EVERYTHING I Packed | 3+ Months Cycling Europe | Bike Tour Packing List

Find out everything I packed for my 3.5 month bike tour of Europe in this video. Bike gear, camping gear, clothing, personal items - I’m digging into my entire packing list to cycle from Scotland to Croatia.
PRODUCTS MENTIONED
**Note that some of the following are affiliate links
Panniers: amzn.to/2tnRTWX
Tent: amzn.to/42d7iVC
Sleeping bag: www.mec.ca/en/product/5035-43...
Buff: amzn.to/3FoPEEi
Organic shampoo: amzn.to/3TetHNX
Organic conditioner: amzn.to/3LlJeK0
Foldable backpack: amzn.to/407Gmo6
Kryptonite U-Lock: amzn.to/429l2R3
Bike Light 650 Lumens: amzn.to/38m1WdG
Anker portable charger: amzn.to/3Teo0zC
COMPLETE PACKING LIST
www.sheelaghdaly.com/bike-tour...
WEBSITE
www.sheelaghdaly.com/
INSTAGRAM
/ sheelagh.daly
**FREE BIKE TOUR NUTRITION GUIDE**
Want to feel and ride your best on your next cycle tour? Grab these 5 top nutrition tips for bike touring as well as 2 adaptable recipes. Get the FREE e-book:
mailchi.mp/5efdca9e20ae/bike-...

[@gegeharsyah9873]

Thanks for information. I'm gonna start build my touring bike for the first time and I don't have any experience for the long time riding and how to get prepare. With this, I got a lot of information. Thanks.

[@SheelaghDaly]

So glad to hear it! Good luck with your bike :)

[@bugimari4002]

that was helpful cheers!! Doing from Norway till Itly next summer on bike kinda scary but exciting thanks for the tips

[@SheelaghDaly]

Sounds like a beautiful trip! Enjoy!!

[@Rebecca236]

Thanks for this! I am only doing a short 1 week trip but I found it super useful. 🥰

[@SheelaghDaly]

I am so glad! Hope you have a great trip!!

[@Beertownbill]

You are such a goof! Love the videos. First time I've heard someone mention the air horn as a way to fend off dogs, but I like the idea. I'm doing the TransAmerica this summer and I have heard there are a few areas with problem dogs.

[@SheelaghDaly]

Ahaha thank you! I haven't used one yet but I think there may be a lot of dogs on my next tour so I better come up with a good plan soon! Good luck on the TransAmerica!

[@sylvanhemingway9459]

Wonderful energy and set up. Really love your tour style. Also. Whoa triple usb mega charger.

[@SheelaghDaly]

Aww thank you! Ahaha yeah it’s pretty intense 😆

[@sylvanhemingway9459]

@@SheelaghDaly I had regrets with the smallest one right away. They take so long to charge! Also found the joy of airplane mode 😅

[@phoebeg3694]

I think you're very funny :D enjoyed the video & am motivated for my first bike trip next year :)!!

[@SheelaghDaly]

Aww that makes me so happy Pheobe! Thanks for watching!

[@phoebeg3694]

@@SheelaghDaly thanks for replying! 😍 How was your experience with wild camping? So far I have "only" wildcamped in countries where it's encouraged (Sweden, Finland,Norway) but I would love to try it somewhere else too:)

[@chuto4826]

Very useful video. Thanks

[@adventureswithbecketandxena]

I LOVE my MSR Elixer 2 ❤ So does my dog 🙂 My dog and I are going on our first bicycle tour next June. Can't wait. So excited for it

[@SheelaghDaly]

That is so exciting!! Hope you have an amazing adventure together ♥️

[@adventureswithbecketandxena]

@@SheelaghDaly I'm sure we will. It's going to be tough though pulling her in a trailer up hills. but I'll still love every minute of it 🙂

[@OhadELM]

Hello and greetings from Israel! 😁 I really love your videos , it’s been really helpful for me! myself , I’m planning on three months to Europe , and since That’s gonna be my first time solo bike touring - your videos work on spot for me! I would love to chat with you get some more tips & more specific questions! Thanks 🙏🏻

[@SheelaghDaly]

That's so great! No problem, ask away!

[@victorsabioni]

I love your energy!

[@SheelaghDaly]

Thanks so much Victor!

[@garyreid1956]

Helpful and entertaining 👍

[@SheelaghDaly]

Thanks for watching Gary!

[@danielprusso3543]

Thank you for your opinions on shoes! I thought I was Old school by wearing runners and using toe baskets.

