Don’t Pack This on Your Next Bikepacking Trip!

[@EverythingsBeenDone]

What’s the one piece of gear you never leave behind on a long ride?

[@jeejeeBlaps]

Tire levers fasho

[@redauwg911]

Flat pedals and running shoes.

[@nicksfishroom915]

Chain tool and quick links

[@paggledeedooo]

ALWAYS pack a set of towels and set of sheets... you never know when an airbnb may not have 'em.

[@denisrogers4358]

A toy. If I jack myself up and need to call for help, I’ll have something to play with.

[@michaeldismukes4439]

Hi dude, I work on the ground crew for United. Pro tip: keep your strappies and buckles tucked away on your bike box and any checked luggage like backpacks etc... miles of conveyor belts are used to bring your gear from check-in to planeside. They eat straps and shut down the belts - a common cause of lost luggage.

[@traaaaan]

Tsa is gonna open it up and not give a crap how nicely the buckles and straps were tucked away.

[@TobiasStorck]

I bought the anker Prime 12000mah powerbank with the Prime charger for ultracycling. The carger can fully charge the battery in one hour. I make a one hour stop to eat at a restaurant every two days and charge the battery there. i can keep everything powered. Truly a gamechanger

[@TheRflynn]

There are chargers with swappable pins(?). Ugreen makes a powerful one, there are others. Wonder what Lael Wilcox used?

[@kneeboardcrasher]

I love the pre and post ride rundown all packed into one video! Thank you as always for sharing!

[@outtatrex]

The biggest space saver is bringing one pair of shoes, and use flatpedals. And on the bike, I would add a small toptube bag, for even easier access of snacks, credit cards etc.

[@davidcooper8241]

so long as it doesnt rain

[@TouringTony]

@@davidcooper8241 I had tremendous rain one of the days on my recent ride in Tuscany. My feet stayed dry and I was glad I hadn't packed another pair of shoes. Flat pedals with good shoes is the way to go

[@davidcooper8241]

@@TouringTony What kind of shoes are you using? Do you use waterproof shoe covers? Admittedly I haven't got full mudguards, so there's a fairly big hole in my keeping-feet-dry strategy at the moment...

[@TouringTony]

@davidcooper8241 I use mountain bike shoes. Just some cheap ones. I don't have overshoes or mudguards. At some point I will upgrade to Five Ten which is owned by Adidas

[@davidcooper8241]

@@TouringTony the rain must be different here in the UK :) i also use flat pedals, and have a pair of five tens as it happens... but my feet get completely soaked every time it rains and then my shoes take 3 days to dry.

[@thomasmcroy1756]

Pedals! These days I'm riding cross bikes with flats/ straps fixie style which sounds like a kook move for geared bikes but.....Foot retention, check. Unlimited knee float, check. Wide platform for mega grip, check. Its awesome. Normal Sambas, check! I don't think I'll ever go back to clipless.

[@robd8577]

Appreciate your comment. I think I want flat pedals and sandals. Touring clipless/flats aren't working for me.

[@thomasmcroy1756]

@@robd8577 clipless have their place but I think that's mostly fitness and racing. Pinned flat pedals are really effective i think and a better choice for touring or city errand type riding. Everyone has a preference tho. I have 4 bikes. Two are set up with flat pedals and two have MKS touring pedals and toe clips. SPDs are great pedals but lack enough float for many riders.

[@prism8289]

I have Shimano pedals that are clipless on one side, flat on the other. Take your pick. Ya, the pinned flats do the trick, but longer rides, especially away from traffic, they are just nice. Of course, the first day that I was the clipless, I was out of practice, and after miles on the path I came to a busy intersection, tried switching feet for some strange reason and down I went. Oof.

[@yopuivideo]

@@thomasmcroy1756 Agree. Clips and straps and a pair of shoes you can walk about in as well as ride a bike on a tour. You might want to explore something on foot or push your bike for a bit up a hill

[@sailingaeolus]

I have a similar yet contrary plan (which I've enacted): load my Surly Krampus up with all my toys, toss on big panniers, pedal slow and enjoy the sights and trip. Took me a week on the Katy trail to go 250 miles but loved every minute of it. Was the time of my life. BTW, the tires on my Krampus are 3" wide - outstanding for trail and off road, which is preferable to "side of the road" that cars and trucks use.

