Great series! The "two of each" clothing system is how I've packed since 1982. Add a puffy and rain jacket, baseball hat, ski cap, you're set. I've found wool long sleeves too hot when it's 90deg at 5,000 feet and up where the sun is strong out west. Patagonia long sleeve Cool T shirt blocks the UV at altitude, breathes well, dries fast, durable. And Patagonia polyester Landfarer bike shorts are stretchy, breathe great, wash-dry fast; worn commando they dry when you stop for a break which keeps everything down there dry, cool, and comfy on a Brooks B-17. ☮
The banner and guide book are beyond awesome and a really cool idea. Thanks for sharing. I'm new to bikepacking but have been backpacking for 10yrs. Gonna let the bike carry the weight hahahha
Great idea for a series! And nice job walking through your rationale for bringing each item, which gives a lot of insight into your style of trips. And A+ for including your furry mechanic buddy : ) I've got to know - where was that lush green backyard? Back of your store in Brooklyn???
Thanks so much for sharing. The love and respect you show for your four legged friend already makes it worth sharing. I kept this vid as bookmark. Pokie is sixteen years old as you said. You did an amazing "job". Keep'm coming! Again...great vid! From Holland, Jan
Great video, Joe! Prepping for the micro trip on Monday and this is really helpful. We can nerd out on gear when we meet. I have been using Rapid Straps for all my cameras for 10+ years and think they are the best. Also love my Quad Lock for my phone on the bike. So many other great ideas / products on your video... If I start riding more, I plan to use all this great advice.
Absolutely, I think about it often. This Sunday I’m heading up to the Maine coast to do a week long, kayak camping trip. But a group bike tour always has appeal. Btw, you are the master when it comes to fire building, my friend!
Maybe in future episodes you can differentiate between things you'd bring on a solo tour (if you do those!) vs things that you bring primarily because you're leading a group tour. Also interested to know whether you still use your PedalCell (RIP) or what your thinking is on power management these days.
Power is now being handled by a SON28 Dynamo hub, routed to a Beacon Sinewave light (with USB out for charging). Still a fan of my Pedalcell, but it was time to move on (RIP). The only difference in a long tour vs a micro-tour for me is clothing quantity...with me, everything else (tools, first aid, water, etc) remains the same. On our week long tours, I just take 2 of each piece of clothing (and wash/dry stuff every night when I arrive at camp).
I do....I use a Big Agnes one ( I think the model is now called the "divide"...used to be the "Air Core"?)...I roll it up like a burrito along with my pillow inside my sleeping bag...planning on doing more detailed vids shortly
@@718Outdoors Thanks! Rolling up these items into one roll really seems to be a good idea. I've had problems with the individual items taking up too much space.
Do you worry about the lens cap? I didn't see a tether. My wife just keeps a cheap filter on all the time. If it gets scratched she just gets another one. I just use a DJI action camera for video and still pictures. It does OK and it's simple to operate. I have it set up to one button press wake up, snap a picture, then go back to sleep. I like the Club Ride stuff too. They are one of the few cycling clothing manufacturers that have sizes for larger people. I'm more of a bikepacking bag type, so I have to be very selective on what I take. I also make my own frame bags and that's where the tools / food / cooking stuff live during the trip. The bottles move to my handlebars in feedbags. I bring cheap flip flops for post-ride footwear. I'm interested in your shoes though. I like the idea of keeping rocks and debris out of my toes. It's quicker to rapid charge 4 battery packs simultaneously (if your charger/batteries can support it) vs. charging one big battery. I have a few 10kAh battery packs and a charger that can charge 2 of them and my phone all at the same time in a couple of hours. One thing I do at the end of every trip is to take everything out and figure out what I didn't use at all on the trip. I also look at each item to see if there's something I can replace an item with that might be lighter or perhaps one item that can serve as a dual purpose to replace 2 or more items and to remove more weight and bulk, although I'll admit looking at my list, I haven't done a good job of that lately. I weigh everything on a kitchen scale. Call me a weight weenie if you like, but every ounce (or grams) you carry equate to what you have to lug up those hills. I'm not doing it to be faster, I'm doing it to make climbing easier. Weighing everything helps me to put a "weight cost" on everything I'm bringing. Most of the time, I already have a lighter alternative to an item in my household stuff. Lighterpack is a website that was designed for hikers to figure all this out, but I use it for my bike packing/touring gear. It's free to use.
Not shown, but I use a lens cap tether. It is an adhesive small piece stuck to he lens cap, and secured around the lens with a small leash. I had broken it during the trip, which was rare as Ive used it for many trips.
