Bikepacking Gear List for My 2,700 Mile Ride From Canada Down to Mexico - GDMBR

[@chromebook2724]

Good luck with your ride, i rode it last year, the only thing i wish i had was a warmer sleeping bag, i thought saving 1/2 a pound in weight was a good idea at the time! it gets cold at night and i had frost at stunner campground at the end of june. the best advice i read pre trip was to take Merino underwear for the inevitable saddle sores. i think my padded liner caused mine. i wore padded for a couple of weeks then switched to merino boxers.

[@matryderadventures]

Interesting. I was thinking of getting a warmer quilt. I will now. I'd prefer to ride without liners but am a bit worried about going without them. I'll try some test rides with just the merino boxers. Thanks for the advice.

[@Bikepacking]

Tip wash quilt and add 4 tennis ball in the dryer use gear aid wash it look like in new and loaf up

[@matryderadventures]

I'll give it a try. Thanks. It's had a lot of use, but it would be nice to keep it alive for a while longer.

[@Bikepacking]

@@matryderadventures and saves money on buying a new one just remember low pillow heat to dry it with the tennis ball should take 3 hours

[@jesse.moore0554]

Hi Mat, Good luck with the trip. I did it in 2017. Divides can get addictive : Nz, UK & Iceland. I’m doing a bit of the U.S. Divide again this year too. I live between Bath and Wells if you fancy a beer at some point. I wouldn’t worry too much about gear choice. You will have a blast! I’m in Banff on 22-24 June. Cheers Paul (this is my son’s account)

[@matryderadventures]

Hi Paul. I'll look into those other divides. I'm pretty sure I'm going to do more. I was in Iceland last month. It must have been amazing doing the divide there. I'm definitely up for a beer at some point. I can pick your brains about the GDMBR 👍.

[@juliethrower1185]

Wow there is lots going on with that bike of yours, love it, lots of pockets. Advice:- DO NOT GO! But if you still are then you need to pack - Deep heat, freeze spray, hand warmers, baby wipes and hip flask. As for bear proof bag, if he's that close you are going to die and he will root through your bags for goodies anyway 😉. Lovely to see you are dressing up for the occasion. All you need is a GB flag attached to that tiny seat to waggle above your head😊 have fun.

[@matryderadventures]

Ok. The hip flask is a good idea. You know I don't do baby wipes!!!

[@thewelshwolverine9093]

Awesome, look forward to following you on this amazing trip

[@matryderadventures]

👍👍👍 The world champion is following me 👍👍👍

[@vickaiser]

Great setup. Look forward to following you.

[@matryderadventures]

Thanks 👍👍👍. Less than 5 months to go. I can't wait to get started.

[@kevindean9613]

I make sure all electrical stuff is kept in a 100% water proof bag .

[@matryderadventures]

Thanks for the advice. Good point. The top tube bag isn't waterproof at all so I might get a small dry bag or even a ziplock bag to go in it.

[@jasonwills6694]

I look forward to your journey. Keep an eye on those small rubber pieces at the skewers on that Tailfin. If i am removing or installing and fumble around much I have knocked them off. Great rack setup.

[@matryderadventures]

Thanks. I've just had a look and can see the bits you mean. I'll be careful. Thanks for the tip.

[@mtforger]

Hello Mat - Excellent ride series, in fact, I'm watching the GDMBR series now for the second time around. :) and looking forward to your trip this year. I probably looked right over this detail about your bike, but what water bottle cages are you (did you) use on the GDMBR? I believe a follower suggested them to you but I just can't put my hands on that info! (Something to do with age, likely :)) I like the idea of not having to use Voile straps (as I do now) on my front fork tube cages. Thanks, Mike

[@matryderadventures]

Hi Mike. You're a hardcore subscriber if your watching for the second time. It's appreciated. The bottle cages are Velo Orange Mojave. They fit the large Clean Kanteens's and Nalgene bottles I believe. Cheers and thanks for the support 👍

[@mtforger]

@@matryderadventures Thanks for that Mat - appreciate the response. Adding to build :). Take care, and good luck on your future plans!