[@58shortboard]

Dustin, I bought a few items on ebd site and I’m in Portland, once a year. Surprised, you put a personal note with the items. Very classy. Your videos are so informative, entertaining, funny and I always look forward to them. I find a silk sleeping bag liner is so helpful in travel. It’s like taking clean sheets with you, packs super minimal, compact n weighs nothing. You can use it alone as well, if the weather is warm. Secondly, although I do wear “barefoot shoes” for certain workouts, I find them annoying for long walks on concrete or euro cobblestone streets. A running racing flat is by far a better choice imo. Just as light, around 6oz., flexible n bendy for storage, but phenomenally more comfortable for long walks and they look 100x better too. Anyhow, i hope I run into you at some of the great coffee shops or brunch spots in Portland…when I do, coffee n sandwich on me. Keep the great content flowing n be safe

[@EverythingsBeenDone]

These are both very insightful tips! Thank you for sharing and the for the support over the years. I also hope to run into you one of these days in portland! much respect!

[@AdamWilkoszarski]

I'm shocked how similarly I packed for GDMBR this year. I also opted for Vivo shoes but I chose Ultra III as they can also be used in water or under shower. I wore only one merino t-shirt for all 48 days riding and had another one for walking and sleeping. Two pairs of merino socks are enough if you are able to wash a pair every 3 days. For hand luggage I used Apidura musette that can be easily attached to a bike when not in use. Essential comfort item for me is 5cm massage ball that is a godsend for recovery in the evening.

[@bradleyortego4662]

This is amazing! Love how well though out and minimal this was. No fluff, no frills but each piece carefully selected for both utility and style.

[@JoeCincotta307]

Hey DK, sorry I missed the live stream today. I’m very impressed on how little you packed for a week. I packed triple that for three days for a route that I drive to.

[@G-DUB83]

I have a pair of shoes similar to the ones you used in this video for walking around. It’s important to build up your bare feet. Personally, I walk around almost barefoot all summer here in the Midwest and only put on shoes like these when I need to go to a store. I definitely think it’s the better way to go in the long run. Many of my back issues disappeared once I got used to it.

[@yopuivideo]

In ye Olden Days It used to be called "saddlebag and cheque book". touring. A sloppy Carradice duck cotton saddlebag slapped on the back of the saddle, a set of mudguards and off you go. Then we got fancy, and added a small framed bar bag with the map pocket on top and easy access to mars bars and beef jerky :)

[@hoser7706]

There is so much to be said for minimal packing especially when you dial it in!! All positives in my playbook. Bonus? Less stuff to put away once home.

[@EverythingsBeenDone]

I love that you mention putting away when you get home. So real and never talked about. Much respect.

[@scotterickson6393]

Maybe I missed it, but I didn’t see a set of foam earplugs in there with the breathe right strips. You don’t always need them, but when you do (campsight/hostel) their clutch. Great video!

[@maxdekker2409]

In most of my trips I carry my Rab proflex rain pants that I use for regular pants in town, for extra warmth in extreme cold, against mosquitoes and against rain. They even look good. Also I carry a small rag and an extra toothbrush (with cut of handle) for cleaning my chain and sprockets.

[@aaronedgeart]

Another minimal shoe idea is from Xero, they are light, curlable zero drop kicks. I use them for my road/trail running as well as bikepacking.

[@Yamazaki1923]

The charger thing... the bigger the amps, the larger current output the brick can support, but that doesn't equate to speed. If you are going by watt rating supported, that probably would indicate faster charging. Example if you have 12V brick with 5.0 amps output that brick could charge anything up to a 5 amp draw at its rated speed, but could break over that. --- But if you charged something that draws max 1 amp, it will charge at the same speed whether it is on a 12v 2 amp brick or a 12v 20 amp brick. The Fast Charging ... USB PD (power delivery) rating is a little all over the place from device to device. Lookup USB PD 2.0, 3.0, 3.2 Will give you a little more info on that...

[@Yamazaki1923]

nice new tatoo btw :)

[@landonthings]

The Casteli insulate layer looks bomber-- the alpha direct has been popular among thru/ultralight hikers for years, makes a lot of sense for cycling too!

