Get Ready for Bike Touring Trips

Tour de Glacier

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Most trip operators will provide you with excellent gear lists tailored to the climate and terrain through which you will be biking. Use these lists. Make sure that either you have everything you need, or that the tour operator will provide it as part of the package, or on a rental basis.

Rather than list material here that you might not need, or omit essential items, here are a few general pointers.

• No matter what anyone says or does, bring a helmet and WEAR IT.
• Wrinkle-free clothing is a smart bet. Jeans are heavy, hot, and slow to dry; bring khakis.
• Camp towels never leave you feeling dry, but they are light, compact, easily cleaned, and fast-drying.
• When it rains, you will get wet. No matter what. Still, it's wise to bring a good jacket or rain cape. Unless you will be in cold, wet climates, rain pants are probably overkill.
• If you have cycling shoes with cleats that you can't live without, don't forget to bring your pedals too!
• If there is any equipment that the trip operator will be providing that might not be up to your standards (bikes, pumps, panniers, camping tools, etc.), bring your own.
• If you are traveling overseas and planning on bringing your laptop, digital camera, cell phone, or other electrical equipment, bring the right plug adapters and converters.
• Finally, the biggest hint while packing: If you're not sure you will need something, leave it at home. If you do end up really needing it that much, you can buy it on the road.