Hi, I'm Pam from 2bikes4adventure. Gilbert and I have been packing light
for bicycle touring for many years. My present setup is a 20 litre bag that
clicks onto the front of my folding bike and also has a shoulder strap.
I often have to carry it along with my bike, so I keep the weight to 7 kilos.
Many women insist that they could not pack so little and I admit that since Gilbert
carries our tools and video equipment, I definitely have more space for my
personal item. But in our case, the difference is less along gender lines
than along decision-making styles. A maximizer like Gilbert is somewhat of a
perfectionist who will research the ideal item while a satisficer like
myself is content to settle for good enough. I'm not looking for technical
type clothing items nor brand names. Because I'm pedaling outdoors most of
every day on our trips, the first priority of my wardrobe is to protect me
from the elements. I remember being miserably cold and wet
several times on the bike, so a jacket with a hood is essential. I used to bring
a parka, but it was heavy and awkward. I was thrilled when my Maximizer mate
chose for me a light jacket with handy pockets and pit zips for underarm
ventilation so it works in rain, wind and cool weather. With a thin synthetic
hoodie underneath, I'm good on pretty cold days. I need the hoodie to zip up in
front so that I can open or close it all or part of the way. I also want to be
able to tie the sleeves together and sling it over my neck. I've been using
the same black hoodie for more than 10 years. It is light and snug, but alas
doesn't have pockets. If we know the weather will be near freezing,
I will bring a down jacket that I got on sale for ten dollars that packs up
tightly as well as a fleece headband or buff to wear under my helmet. I often
bring stretchy knit gloves to wear under my cycling gloves and I also have some
water resistant glove covers. My hands will probably still be cold though.
I wrap a woven scarf around my neck in the cold, sun or wind. I love a good hat,
but often settle for a baseball style cap for packability. I have a pair of
woolly leg warmers that I bought at a dollar store that I sometimes bring;
they fit either arms or legs. I use a hornless saddle, so typical
padded cycling shorts are not necessary. I like Capri length pants that work for many
sports, bonus: lots of pockets. No cycling shoes, I wear multi-purpose shoes.
I've been using two favorite pairs for the last few trips: woven purple Keen Uneeks
for hot climates or burgundy Champion Slip-ons because they're comfortable and
I like the color. Including these essentials, I plan on having three
outfits, one specifically to wear on the bike, one to relax in and another for
street wear or non bike travel days. My leisure outfit includes leggings that I
can wear under my sport shorts for added warmth when necessary and the top will
be another layer or a different sleeve length that I can alternate with or add
to my default cycling top. My street wear will be a skirt or stretchy pants that I
could cycle in for short distances and another top layer that zips up.
So my clothing packing list has: sport pants for cycling, short sleeve top, sport hoodie,
light jacket, scarf, shoes, possibly tights or leg warmers, extra gloves.
Leggings, another top, some underwear, socks. Skirt or long pants, long sleeve top,
long sleeve layering piece, cap and sometimes a pair of compact flat shoes.
Since I'm always wearing several of these items, there are not a lot to pack, however
there's laundry to do every night. These clothes are in regular rotation at home too,
so I know that they dry quickly. As we've mentioned, we often start the day
wearing several layers and unzip and shed clothing as the day warms up.
It's too bad that it works out that our luggage gets heavier as we get more
tired, but since we bring so few items, the weight never loads us down.
We hope that my and Gilbert's packing lists inspire you to travel light on
your bicycling adventures.