[@markroberts6971]

The best comment I would offer, coming from ultralight backpacking …… only bag the small bits that could get lost. Everything else …. Just shove it in, starting with the most compressible, like a down quilt or jacket. Putting things in bags or containers don’t use up the available space. For example, fill your bag with round balls or square cubes. There is a lot of space between the containers that doesn’t get used.

[@MacMasore]

8:44 i used some on my longest trip for eating in restaurants or the one time going to a hotel. I had the even fancier looking (faux)leather ones. And while they feel strange the first few times you get used to them and the really are functional

[@MrQuestful]

I’m a big fan of minimal shoes, I’ve worn a few different designs (New Balance, five fingers, vivobarefoot, bedrocks). I wore vivos for 8 months straight and wore in some holes, which I found a bit disappointing because I rode 4,000 miles across the US in my new balance minimals that were 10 yrs old, and somehow they held up for the journey. My current favorites for cycling & travel are the bedrock sandals, which are a more beefy vibram sole but are comfy for all day wear. I have both the mountain clogs and the cairn sandals, the sandals are definitely lighter, but the clogs look more “civilian appropriate” than the sandals and socks, but I’ll still sport injinji toe socks (which I also love, but not everyone does).

[@joelkton1]

Those pavers in your yard are super cool! I liked the video, but as someone who only begins and ends travel from my house, I enjoy the smaller things.

[@seancampbell5758]

Sena Bike Helmet is my go to. It avoids needing comms or headphones because of the built in speakers and mic. Then the extra bonus is the built in tail light on the helmet.

[@kayeman001]

love your videos, how you present, your humour, your editing and of course your content - brilliant!

[@themindunset]

Hey, DK! Next time... look up the folks at Xero Shoes. I have been wearing them for years. Did the entire Baja Divide on them. They are awesome. I'm so jealous of this trip

[@bremnet1812]

Your little space anxiety is like my travel anxiety. I tend to over pack with the philosophy of I'd rather have it and not need it, than need it and not have it. That wouldn't work so well in this type of travel exercise. 😊

[@EverythingsBeenDone]

It really is a fine balance. I think @tevemullins was saying he like to set it all out than back off as much as he is able. I love the game aspect.

[@DominiqueB]

there's a saying in the mountaineering community that "we pack our fears." Overpacking stems from that, we want to be prepared for everything that might happen! Experience (and very informative videos like this) helps trim down to more realistic expectations. And when going to "civilized" destinations like this, it's usually possible to acquire the odd tidbit that might have been overlooked -- and it can become part of the discovery. :-)

[@DominiqueB]

@@EverythingsBeenDone eheh, reminds me of some famous sculptor saying something like (wildly paraphrasing) "sculpting is just trimming off all the unnecessary bits from a big chunk of rock until you can't take off anything more." :-)

[@bremnet1812]

​@DominiqueB or it could be from many years in the military where you made sure you brought what you may require in the field. Whether that be for training exercises or otherwise. 😊

[@YiChou-i4i]

This is really a good content that share with so details! But I would recommend a device that is suitable for bikepacking trip--- electric tire inflator with lights, and power bank together. As it would help you solve some extreme condition of tires.

[@sixtwenty2181]

Check out the Astral Loyak All Weather shoes....I'm not all about the barefoot shoe life, but for me these fall somewhere in between. Look good and great for walking. Plus, for me they are perfectly roomy in the toebox

[@Pnut123e4]

Damn, just those individual zip-lock bags are awesome! Been just stuffing everything separately and getting them back in some order is a hassle. Have to try those and pack thing by "theme"

[@jESPERzt4r]

TropicFeel makes some very similar shoes. Quick dry, which I assume the barefoots are as well. Weighs nothing and folds well. Great for bike packing. Model is called Sunset. 99 €.

[@emusp]

You can use both power adapters in Denmark and Sweden. But the grey one is specifically for Swedish plugs. The black one looks like a Danish type without ground.

[@ykseattle]

I was in Copenhagen at the end of May this year. Loved the cycling culture there. I brought the danish travel adapter with the ground, and I couldn’t use it anywhere. I went to Elgiganten to buy the two pronged adapter without the ground.

[@PixelShade]

you can use the black one in Sweden. We have ground in our wall sockets, but devices don't need to connect to it. Mobile chargers never have ground anyway. :)

[@macs2015]

Really loved this journey Dustin. I hope you consider doing some of these trips within the USA. Bike road trips!