Thanks Joe! This was great! Certainly gave me a few ideas for my own kit. How are you washing your clothes when you get to camp? Doc Bronners? Something else?? How do you go about it?
I use Camp Suds (I love CS as you can use it to clean dishes, clothes and in the shower). Right after I set up my tent, I hit a shower (if available) get into clean clothes and wash the clothes I was wearing (in sink/shower/etc)
I live along the Erie Canal Trail and have done day-trips up and down the thing for years. I'd be interested in seeing your Guide Book, is there any chance of getting a PDF?
The guide book as a pdf is laid out for booklet printing, and as such isn't a good pdf for viewing in terms of page order. I can mail you a hard copy for like $5 if you'd like
@its-bananas I've used all Revelate frame bags for my hardtail mtn bike on the GDMBR at touring pace, and other off-road tours. It is a lighter system BUT, stuffing the bags with gear, food, supplies, and water into the many nooks and crannies is a pain. It also carries the weight up higher on handlebars and seat pack with items strapped everywhere. What regular old school bike touring people (like me) did not realize is that racers on the Tour Divide have no tent, cross the Great Basin in WY (135 miles) with two bike bottles and three Cliff Bars in about 12 hours. They throw a rain jacket on the ground, sleeping bag, eat a bar, and nap three hours. I found water and gear carry too difficult with just frame bags. Interesting fact, this year most of the racers on the Tour Divide used a rear rack system by Tailfin, some with panniers. I returned to racks and panniers front and rear because it is easy, carries more food and water, (even though my base pack weight is 18 pounds) panniers distribute weight better, and carry that weight lower for a better center of gravity. I've been using racks and panniers since 1982 (old fart). Today I use Revelate designs Nano Pannier, with Tumbleweed racks front and rear. It is a very light weight pannier system, almost the same weight as frame bags, small in size, and just enough space to pack for any trip across the U.S. or EU. Happy trails ☮
I go both ways...and see the advantages of both (as well as their disadvantages). I own 2 bikes...one has farme bags, the other has rack/panniers. (personal editorial) **Rack and Panniers Advantages (cost per liter, simplicity, universal) **Rack and Panniers Disadvantages (weight of rack, mechanically fasteners rack/panniers, people tend to over pack) **Frame Bags Advantages (no mechanical fasteners/rack, weight on centerline of bike, forces minimalist decisions) **Frame Bags Disadvantages (cost per liter, forces minimalist decisions, stuff hanging and dangling all over the place)
@@718Outdoors I agree, and feel that frame bags are great for shorter or rougher off-road trips on a Hardtail Mtn Bike (front shocks) if water carry does not force you to carry a Camelbak 50 miles to a dry camp. My bike nerdiness, I weighed the difference between between my two small Tumbleweed racks with my two sets of Revelate Nano Panniers for front/rear carry and then weighed all my Revelate frame bags; the difference is 1.5 pounds. The Nano Panniers use velcro attachments to rack at top, and I modified them to attach at the bottom with a 4" piece of velcro. Very solid, no bounce, always check rack bolts every week. Perfect size, the four Nano Panniers have a total capacity of 40L (10L each bag) which is very much like a backpack volume for through hikers, but with additional space for tent/bags/water if needed on top of the rack which is secure. The Nanos are limiting against overpacking, and yet overpacking is sort of a "pack your fears" issue. I'm very lucky that I can afford to own two separate bike touring systems, old school racks/panniers on a full rigid drop bar mtn bike; and a nifty hardtail mtn bike with frame bags. As an old tradesman, "right tool for the job" sort of applies. Great videos, and thoughts on your Instagram, You are providing an excellent service while promoting cycle touring, and you're having fun. thank you! ☮
Awesome idea Joe, good info and also interesting to see the kind of gear you bring.
Thanks buddy...when are we gonna get you on another trip...we need some firewood cut!
Great series! The "two of each" clothing system is how I've packed since 1982. Add a puffy and rain jacket, baseball hat, ski cap, you're set. I've found wool long sleeves too hot when it's 90deg at 5,000 feet and up where the sun is strong out west. Patagonia long sleeve Cool T shirt blocks the UV at altitude, breathes well, dries fast, durable. And Patagonia polyester Landfarer bike shorts are stretchy, breathe great, wash-dry fast; worn commando they dry when you stop for a break which keeps everything down there dry, cool, and comfy on a Brooks B-17. ☮
Thanks for the tips....there's always more to learn!
