My Bike Touring Gear List

[@together4Hiscause]

Great to see the Bible too, great job, true inspiration!

[@paulsuchecki3985]

It's not the whole sword. Just my dagger. Thanks for watching!

[@JB-ti7bl]

Agreed. That made me smile :-)

[@jetsmon3367]

Truth! 🔥

[@TrailoFire]

It's great to bring with you on your daily travels.

[@bryansromalski8171]

Paul, I appreciate your no BS approach to your videos. Thank you for this useful information!

[@paulsuchecki3985]

Thanks for watching. I really appreciate it. Hope to see you down the road!!

[@thomasdecosta2270]

Paul, I am willing to bet you are an educator. Your descriptions and explanations or excellent. I was born in 63 and my goal is to ride across the country by my 70th year. I appreciate the realism that you bring, most videos I watch gloss over or don't mention the difficulties. Thanks for the effort and information.

[@paulsuchecki3985]

Thanks for watching. I really appreciate it. I just retired this year after teaching high school Biology for 34 years. I enjoyed it (mostly) but am glad to move on. I also want to be able to ride my bike across the country at 70. Hope to see you down the road. Stay safe and ride on!

[@ames477]

Paul, thank you for documenting your trips so beautifully. You inspired me to pack up my Brompton folding bike and fly it to Miami to ride the Overseas Highway down to Key West, and then fly home. I realize how much more work producing each of your videos must have been: planning, filming (camera placement and retrieval when necessary), and editing. I hope to do more touring - but I shall leave the documentation to professionals like you!

[@paulsuchecki3985]

Thanks for watching! I'm actually a professional school teacher. I hope to retire soon and become a professional bike tourist/traveler. See you down the road. Ride on!

[@helloitsdawn]

Brompton! I own one, too. Great to travel with even though they were designed with cities in mind. I mostly do rail trails with mine, but they are surprisingly robust for folding bikes.

[@tomcatt998]

@@paulsuchecki3985 I'm a retired truck driver,, now a full time bicycle bum 🙂

[@karlsarkozi3626]

Paul, here is an idea about bringing extra spokes with you just in case. If you don't have any room to pack them anymore, I picked up this tip from someone: Stuff some stiff Styrofoam down your seat tube and insert the spokes in the Styrofoam so they don't go anywhere or rattle around. You can put another piece of Styrofoam on the top of the spokes. Of course it all depends how far or how long your seat post is, but it works for most people.

[@paulsuchecki3985]

Good idea. I never thought of that. I usually tape them to my fork. Thanks. Keep on pedaling!!

[@johnbourassa8925]

Another option on the spokes is to duct tape them on the underside of the down tube. There when you need it. Also I like to wrap duct tape on my spare water bottle for emergency use. Man’s best friend to emergency fix almost anything and great for blisters.

[@dehyrkas]

I fully expected you to pull out the kitchen sink before you were finished! 🤪 Thanks again!

[@paulsuchecki3985]

Thanks for watching. I really appreciate it. Stay safe and ride on!!

[@NickJohnsonD]

Full size tools instead of a bike multi-tool. I am in awe. Buddy, you rock.

[@paulsuchecki3985]

Only what I need to get down the road. Thanks!

[@danandkiko]

I really enjoy seeing your no nonsense approach to cycling. I like that you don't "look like a typical cyclist". It's encouraging for the rest of us.

[@paulsuchecki3985]

Sorry about the late response. Thanks, I really appreciate it. I'm not built like a french bike racer and I don't want to dress like one either. Comfort is the key. Hope to see you down the trail. Stay safe and ride on!!😎

[@nathanmace3936]

I love you short dry comedy. "Cause ya never now." I love the fact that your stuff has the miles on it, road tested, no frills, just what works for you. Stay warm! It will be spring before you know it. 👊

[@paulsuchecki3985]

Thanks for watching. I think reliable gear is better than fancy gear. Especially when your 800 miles from home on your bike. C'mon springtime!! 😎

[@dimitriosfotopoulos3689]

@@paulsuchecki3985 Great refresher, thank you, Paul. Why wait for spring when there is always Florida?

[@Radoslaw731]

I love how you explain everything Paul in such a calm and slow pace 😊

[@paulsuchecki3985]

Thanks for watching. I really appreciate it. I was a HS teacher for 34 years. Calm and assertive. Hope to see you down the trail. Stay safe and ride on!!

