Not a 'best of' list. The exact gear I take on every multi-day ride, what I stopped carrying, and the three things I wish I'd bought earlier.
Every rider I know over-packs the first long trip and under-packs the second. Here's where I've landed after a few thousand kilometres of trial and (mostly) error.
On the body
- · ABS-certified full-face helmet with a Pinlock anti-fog insert.
- · Mesh riding jacket with CE level-2 armour. Add a thermal liner for the Himalayas.
- · Knee guards under riding pants. Not over.
- · Short cuff summer gloves + long cuff winter gloves. Both, always.
- · Waterproof riding boots above the ankle. No exceptions.
On the bike
- · Tank bag with map sleeve — phone goes here, not on the bars.
- · 50L tail bag, dry-bag style. Roll closure, not zip.
- · Tubeless puncture kit + 12V mini compressor.
- · Two bungee cords. Always two.
What I'd do differently
- Buy the helmet you'd want in a crash, not the one that matches the bike.
- Cheap luggage will fail at the worst moment. Pay once.
- Earplugs. Seriously. Every ride over 200 km.