[@BrianRPaterson]

I rode clipless for decades and swapped to flats about 18 months ago. I was worried about the stiffness of my shoes. Until one day I went mountain biking in a pair of fairly inexpensive Decathlon hiking boots. The big pedal platform and the boots worked great - I didn't notice any untoward flex. Conclusion: I reckon flat pedals with decent sized platforms will get you through most things. And you won't need to worry too much about your shoes.

[@alanbratt1929]

You are so knowledgeable, and brilliant. 🇦🇺😉🚴‍♂️

[@Sturgecycling]

Great video :)

[@SheelaghDaly]

Thanks for watching Lucy!!

[@0Stella]

This was wicked. Extra entertaining watching this on 1.75 speed! I feel you on the bazzilions of layers to contend with all weather - I'm starting out from BC in 2 weeks and heading east towards Halifax.....getting ready for lots of sub zero at night coming through the mountains

[@SheelaghDaly]

Haha glad you enjoyed :) Oh wow! That sounds like an incredible adventure! Have an amazing trip!!

[@0Stella]

@@SheelaghDaly thanks! If you fancy joining me for a leg through ON, it would be great to have you! Or even grab a coffee :)

[@SheelaghDaly]

@@0Stella aww I would love that! I'm @sheelagh.daly on Instagram -- feel free to shoot me a message there when you know when you'll be passing through :)

[@0Stella]

@@SheelaghDaly I will, indeed! Take care. Looking forward to more videos.... If you have any videos with tips for keeping warm on cold nights, I'd love to see that!

[@SheelaghDaly]

​@@0Stella Thank you! I do have a video on how to get a better sleep camping where I touch on that a little :) kzbin.info/www/bejne/nqPUXmuGgtasj8U But perhaps a full video is in order! Thanks for the suggestion!

[@mixflix2874]

Your are so funny & entertaining. Going on eurovelo 15 next year Andermatt to Rotterdam.

[@SheelaghDaly]

Aww thank you!! That sounds awesome Michael! Enjoy!!

[@tconnolly9820]

Actually that was absolutely fascinating. I have never gone bike touring or camping before but hopefully I will dip my toe into the pond later this year. For me, I'm a tall guy. 2 metres. So everything I need to take with me takes up substantially more room to pack. The same for packing a bag for traveling or a weekend away. I need almost twice as much space for the same amount of clothing as someone who's 25cm smaller than me. The same with a sleeping bag and tent. Anyway, that's just my thing to deal with. Really interesting and really well presented. 👍

[@SheelaghDaly]

I'm so glad you enjoyed! Thank you for mentioning that -- yes that certainly poses an additional challenge. I have faith that with a little time and creativity you will find something that works :) Good luck and happy adventuring!

[@tconnolly9820]

@@SheelaghDaly Thanks for the response 🙏 I'm only going to be doing less than a week trips so it's not like I will have to survive for 3½ months from my bike. (Not unless I get "the bug".) Just going to use my everyday hybrid bike I use for commuting, shopping, trailer pulling and everything else. I got a bike 5 years ago after not having been on one for 30 years since my teens. I already have a selection of bags and racks for every situation. I just need an actual tent and a few other bits and pieces. I'm planning on getting a "4 man" 6kg size tent so I won't be claustrophobic!!! Could bring my bike inside too. All very affordable. And used to overloading the bike regularly for everyday use so it's just going to be pedalling with different cargo. Great videos Sheelagh. Regards and respect.

[@SheelaghDaly]

@@tconnolly9820 That sounds great :) Have a great adventure!!

[@OlofLaurin]

What seasons did you cycle through the different countries? Or maybe what was the coldest weather that you had expected? Also the space limitation, how did you decide on 2 vs 4 panniers? Did you find 2 water bottles enough? Thanks for a great video on the subject!

[@SheelaghDaly]

Great questions! The coldest expected was 0-5 degrees C both in Scotland in May and from the altitude in the alps. My sleeping bag went down to -3 but I didn't have too many nights around 0. I went with 2 panniers because I had borrowed the bike and it wasn't equipped for front panniers. But I found the large backpack strapped to the rear rack added the room I needed (though having all the weight on the back wasn't always the easiest -- I'll likely invest in some kind of handlebar bag for the future :)). I did find 2 bottles enough because I was travelling through Europe where it was easy to refill my bottles. But on days where I wild camped I would usually get a large plastic bottle for extra cooking water. Hope that's helpful!