[@bikepackingadventure7913]

A few suggestions. Take at least two inner tubes but buy the tubilito type ones rather than the rubber to save a lot of space and weight. Have you got a repair kit for side wall tears such as heavy duty waxed thread (or dental floss) a curved needle used for leather work. Tyre boots only work for so long and a more permanent fix of the tyre wall is a good backup to have. I presume your taking spare nuts and bolts, cleats and bolts if your using that system, brake pads, spokes, tyre valves if your tubeless etc. I agree with taking 10,000 batteries rather than one big capacity one. I’ve had batteries fail and glad I’ve taken spares. Also a few spare cables as cables can also stop working. I would also consider upgrading your battery’s and charger to fast charger usb C systems as when you stop at a cafe etc, it will take half the time to charge your batteries. A dynamo is only so good at keeping your systems topped up. Also how are drinking water on the go? Do you need to keep on stopping to get your water out or are you using a hydration bladder with tube? On my front right fork I have a standard bottle cage and put a 900 ml elite bottle in as I can easily remove it on the go without having to remove straps. Extra water bottles are harder to get to on my bike. This allows constant as needed drinking on the go. Wrap electrical tape and gaffa tape around your pump, useful for repairs. Tenacious tape is good for repairs of gear and I presume you have dyneema repair patches for your tent. Also spare pegs as these can be used as splints with gaffa tape and zip ties if your tent pole was to snap. My six moon designs carbon pole snapped on me at 3am in strong wind and rain and I was glad I had this extra repair kit to make the repairs on the go. All the best

[@matryderadventures]

Thanks for the suggestions. I'll likely change to 2 X 10aH batteries. There's definitely a consensus building. Luckily, the one I have is a fast charge PD one and I already have the corresponding wall charger. I wasn't planning on using a water bladder, I've tried them and they don't work for me. I' I think your suggestion to keep a 900ml bottle on the right front fork in a standard bottle cage is the way to go. Thanks. I'll be putting together a comprehensive repair kit over the next month or so. I'll definitely take all the suggestions into account. The bike specific repair kit is where your advice really helps. Cheers and thanks again 👍

[@JeffRevell]

Brooks saddles are okay but they take anywhere from 300 to 500 miles to properly break in. So if you have time for that then it's a decent choice. That being said, it's not a mountain bike saddle and you aren't going to be riding a lot of roads. A little more padding can go a long way when you are riding singletrack even if you do have a little bit of seat post suspension. I like the WTB Pure CroMoly. Biggest advice is, don't make any large changes right before a long ride. It takes time to shake out new gear. Enjoy the ride. Oh, and you might want to get a decent length of paracord for tieing up that bag if needed and some zip ties. They can be indispensible. Cheers.

[@matryderadventures]

Thanks for commenting. I'll definitely be getting a lot of riding in before the trail so the saddle should be broken in by the time I go. I'm hoping to have everything dialed in before I set off. I have zip ties but hadn't thought of paracord. I'll make sure to take some. I'll also look into the WTB Pure CroMoly. Cheers 👍

[@tonypaddler]

To help rejuvenate your down quilt you can tumble dry it on a low heat setting for half an hour, putting two or three tennis balls in with it to help fluff it up. Good luck with your trip 👍

[@matryderadventures]

Cheers Tony. I'll give it a try 👍

[@druhol6753]

I’m new to biking in general. I plan to do primarily bike touring on trails like the c&o and gap trails. I have very little interest in road biking due to cars so I plan on sticking primarily with rail trails and tow paths. However in south jersey all the trails are quite sandy and need some grip. All this leads to my question - if you were to just have one bike to tackle these tasks, would you lean more towards your Sonder or your Kona sutra?

[@matryderadventures]

Tough question. I think I'd go with the Sonder. The Kona with 2" tyres would definitely do the job but I love the Sonder.

[@druhol6753]

@@matryderadventures I do love the industrial look of that titanium frame. And all things considered, the price is good for the options

[@davehoover8853]

Nice trip planning and great to see you using so much gear from your thru hike. I would replace your Base layers with merino wool. Do you need both pads under your quilt? Why not just use your airpad? You must sleep warm, I would be looking for a new quilt! Best of luck to you.

