Whatever Riding, Swimming, Paragliding, Climbing, or Trekking an adventurer needs proper gear to carry out a safe, successful and joyful trip, we promise that someone has ridden around the world using older, worse, and less.
You can head out for a trip using what you already have, and if you’re looking to add or upgrade to your collection it’s easy to start small and focus on a few essentials to make life easier on the road.
Modify the following list depending on your personal needs and past experiences. Keep in mind that you generally won’t need any more gear for a 90-day tour than for a seven-day tour.
- On-the-bike Clothing
- Cycling helmet
- Touring shoes — good for walking as well as riding, i.e. some flex in the sole
- Cycling gloves
- Cycling shorts
- Socks — wool or synthetic
- Leg warmers or tights for riding (rain pants could substitute)
- Short-sleeved shirts
- Light, long-sleeved shirt for layering and sun protection
- Rain gear, jacket, and pants
- Waterproof shoe covers
- Off-the-bike Clothing
- Comfortable shorts
- Comfortable pants (zip-off legs or rain pants could substitute)
- Underwear/ Sport Bras
- Sandals, flip-flops, or lightweight shoes
- Wool or fleece hat
- Woolen sweater or fleece jacket
- Gloves — woolen or fleece
- Swimsuit
- Towel (lightweight to enhance quick-drying, like the PackTowl)
- Pocket knife or Leatherman (pliers and other tools are handy)
- Lightweight lock and cable
- Water-carrying bladders or containers — at least one U.S. gallon capacity
- Basic first-aid kit with emergency numbers
- Bandanas (many uses!)
- Sunglasses
- Flashlight and/or headlamp
- Sewing kit
- Insect repellent
- Sunblock
- Nylon cord
- Bungee cords
- Water filter
- Camera/ GoPro and journal
- Bear spray and cords to hang bear bags (where appropriate
- Bike Tools and Spare Parts
- Spare tube (and tire, depending on the trip
- Tool Kits
- Tire Repair Kits
- Spare tire
- Chain Oil/Wax
- Extra oil
- Extra nuts, bolts, and wire (particularly for racks)
- Assorted zip ties
- Motorcycle lights front and rear
- Rearview mirror
- Spare brake
- Duct tape
Sleeping Gear
Teahouses along the route usually provide basic sleeping facilities with blankets but they are generally not clean and certainly not warm enough!
Once you get above 3,000m in altitude the temperature inside teahouses, especially during the dead of night, is very cold. Most teahouses are not well insulated and do not have heating outside of central yak furnaces in the common lounge areas.
Therefore a warm 4-season sleeping bag (rated for at least -10°C) is a must! The best sleeping bags are generally made from duck or goose down, but nowadays there are good quality synthetic options too.
Your sleeping bag should be a good fit for the shape of your body (mummy-shaped is ideal) and should have an insulated hood for added warmth.
Ear Plugs
Earplugs are a good idea if you are a light sleeper and hate the snoring of fellow adventurers!
Towel
A smallish towel is useful for drying yourself after a wash. Quick-drying trekking towels are recommended.