The UNtour: Packing for a Bicycle Tour

**Links to our gear can be found on our website's "gear" page** Wondering how we manage to carry everything with us on our bikes? Here's a look at the bags we have and how we pack them for months at a time. Some people will want to bring more/less, but this is what has worked for us. :) A list of all our gear (with links) can be found at: www.theuntour.c...

[@kensoutham6828]

I'm impressed one of the best bicycle tour packing videos I've ever seen. Covers ALL the bases very well.

[@bryanyoung1234]

Thanks!!! I am planning an around the world bike tour in 4 years when my youngest goes off to college. Thank God for the internet and youtube! I am learning so much from all you guys already out there. I am reading Cycling Home From Siberia, I am inspired!!!

[@clayguinard3651]

I have watched this video dozens of times your lady has such a spirit about her she's so happy and bubbly and really really enjoyed this this is definitely without any question the best how to pack your bag video I have ever ever seen

[@s0012823]

That is because she rides her bike. I am depressed at work after a half year, then I ride my bike for 4 weeks and I am back on earth! Still thinking how to stop work.

[@NimlotArt]

I've owned Ortlieb back roller classic and front roller classic for 18 years and they've never let me down. Ortlieb are the ABSOLUTE BEST panniers on the market. Best value because of the superior quality, waterproofness and the ease of use.

[@rene78]

True. But the latch of my buckle broke twice already. They send you replacements for free though (at least here in Germany)

[@zeeshimon7138]

I'm so thankful for your video. Ever since i saw your video you've changed my riding experience for ever.

[@kplicanic]

Zee Shimon Glad to heat it! Ride on! 🤘

[@garyr.wolanske2364]

This video helped quite a bit. I'm riding the Avenue Verte in a month and am trying to decide on the M or the S Rack Pack bag and at least this gave me a sense of the M size. I do believe a small will work for me (only on the road for a week or so). Very well done, thank you.

[@JPK90]

BTW. Really nice video. Helps me to plan my bicycle traveling. I don't need to second guess when I see how you have done it. It's also encouraging to know there may be such a cheerful people touring!

[@darknewt1634]

Hi Khara, thankyou for taking the time and effort to put up a video, it says a lot about someone that they will do that for others. just about to leave on my tour 9500 km around the UK and Irish coast and I have used ortliebs for a while, however I put my straps away because I thought they were just carrying straps lol. Also a great way to strap the rack pack on. I did find amusing that you use dryer sheets in your pack to keep the clothes smelling nicer, I have been doing that for years and trying to get other people to do it! I roll them in my T-shirs. I always find comments about carrying too much strange, cycling is what you make it, and at the end of the day you have to carry it no one else, I am a very heavy tourer by the way.

[@SilverCymbal]

Great video! You are always smiling, made it fun to watch

[@bengt27]

What a great video, your enthousiasm is inspiring! We are planning a trip from Holland to France, about 850 km. It will be our first trip, so all this makes a lot of sense. Thanks for charing, be safe and enjoy your trips!

[@DavidCulshawmer-r]

just planning my first bike tour next year and those ortlieb pannier bags seem just what I need , love your enthusiasm :) , also being a keen long distance hiker I know what you mean about a nice pillow and sleep mat , if you sleep well then you hike well the day after ;) ( an absolute essential in my book )

[@junoxvc]

Very impressed with the amount of detail has been told. Very nice video.

[@rogerkomula8057]

I have the front and rear classic panniers in yellow. You made me glad I bought them because they were like a beacon in the thumbnail photo and I worry about visibility. You also just talked me into and I just ordered the rack-pack because of your reckless abandonment of weight fear. I believe in a pillow also. Mine is small, but it's worth its weight in gold.

[@kplicanic]

Have a great ride!

[@anthoniusladjar3051]

This is the best packing video, I watched it over and over again. Nice job you guys.

[@skallatorc]

I enjoyed the video. I commute 20 miles round trip and I have been looking into pannier bags to improve my car-less lifestyle. the list of what you had was helpful as well.