[@offsitearchive]

I once made the mistake of wearing thin-soled shoes in Prague and walking around in them for several hours (lots of cobblestones). My feet were really swollen afterwards and hurt every day.

[@swampi1974]

Thanks for all your content

[@EverythingsBeenDone]

You are legend! Thank you for the support. 🤜❤️🤛

[@oliverbrunt1]

Bike packing is just the best.

[@thomashughes_teh]

I've been wearing barefoot shoes for almost 4 years about 90% of the time. My feet haven't been this strong since I was 18. I'm 64. I'll still prefer my low cut hikers for miles of cement or wilderness. I can do about 3 miles of cement in the barefoot shoes before I start to feel some stress. I've done as much as 12 miles and on cement. That gave me cramps later in the day.

[@EverythingsBeenDone]

I totally dig this report. I must say I’m barefoot curious. Reading your comment helps give some perspective. Thank you.

[@Bandit1379.]

I'd think an external battery might be nice to have, just in case. I have a Nitecore NPB1, IP68 waterproof and less than 4 ounces.

[@EverythingsBeenDone]

I had one in my hand and last minute decided to skip it. I agree they are always smart to have. Mine is a little bigger and I couldn’t bring my self to lug it around. 🤣

[@williamsham0]

Can never have enough alpha direct! Best midlayer for camp-time and sleeping. Left a hoodie behind on a trip and missed its presence immensely.

[@tomsitzman3952]

Nice to see a real tire pump on your bike. I'm using the same one on my bike for at least 40 years maybe more. Why riding shoes? Why not flat peddles with or without toe clips and one pair of hiking sandals. Why so light weight? I started riding with front and back lights after a guy ran into the back of me. He said he was spaced out. Look like you brought everything you needed.

[@kylecoley9738]

I use nearly the same bag set up, just a different front bag. I do need to find a different option to shoes so thank you for the idea of the barefoot shoes, I was attaching flip flops to my tail bag and they work but when it rains and im walking around im regretting it.

[@Hugo_Rocker]

Been through the barefoot shoe thing. I thought they were fine for being on the plane itself, but no further. When I made it to my destination , Wolfsburg Germany, I immediately found an adidas store and bought other shoes. My intent was to ship the barefoot back, oops, left them in my hotel room!

[@thenoodlehunter6828]

Made me happy that I can run 700x28c tyres when I saw this video. Thinking about going bike packing myself

[@EverythingsBeenDone]

you are going to have a blast

[@aldoramonz]

This was fun to watch

[@Gravel-Cult]

I am surprised you found an airport with long term storage lockers. I thought they got rid of most of them when there were bomb threats in public spaces in the early 2000s. What was left only allowed 24 hour storage as they cleared the lockers each day. How did you figure out the airport had long term storage lockers?

[@sKunKeNsTeiN]

Try the Vibram Furoshiki shoes. They are minimalist bare foot shoes that roles up. Very packable

[@shoodwin]

The fashion show 😂😂😂

[@dokomademo]

As someone who wear flip flop almost everywhere, barefoot shoes sounds like luxury😅

[@TheJohnreeves]

I think flip flops usually have more padding than those barefoot shoes. Those things are a neuroma waiting to happen.

[@СветославТасев]

So, cycling is all about having the right mix of branded products? I got it!

[@drujenssen5444]

You must be fun at parties!!!

[@СветославТасев]

@@drujenssen5444 True! Owning the right brands always helps with conversation starts at parties. Not owning the right brands is even more devastating for social life than not owning a bicycle with drop down bars.

[@RTcarmines]

The small adapter is still for EU, but it's simply a plug adapter- not a converter, which the larger one is. Converter not really needed unless you're using a high power device like a hair dryer- though the body of the converter does fit more securely into the outlets over there

[@EverythingsBeenDone]

Very helpful! Thank you

[@hetane]

I agree with the barefoot shoes, but if you put a decent insole in them (with a little rise and cushioning in the heel), they transform to a comfortable and lightweight daily users. No real barefoot adjustment needed then.

[@jesperrosca1222]

I can't believe you were here in Gothenburg! Would have loved to say hi and show you some cool trails!