[@Radoslaw731]

@@paulsuchecki3985 i wish but I had to win the lottery to do so to come to America. I heard that Poles don't need the Visa to come to America because we helped America a lot in Afghanistan 😊. Maybe some day

[@helloitsdawn]

Zip ties- I haven't personally needed them yet, but I have had occasion to lend one or two to others. I appreciate that you pack what works for you as opposed to merely following trends. I do like a Merino wool buff. Those things are so simple, yet handy. Before I discovered you teach, I thought "he reminds me of everyone's favorite high school teacher that turns out to have an interest life". You know how students think their instructors are robots that only serve to educate them. I will never forget when my high school history teacher rolled away in a classic 70s Corvette. Mind boggling. 🤣 Happy Easter and keep on being a light.

[@paulsuchecki3985]

Thanks for watching. I appreciate it. Happy Easter to you too. 😊

[@OneTrueCat]

Great list, and well packed. I think when I go on my first multi day outing, about the only other thing I'd add is some kind of water treatment. A life straw or a squeeze through filter bag/bottle, and some antimicrobial tablets. Nothing worse than getting sick 'cause you ran out of potable water but still need to drink.

[@paulsuchecki3985]

I always carry extra water. I learned the hard way. I hope I never have to drink surface water. Would be useful in the back country. Thanks. Ride on!

[@dennisprice8798]

Hi Catalina. Regarding water. I did my riding on paved highways and if I got low on water, especially in the desert, I'd hold up my water bottles as RVs passed by and they would pullover and top off my water. Maybe you do off road touring and then for sure water treatment would be necessary.

[@OneTrueCat]

@@dennisprice8798 yeah, I'm looking at doing some old rail trails when I'm in good enough condition to do so. But I definitely like the idea of getting RVers to help. I'd definitely contribute from mine if I had good water on board. 💜

[@tricountyautomotive9246]

Recently found your channel and love it. Your just ‘normal’ like us. Your not the biker that looks like he was in the Tour de France and took a wrong turn and ended up in the Midwest, dressed to the hilt in all the latest biker fashions. Thanks for the inspiration to know i can be me and have fun at it. 😊

[@paulsuchecki3985]

Thanks for watching! Keep it real. Comfort is the key. Stay safe and ride on!!😎

[@HolyCannolis]

Practical Paul! Thanks for sharing!! Been enjoying your educational bio videos lately too. Definitely an inspiration. The kids are lucky to have had you as a teacher…bet they are some inspired creatures 😊

[@paulsuchecki3985]

They were a pretty good bunch of kids. Thanks for watching. I really appreciate it. Stay safe and ride on! 😎

[@PamAlen-if1jr]

Thanks for these video's Paul. Just back from a 14 day bike tour. Did most of my lunch breaks in nature standing up. I missed the sit-upon. It's a good idea and I'll add it to my gear.

[@paulsuchecki3985]

Thanks for watching. I really appreciate it. Stay safe out there and ride on!!

[@LynnGagnon1]

I use a sit-upon pad that doubles as a "weeding/kneeling" pad in the garden. It's a little thicker than Pauls. I bungee it over my sleeping bag on the back rack, and put the bungees through a pair of flipflops before attaching. The flipflops don't get my other items dirty, especially when it's muddy, and the sit-upon helps to keep the rain off my sleeping bag (it's also wrapped in plastic).

[@nomadchad5733]

I've watched so many videos like this over the past week and this was the most informative one and gave advice I've not heard on any others. Thank you Paul!

[@paulsuchecki3985]

Thanks for watching. I really appreciate it. 🙂

[@tomcatt998]

I'm tool & tire repair heavy,, i carry 2 mini pumps (2 is 1 & 1is none) Never hadda pump fail on me (yet) I'm lite on clothes,, 1 change,, nylon polyester 4 quik dry

[@paulsuchecki3985]

Thanks for watching. Whatever gets you down the road, you're the one that has to carry it. Hope to see you down the road. Stay safe and ride on!!

[@markhammonds8370]

I have a extra set of brake pads in my repair parts bag . You are a great asset to anyone wanting to tour.