[@matryderadventures]

Thanks for commenting. I think I'll switch to merino for the base layers. It looks like the way to go. I'll drop the thin sleeping pad. I think, being able to load up the bike I'm going a bit overboard. I'll rein it in!! I've bought a new quilt. My Thermarest lasted well but I've gone with an Enlightened Equipment Revelation.

[@marks6041]

Hi Matt - Like you I'm using the Tailfin Aeropack (with their carbon rack & rear pannier mounts as well). I'm curious whether the Tailfin rear panniers you're using are the 10 Liter size? They look wider and larger than the pair I purchased so I was wondering if perhaps Tailfin offers a size somewhere between 10L & 22L over there in the UK? Here in the states those seem to be the only choices. Thank you & best of luck on your GDMBR adventure! Kind regards, Mark in Cary, NC.

[@matryderadventures]

I just checked and mine are the 10 litre ones. Maybe the camera makes them look bigger. Thanks for following 👍

[@oregoniangal]

For your front handlebar bag, that holds all your camera equipment....I've always thought a front bag that opened from the back would be more ideal than the way yours is set up, where the mouth opens from the front, almost like you have to be off the bike standing in front of it to access the items in the bag. Wouldn't it be nice to be able to access the items in the bag from sitting atop your bike seat whilst pedaling? Curious as to your thoughts on that. Second question, did you run into any problems with your items in your front bag getting wet on trail from being in that bag?

[@matryderadventures]

That's exactly what I thought. I have a rando bag (Outer Shell 137) in a basket on my Sonder now. It opens from the back. It's so much easier for exactly the reasons you say. I had no issues with water getting into the Swift bag. They don't claim that it's water proof but it keeps the rain out. Cheers 👍

[@utubeape]

That really is travelling light. I am so jealous of your tent. I would keep the DEET and sun cream in the side pockets in case you have a crash and they get punctured, so you dont risk your electronic equipment. How about another microfibre towel in case you are wet when you have to setup your tent and sleep, you can always stuff an extra towel somewhere, they weigh nothing I am sure you know what you are doing but I would rather have a gun than a bottle of bear spray

[@matryderadventures]

The tent is really good. It's a bit fragile but fine if you're careful with it. I'm surprised I don't see it used more on bike packing. Good idea about keeping Deet and suncream separate. That's a lesson I could have learned the hard way. I'll.throw in another towel too. I'll stick with the bear spray. I'd just end up shooting myself in the foot or something if I had a gun.

[@travelswithted]

Hey Mat. Can you talk about your camera equipment and which bike computer you used and what was your information source for the trail? Thanks

[@matryderadventures]

I'll add it into the next video. Thanks KS for the suggestion. Cheers 👍

[@Timberbeartrail]

I like that set up on the back and that’s the quality you get when you spend a lot of money on something like that that is definitely a good quality rig convenient and I’m sure by the end of your ride you’re going to be very happy you spent that kind of money I don’t know how much it cost and I haven’t got that far in the video

[@matryderadventures]

I've used it a few times now. It can transfer to my other bike too which halves the cost (kind of!!). It's such a nice solution. Panniers just work! Thanks for commenting 👍

[@janeg1685]

Like the bike Mat - just the kiddy, good luck

[@matryderadventures]

Cheers 👍👍

[@Bikepacking]

Tip 3 get a pump with a hose i use a small pump with no hose ended up damaging my tubeless valves in a sir lanky trip and didnt have spare

[@matryderadventures]

That little pump has a retractable hose which should help. I was thinking of getting one with a pressure gauge so will make sure it has a hose. Cheers.

[@raymarks7430]

hi Mat! I noticed you used the alloy Tailfin. Did you consider the carbon one?

[@matryderadventures]

Hi Ray. The alloy one is stronger and not much lighter. Even if they were the same price I would stick with the alloy version. Additionally, the alloy one has bottle cage mounts and the carbon version doesn't (or didn't when I bought mine). I talked about it in this video. kzbin.info/www/bejne/lZLPn4Wdj7ymn5Isi=eU7MDXqI2rZmhmnT

[@raymarks7430]

@@matryderadventures thanks Mat! I watched the other video, thanks for the link. When are you starting your transamerica ride? I’ll start GDMBR June 25 -)

[@matryderadventures]

I start on July 22nd. Good luck with the GDMBR. You'll love it. Cheers 👍

[@reinhartbigl367]

I bought an Ursack for my Tuktoyaktuk to Victoria ride in 2022....never used it so it will probably stay home when I do the GDMBR in August

[@matryderadventures]

I'm bringing mine. If nothing else it's an easy way to keep the food together in one place. Good luck on the GDMBR.

