Must Know HACKS for Bicycle Touring & Bikepacking

[@TheDazzerRTW]

Having recently switched from Motorcycle touring to bicycle touring , your videos have proved to be very helpful. Thank you for taking the time to make and post them. Safe travels .

[@WheelstoWander]

Thanks, that is cool to hear 😊 All the Best, E&M

[@naromsky]

I find the best way to wash hands economically is to take a mouthful of water and let it out in a controlled fashion.

[@WheelstoWander]

Now that's thinking with your head 😉

[@thieboutvanhooreweder4409]

Same 😊

[@hadouken2077]

@@WheelstoWanderquite literally too❤

[@jonathanm8197]

One way to dry clothes and tents while cycling is to put them in a mesh bag (ie, a bag full of holes) that you hang off the back of the bike. That lets the sun and wind reach the clothes. Also, if you wring the clothes before putting them in the bag, shuffle/turn the clothes in the bag occasionally, and keep the bag as empty as possible, they will dry faster. Hope this helps

[@WheelstoWander]

Nice tip there! Have to give that a try. Thanks 👍🏼

[@devinbraun1852]

Like the pillow case hack. I’ve been chasing the right camp pillow solution for years and have stacked/combined items many times, but the simple idea of adding a pillow case to contain the package into a nice pill is excellent.

[@WheelstoWander]

Cool! I hope this works as well for you as it is doing for me!!

[@parisrose8173]

You are the only other person I"ve ever seen do that with thier pillow. Brilliant. Its by far the best pillow. With mine I cut the pillow case in half, keeping the entry end and got my neighbour to sew it up. So good to see someone leading not following. Keep it up. HESR.

[@WheelstoWander]

Nice addition to the hack! Been wanting to do that... Wishing you all the best & Thanks!

[@granularSodacan]

Extra rack bolts! I broke 7 during a 73 km section of road in Nicaragua. The road surface was bedrock with large stones on top . Absolutely brutal. I expected to piss blood after that.

[@twhis9843]

Thank you for reminding me and others. My kit includes extra hardware and extraction tools for broken bolts. Also I don’t use stainless hardware, rather high carbon automotive grade fasteners. I run my bolts from the inside of eyelets to the outside so if possible I can get ahold of something if they break. My experience is fasteners are the most common failure outside of flat tires. And fasteners that come with most racks are very low grade. Switching to high quality nuts and bolts saves many headaches. Your comment is an important one that I hope gets a lot of views.

[@WheelstoWander]

We always have extras 👍🏼

[@Mike-vd2qt]

Love your channel, and thank you. Old touring cyclist here, 70 years. Many cross country road tours with Tubus racks and Orlieb or Arkel panniers. I got tired of drivers and traffic, so I tried the Great Divide Mountain Bike Route (GDMBR). I used a mtn bike with shocks, all frame bags, lightened and reduced everything (like most on the GDMBR). BUT, I wasn't able to ride off road for 100 miles in one day, and I missed having racks and panniers for more food/water carry. Some of the GDMBR is great with a mountain bike, especially if you can make it 100 miles before the next water in some spots. Next time I will be on a rigid mountain touring bike with racks, and more water/food carrying ability. I dig your old school sensible bike rigs, strong wheels, panniers, slower but comfortable. Happy trails! ☮

[@WheelstoWander]

Thank you Mike 😊 Great to hear you are enjoying the ride. Good luck with the next one and more of a touring setup. All the Best!

[@pauljames9626]

I've tried using a small, inflatable pillow with my down jacket folded into a stuff sack on top of it before now, but the two tend to separate during the night - using a pillow case to keep both together is genius and such a simple idea obviously born from experience. Defintely giving that a try on my next trip. Thanks for the tip!

[@WheelstoWander]

I hope it works as good for you as it did for me! Tailwinds 👍🏼

[@jensthimmvalsted1000]

Yeah, I've been struggling finding a good pillow solution. This is definitely going to happen on my next trip. Thanks!

[@pbrown239]

I've used a buff for the same purpose.

[@vatsmith8759]

Even better, slip the pillow case containing your pillow over the end of your sleeping mat to keep it in place overnight.