[@brentjennings3267]

Hi Sheelagh. Great videos, especially those on nutrition. I have learned so much! On the bear spray, I love dogs, but am never going to be bitten again. In rural areas many let their dogs go free which is okay, but trust me Mr. Pitbull survives and lives another day when I (as a very last resort) have to use bear spray. Bear spray also comes in handy when you have to deal with Mr. Pitbull’s owner who loves his pitbull more than his wife. In my vast cycling experience I have had to spray down several Mr. Pitbulls, but only had to spray down his owner in only one instance. I prevailed with law enforcement when they showed up. Thanks for your videos.

[@SheelaghDaly]

Thanks for the kind comment Brent! Yikes, those are some tough dog encounters -- I'm glad you made it out okay! Thanks for watching :)

[@0Stella]

where did that incident happen? There's different laws on that from place to place. I know nothing of it, just curious

[@joseenaman2226]

Amazing

[@gordoncraig8238]

I agree with you on being clipped into pedals or not. There is not enough gain to use them on touring bikes. GCN compared clipless and flat pedals and the only gain is in a sprint finish. They also tested what difference carrying 5kg makes and it's easily measured. Carrying 30kg in bags and fittings isn't helped by carrying extra shoes to attach to pedals. Anyway I'm an old touring cyclist and I'm still with the flat pedals that came with the bike. I like where you've been on this trip. I'll go someday.

[@SheelaghDaly]

Very interesting insights! Thanks for sharing! :)

[@brentirvine2336]

I have an exciting plastic bag re-use tip... ok, admittedly not exciting whatsoever... nonetheless, in the spirit of re-using stuff... I find that used Purolator bags are excellent for stuff. Tools won't puncture them. They're light. They're waterproof, so keep your clothes dry within your panniers. Permanent markers write clearly on them, though this may provide less enjoyment than label-making. :) Strips of the bag can be used as a tire boot to temporarily patcb holes. And finally, if you have a Brooks saddle, they are a non-chafing and non-ripping cover on rainy days. I'm unaware whether or not Purolator realizes they have created a cycling multitool. Lol.

[@SheelaghDaly]

Ahaha excellent discovery!!

[@slinkysfxcollins2600]

Me n my best friend going to tour Scotland in camp with bike, hopefully we can bump into u

[@SheelaghDaly]

Aww fun! I'm not in Scotland at the moment but it's one of my favourite places to bike :) I'm so excited for you - have a great time!

[@indigowendigo8464]

Big Agnes makes the best tents

[@GamerKidEdits]

Hi, really enjoy your content and the podcast I heard you on as well. I’m curious about eating and waiting before riding. The net keeps saying 2-3 hours but how does one have breakfast then head off for the day? Seems like quite a long time to wait??

[@SheelaghDaly]

Thanks so much! Yes that's true it's generally advisable to wait some time after eating before riding. But of course tricky to execute when you're riding all day! Everyone will be different but generally I try to structure my day in such a way that I can take a bit of a break after eating. So for example, I'll wake up, eat, and then pack up my tent and belongings for the day so my body has a little time to digest. I also try to avoid having a big meal before a time I'll be exerting myself really hard. So for instance, I'll aim to have lunch after a particularly tough climb, rather than right before :)

[@mak2969]

I enjoyed your video. Unless I misunderstood, you only brought one pair of padded cycling shorts for a 3.5 month trip?

[@SheelaghDaly]

One pair of padded shorts and one pair of padded capris -- I liked having the two types of options depending on temperature :)

[@johnbailey3351]

I've done some Alps summer hiking and gotten by with a lot less layers. While it should be warmer at lower river elevations, I am wondering how much "chill" the increased bike speeds add? Thoughts?

[@SheelaghDaly]

Yes great thought! I would say that for one, I run cold so am more likely to layer up than some. I found my layers very useful for early morning and evening rides, or on windy days, as well as overnight at higher altitudes. I was very grateful for each layer I had but of course everyone is different!

[@trishrae4512]

Going solo for first bike tour ... Passau to Vienna. Definitely interested in seeing some sites. Locks always on the list but how do you really secure all your belongs in the panniers? is EVERYTHING locked somehow to the bike? While ignorance is bliss at the moment, this particular detail is making me crazy. Ideas? Advice? And THANK YOU for your channel and humor. People like me need people like you.