[@TheChaznw]

Thanks for the great video. I rode the southern route in 2012 from San Diego to St. Augustine. However, my riding partner and I were supported by his GF. I'd like to do a self-supported trip soon and this is very helpful. Thanks

[@BrentAWhite1]

Great video. I have added 2 very handy items I never thought of bringing. You did a great job, and you cheery personality made it enjoyable to watch. I hate boring monotone videos. Thank you for all the help your videos provided.

[@EirikArnesen]

Thank you do much for sharing. Very useful - preparing for my first really long trip in 2014.

[@freerunification]

Where are you going?

[@EirikArnesen]

peter bear Hello Peter. Through most parts of Norway. Consentration on the www.kystriksveien.com and Lofoten. Made the trip in july/august. Allready planning for next years "adventure" - hope biking through Brittain.

[@BrentAWhite1]

I so agree with you here Khara. I have also agonized over gear and I have also bought many many different bags over the years. Ortlieb simply does a GREAT job. Not sure why somehow anyone would think you were being paid or given free stuff for this review. In fact you spent most of the time on the gear in the bags. I think it was a great video and very professionally done.

[@trickystravels]

I’m a bit late to the party but I’ve been looking for panniers. This video is brilliant. I need that packing cube in my life. Thank you so much.

[@kplicanic]

Better late than never! 🙌

[@craigrmeyer]

Those packing cubes are the bomb. Thanks for sharing the idea. I can tell how helpful those are from here.

[@igorlandaeta]

Cool!!! It's always usefull to see how other people set their bags to travel! It helped me to remember a couple of little things. Thanks!!

[@brad-scottgirod9324]

Thank you, that's a well done video and no camera bouncing! Lots of good info. I've been riding all my life and now @ 64 and retired thinking seriously of touring. I can no longer use the drops and looking at REI's Safari my steel frame will handle light touring but don't know yet whether my arthritis will. Appreciate the motivation.

[@sc1212able]

Nice video, very informative, getting ready to ride the southern tier, Florida to California in two weeks, this video really made me repack everything, i always take to much, the only thing I do different, is I run a garmin gps, off a small 12 volt battery, and charge the battery via solar panel, the battery also keeps cell phone and tablet charged

[@pollyfiller1]

Great Video and great suggestions and ideas too. Hope you had a great trip!!

[@AZxTu]

Great video! I'm planning on going from Seattle to Connecticut this summer so very helpful as I start to finalize plans.I like the idea of having a rack pack rather than front rack panniers. :)

[@twweety9]

Although I haven't been on my trip yet. I love how organized this video and I keep coming back to it although I have bought nothing as of yet.

[@dfawkes55]

Thank you very much for your video. I learnt a lot from it. I have bicycle toured in Eleuthera and Andros Island in the Bahamas. Thanks again for providing helpful information.

[@bilko1971]

very helpful video , thank you for taking the time to make it. You have a wonderful energy too.

[@robertmartian]

what a great video!!! i love all the bags and such! i'm so wanting to get on the road myself, and this is great inspiration/motivation. thumbs up

[@endymion2001]

Very useful and inspiring. I have been using Ortlieb back roller bags for many years, but will add the Rack bag for a crossing of the alps tour.

[@EzERiders]

This video is great! I pack all that and a ukulele! Excellent narration and filming and super informative. Five stars!

[@Slaypalm]

thank you for such a quick response! im riding from coast to coast starting in may and I definately want mainly everything to be water proof!

[@cyclingfreeman]

Really great little review and presentation of yourself and your gear! :-D Got inspiration, thanks for sharing, and stay safe on the road! :-D

[@RonKudrna]

Great information; that is the best little video piece I've seen on any segment of cycling. Pleasant, informative..a natural. Thanks.

[@NBM397]

I tour on a cargo bike, yet I still think you guys have a LOT of heavy stuff! I'm impressed. The gear on just one of your bikes weigh more than I carry - and I also carry stuff for my 8 yo daughter when we tour. That said, I realise this is a very old video, so you've probably lightened up your load by now.

[@Thaddeus088]

Awesome thank you so much for the reply! It indeed has helped tremendously! I am going with the biggest handlebar bag i can find. A stash bag that i can sling over my shoulder on a whim sounds like a great idea. Along with a front rack & you could be a traveling band! Happy trails~!