[@twhis9843]

I have been cycle touring for 35 years and you gave me some wonderful new tips. Liked and subscribed.

[@WheelstoWander]

Thanks, happy to hear that 😊 All the Best!

[@johnarnebirkeland]

I used to put spokes in the handlebar, but the seat post seems like an even better place. I also use Ortlib nylon bags and make sure my tire puncture kit has patches and glue that can be used for both. The one place where I don't obsess about saving weight is for sleeping comfort , since a good nights sleep is essential for resting up and avoiding unnecessary stiffness and pains. So I bring a 9cm thick air mattress and a travel size tempura pillow that can be rolled into a reasonable size.

[@WheelstoWander]

Nice your puncture kit can be used for the Ortlieb bags too! Your right about sleeping. No compromises 👍🏼

[@Frostbiker]

A memory foam pillow sounds worth trying. Thanks for the tip!

[@yoohoo909]

Make sure your foam plug at end of spokes has a firm hold so they don't fall into the seat tube/get stuck in/around the bottom bracket/sleeve area in heavy bumps. If it's real snug, loop a zip tie around the plug for easy pulling when you need them. I usually have a teaspoon of bicycle grease in the tube (frozenrust seatpost/frame bad) but will have to try this since it works for you guys. :)

[@Gracie.Paulina]

The hot water bottle idea is great! I also use an empty 2 liter plastic soda bottle adding hot not boiling water placed under the blanket and it'll last all night long. Thank you both!!

[@WheelstoWander]

That is a really nice backup/extra heating option! Thanks & All the best, E&M

[@d.christianrathjens7209]

I am using that pillow hack, as a side sleeper I do it for the extra height. For cleaning try cloth handkerchiefs, they are cheap and even more lightweight and dont need the extra sewing. I use them for everything.

[@WheelstoWander]

The handkerchiefs are a great idea! I couldn't really find them that easy though. Perhaps going out of fashion?

[@hoser7706]

Love these hacks. I have cycled for 40 yrs snd always carried spokes on the chainstay. Never thought of the now longer seatposts! And certainly never considered squeezing my water bottle between my legs for a faucet. Lol. Brilliant!

[@WheelstoWander]

That's great to hear 😊 I hope it works as well as it does for me! Best wishes

[@joramvandervorst7715]

Finally the Next Best Thing gets some recognition 👏🏻

[@timbridgman8236]

Well done guys I'm always keen to listen to other people's advice and many I've used before so know what your saying is spot on. One additional hack is using an inch piece of mtb innertube stretched over the front brake side of the handlebars. You then use it to hold the front brake on while leaning your bike on a post or wall and even a bike stand. This stops the bike trying to roll away. Keep up the good work

[@WheelstoWander]

Thanks Tim! Been recently doing that with some thin rubber bands but they are not to durable. I will give the inner tube (a.k.a. ranger band) a go and see how that works. Best wishes!

[@timbridgman8236]

It's great watching videos like yours as I would always ask fellow tourers what tips if any they had as I was amazed at seeing some cycling with 4 full panniers. A rear bag and a trailer then meer another on a similar distance trip with barely anything. I spent weeks if not months researching kit and gear which I often found wasn't up to the job and the design of some was so obviously flawed once I started to use it. I then rode with a Japanese girl who was cycfrom Cairo to capetown with racks made from an old gate, panniers which were rice sacks that were held on with mtb innertubes that had hand made hooks on the end which made me question why I had spent months doing all that research and spending a fortune on kit that would eventually brake. I find it totally fascinating. Hood luck with everything and may the sun be on your face and the wind on your back

[@stevenbissett]

Thanks for the tip. I will give it a go. Much appreciated!

[@NelsonSherry]

Great ideas from an experienced practitioner that are not just repeats of commonly shared ideas from other people. Thanks!

[@WheelstoWander]

Thanks Guys! Happy you enjoyed the video :) All the best!

[@agiwawful]

When I did my first trips, I always tried to dry the outer layer of my tent. I realized that it is ultimately pointless because it will get wet from condensation always every night. Storing it in a different drybag as you showed, is a great idea!