[@reinhartbigl367]

You too! Cheers! 🚴‍♀️🍻

[@trailhuntercy4433]

JUST SUBSCRIBED BROTHER!!!Now this is a fanatstic video dude!!!Keep it up!!!👍👍👍👍👍👍

[@matryderadventures]

Thanks for the feedback 👍👍 I'm glad you like it. I thought it might be a bit boring 🤣

[@gordonmculloch4904]

Fantastic set up. I think you’ve got it covered. You could, if you wanted, wear a Marino wool undergarment under your shirt. The only thing I would recommend is a light-weight pair of Teva Hurricane Drift plastic sandals, which you could wear with a (optional) pair of Sealskinz socks. You can change into them when it rains to save your bike shoes from getting saturated. They are also comfortable to slip on once you’ve completed your days ride. 👍

[@matryderadventures]

Excellent suggestion.regaeding the sandals. I'll definitely do that. I'll also look into the merino wool undergarment. I keep hearing good things about merino wool. Cheers 👍

[@gordonmculloch4904]

Ps. For a little bit of extra warmth with very little weight; a silk sleeping bag liner helps. It can also be used on its own for those warmer nights. Cheers 👍

[@matryderadventures]

I'll look into that too. Thanks for the suggestions. This is exactly the kind of information I'm after 👍

[@HubertJ1909]

Hello, I found your channel and I am enjoying it. Will you be going tubeless ahead of your big trip? I have heard one often has to carry more tyre maintenance equipment than one does with an inner tube? I haven't toured in a while but I think I would always prefer to keep things simple with a tube. Also, remember the bears are always more scared of you than you are of them, that is of course as long as you are utterly fearless, otherwise, maybe not. I will follow along with interest.

[@matryderadventures]

🤣🤣 I love the bear comment!!! I'm planning on going tubeless. I understand pinch flats are a big problem. Saying that, I'm also going to take spare tubes. I've ordered a Tubolito light weight tube. You may be right about inner tubes being better. Somebody has suggested I use sealant inside an inner tube. I need to research that too. There's lots to consider. Thanks for commenting 👍

[@JeffRevell]

@@matryderadventures Schwalbe has some super light inner tubes that they just recently released that are super light and very compact. I wouldn't use the Slime tubes. They are really heavy. A CO2 inflator and some additional sealant is helpful. Look into Orange Seal Endurance Tire Sealant. It is one of the best sealants out there.

[@matryderadventures]

I've picked up a Tubolito light weight tube. It's meant to be good. I'll have a look at the Schwalbe ones too. Thanks for the sealant recommendation. There are a lot to choose from but I'll take your advice. Thanks.

[@PaulAdamson-t1d]

Hi Mat, just watched your GDMBR videos and like many people thoroughly enjoyed them. I am preparing for the Tour Aotearoa and your bike & kit reviews are really useful. I like the tailfin AeroPack set-up you have but was wondering why you chose this over their alloy rack, which is almost the same but bag and rack can be separated. Thanks in advance

[@matryderadventures]

Hi. I'm glad you enjoyed the videos. I've been looking at the Tour Aotearoa today funnily enough. It looks incredible. Can I ask when you're considering starting? I chose the Aeropack as I don't see why I'd ever take the bag off the rack. At that point I'd take the whole rack/bag combo off. It's such a quick and easy process. Also, I think the Aeropack is substantially cheaper. I am seriously impressed with it. It's rock solid and extremely well made. Hope that helps. Fire away with any more questions. Cheers 👍

[@PaulAdamson-rc9ij]

Hi Mat, thanks for the reply, do you mind giving out your email address?

[@samuraioodon]

​@@matryderadventureshi I was considering this but have seen a few reviews with the top bag being too far under saddle making it awkward and difficult to close the bag and not about to utilize full capacity. Maybe it's for smaller bikes?

[@matryderadventures]

That is an issue. You can buy an extender which sets the bag further from the seatpost which helps but it's still a little awkward closing the bag. I quickly found a good technique and it didn't bother me.