[@Rustee42]

What a terrifically helpful video - thank you. I'm planning a tour of La Velodyssey in France from Roscoff to Santander in Spain next year, so I think i'll invest in some Ortleib panniers & a rack pack, as they look awesome.

[@kplicanic]

Glad we could help! Have an awesome trip!!!!! :)

[@Rustee42]

Thanks - i'll probably do a blog too, so i'll bung you a link when it's done :)

[@NimlotArt]

+russ trew I've owned Ortlieb back roller classic and front roller classic for 18 years and they've never let me down. Ortlieb are the ABSOLUTE BEST panniers on the market. Best value because of the superior quality, waterproofness and the ease of use.

[@kplicanic]

We never weighed our gear.... but never experienced any problems with weight, and we rode over several different mountain ranges on our way from California to Florida. ;) Happy pedaling!

[@johnsalov]

great job! i have a list of what i'm bringing but haven't got to the pannier purchasing yet, so it was great to see the way you pack 'em. i'll definitely check out your website for more info. thanks!

[@annefwee]

Omg I love your style! I need my comfort too when doing camping and I love to think I can be very well equipped with the Ortleab

[@ljaysperspective1775]

Very interesting vid, you appear very enthusiastic. I just purchased a hybrid bike that im prepping for short trips after many yrs of driving. Thx for sharing, enjoy the vid👍

[@kennethcolbert9018]

Great video you made.I was all ready to go touring the way I had my Big Dummy setup until you made this video.You gave me a lot of good ideas on what I would need and a great way of packing my bike Gore wear shorts and of sruff I will ned to take along.The Eagle Creek Gracias was just a great idea this is one item I had not seen before and it is a must have item thanks.Do the two of you have any videos of your trip?Are you going to post any of them for us I always like to see how people travler by there bikes it helps out people like me to give a better idea of what and how to do a trip.I hope to get to do a trip to Bangor Maine some time in 2014.The trip will be over 1800 miles one way.

[@mawacal]

after watching the video I purchased the eagle creek pack-it mentioned to keep my off bike clothing neat and in order. The bag holds alot. 1 long zipper pant, 3 shirts, 3 t-shirts 4 draws and 3 socks. Its not bulky either. It fits perfectly in the 40L ortlieb pannier with room for other items as well. Also if i leave out 1 shirt my Mini laptop fits perfectly and it is protected by the clothing on either side. I may get a second one for my extra on bike clothing. Thanks for the tip.

[@macspud28]

Just a note to the wise, you would be better to put something under the rack pack so that the weight is borne on the rack, the way you have it now the weight is borne by the two rear paniers putting extra stress on their fastenings. Depending how much weight is carried in the rack top bag the rear pannier fastenings could be over stressed and fail after a while. Also, It's best to keep as much weight (within the pannier weight limits) as low down as possible to keep the centre of gavity as low as possible. If you want to add a handlebar bag you could add an auxiliary/accessory bar in place of some of your headset spacers e.g. www.sjscycles.co.uk/thorn-accessory-bar-mk1-t-shaped-105-mm-extension-222-mm-0-deg-black-anodized-prod11040/

[@atexnik]

Great comment. I was thinking the same while watching the video. A lightweight piece of thick styrofoam on top of rack will support the dry bag with no extra weight added. And yeah, keeping the heavy stuff low will help stabilize the bike.

[@douglasherr5772]

Thank you for the information on the fuel canister, I was thinking of going that way but didn't known how long they'd last.

[@atexnik]

The other option to pack the clothes is using a cheap compression sack(s). They are light, can hold up lots of stuff and can compress up to half of the volume, thus you save on volume, when putting into panniers.

[@MrJcarlson123]

great video i am planning on go from Washington DC to Pittsburgh and this is very helpful.

[@sabatheus]

I'm still trying to get a home equity loan to be able to buy the Ortlieb bags...

[@kplicanic]

We bought ours from therandonneeshop [dot] com and found the price to be far less than what we expected.... (the price is per PAIR)

[@jordenvanmunster5886]

So i bought an second hand bike, Batavus with all the paniers on it... the same cost of the bags and with free bike!!!!

