Camping equipment and cyclists' kit for cycle touring

Following our article on equipping your bike for touring, Sophie at RayonRando shares her experience of camping equipment and cyclists' kit for a multi-day cycle tour: ‘Although lightness matters slightly less than when hiking, I try to optimise both the weight and packed size of my kit, as everything has to fit into the panniers.’

Camping equipment for cycle trekking:

For sleeping: a compact sleeping bag, inflatable mat and inflatable pillow. ‘I always take an emergency blanket, just in case, for a cold night or an accident.’ There is a wide choice of sleeping bags. Compact bags in the ‘+5 to 0°C’ range are sufficient for summer cycle tours.
1 tent. ‘There is a trade-off between a very compact, very light tent and a slightly heavier one with a large porch for storing luggage.’
First aid kit + wash kit: disinfectant, plasters, aftersun, sunscreen, shampoo and soap, towel and flannel, toilet paper. ‘Remember earplugs, as you never know who your campsite neighbours will be.’
Head torch. ‘Powerful enough for cycling.’
1 camping stove + gas + lighter + salt and pepper
1 camping cookware set – plate – knife – spork
1 emergency meal, freeze-dried, and dried fruit and nuts. ‘To deal with the unexpected, such as a closed shop or a late arrival.’

Little extras that make a difference:

‘Because I have a little more space on a bike than when hiking,’ Sophie tells us, ‘I also take a few comforts that are not essential but very pleasant to have’:

A low folding chair with a backrest. ‘Comfortable, but a little bulky.’ The Sashado sitting strap is a very compact alternative that provides good back support. Vincent and Jérémie Dravet, who spent 2 years cycling from Québec to Ushuaia, told us that having no seat became quite uncomfortable over time. They bought one along the way.
A brush without a handle for cleaning the tent, ‘for the house-proud…’.
Kitchen roll, ‘useful both at camp and for mechanical problems’.
A strainer, ‘so you do not lose a single noodle’, see Cutting Board
1 washing line + clothes pegs
1 solar panel + power bank (to charge smartphones used as GPS devices

Clothing and kit for the cycle tourist:

Here is Sophie's typical kit for a summer cycle tour:

Poncho. ‘A tough rain poncho also gives me something to sit on in the grass.’
Waterproof, windproof jacket
Waterproof trousers for spring and autumn
1 fleece
1 long-sleeved T-shirt. ‘Essential when the sun is too strong.’
T-shirt, shorts, stretch trousers. ‘Lightweight stretch trousers are comfortable for pedalling. I no longer use cycling shorts with a chamois pad, as they do not dry quickly enough.’
Sandals, flip-flops, trainers. ‘I wear sandals to pedal. My partner wears ventilated shoes with a stiff sole.’
Gloves. ‘Essential on cool mornings.’
Neck tube. ‘It can also protect your head if needed.’

You will need to adapt this cycle touring kit if you travel in a cooler season.