I came across this article that I wrote for a bike insurance website last year when writing the new book, Spain to Norway on a Bike Called Reggie, yesterday. It never appeared on CyclingEurope.org but here it is now…
If youโre planning a long distance cycling trip, itโs important that you keep your packing to an absolute minimum, whilst making sure youโve included the essentials. Andrew Sykes is currently making his way from Tarifa in Spain to Nordkapp in Norway โ here he lets us in on his packing essentials.
1. A chair
Probably not what you were expecting to be first in the list but if you are camping, you will appreciate somewhere comfortable to sit in the evening. You can get incredibly lightweight chairs that pack down into a very small bags. Not cheap but worth every penny of the investment. Youโll be the envy of your fellow tourers.

2. Smartphone
Iโm currently heading to the Lofoten Islands in northern Norway, having set off from Tarifa in southern Spain in April. I have yet to be without a 3G/4G signal or WiFi on any of the 100 days since I set off.

3. Paper maps

4. Waterproof clothing
Someone quite wisely said that there is no such thing as bad weather, just inappropriate clothing. They were right. If it rains and you are cycling, you are going to get wet but itโs important to keep rain off the skin as much as you can. The knock-on effects of evaporation taking heat from your body can, in the extreme, turn a soggy ride a very cold one, even when the temperature is quite mild.

5. Essential spare parts
This probably means inner tubes, cables, brake pads and spokes. Even if you donโt know how to replace them yourself, you will probably be able to find someone who does have the know-how. They might not, however, have the correct parts for your bike

6. A notebook and pen
If you are travelling alone one of the nicest things you can do to fill your time is to write about your experiences. You donโt have to be Ernest Hemingway to jot down a few thoughts. Donโt fancy writing? Try drawingโฆ

7. Waterproof bags

8. Waterproof boxes

Waterproof boxes for your electronic gear and the little bits and pieces that you take with you. Itโs amazing just how many cables you need for a phone, small tablet, extra battery and camera. Keep them dry and in an easy-to-locate place!
9. A credit card
Someone asked me just before I set off on my current trip if I took gold sovereigns with me for emergencies(!!!). Iโm not James Bondโฆ But a credit card kept hidden away in a different place to your wallet will come into its own if you happen to lose or have stolen all your cash and your debit card.

10. Your beloved bike
Last, but by no means least, a bike that you are comfortable with. It doesnโt have to be a ยฃ2,500 hand-made bike or indeed a โproperโ touring bike. A good, reliable bike with pannier racks, a set of robust tyres โ consider Schwalbe Marathon Plus โ and a comfortable saddle. Get it serviced before you set off and, of course, give it a name!

Categories: Cycling