[@jonny5415]

Sabatheus stole mine from my sister. she isn't using them anyway 😅

[@mounirartists7409]

Really I like your job me too I have bicycle I tour with my bicycle more cities at my country Morocco

[@The-GreenHornet]

You get what you pay for. Yes, they are not cheap but neither are their quality. Personally I would rather pay for something that is going to last longer than something cheaper that will fall apart out on the road.

[@thakidistight]

A really nice thing to bring is a hose key (outside faucet hose bibb key) . So you can use the outside faucets that are recessed. Almost every building has one, great way to get fresh, clean water.

[@StormLaker]

Great video, very informative! I'll probably wait to buy Ortlieb bags, in the meantime I'll use the cheap panniers I picked up from Nashbar until I decide touring is for me. You guys are DEFINITELY more organized than I am, I just toss stuff in zip locks, stuff sacks, and even in my shoes when I pack! The packing cubes are a great idea...my wife better hide hers, they may disappear!

[@thatguyonabicycleofconsurv3908]

You got such a big heart and you really doing this so that you can help people along the way and help people Inspire them to get them going and do the same thing I'm telling you you I wish you could see how you are but I don't know if you can let me sure you get a lot of comments LOL

[@56thommo]

Thanks Guys, helped me out lot. I just about to head off on my first tour (solo), excellent insight on what goes where and how Thommo

[@titan90000]

Congrats on your trip. Great video and good gear. Just a little heavy for me, I am also an ultralight backpacker so I can bring that gear to cut down on weight.

[@boboc50]

What a great video. I would like to take a bike trip like that. Very informative. Best biking video on the web. Thanks Bob C

[@pbr2424]

If you are in an area of brooks or lakes you can use a "Life Straw". I use one instead of carrying so much water. I gallon of water weighs 8.3 pounds. I feel completely safe using a Life Straw. Just carry the water you need between water sources and then drink away where you find water with the straw.

[@kplicanic]

Hi there! We didn't use any compression sacks, but I'm sure they wouldn't hurt. Not sure how much the Eagle Creek pack-it weighs, but I wouldn't have wanted to be without it, that's for sure! :) Happy pedaling!

[@JuggleAddict]

Thank you! I rarely see such a complete runthrough of how you pack on tour. Everyone will tell you to that "everbody does it differently" but it's hard to find a good example. I love the rack pack idea. I have only been on a few short tours and having the tent and sleeping bag thrown on top wasn't ideal. It looks like a heavy set of packs, but certainly comfy when it comes time to settle in for the night :) which would be high on my priority list for a long tour. Great Overview. :-D

[@AndrewYPTang]

Wow. Thanks for sharing. Envious how well organised you are. LOL I also loved that pink bag where you kept all your clothes in. So useful.

[@StarEssences]

I've discovered the small size packing cubes by eagle creek to organize my clothing for bicycle touring; They are great as they come in several sizes, makes, and colors. They fit into panniers and are lighter weight too.

[@kplicanic]

Hi Mike! We'd be honored to have you share our video... I'm so glad you found it helpful! Safe and happy travels!

[@kplicanic]

@mawacal That's awesome! So glad we could help! Those cubes are amazing, aren't they? Happy cycling!

[@debzeppeliniv]

this is the most informative well made video I have seen, well done !! wish I could find a local group my age to go with camping. I think I have waited too long...

[@chrislive7456]

Great Video! My dream is to hop on my bike here in Hamburg/Germany and ride it to India and beyond ... so thanks for encouraging me a little further ;-)

[@WildOutdoorLiving]

Really clear and concise video. Thos bags look expensive but quite awesome!

[@taffman0366]

Great idea using the Eagle creek bag!.Just got some Ortlieb panniers and was looking for a way to store my cloths without squeezing them at the bottom of the bag.thanks.

[@jorojo5219]

Very useful video. Thank you for that you share your experience. I learned a few new things about the equipment that I need for my bicycle tour. Best regards from Berlin : )

[@boxlid214]

I usually don't need the lock at most stops, since I target microbreweries and they usually have outdoor seating and well accommodate cyclists :)

[@GinnisMcGinnis]

Great Video!! I have done some weeklong tours and hope longer tours are in my future. :)

[@arsalanjamalfar]

i recommend Arkel and its way more durable with pockets and aluminium clips unlike most other panniers. i haven't had any issues with my bags.

