness counselor in Utah for several years. I am always in awe of her camp cuisine, and I started copying her habit of taking a head of cabbage on camping trips. At first, cabbage may seem out of place and bulky on a bike camping trip, but consider that it doesn’t bruise, keeps well without refrigeration, stays crunchy and fresh, and can be utilized on its own as a salad, or combined with any number of ingredients as a wrap. When fresh veggies might be hard to find, you can rely on a head of cabbage to last you for a few days. In my experience watching Jean haul cabbage around, and then in my own experience with cabbage, people inevitably come around to the cabbage and your cabbage disappears at a pretty sustainable rate. A head of cabbage might be too much for a single camper, but when it’s shared it is usually just the right amount!