[@paulsuchecki3985]

Great tip. Thanks! I really appreciate it. Hope to see you down the road. Stay safe and ride on!

[@jimwarnock1250]

It's very helpful to see bikers or backpackers pull everything out to reveal what they pack. You answered my question about camera from an earlier video I watched.

[@paulsuchecki3985]

Thanks for watching. I really appreciate it.

[@winterdiscord7989]

Just getting ready to go on my first bike touring adventure this summer, and your video's just have me chopping at the bit to get at it. I like the way you roll brother

[@paulsuchecki3985]

Have fun! Thanks! Stay safe out there.

[@RawReturn]

Very entertaining and to the point. Keep trucking Paul.

[@paulsuchecki3985]

Thanks for watching. I really appreciate it. Hope to see you down the trail. Stay safe and ride on!

[@eliseuhackbarth7003]

Thank you very much for the good job doing this video. Congratulations.

[@paulsuchecki3985]

Thanks for watching. I really appreciate it. Stay safe and ride on!

[@chiparooo]

Great video! Got some good tips. Can’t believe you can carry everything but you do! Saw the bug spray. What do you do for tick control? Thanks for sharing!

[@paulsuchecki3985]

Thanks for watching. I really appreciate it. Ticks can be a problem here in southern Illinois. Bug spray helps with mosquitoes and ticks also. Stay out of the tall grass in summer, that's where they hitch a ride. You can usually see them (or feel them) crawling on you and pick them off before they burrow into your skin. If they are too small and you can't grab them, use sticky tape to get them off. If they are already burrowed into your skin, make sure you pick off the whole tick. Don't leave the head behind. If in doubt, smear some antibiotic ointment on the tick bite to kill bacteria. It's best to get them off in the first 24 hrs. I hope that helps. Stay safe and ride on!

[@DaoNguyen-vp7ki]

practical and helpful. thank you paul!

[@paulsuchecki3985]

Thanks for watching. I really appreciate it. Ride on!

[@tjbrison]

Another great video...but for newbies to touring....take a blister kit! Love the videos, subscribed after the first one I watched !

[@paulsuchecki3985]

Thanks for the support. I really appreciate it. Ride on!

[@MrJanaRobi]

Thank You for that detailed explanation of your setup. I have only used cheap jury rigged or repurposed packs and bags .I am considering a whole to rig now .

[@paulsuchecki3985]

Thanks for watching. There are so many ways to bike tour, on anyone's budget. Ride on!!

[@gogorobandles]

I've just discovered your channel and we are thoroughly enjoying watching your videos. I'm new to cycling and bike touring and find it interesting to see what other people pack for their tours. But you're right - at the end of the day it's up to the individual to lug around what makes them comfortable.

[@paulsuchecki3985]

Thanks for watching! I love it mostly for the freedom. Ride on!

[@johnzitur6585]

Love your stuff. One tip to try… instead of putting the vinyl sack into a plastic bag, line the vinyl sack with the plastic bag and fill it up. No holes guaranteed and you know what’s in the bag. I also carry a few zip ties and wrap some duct tape around itself kind of like your tp roll. Lastly I use my rear blinking light even during the day. Again, love your stuff!

[@paulsuchecki3985]

Great tip. Thanks for sharing and thanks for watching. I really appreciate it. Hope to see you down the road. Stay safe and ride on!!

[@Johnny_RB]

That's a good idea about lining the vinyl sack with the plastic bag. Thanks!

[@Johnny_RB]

EXCELLENT presentation. Very thorough and entertaining too! Thank you. 😊

[@paulsuchecki3985]

Thanks for watching. I really appreciate it. Stay safe and ride on! 😎

[@calientecaleb]

Thanks for the video. Although I don’t see myself bike touring, I would love to tour on my motorcycle in the future!

[@paulsuchecki3985]

Probably easier. Almost as much fun. Less exercise. Still a great adventure!! Go for it.

[@beverleygibson1394]

I love your videos. So simplified without being overwhelmed with all the new gear available now. It just goes to show, you don’t need fancy expensive equipment to go bike touring. I am British, and your accent and sense of humour is such fun! Nice to see you carry a Bible too. I carry or wear a St Christopher.