Great video. So many things I did not think I need but now think I do! 🙂
Glad it was helpful!
Great video thank you!
Thank you...I'm glad you liked it...episode 2 coming next week (I hope)
The banner and guide book are beyond awesome and a really cool idea. Thanks for sharing. I'm new to bikepacking but have been backpacking for 10yrs. Gonna let the bike carry the weight hahahha
Thanks for the kind note!
Great idea for a series! And nice job walking through your rationale for bringing each item, which gives a lot of insight into your style of trips. And A+ for including your furry mechanic buddy : ) I've got to know - where was that lush green backyard? Back of your store in Brooklyn???
I live near the shop, that's my backyard
Thanks so much for sharing. The love and respect you show for your four legged friend already makes it worth sharing. I kept this vid as bookmark. Pokie is sixteen years old as you said. You did an amazing "job". Keep'm coming! Again...great vid! From Holland, Jan
...and we have a 17 year old dog named Brownie that chose not to be filmed! Your comment made my day!
...as a footnote, my wonderful Pokie passed away on July 17th. This was the last video we have of her, so its extra special
Great video, Joe! Prepping for the micro trip on Monday and this is really helpful. We can nerd out on gear when we meet. I have been using Rapid Straps for all my cameras for 10+ years and think they are the best. Also love my Quad Lock for my phone on the bike. So many other great ideas / products on your video... If I start riding more, I plan to use all this great advice.
Glad it was helpful!
Absolutely, I think about it often. This Sunday I’m heading up to the Maine coast to do a week long, kayak camping trip. But a group bike tour always has appeal.
Btw, you are the master when it comes to fire building, my friend!
I'm going to put that on my resume
Maybe in future episodes you can differentiate between things you'd bring on a solo tour (if you do those!) vs things that you bring primarily because you're leading a group tour.
Also interested to know whether you still use your PedalCell (RIP) or what your thinking is on power management these days.
Power is now being handled by a SON28 Dynamo hub, routed to a Beacon Sinewave light (with USB out for charging). Still a fan of my Pedalcell, but it was time to move on (RIP).
The only difference in a long tour vs a micro-tour for me is clothing quantity...with me, everything else (tools, first aid, water, etc) remains the same. On our week long tours, I just take 2 of each piece of clothing (and wash/dry stuff every night when I arrive at camp).
Thank you, this was very helpful and useful! What about a sleeping mattress - did I miss that, or don't you use one?
I do....I use a Big Agnes one ( I think the model is now called the "divide"...used to be the "Air Core"?)...I roll it up like a burrito along with my pillow inside my sleeping bag...planning on doing more detailed vids shortly
@@718Outdoors Thanks! Rolling up these items into one roll really seems to be a good idea. I've had problems with the individual items taking up too much space.
Great video Joe! Do you try to keep the weight of your panniers roughly equal?
Yes...I try (I have a weigh-in before each trip)...but that meticulous balance always falls apart by day 2 or 3 of a trip!
Do you worry about the lens cap? I didn't see a tether. My wife just keeps a cheap filter on all the time. If it gets scratched she just gets another one. I just use a DJI action camera for video and still pictures. It does OK and it's simple to operate. I have it set up to one button press wake up, snap a picture, then go back to sleep.
I like the Club Ride stuff too. They are one of the few cycling clothing manufacturers that have sizes for larger people.
I'm more of a bikepacking bag type, so I have to be very selective on what I take. I also make my own frame bags and that's where the tools / food / cooking stuff live during the trip. The bottles move to my handlebars in feedbags.
I bring cheap flip flops for post-ride footwear. I'm interested in your shoes though. I like the idea of keeping rocks and debris out of my toes.
It's quicker to rapid charge 4 battery packs simultaneously (if your charger/batteries can support it) vs. charging one big battery. I have a few 10kAh battery packs and a charger that can charge 2 of them and my phone all at the same time in a couple of hours.
One thing I do at the end of every trip is to take everything out and figure out what I didn't use at all on the trip. I also look at each item to see if there's something I can replace an item with that might be lighter or perhaps one item that can serve as a dual purpose to replace 2 or more items and to remove more weight and bulk, although I'll admit looking at my list, I haven't done a good job of that lately.
I weigh everything on a kitchen scale. Call me a weight weenie if you like, but every ounce (or grams) you carry equate to what you have to lug up those hills. I'm not doing it to be faster, I'm doing it to make climbing easier. Weighing everything helps me to put a "weight cost" on everything I'm bringing. Most of the time, I already have a lighter alternative to an item in my household stuff. Lighterpack is a website that was designed for hikers to figure all this out, but I use it for my bike packing/touring gear. It's free to use.