[@WheelstoWander]

Thanks 😊 All the Best!

[@davidmt23]

Love the idea of a stash spot in the seat post, never thought of that.

[@WheelstoWander]

😊

[@BeeRich33]

1. That cassette tool is for Shimano. Get the correct version for your lock nut. 2. I keep a white laundry bag for dirty items meant for laundry. 3. Pitch your tent with poles as usual. Then lift the tent into the air to empty any dirt.

[@WheelstoWander]

That would have been a useful inclusion about the cassette tool! 2 excellent extra tips there we use all the time 👍🏼

[@jitenshaadventure]

I love your tips, especially the one about fixing waterproof gear! I’ll have to try that soon as I don’t like throwing away high quality clothes just becaus of a small hole!

[@WheelstoWander]

I had some good results on clothes too! Good luck with that!

[@Bikepacking]

It funny been doing the spokes in the seatpost for years great hack

[@WheelstoWander]

Super tip indeed! Using it for years now too 👌🏼 Set and forget!

[@bivibikebaggins]

same here and I still use my original hypercracker cassette tool from 90s

[@hijaloca8321]

that lamp trick to see the perforations is genius !

[@WheelstoWander]

Thanks 😊 Hope that helps you out! All the best

[@DanyaAnderson]

these are some of the best practical ideas I've seen out of the million bikepacking videos Ive watched

[@WheelstoWander]

That's cool to hear! Thanks 😊 All the Best!

[@jeraldheinrich3589]

I've done alot of motorcycle camping and the pillow that I find works best is the Nemo pillows, they come in many different sizes. It would depend how much storage space you have as to which one you will use.

[@WheelstoWander]

Thanks, I have never tried them and should give them a go someday! All the best!

[@brettfoster6786]

I have been doing the same pillow hack for years and a camp rest pad . Yes it is heavy but worth it for a older man

[@WheelstoWander]

Nice! It is really worth having gear that gives the opportunity for some quality rest. Best wishes!

[@live2win]

Love your pillow, I am going to try it!

[@mr_cleaner_upper8645]

Your videos are an instant watch for me! I am tall with wide shoulders so my inflatable pillow is never big enough… trying the pillow + puffy idea next time!

[@WheelstoWander]

That's great to hear 😊 I hope the pillow trick works for you! All the best!

[@tomabenisii7100]

One tip to add on your list my friend is to use a ready-made transparent and disposable plastic cellopane gloves you find in seafood restaurants where you are allowed to use it when eating crabs for example . You don't have to wash your hands when there's no water around. Wear it while preparing or eating food. And dispose it right afterwards. I like your pillkow tip. I want to apply it on my camping as well.

[@WheelstoWander]

I never tried that but thanks for the tip, we might try that one day. I hope the pillow trick works out for you! Best wishes!

[@bruce.KAY-bike-drifter]

Excellent tips. Thank you. Happy travels. Keep safe and keep well.

[@WheelstoWander]

Thanks Bruce 😊 All the Best, E&M

[@WheelstoWander]

Hi Everyone! I wanted to to share some useful hacks to make life out on the road easier! What are some of your favourite bicycle touring & bikepacking hacks? Thanks for watching & have a great day 😊

[@ellyzielschot8751]

The earthquake..... Really hope you guys are already home editing your fantastic Morocco adventures.

[@WheelstoWander]

Thanks for your concern! We are actually on our way to Norway at the moment. A terrible disaster from which we hope the people can recover as fast as possible. Wishing you all the best, E&M

[@johnarnebirkeland]

@@WheelstoWander Norway at this time of year? That is going to be a wet and windy experience.. I am a Norwegian btw.

[@petergarner]

These are some great hacks. I will definitely try the pillow hack on my next trip. I haven't found a good solution yet, but this looks promising! That hand-washing trick is brilliant! Also, that cassette-removal tool looks really interesting. If you're looking for content suggestions, I'd love to see it in action. (I think I found one on KZbin, but you guys are the best, so...) Thanks for another great video. Happy trails in Scandinavia!