[@EverythingsBeenDone]

Next time!

[@kovenant7]

Oh man this bike is sweet!!!!!

[@paulbrunner1818]

skip the travel shoes. Get some light, simple flip-flops. Secure them to the front bar. And, wear socks with the flip-flops if you want to look fancy.

[@JaccoSW]

This is the most American tip I've seen so far. Europeans don't wear socks with flip-flops.

[@jimmccorison]

Sounds like a very successful packing job. What 1-2 and 1-4 charging cables did you use and did they last? There's so much garbage out there that I'm hesitant to blindly buy-and-hope.

[@antoniomilione6994]

I didn't know Russell Howard was also a bike enthusiast.

[@mg6263]

Both of those power plug adapters are for Europe. The bigger one supports 3-prong plugs, the smaller one is just for two prong plugs like your USB charger.

[@thetroylf]

When I started this, I just hoped you were trying to sell me something else and you were just being genuine. And my goodness the barefoot part, i wear them outside of cycling and they made my cycling shoes shrink somehow. Now I can only wear lake.

[@TheBassman396]

I find if you need something you can always buy it their take essentials only

[@Mikethebike721]

Get yourself a pair of Ortleib panniers (you’ll need a rack first). Sorted!

[@EverythingsBeenDone]

Plot twist: I dont want a rack

[@toriwangjanim4886]

You don't necessarily need a side mount bottle cage with a frame bag...Using the 4L apidura race pack on a XL(61cm) specialized allez frame work with any issues.

[@danandkiko]

I also usually carry a hacky sack. Once in a while I use it.

[@gntfilms]

Did you do the Kattegat route? It’s really beautiful, mainly sealed bike paths, but it can get soggy. We brought far too much on our bike packing trip, but it was sensational.

[@cw9018]

3:32 my setup is Cloud 5 Coast and works very well

[@VEVOtrain]

Thanks for the beatiful (as always) and instructive video. Did you manage to wash cycling clothes every night or just reused them over and over?

[@51249ca]

that Shakedry jacket is $$$

[@polsifter]

Great video. Packing tip: wrap a few layers of duc tape & electrical tape around your pump.

[@cycledaily8986]

Hacky - sack for quick access!!! 😂😂😂

[@dudleycalloway9508]

Dustin goin worldwide baby

[@Schlem]

Nice digest!

[@a.l.e.x.b.i.k.e]

Super informal video, nice and good looking stuff and bike packing at it's - minimal🤣 - best! May I ask you what size of the Eagle Creek bag you use?

[@clubmate12]

Unfortunately that small hiplock is helpful only in lucky places like Scandinavia where nobody steal anything. Something that mitigates my anxiety is an airtag in the bike bag, which I then move to one of the bikepacking bags when I am riding.

[@jack321gogogo4]

I guess the idea is, to not let the bike alone for longer than a few minutes.

[@clubmate12]

@@jack321gogogo4 yeah, I understand, but still I always wish I had a proper lock when bikepacking (I never carry one, because too heavy). I end up reaching the campsite or the bnb, I drop my bags, and then I want to use my bike to explore the destination place, but not having a lock gives my anxiety.

[@offsitearchive]

I'm afraid that with these locks you only have to approach the bike with enough speed and muscle power and the lock will give way. I once saw a video where someone took the bike while running and the lock simply broke off. I couldn't see if it was a Hiplock, but certainly not one with even less mass. I don't use my Hiplock anymore, instead I bought a thin 3mm steel chain lock. It's long enough to secure wheels. Thin and light enough to be packable or wrapped around a bike tube without being annoying. I trust it more for what I would use Hiplock for, but of course not much more. For more security you need heavier locks.

[@wernerbucherl6982]

Well bedsheets and towel should be added 😂

[@peterch4978]

What a swiss knife of bike

[@dawsonwildemann]

Need to see the camera gear as well! Always wonder about what you are using

[@MichaelConkey]

Quad lock over peak designs? I current have quad but the PD looks nice and was thinking of switching… thoughts?

[@EricStorms]

My primary travel “hack” is to gather what I think I need to bring, then cut it half. Tend to be an over packer.

