The Rig

I’m currently riding the 2018 Giant Toughroad SLR GX3, an aluminium gravel bike with 2x8 Shimano drivetrain, tubeless tyres and mechanical disk brakes. Gearing setup has 30x48T chainrings (originally 32x48T) and 11x34 cassette. I’ve also got the Brooks B17 saddle I treated myself to for my first tour, now well moulded to my bottom!

I run a variety of tyres, but always tubeless. For muddy winter riding or really bad surfaces I love the 44c WTB Raddlers, which have great traction and can be run at 30psi.

Storage

I used the 40L pair of Altura Dryline rear pannier bags for some time, but after major seam failure on both within a week of each other, I’m on the lookout for a replacement. I’m trialing a single Vaude Aqua Back Plus - the pair have combined 51L capacity. The external pocket is a real boon, but it’s a pretty heavy bag. I also have the Altura Dryline 2 handlebar bag with 7L capacity. No front panniers!

For a more lightweight bikepacking setup I use the Topeak Backloader seatpack, Blackburn Outpost framebag and Restrap Bar Bag and accessory pack. In the cockpit I’ve got a couple of the Moosetreks Stem Bags and Topeak Tri-Bag on the top tube. This setup was new for 2021, and has worked well, though learning to cope so much less packing volume was tough!

Tools & spares

  • Basic multitool with screwdriver, hex keys, spanners, spoke wrench, tyre levers & chain tool

  • Special hex key for locking wheel skewers

  • Little bag with a quick link, a few bolts, derailleur hanger, a valve, and valve core remover

  • Nukeproof Horizon tubeless repair kit

  • Pump and a spare tube, plus some puncture repair patches

  • Duck tape (wrapped round a pen), electrical tape (ditto) and cable ties for emergency repairs

  • Disposable gloves

  • Small bottle of oil

  • Sprocket cleaning brush

Tech

I like to use paper maps as my primary navigation, but always have my phone with GPS. It’s essential for longer trips where I don’t have capacity for all the maps with high detail, and useful as a backup.

  • Smartphone

  • Anker Powercore II 20000 mAh powerbank

  • Mains-USB charging plug & cables

  • Bike lights

  • USB-chargeable headtorch for camping

Camping

For camping I take:

  • 1-man tent, small & lightweight, 1.2kg. There's very little space inside though, and it can feel pretty cramped if weather is bad for a few days.

  • Therm-a-Rest NeoAir X-Lite sleeping mat: This was a necessary upgrade for bikepacking, and I absolutely love it!

  • Sleeping bag: Synthetic; nothing special, but it's reasonably light, packs down smallish, and is fine for 5°C (41°F) above.

  • MSR Pocket Rocket 2: a great little gas canister-powered stove, small, but plenty of power when needed.

  • Sawyer mini-filter: I really can't recommend this water filter enough. Packs small and just takes away the need to source and carry enough water for daytime, and wild camping. It isn't the fastest filter, but 5 minutes to do 2 litres is hardly a problem. After breaking a bag while filtering I bought the Cnoc Vecto 3L bag, which is SO much better than the stock bag - bigger, stronger and much easier to fill.

  • Sea to Summit nylon trowel for digging toilet holes.

  • Folding foam sitpad. A relatively new addition, but makes so much difference to comfort in the evenings!

Clothing

For time on the bike I’ll have 1 quick-drying jersey and a couple of padded chamois shorts. I like moisture-wicking socks at least part-merino, and on a longer trip I’ll take a couple of pairs as they can be slow to dry. I’m currently using Crankbrothers’ Mallet Boa shoes. These were expensive - more than I thought I’d ever spend on shoes! - but absolutely superb for riding. So comfortable and great for walking in too.

I have waterproofs for riding in, including Sealskinz’ excellent waterproof socks. If rain is bad enough that my shoes get soaked these are essential for keeping my feet dry while riding. No trench foot here!

Off the bike I have merino base layer - socks, leggings, and long-sleeved tee; soft-shell trousers and a Rab down jacket as my mid-layer, then my cycling waterproofs if necessary while at camp. An insulated beanie is a must too for colder evenings.

Food

For my early trips I relied mostly on pubs & cafes, before realising that was a quick route to bankruptcy. Now I take my own food for longer trips. I’m still working on my touring recipes…

I’ll carry a basic kit:

  • Sea to Summit Alphapot cook set - pan with lid, bowl, cup & lid.

  • spork

  • ultralight chopping board

  • Opinel folding knife - fits in my cookset and used for food

  • Mora companion 860 knife - a decent bushcraft knife for splitting firewood and feathering sticks for tinder.

Fuel on-the-go

Flapjacks & fresh fruit. Sometimes a sandwich bag with random handfuls of dried fruit & nuts thrown in. Chocolate/mints or other sweeties for fast sugar hit.

Breakfast

For a quick overnight adventure I keep it simple with flapjacks & fruit. They’re also good for saving time in the mornings.

For longer trips I found a great instant porridge recipe on Elizabeth’s Kitchen Diary, which is now my go-to for simple, cheap and tasty touring breakfasts. I mix mine up in bulk then portion into sandwich bags. The following does me 1 serving:

  • 60 grams fine oatmeal

  • 15 grams whole milk powder

  • 15 grams dark brown sugar

To prepare, pour about 180 ml of boiling water over it, stir well, cover, and wait for about 5 minutes.

Elizabeth’s recipe has some great toppings if you swing that way, so do check it out. (Bear in mind my serving size is an extra 50% on top of hers.)

Lunch

I try to keep lunches simple. I’ll allow myself the occasional cafe/pub lunch on a longer trip, but otherwise I tend to keep stocked up on whatever portable tasty things I can find: cheese, ham & bread, salad, olives, hummous, avocado etc. I don’t chill these things, but they’re usually fine for a couple of days even in summer.

Dinner

I’ll permit myself the occasional pub/restaurant dinner, though am usually hidden away from civilisation when camping and eating out gets expensive quickly.

High-calorie dehydrated/boil-in-the-bag meals are easy, and avoid the need to wash up, but they are quite pricey and get dull after a few days. The dehydrated options are lightweight though, and great for remote adventures without amenities.

Tinned soup, dahl or chilli are great evening food with zero prep required, though wouldn’t want to carry more than a couple due to weight. Pittas, wraps or bread rolls are ideal mopping-up tools.

Precooked bags of rice are great - frying up some cured meat (e.g. chorizo), onion, garlic then stirring in the rice is easy, tasty and filling.

It’s nice to have a couple of beers/ciders/wine if I can find it. Sometimes I take a hip flask of whisky.