[@WheelstoWander]

Thanks Peter 😊 Happy you enjoyed the hacks! I hope they work for you. The NBT2 is great and comes with instructions if I am correct. Pretty easy once you get the hang of it 👍🏼 All the best!!

[@CentraalStationK]

You have such good, unusual or not well-known tips! ❤

[@WheelstoWander]

Thank you 😊 I hope they can help you out on your own adventures! All the best!

[@zigajelavic1437]

Some quality stuff right there, cheers

[@WheelstoWander]

Thanks 😊 All the Best, E&M

[@livingsimplytosimplylive6817]

Wonderful hacks

[@WheelstoWander]

Great to hear 😊 Best wishes!!

[@ASHISHQT]

Take care both of you. Keep Riding.

[@WheelstoWander]

🙏🏼 Best wishes!

[@mattharvey8712]

Bravo........frame bag..........be kool to have a frame water tank.......old school ....no electric..........front rack......fenders......cheers

[@WheelstoWander]

Thanks 😊 All the Best, E&M

[@AmbientWalking]

Such great hacks! Thanks so much!

[@altropt]

Very good! We have to think about everything and be prepared! Hugs!

[@WheelstoWander]

👍🏼 All the best!!

[@onelove8062]

Free coffee at US banks Can buy and return a REI water filter to backwash your filter

[@Nomad_E-Bike]

Hi and thank you for sharing! Always so useful and well structured! As for the mudguards, I saw that you changed them. Which model did you choose? =)

[@LukeGyver]

This is so good 👍 i absolutely recommend your tips only true experience brings...

[@WheelstoWander]

Thanks 😊 All the Best, E&M

[@sadburai1]

instead of putting a water bottle between my knees, I always put some water in my mouth and use my mouth to control the water flow to my hands.

[@WheelstoWander]

Also a viable idea!! Thanks for sharing!

[@dkccdk]

I personally use a camel back in a backpack... and another one in its own small pack on my handlebars... with the straps wrapped around my handlebar pack....with those... its like having a faucet you can just pinch the tip and it'll gravity feed a steady stream of water... need to use both hands... use a cloths pin... the spokes in the seat post is a great idea..

[@aemiliadelroba4022]

Wow 🤩 Thank you 🙏 ❤❤❤

[@WheelstoWander]

You too 😊

[@svetlanauhhanova6046]

Love your tips, guys. It's like online school for cycle tourers 😂 keep up the good work!

[@WheelstoWander]

Thanks, nice to hear that 😊 Wishing you all the best!!

[@Bikepacking]

Hacks always good

[@WheelstoWander]

I love e'hm 😉

[@enbiciviaje]

Thanks for the tips!!

[@WheelstoWander]

Hope they help out!! Thanks

[@SHWELL11]

Great video.

[@WheelstoWander]

Thanks!

[@machinesandthings7121]

Great info

[@hamhamhamhamify]

Excellent video thanks! Really curious how you're getting on with that Infinity saddle too...

[@nickrodis6862]

Salamat po

[@Havelipeaja]

good work bro

[@WheelstoWander]

Thanks 😊 All the Best

[@omare_biketonature]

Useful and helpful tips, thanks 🙏🏻

[@WheelstoWander]

Great to hear you found them useful! Thanks 😊

[@lfrc2006]

Really nice video!

[@WheelstoWander]

Thank you Luis 😊 Wishing you all the best, E&M

[@paulverweij6348]

this year I used the nemo fillow :) for me it was perfect

[@WheelstoWander]

Nice! Never tried it... yet ;)

[@xnihilo64]

sand can be used to clean pots, pans and dishes.

[@timhobin8490]

Great hacks.....even after years on the road...many thx

[@WheelstoWander]

Happy you like them! All the best!

[@WhizzarD44]

Dutch accent always immediately jumps out to me. I notice a lot of dutchies run international targeting channels covering great topics quite well spoken. Good job. Very helpfull.