[@SheelaghDaly]

Hey Trish! I can completely understand your stress -- it's hard! Honestly there's no one-size-fits all answer. I just try to go with my gut and keep things as safe as possible. When I'm riding with someone else it's easy for one of us to keep our eyes on the bikes while the other goes to get groceries, etc. If it's just me I always lock up my bike and take my most important valuables with me. I try to put it in a spot where I can keep my eyes on it from inside. On this European tour I had two panniers with another bag bungee corded on top. This gave me some peace of mind because nothing could have been easily grabbed -- they would have had to find where there bungee cords were secured, take them off, etc. I wish there was a perfect answer but I really just do what I can and hope for the best! Thank you for the kind words and happy riding!

[@katjasendmayr1342]

VauDe Aqua Back Plus best panniers EVER!

[@hobnobblingstone346]

Hilarious and informative. I noticed you mentioned a backpack but I'm assuming you didn't wear it while riding but rather put it on the top of your rear carrier? Looks like you had a ton of stuff but nevertheless no front panniers, correct?

[@SheelaghDaly]

Yes! I wish I had thought to mention that -- never wore it, just bungee corded it to the top of my rack. Yes, lots of stuff on the back and no front panniers. Moving forward I'll be using fork bags and a handlebar bag to balance out the weight better but it worked for me at the time :) Happy riding!

[@hobnobblingstone346]

@@SheelaghDaly Appreciate the response! Take care 🙏

[@CloseNormal]

I literally just randomly generated the idea to go on a 3 month journey across america next year and i search up "3 month bikepacking trip" and perfectly enough, bam same deal here

[@SheelaghDaly]

Haha no way!! I hope you have an awesome trip!

[@Midhun2401]

Awesome . ❤️ From india🌴

[@davidbonn8740]

Pretty good gear list. I'd consider getting a USB power strip/charger with four or so USB ports (I found a cool one that replaces my Macbook Air power supply and has four extra USB ports to charge my lights, phone, and gopro). Along the same lines, a travel power converter for all of the different outlets you'll encounter. Shop towels. You can resupply those with the blue paper towels found at most petrol stations, They are basically very heavy paper towels and are wonderful. I like Voille Straps better than bungee cords, but you do you. Ride your own ride. I didn't see sunglasses. I also like to bring goggles, especially if I will be riding in poor weather or at night.

[@time4disco]

Hello from Australia! Thank you for your video. I wanted to ask whether you carried a large backpacking bag with the panniers in it over to Europe? Currently trying to figure out how to get panniers accross on a flight from Aus without having to then acrry a backpack around in our bike🧐 Thanks in advance!!

[@SheelaghDaly]

Hey! So my plan was to get a second hand suitcase, fill it with my things and redonate it when I got there. As it turned out a family member had a suitcase that was really on its last legs. All the handles and wheels were broken by the time I landed but it served its purpose! On the way back I purchased a cheap dufflebag to get my things back again. I find it often involves a bit of creativity but there's always a way to get things there and back!

[@time4disco]

@@SheelaghDaly thank you so much for your advice! Good idea with the old luggage, I'll do that :)

[@SheelaghDaly]

@@time4disco Have a great trip!

[@htetarkarwin1733]

impressive Ironman bag ;)

[@alexanderleahy6235]

Great advice.. however 650 lumiens doesn't cut it for me.... I now run with 1250 lumiens (incorporated with a high/low beam electronic switch)... Super swell...

[@SheelaghDaly]

Ooh nice! That sounds like a great light 🙌

[@tombuckley6407]

Thanks Sheelagh. Very useful info. Having done the Tour Aotearoa (NZ) last year we are looking at Albania to Denmark for 3 months. We are old so tents might not be such a good option. I want to keep less than 16kgs plus the bike. Is that realistic?

[@SheelaghDaly]

That sounds like an awesome trip! If you aren't camping and pack light I could certainly see that being doable. But I honestly don't weigh my setup much so I may not be the best person to ask ;) I believe the setup I had here, including food and water but not including the bike, was around 55lbs (to give you an idea) If you search for lightweight bikepacking setups you might get some ideas for weight savings!

[@tombuckley6407]

@@SheelaghDaly Thanks.- hope you are still riding. If so ride the TA - it is hard but amazing way to see NZ

[@corneliusscipio777]

Okay, this girl is absolutely alluring and charming! Excellent video, new subscriptor here. Greetings from Italy 👏🏻

[@SheelaghDaly]

Thank you for watching and for being here! :)

[@spektrumB]

How on earth you can pack so many stuffs in just two panniers and a backpack? You need extra space for food too.

[@SheelaghDaly]

Haha roll it all up real small!