[@samuraioodon]

@@matryderadventures ya I read even with extender it didn't help others, I'm not sure I want to spend that much and find it it doesn't work. The convenience of tailfin is remarkable. But now I'm looking at the tumbleweed and attaching mini panniers 😊 if you ever come back to the States, would love to join you!

[@MichaelFinlay-x3x]

Hi Mat. Did you use the bike lock and how did it work out? What is the brand? I've watched your entire series on the GDMBR and enjoyed every moment, beautiful filming and exceptional insights. I will definitely be doing the Route. Amusingly, it turns out I was flying into Gatwick with my bike as you were flying out!

[@matryderadventures]

That is a coincidence...I used the Ottolock Hexband. It broke after the first couple of uses. They have sent me a new one so the customer service is good, but I can't recommend it based on the first one. It's a shame but you might as well go with a cheaper one. Glad you enjoyed the videos. You'll love it. Cheers 👍

[@chromebook2724]

Banff is very smokey now, the smoke from Alberta's wildfires is blowing all over the place. Nobo is always an option if you have a flexible schedule.

[@matryderadventures]

I've booked the flight already. Hopefully things will have calmed down a bit by the time I go. I'll have to play it by ear. Thanks for the heads up 👍

[@juliezuzi]

I used an Urbag on the AT and I learned from a fellow hiker to use it with a smellproof liner bag. Unfortunately the sealing closer of that liner bag used to break now and then.

[@matryderadventures]

I might try that. I've seen people use the smell proof liners with hanging bear bags but didn't think to use one with the Ursak. It sounds like I'll need to take some spares! Thanks for the tip.

[@juliezuzi]

@@matryderadventures by the way this is Giggles 😄

[@matryderadventures]

@@juliezuzi Yay!! Giggles. I thought it might be you but wasn't sure 👍

[@Bikepacking]

Tip one replace 20,000 Mha batteries with 2 x 10,000 batteries advantage if one fails you still have one back up plus check how long it takes to charge that 20,000 i bet min 6 hours compare with 2 10000 only takes 3 hours

[@matryderadventures]

Thanks for the tip. I'll definitely switch the powerbank out for 2 X 10 Mha ones. I hadn't thought of that. Cheers. By the way, I've watched some of your video's over the past few months and really enjoyed them 👍

[@Bikepacking]

@@matryderadventures thanks my new setup is 10 years of what i learned on how to pack better .. being a gear junkie it hard to be 100% perfect but this new setup just finished is 99% hard for m even to say wife happy as i wont be buying more gear … lol ps if you need any advice just ask .. it save you time and money but looks like you got some really good quality gear .. except the zpack dry bags there not dry bags as advertise had 10 of them

[@matryderadventures]

I'll be looking through your videos again!! Thanks. I guess in 10 years I'll be able to stop buying new gear!! I agree with you about the Zpacks dry bags. They're not quite waterproof. The ZPacks Archaul backpack is though. I might not even need dry bags as the Tailfin panniers are waterproof. I'll test them first. Thanks again for all the tips.

[@Bikepacking]

@@matryderadventures dont watch my videos they out of date if have any question on setups just ask me on facebook

[@matryderadventures]

@@Bikepacking I will. Cheers 👍

[@welshbikepackingadventures]

great setup!

[@matryderadventures]

Thanks. I'll have a look at your channel when I get home. See what yours is like.

[@Bikepacking]

Interesting setup i am sure you change everything on how and where you pack

[@matryderadventures]

Probably true. I'll refine things when I go for test rides. I enjoy the process of learning the best way to pack.

[@Bikepacking]

@@matryderadventures yeah i call it trail and error lol do you play guitar

[@matryderadventures]

I do play guitar 🎸. How could you tell?

[@Bikepacking]

@@matryderadventures i added you on Facebook so if you need tips just ask

[@matryderadventures]

I'm not in Facebook yet (amazingly). I need to create an account. You must have added a different Mat Ryder who plays guitar. What a coincidence.

[@parduez]

You got a helmet Bro. You are no longer the worst. 😆

[@matryderadventures]

I'm so relieved Bro. That was quite a responsibility.