Not shown, but I use a lens cap tether. It is an adhesive small piece stuck to he lens cap, and secured around the lens with a small leash. I had broken it during the trip, which was rare as Ive used it for many trips.
@@718Outdoors Circling back - I picked up a pair of water shoes like you show here and they worked out great. They are now on my bikepacking list.
Thanks Joe! This was great! Certainly gave me a few ideas for my own kit. How are you washing your clothes when you get to camp? Doc Bronners? Something else?? How do you go about it?
I use Camp Suds (I love CS as you can use it to clean dishes, clothes and in the shower). Right after I set up my tent, I hit a shower (if available) get into clean clothes and wash the clothes I was wearing (in sink/shower/etc)
I live along the Erie Canal Trail and have done day-trips up and down the thing for years. I'd be interested in seeing your Guide Book, is there any chance of getting a PDF?
The guide book as a pdf is laid out for booklet printing, and as such isn't a good pdf for viewing in terms of page order. I can mail you a hard copy for like $5 if you'd like
This was really informative! What is your opinion on full frame bags vs a set of panniers?
@its-bananas I've used all Revelate frame bags for my hardtail mtn bike on the GDMBR at touring pace, and other off-road tours. It is a lighter system BUT, stuffing the bags with gear, food, supplies, and water into the many nooks and crannies is a pain. It also carries the weight up higher on handlebars and seat pack with items strapped everywhere. What regular old school bike touring people (like me) did not realize is that racers on the Tour Divide have no tent, cross the Great Basin in WY (135 miles) with two bike bottles and three Cliff Bars in about 12 hours. They throw a rain jacket on the ground, sleeping bag, eat a bar, and nap three hours. I found water and gear carry too difficult with just frame bags. Interesting fact, this year most of the racers on the Tour Divide used a rear rack system by Tailfin, some with panniers. I returned to racks and panniers front and rear because it is easy, carries more food and water, (even though my base pack weight is 18 pounds) panniers distribute weight better, and carry that weight lower for a better center of gravity. I've been using racks and panniers since 1982 (old fart). Today I use Revelate designs Nano Pannier, with Tumbleweed racks front and rear. It is a very light weight pannier system, almost the same weight as frame bags, small in size, and just enough space to pack for any trip across the U.S. or EU. Happy trails ☮
I go both ways...and see the advantages of both (as well as their disadvantages). I own 2 bikes...one has farme bags, the other has rack/panniers.
(personal editorial)
**Rack and Panniers Advantages (cost per liter, simplicity, universal)
**Rack and Panniers Disadvantages (weight of rack, mechanically fasteners rack/panniers, people tend to over pack)
**Frame Bags Advantages (no mechanical fasteners/rack, weight on centerline of bike, forces minimalist decisions)
**Frame Bags Disadvantages (cost per liter, forces minimalist decisions, stuff hanging and dangling all over the place)
@@718Outdoors I agree, and feel that frame bags are great for shorter or rougher off-road trips on a Hardtail Mtn Bike (front shocks) if water carry does not force you to carry a Camelbak 50 miles to a dry camp. My bike nerdiness, I weighed the difference between between my two small Tumbleweed racks with my two sets of Revelate Nano Panniers for front/rear carry and then weighed all my Revelate frame bags; the difference is 1.5 pounds. The Nano Panniers use velcro attachments to rack at top, and I modified them to attach at the bottom with a 4" piece of velcro. Very solid, no bounce, always check rack bolts every week. Perfect size, the four Nano Panniers have a total capacity of 40L (10L each bag) which is very much like a backpack volume for through hikers, but with additional space for tent/bags/water if needed on top of the rack which is secure. The Nanos are limiting against overpacking, and yet overpacking is sort of a "pack your fears" issue. I'm very lucky that I can afford to own two separate bike touring systems, old school racks/panniers on a full rigid drop bar mtn bike; and a nifty hardtail mtn bike with frame bags. As an old tradesman, "right tool for the job" sort of applies. Great videos, and thoughts on your Instagram, You are providing an excellent service while promoting cycle touring, and you're having fun. thank you! ☮
Thanks for the kind words
(camera sling)...."Total Dork Dad Grand Canyon looking stuff" 😂😂😂😂🎉🎉
#owningit
@@718Outdoors That's why I subscribed, brother! 😀👍