[@spektrumB]

@@SheelaghDaly If I plan to do a long trip. I'd prefer to have two front panniers plus the rear panniers. The weight is more balance this way if you have to carry 20Kg of stuffs.

[@joshuaw7330]

Hello. I came across your video the other day, on Darren Alff's channel, Bicycle Touring Pro I do not know if you gave him permission to comment on your packing for a bicycle trip video, this one. He ripped you apart, and unfortunately, removed the video off for public viewing, and checking tonight it might be only for private viewing.I gave my opinion about his lack of style, and taste, and should comment directly to the person and not in public. Good luck to future trips and videos.

[@SheelaghDaly]

Hey Joshua! Thanks for the message :) I'm a big believer in riding your own ride and like I say in my video, packing for the experience you want to have. What I packed won't be right for everyone but it was perfect for me and the trip I wanted to have and I just wanted to share that in case it was helpful to anyone :) It's unfortunate that someone would take that and rip it apart but I'm grateful it brought a kind person like you my way! Thank you for watching and for your support!

[@zoranmackic]

That mix of failed roast, ego and "look this is a book that you need to buy" attitude results an unsubscribe and new sub here. And off course, fact that you liked croatia ;)

[@SheelaghDaly]

@@zoranmackic Thanks for watching and subscribing Zoran! And oh my goodness, did I ever love Croatia! What a beautiful place with the such wonderful people :)

[@joshuaw7330]

@@zoranmackic What are you talking about. I was not criticizing her. I was advising her that someone else was shredding her packing list.

[@amiecorbin5889]

Hey, I wonder how you manage your feminine hygiene. How to store the garbage till you get to your next stop, etc.

[@SheelaghDaly]

Great question! I actually use Thinx underwear. I bring two pairs and wear one for the day, then change into the others and handwash the pair I wore and let it dry overnight/the next day and switch back. I know not everyone is a fan of period underwear, but I really find this method so easy! I know a lot of women find the divacup helpful as well :)

[@baileymiller2284]

How much food do you pack?

[@SheelaghDaly]

I would usually stop by a grocery store or market and grab food for a few days (typically enough oats/granola for 5 days because that's the size they come and then fruits, vegetables, pasta/rice for 3 or so days :))

[@baileymiller2284]

@@SheelaghDaly Thankyou for the reply. Brilliant, I have been thinking about taking a trip across Europe myself, just looking for advice for now.

[@SheelaghDaly]

@@baileymiller2284 That's wonderful! Happy riding!!

[@coocookachoo2806]

Darren Alff sent me here, did he pedal for you? I didn't think so, what an ass hat. Congratulations on your trip, and thanks for sharing your gear.

[@SheelaghDaly]

Hey Ross! I didn't see what Darren shared but I'm happy whatever it was brought you here :) Thanks for watching and for the congratulations!

[@CtrlZ2024]

Hey did the lockdown cause you to cancel the tour?

[@SheelaghDaly]

No! I was very lucky that I chose to do this tour in 2019 :)

[@ScarecrOmega]

That seems like a lot of stuff not including food and liquids, your bike must have weighed 100 lbs fully loaded.

[@SheelaghDaly]

Might be a lot for some but it was perfect for me! Everything I needed, nothing I didn't :) So important to figure out what works best for you.

[@chakibb3766]

This is the funniest video I have heard on bike touring For the recharging battery for your cell and other items, you can also have a smaller and less heavy one that recharges with solar energy. Otherwise, I think you thought, pretty much about everything :-)

[@SheelaghDaly]

Aww thanks for watching! A solar charing one sounds great! I'll look into that :)

[@chakibb3766]

@@SheelaghDaly Here is a link for one of the portable and less pricy charger. : www.amazon.ca/dp/B0856T77H4/?coliid=IVOVNVL416E89&colid=2CZRTNU628G0E&psc=1&ref_=lv_ov_lig_dp_it It is true that several Touring videos are very serious. It's suppose to be an exciting project. We can watch your video multiple times and it's always fun.

[@stevetaylor8698]

I have never had a pair of ear plugs which would keep out the deafening noise of a determined snorer.

[@mysurlytrucker7510]

You just need a colt 45 stopping snoring in its tracks.

[@rocketontour7026]

Too heavy & bulky for my taste. But as you say, everyone to their liking.

[@SheelaghDaly]

Thanks for watching! ❤

[@garyleiendecker631]

Darren, you would make a terrible woman traveler, stick to being a guy. ;)