[@EverythingsBeenDone]

That’s a respectable amount of preparation AND commitment to reduction. 🫡

[@KNURKonesur]

Vivo shoes are great, but they're expensive as fuck, you can't go wrong with Xero which are cheaper, or Saguaro which are a budget option only getting better and better with every new release.

[@EverythingsBeenDone]

I need your guidance before I did this trip. 🤣 Thank you for the tips!

[@crunchysteve]

I love quadlock.

[@craigconway9930]

1 shirt was bold. I feel like I would have biked with 2 and had a 3rd stored in the bike bag at the airport.

[@DominiqueB]

ah! good tip leaving some fresh clothes with the bike bag if you have one!

[@banana122049]

Feed bags and more feed bags for your feed bags

[@andymarks1049]

Thanks. This looks very useful and informative. No "Not enough tools" anxiety?

[@EverythingsBeenDone]

I guess I was OK with the multi tool. I did have a chain breaker(which I have never actually needed in the field).

[@JosephBenton1]

I'm curious, what's the story behind the Newport, AR hat?

[@Fulviolosmilzo]

I love this video

[@H0lland0ates79]

As someone who wears sandals 90 percent of the time I think the barefoot shoes would vibe well with me

[@gravelier68]

Emergency snacks, usually gone by the time I really need them.

[@EverythingsBeenDone]

Good call and to true!! ;)

[@robd8577]

Haha, I ate my late emergency snack at 3am of day one 😅

[@DejanOfRadic]

Why not just tour with flats and leaves your bike shoes at home?

[@unknownguitars]

Velosamba would have done the shoes double duty

[@iacobp]

Nice video! I’ve been on a few bikepacking trips myself, and I totally agree that choosing the right civilian footwear is key. I’ve found that Birkenstocks in EVA foam (where the entire shoe is made from EVA) are the best option for bikepacking. They’re super lightweight, incredibly comfortable to walk in, and can be strapped onto the outside of your bike bags, so they’re always accessible. I know they’re aquired taste, but just own it even with socks. They’ve been a game changer for me - practical, comfy, and easy to carry. I use these even in the autumn here in Scandinavia.

[@drtoothpaste]

What is the name of the bike bag?

[@EverythingsBeenDone]

the bike box is from Ritchey

[@EverythingsBeenDone]

the bike box is from Ritchey

[@pnyholm]

You should definitely try to go barefoot, I have done so now for almost 3, 5 years. It takes at least 6 months to get sed to though. But if I wear normal shoes for a day, my feet hurts. (use carbonfiber shoes for cycling).

[@willmajelanderson6254]

Thanks for saying, "snot rag" - it's what I call them, but not in public

[@jazzfan7491]

Skip the riding shoes

[@EverythingsBeenDone]

That is the smarter way to go. I just don’t enjoy riding long distance on flat pedals. 🤷🏻‍♂️

[@sventice]

I would have used a Tailfin Aeropack instead of the bikepacking sausage bags. I hate those things.

[@grumpy-dad3701]

Im at the point, i now need a trailer to carry my stuff.

[@EverythingsBeenDone]

Rest assure camping with you is going to be the best of the best

[@grumpy-dad3701]

@EverythingsBeenDone chandelier and everything.

[@dannyzuehlsdorf3697]

what about the stash of sticky green?

[@royunderwood7514]

Can’t wait to see if you survived.

[@vamoslasbicis]

No tents , no sleeping bag, nothing for cook...i thinks bikepacking is very easy in Europe 😅

[@DominiqueB]

this is a different use of the term "bikepacking": what he did is truly "fast and light (credit card) bike touring". The "bikepacking" term was originally coined after "backpacking" and referred to riding a bike off-road on overnight trips out in the woods, in the mountains, etc., but has been adopted by some for ultralight road touring, since a lot of the gear has been coopted (sausage saddle bags instead of rack and panniers, for instance.)

[@ededmundson2635]

I am in hotel, just finished bike packing around Sicily, highly recommend. My #1 recommendation… Sea to Summit synch bags. I could not pack bag without them. I use Tailfin pack with extended rack. I have one synch sack for bike clothes and one for street clothes. Enjoyed your video!

[@EverythingsBeenDone]

Congrats on your TOUR!! I just looked up the synch bag I couldnt find much. Is it a compression bag?

[@robertkovacs2794]

Where is the link to the Shoes? Sorry, am I the only one who doesn’t see it?