Bikepacking Kit List - 'Coasts and Cols' Tour Kit Layout

This September's 'Coasts and Cols' touring trip will be my first proper bikepacking expedition. In 2011, I rode a 'lite-touring' set-up, for the France and Spain Tour; but my bikepacking set-up varies significantly, both in terms of luggage and equipment.

When I rode the France and Spain tour, my luggage system consisted of a rear rack, with panniers and a rack-top bag. The set-up was heavily rear laden, and consequently rather unbalanced; so for this trip, I've opted for a more evenly weighted distribution; with small front panniers and a handlebar bag, countered by a bikepacking seat pack.

My equipment choices have also developed significantly since 2011. I was still a student during that tour, which meant everything was a bit basic; from the steel Peugeot touring bike, to the £40 dome tent. It all worked, but it wasn't exactly state-of-the-art. This trip, things are a bit different; having reviewed and worked with products in the bike industry for the last three years, I've had the opportunity to build an equipment set that really pushes the boundaries of lightweight, reliable and well-made kit.

Here's the line-up...



The Bike

Kona Private Jake 2015
I'll be using my Kona Private Jake for the trip. This is a bike that blends strength, speed and versatility; to create the perfect touring steed. To find out more about it, have a look at my Bike Profile: Kona Private Jake blog post.



The Luggage

bike packing luggage
To provide a balanced front/rear load on the trip, I've opted for small front panniers, combined with a handlebar bag, a small frame bag, and a bikepacking seat pack.
  • The front panniers are the new Arkel Orca 25 fully waterproof panniers (reviewed here
  • The front rack is the Thule Tour Rack (reviewed here
  • The handlebar bag also comes from Arkel (reviewed here
  • The seat pack and frame bag are from Restrap (reviewed here)
  • Drybags for storage, are from Overboard Bags (reviewed here)



The Kit

full bike packing kit list
Here's the full kit layout (click on the image to enlarge). Now I'll go into a bit more detail on the products it contains...



Riding Kit List

This is kit to be worn on the bike; some of which I will always be wearing, the rest will be stowed in a front pannier.
  • POC Octal Helmet (reviewed here)
  • POC Do Blade Sunglasses (reviewed here)
  • GripGrab Cycling Cap
  • GripGrab Easy Rider Mitts
  • GripGrab Cloudburst Full Finger Gloves
  • GripGrab High Cut Summer Socks (black) x 2
  • GripGrab Light Arm Warmers
  • Castelli Mesh Base Layer x 2
  • Castelli Superleggera RS Jersey
  • Castelli Climber's Jersey
  • Castelli Fawesome 2 Gilet
  • Team Wiggle dhb Bib Shorts
  • Gore Bike Wear Oxygen+ Bib Shorts
  • Gore Bike Wear Oxygen 2.0 GORE-TEX Jacket (reviewed here)
  • Sidi Dragon 4 SRS MTB Shoes


Casual Wear

outdoor clothing
This is kit to wear in the evenings, and on rest days. It will be stowed in one of the front panniers.
  • GripGrab Podium Beanie
  • Primal Europe Aire Span Tee
  • Kathmandu Ultralight Down Jacket
  • Adidas Terrex Shorts
  • CEP Compression Tights or X-Bionic Leg Warmers
  • CEP Compression Outdoor Socks (reviewed here)
  • FlipFlops (not pictured)



Camping Equipment

This is the kit that will keep me comfortable when it is time to pitch up for the night. Most of the products come from the great new Outdoors Range at Wiggle.
  • Kathmandu Lansan 2 Ultralight Tent
  • Nordisk Ven 2.5 Sleeping Mat
  • Mountain Hardwear HyperLamina Spark Sleeping Bag
  • Pillow (model TBC)
  • Petzl Tikka RXP Headtorch
  • JetBoil MiniMo Cooking System
  • Nordisk Titanium Cutlery Set
  • Nordisk Titanium Insulated Mug
  • Lifeventure Softfibre Trek Towel
  • Baby Wipes, Scouring pad, Washing-up liquid and Toilet Roll (not pictured)



Tool Kit and Spares

Kit to keep the Kona rolling smooth, throughout the 1900km duration of the 'Coasts and Cols' Tour.
  • LifeLine Inner Tubes x 2
  • Spare Tubeless Sealant
  • Tubeless Repair Kit
  • Lezyne Micro Floor Drive HV Pump (with gauge)
  • Lezyne CRV20 Multi-tool
  • Lezyne Patch Kit and Levers
  • Spare Tyre
  • Zip Ties
  • Gorilla Tape and Insulation Tape
  • Black Mamba Workshop Gloves (reviewed here)
  • SRAM Quick-links x 2
  • Spare Spokes
  • Spare Gear Cable Inner
  • Spare Pedal Cleats
  • Spare Brake Pads
  • LifeLine Chain Lube



Extras


Electronics, accessories and gadgets. These are some essentials that I wouldn't ride a tour without.
  • Lezyne Macro Drive Front Light
  • See.Sense ICON Rear Light (reviewed here)
  • Wahoo ELEMNT Bike Computer (reviewed here)
  • Norstrom Power Bank (reviewed here)
  • Leatherman Charge Titanium Multi-tool (reviewed here)
  • Wiggle 800ml Water Bottle
  • 24 Bottles 1 litre Stainless Water Bottle (reviewed here)
  • Monkii Bottle Cage (reviewed here)
  • Lifesystems Adventurer First Aid Kit [Plus Extras: Antibiotics, Sportique Road Rash Cream, Anti-Inflammatory Cream]
  • Soapbag
  • Maps and Book
  • Lezyne Caddy Sack for passport and documents



Food

I'll do a series of further bikepacking posts on the food that I'll be taking with me, and some tasty recipe ideas!
  • Bounce Balls (reviewed here)
  • Rude Health Muesli, Granola and Oatys (reviewed here)
  • Couscous
  • Noodles
  • Stock Powder
  • Trail Mix
  • Peanut Butter
  • O.R.S. Hydration Tablets


That's about it! Quite an array of kit, which I'm looking forward to pushing into action over the course of the trip.

Read more about the route and details of the 'Coasts and Cols' Tour here (Link)

bikepacking kit list
Click image to enlarge



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