[@Bikepacking]

Look at infinity bike seat no break in no padded shorts no chaff cream just pure comfort day one

[@matryderadventures]

I'll look now. Cheers.

[@Bikepacking]

@@matryderadventures you get heart attack th price lol but i think this discount code Bikepack at check out still works the seat model is E1X

[@arcoulant87]

Spot tracker for safety and the other half can see where you are ,download route to phone as back up ,enjoy the ride.

[@matryderadventures]

I was thinking about getting a spot tracker. I think I will. Good idea to have a backup route on the phone 👍

[@PLuKE06]

The best thing is to get the saddle level, or 2 degrees nose down, as you are now, will put more weight on your upper-body to “stabilise” yourself.

[@matryderadventures]

Excellent. That's the kind of information I need. Thanks 👍

[@PLuKE06]

@@matryderadventures I forgot to add, having a bend in the knee, around 25 degrees at the bottom of the pedal stroke also helps with a good pedal stroke, but also helps over extending the knee and muscles, and again less stress on the saddle area. See you pool side!

[@matryderadventures]

@@PLuKE06 Interesting. I think I currently have a greater angle. I'll take your advice and go with 25 degrees. I'm starting to wonder whether I should arrange for a bike fit.

[@PLuKE06]

@@matryderadventures check out this video, kzbin.info/www/bejne/fXunlol6ar6HpZI You can mostly do the fit yourself, with knee angle you can buy a cheap goniometer.

[@matryderadventures]

@@PLuKE06 Watching it now 👍. I can't wait to get over there and get started.

[@ucanskixc568]

You have room to tape inner tubes, at the bottom bracket, underneath your frame bag and behind your seat post. Use nice wide 2 inch Gorilla tape. I would have far warmer mitts and I might have missed you mentioning having a toque that should be able to fit underneath your helmet. We always wear a buff hot or cold, under our helmet in case of ticks. We wear a long lightweight sun shirt the vast majority of the time. We also carry mosquito netting both for face and body as it is not very heavy and takes up little room. Of course as seniors we stop lots and enjoy ourselves and so need more 'stuff., lol. Fun for us is the key not distance and speed.

[@matryderadventures]

Great tip with regards the inner tubes. I've bought a Tubolito light weight tube and will definitely tape it to the frame. I'll be taking a buff. I also use it as a pillow case. I'm planning to ride in a light weight long sleeved hiking shirt to protect me from the sun. I'll take your advice and look into warmer mitts. thanks again 👍

[@ucanskixc568]

@@matryderadventures One thing you will not likely need is a couple of heavy duty construction thick garbage bags to float your equipment. Our fatbikes will float if needed. Beaver in the prairies block all kinds of trails and a lot of times there is no room to go around. Just saying. :)

[@matryderadventures]

@@ucanskixc568 😳 I think you might be joking but if not 😳😳😳.

[@ucanskixc568]

@@matryderadventures Nope not joking. The prairies and beaver are a pain sometimes. You could end up making several hours in detour riding to avoid flooded beaver trails! Grr. And fatbikes with 4.5 inch and larger tires will float.

[@matryderadventures]

@@ucanskixc568 I'll take the garbage bags then!! Thanks for the tip 👍. I'm almost hoping I'll have to use them. Should be interesting.

[@bikenergy6688]

Good video, good luck in your adventure, we might see each other if our dates coincide, I'll start in Jasper on 7/14

[@matryderadventures]

That would be good. I'll be sorting out flights next week so will have a firm start date. I'm looking to take my time so, depending on your pace you may pass me. Good luck!!!

[@rottieshepcalibre9156]

Don't rely on a pump gage. Get a digital one.

[@matryderadventures]

I was undecided but think I'll get one. Cheers 👍

[@joellevg3698]

Spare belt

[@matryderadventures]

I've just ordered one 👍👍

[@reinhartbigl367]

Tire boot

[@matryderadventures]

I've bought a couple of Park Tools tire boots. Hopefully I won't need them. Cheers.

[@Timberbeartrail]

Make sure that bear bag is a couple hundred yards away from you literally a couple hundred yards you do not want that GRiZ happenstance upon you

[@matryderadventures]

I'll definitely do that! The closer I get to setting off the more I worry about them.