[@WheelstoWander]

Thanks for the compliment 🙌🏼

[@MJRamirezVideo]

Lots of good info, thanks for sharing

[@WheelstoWander]

You too 😊🙏🏼

[@thatsouthafrican]

Nice one. Thx

[@redsorgum]

Excellent bike hacks. Some of your hacks work for camping in general. 👏👏👏👏✌️

[@WheelstoWander]

Thanks 😊 Yes, we use it for other camping trips as well! All the best

[@hakimeshili]

i ❤this channel ❤

[@WheelstoWander]

😊

[@sergiovitorhenriquecabeloc7942]

I my sorry, verygood!!! Thankyou

[@WheelstoWander]

Thanks 😊 All the Best, E&M

[@johangeens1673]

mooie vlog 😍😍😉

[@WheelstoWander]

Thanks 😊

[@hArtyTruffle]

Great tips 👍🏼🙏

[@danielbachar3250]

Love the spare spoke hack!!!!

[@WheelstoWander]

Nice! Thanks 😊

[@ruben247]

how do you like the infinity saddle? ive been having problems with sore spots after long trips and was thinking about getting one

[@WheelstoWander]

I like it a lot. While no saddle is going to be a 100% comfortable all the time this comes really close for me. After a long day there can be a slight discomfort but not like the (already very comfortable) B17. Hope this helps! All the best

[@peterwilloughby132]

Hello, nice video, thanks. Could I ask what tent that is at 4:30?

[@WheelstoWander]

Thanks Peter! It is a Marmot Vapor 4P, however the tent I am packing is the Marmot Tungsten 3P UL.

[@abdel8147]

Hi Éric I have a bad news There was an earthquack in the Atlas mountain where you were last time Its a about up to 6000 victim :(

[@sylviahouder6665]

How far away was the earthquake? Hope you were safe.

[@WheelstoWander]

We are safe and not in Morocco at the moment. Thank you 🙏🏼 Best wishes, E&M

[@sonnygardewa5986]

Can you tell me about your bicycle spesification, frame size height and length, tire size

[@WheelstoWander]

21" frame (I think... 😅), 26"x2,4" tires

[@ibiniohalduno]

I think you were by the Atlas in Maroco. Are you alright?

[@marcusaurelius6847]

That desert looks familiar

[@WheelstoWander]

Have you been there?

[@achnamara]

Sad news from Morocco. Hope you are both ok.

[@WheelstoWander]

Yes, we are! Not in morocco at the moment. Terrible what happened. Thanks & Best wishes, E&M

[@dkccdk]

How do you like that model ortlieb pannier? I use those on the front of my bike... and the large classic style on my rear racks... I HATE THEM... im on a super extended tour... 2 years now... I bought front and rear panniers at the same time... my rear panniers... are still great and 100% waterproof... im on my second set of those smaller front panniers... and ive already had to patch both of them... I personally use the glueless patches... apply then to the inside of the hole... and theyre waterproof again.. anyway... yeah... those smaller panniers are junk... the only reason I got a second set is because they were under warranty... when these wear out... ill replace them with a large set of the classic style...

[@WheelstoWander]

I have had no problems with them! I like the small classics too.

[@dkccdk]

@@WheelstoWander the smaller front panniers... first time you scrub them up against anything abrasive like a brick wall... it wears a hole... my first set had DOZENS of holes after less than a year... the new ones already have a hole in both panniers... theyre just thinner material...

[@dkccdk]

@@WheelstoWander the classics are so thick their damn near bomb proof🤣😂

[@tflaris]

Hello. What saddle are you using on your bike in the video?

[@WheelstoWander]

It is the Infinity Seat!

[@mrhb6770]

I don't think I would be able to tour with a motorcycle.. and here you're touring with a bi cycle.. It's impossible for me.. 😂

[@WheelstoWander]

Ha, nice! Perhaps it's because we are Dutch 😉

[@marksadventures3889]

Very slick and professional presentation Erik - take care you too - hope you are safe out there, we've just heard about the quakes and oue thoughts are with those who lost family.

[@WheelstoWander]

Thank you Mark! We are and our thoughts are there too 🙏🏼 Wishing you all the best, E&M

[@welshbikepackingadventures]

Excellent advice, thank you so much

[@WheelstoWander]

Nice! Great to hear that 😊 Thanks & All the best!