[@kplicanic]

Glad to hear it! Sounds like you have a fun adventure ahead!

[@brandonhamilton5115]

I really enjoyed watching this video-- it really looks so much easier than I had worried initially-- thank you for showing how easy adding the panniers are-- it just clips right on! I hope you guys have a great safe cycling season! Happy Riding (:

[@kumitashiro8002]

your video opened my eyes! I always couldn't pack my cloth neatly but 'Eagle creek pack-it' will help. Thanks.

[@DAAC86]

well im glad i picked an Ortlieb complet set with back panniers and front panniers and a rackpack so im all good to go the next many years

[@kplicanic]

Most camp grounds have shower/bathroom facilities. On the road, we stopped at various restaurants, gas stations, etc. Or, in a pinch, the side of the road worked just fine. :)

[@LunaModerna]

I love your video. It’s one of the best I’ve seen. I’m having trouble visiting your site to get the gear list. Do you have a different site now? It’s not loading. Thank you!!!!

[@kplicanic]

Thank you! Yes, sadly our website is so old that it no longer works. 😭 Is there a specific question I can try and answer for you?

[@LunaModerna]

Khara Plicanic I was wondering the brand name of the pannier bags and your cooking items including the stove. Thank you

[@kplicanic]

@@LunaModerna The bags are Ortlieb brand: ortliebusa.com/product-category/bike-bags/rear-bicycle-panniers/ The cooking stove was a small backpacking stove similar to this: amzn.to/3dUdnfD I can't seem to find the details on our dishes... but it was basically just a bowl and a spork for each of us. Hope this helps! :)

[@LunaModerna]

Khara Plicanic thank you very much 🙏🏼😊

[@SergeyChaban]

What a sweet and positive girl! Charm! Your site doesn't open. Please tell me what kind of clothes organizer you have in the video?

[@kplicanic]

Hello! Yes, our site is so old that it is no longer supported.... :( The clothes organizer is called a packing cube. The ones we bought were from Eagle Creek. Hope that helps!

[@SergeyChaban]

​@@kplicanic Hello. Thank you for help!

[@JackMeyerfun]

OMIGOD. This was awesome! Thank you! Questions: What did you use the two Pack-it Complete organizers for? What information did you put on your travel cards? Worries about too much information? With the Adventure Cycling stuff, did you still pre-plan stops? Wing it? The list shows an extra pair of gloves. How come? BTW: When my wife saw you waggle that sink stopper around and praise its advantage, she KNEW that you had your priorities straight. You are wondeful! Thank you again!

[@kplicanic]

Hi ProductionJunction1! We only had problems in the deserts of Arizona, New Mexico, and Texas. The rest of our trip was entirely void of flat tires. And each time we got a flat, we easily spotted the culprit: either a wire of some sort from debris on the road, or a pokey needle from the local vegetation. Thus, I'm fairly confident the weight wasn't a contributing factor, though I'm sure we could've reduced our weight, we never found it to be an issue. :)

[@kplicanic]

We rode the Southern Tier route from Adventure Cycling. Their website has a TON of great resources... highly recommend! We averaged about 75 miles per day.... spent 65 days on the road, 45 of which were pedaling. :) So fun! Thanks for stopping by!

[@stefanhoffman7395]

Wow, that is more stuff than i have in my house, haha. Cool ideas though, i will for sure pack a drain stopper this time.