[@Bikepacking]

Please do camera a editing work flow video as you videos are well filmed

[@WheelstoWander]

We're bound to do one when we have the time for it...

[@abdellatiftajabrit8127]

Top vedeo !!!

[@WheelstoWander]

Thanks 😊 All the Best

[@abdellatiftajabrit8127]

@@WheelstoWander Nice couple !!!

[@ubaidillahd132]

Dani Ubaidillah nyupirana

[@Joe-qq8ox]

What pants do you wear?

[@WheelstoWander]

Basic hiking pants / shorts.

[@havefunandbikestuffOver40]

Super

[@user-cc2ux9ew1r]

Hello again bikers, are you still in Morocco? Is so I hope you haven't been affected by the BLOODY earthquake. Greetings from Casablanca 🚴‍♂️🚴‍♀️

[@WheelstoWander]

No, we left a while ago! It has been terrible. We hope the people can recover a.s.a.p.! All the best!

[@honalondontv8029]

Hello I saw a video of a Moroccan Vlogger reached a village where a small hostel was completely destroyed by the earthquake and the guy asked the locals if anyone died in that hostel they said yes sadly there were a moroccan family couple and a baby of 3 months died and a British cyclist was passing by and diced to spend the night there he also passed away💔 do you guys know who is this cyclist passed away? And please keep safe ❤

[@janvansteenbergen7476]

It was 71 year old David Barden. A retired teacher who was cycling the world to raise money for charity.

[@bobvillanueva712]

From MAINE, USA!!!... Great hacks to know, THANKS......"EVERY WISH FULFILLED" E.T.

[@WheelstoWander]

Super!! Thanks & Enjoy! Best wishes 😊

[@arionferreira947]

Show 🇧🇷👍

[@josephfredbill]

Hope you are ok with the earthquake in Morocco which they say has killed more than 2000 people

[@WheelstoWander]

Thank you for your concern! We are not in Morocco at the moment. It's a terrible tragedy and our thoughts go out to all people affected. Wishing you all the best, E&M

[@JonEyv]

First hack you need to know : buy a strong bike Second hack: learn smth about bike repairing I been trying different kinds of movement motorbikes Enduros quads cars donkeys horses skates water motorbike and the biciccle is the thing that is giving me the most problems among all I tried they see just squissy I wanna cross the world in bicicleta but looks I need to know about mechanics and adjusting things and changing parts . Today just took a 600 mb and it's making sounds on the highest gear could be many things like the b-screw adjustment( no idea what is that ) so the most important by far into this sport is buy the correct bycicle and learn how to repair

[@WheelstoWander]

Good stuff! Good luck with that!

[@Xenovita88]

Apa gk capek sepedaan sejauh ini, jangan bilang kalau anda gak punya tujuan hidup

[@dudesjirbonsai]

❤❤❤❤❤

[@zoladkow]

the "hack" for not making everything inside the pannier wet is silly if not simply absurd - why on earth are you putting wet stuff in the pannier in the first place? 🤯 wet rainfly can be carried outside the pannier, if already wet, more rain won't change a lot, but will be much easier for it to dry, once the rain stops 🤷

[@WheelstoWander]

If that works for you that's great! I don't like strapping extra things on the back while there is dedicated space reserved for it. If rolled up to prevent it flapping in the wind only a small patch of the rainfly will dry. You will have keep on turning it, refolding it to become fully dry. I'd rather stuff it down a bit wet and put it up early when I get to my next destination and have it dry there. Less hassle, less work!

[@matt281075]

👌👍

[@WheelstoWander]

😊

[@jackledger8877]

5 seconds into the video, instead of cutting up a large dishcloth and laboriously stitching. Purchase cheap microfibre cloths.

[@WheelstoWander]

I like heavy cotton over microfibre everyday of the week.

[@guadalupehuffman7103]

😍 "promo sm"

[@WheelstoWander]

?

[@ubaidillahd132]

$4744

[@WheelstoWander]

?