[@thePussysniffer]

this was very helful. goodluck guys

[@kplicanic]

Believe it or not, we just went with whatever came on our Surlys. (Didn't give it too much thought.) We didn't use Slime either, but often thought about it, though from the people we talked to, it wouldn't have stopped some of the flats we had in the desert... and from what I understand, you can't patch those tires, you just have to replace them... which seemed wasteful and a pain in the butt. They'd be awesome for local commuting though... :)

[@kplicanic]

U-locks are awesome for commuting around the city, but when you're on a tour, not only are they heavy, but rarely are there bike racks to attach them to, and they don't work for locking your bike to a tree, fence, etc. Cable locks give you greater flexibility for less weight. Tough to beat! :)

[@YakiniJoseph]

Hahahhhh how are you

[@kplicanic]

I can see your concern, but as far as I know, they are quite sturdy. I've never heard of them breaking on someone... and we didn't have any problems with them. On the other hand, the Salsa front rack (made of metal) that I first had on the front of my bike snapped off just west of Austin, TX nearly causing a huge accident. I'd trust my Ortliebs over that silly Salsa rack any time..... (our rear rack was a different brand, but I can't remember what it is....)

[@TALON-7]

Excellent overview. What is the total weight of your gear? I would recommend getting a foldable solar panel - you can strap it on your bags and charge your cell phones and other small electronics as you go. REI has Goal Zero Nomad 13.5 Foldable Solar Panel or Brunton Solaris panels.

[@chavers196]

Hay i love your video. so i have the same set up for breaks on my handlebars with the crosstop levers. i have a handlebar bag on mine with a ortlieb bag and all i had to do is get the mount Extension so the breaks would work.

[@twweety9]

Thank you this SO helps me. I'm going to do my very first trip around the US. I'm doing it alone. So this helps a tone. I of course will adjust to what I need. Are your handle bar comfortable

[@MrGtownjake]

Sabatheus You think Ortlieb are expensive, try looking at Arkel GT series but only if you have an oxygen mask and some migraine meds handy.

[@ZombifyIt]

I'm really really digging your handlebar setup on this vid, very convenient with that map holder cause technology does fail when you need it most out in the middle of nowhere. My android tablet would be useless for navigating outside the city. I'm planning on going with a few friends to go on camping weekends on the beach strip in the summer, it's certainly wise of you to bring along the locks. Thieves aren't just in cities. Be careful out there. :)

[@FeliciaFollum]

The packing cubes are great. I love ditty bags, compression sacs and such for backpacking and travel. How long (days) of a trip is this for? Just curious it seems like a lot more than you would take on a backpacking trip but I know very little about biking....Great video. I'm excited for summer to start doing backpacking vids

[@matematicaabs]

Thanks for all the info, great video

[@JohnYoungfunstuff]

Thanks, the bag ideas are great. I've got the same bags n love me.

[@kplicanic]

Hey there! I'm glad you found the video helpful! My husband & I each carried one Pack-It Complete organizer. My clothes in one, his in the other. Our travel cards had our names, ph #, website, & email. We're both active in social media w/ numerous websites from various projects, so our information is already very much out there. We weren't concerned in that regard. :) Cont....

[@cmprincipe5]

I enjoyed your "The UNtour: Packing for a Bicycle Tour" video. Very good and helpful presentation. What size is your Ortlieb rack pack? I'm building a Surly LHT, have the exact same panniers (I love them), and would like to get the rack pack to complement the set. Thanks!

[@jessejohn77]

just getting started on bicycle touring...very informative...thanks :)

[@kplicanic]

We rode the Southern Tier route from Adventure Cycling. Their website has a TON of great resources, highly recommend! :)

[@kplicanic]

(Continued from previous reply) If you *do* use a front rack, make sure it is a solid one (not a cheap one). We had TWO of them break on our trip for whatever reason. (Dangerous and scary.) They're generally made for front loading panniers... but we preferred to use only rear panniers, so we bought small rinky-dink front racks. Not good. A handlebar bag would've been perfect if we could've made it fit. Hope that helps!

[@kplicanic]

We never really felt we needed a bigger Rack Pack.... the medium is plenty large (I feel like a large would be more like size HUGE). That things seems to swallow a mind boggling amount of stuff... and as long as you can bring the tops together and get at least one fold in, you should be good. (The buckle will hold it down.) I freaking love those bags and can't imagine having used anything else, and I was *obsessed* with researching before buying...

[@kawaiibunnbunn]

Your so beautiful! Also, thanks for the tips! I really need to get gloves and bags when I go on bike trips, I always fall of my bike and my hands would rub against the ground, thank you soooo much for the tips! I'm really thankful! Seriously, I love you so much because of the video! :D