[@paulsuchecki3985]

Thanks for watching. I like to keep things simple. I don't understand most of those fancy gadgets anyways. Accent? I don't have an accent... and you spelled humor wrong. LOL!!! 😁 Thanks again. God Bless!

[@robertjackson2069]

EXCELLENT INFO THANK YOU, THIS WILL BE MY FIRST BIKE TOUR, YOUR VIDEO WAS VERY INTERESTING. ...SHALOM

[@paulsuchecki3985]

THANKS! Have a great ride. Peace to you.

[@lasanallien6657]

Thank you for taking the time and effort to share this.

[@paulsuchecki3985]

Thanks for watching! I really appreciate it.

[@ciliciaann3504]

Thank you Paul. Always nice to see what other people pack. 😎👍

[@paulsuchecki3985]

Thanks for watching. I really appreciate it. Hope to see you down the road. Stay safe and ride on!!😎

[@johngorentz6409]

I now carry a Helinox Chair Zero with me. It weighs about a pound, and does take up a little space, but it's great to always have a comfortable place to sit for a break. Maybe if my hamstrings could get loosened up more I'd sit on the ground like you do.

[@paulsuchecki3985]

I have always wished I could carry a chair with me. Never seemed practical. I need to check into the Helinox Zero. Sitting on the ground isn't so bad. It's getting up that hurts. Thanks for the tip. Ride on!

[@pcoma560]

Thanks for the video , very useful information !

[@paulsuchecki3985]

Glad it was helpful! Thanks for watching. Stay safe out there!

[@tomsitzman3952]

Lots of sound advice with few bells and whistles, My water resistant panniers are water resistant, not water proof. I believe the tuff fabric is Cardura. I line them with a10 mil plastic bag. grocery bags are one mil. They are designed for asbestos removal and. They are tuff and last for ever. I'm at a point in my life were the only camera I now carry is on my phone. I bring back memories and just a few photos. My newest handle bar bag is a padded camera bag I converted for us as a handle bar bag. I designed a fast mount for and with the removable shoulder strap I can carry it. My other handle bar bag I have been using since 1972. We are both Old School and keep it simple. For a tour with one or two people, my choice of stove is a old school, Svea 123 and has a built in pressurized tank and runs on white gas.

[@paulsuchecki3985]

Thanks for watching. Hope to see you down the road. Stay safe and ride on!!

[@youtube7076]

LOL, some people like to were synthetic lycra and "yeah thats all good".. awesome brother :+)

[@paulsuchecki3985]

Some people shouldn't wear lycra out in public. Like me for instance. LOL! 😁

[@trep53]

You definitely have what you need nothing looks overboard. I like to have some duct tape. I wrap about 2 feet of it on a water bottle and peel some off when needed. Thanks for sharing the details of your gear.

[@paulsuchecki3985]

Good idea. Duct tape would come in handy, but who wants to carry a whole roll? Thanks!

[@GeneRoseberry]

The "sit upon" stuck out to me as a useful item I wouldn't have thought of. I can see it coming in handy in a lot of scenarios, at least for me.

[@paulsuchecki3985]

I use it all the time. Especially when my butt is sore. Thanks for watching. Stay safe and ride on!!

[@enriquemartinez5213]

Thank you very much for sharing

[@paulsuchecki3985]

Thanks for watching. 😎

[@mabelheinzle2275]

So useful - thank you

[@paulsuchecki3985]

Glad it was helpful! Thanks for watching.

[@ChilledPepper2526]

This is very helpful since we will be bike touring soon. We have done a few miles here and there but long distance bike touring is one of our bucket list that we look forward to do. Thank you for your videos!

[@paulsuchecki3985]

Glad it was helpful! Thanks for watching. Stay safe out there and ride on!!

[@FL-PHILLIP]

Love this! I'm converting my older 90s Nashbar hybrid into a touring bike. It's an Tange Infinity chomoly frame. Love seeing your packing list. Those panniers seem bottomless. Lol. Very inspiring!

[@paulsuchecki3985]

Very cool! Sorry about the late response. Sounds like a great plan. I probably carry wat too much stuff, but I like some comforts. Thanks for watching. I really appreciate it. Hope to see you down the trail. Stay safe and ride on!!

[@shadyyyyVR]

Love your videos Paul! I always look forward to your uploads!

[@paulsuchecki3985]

Glad you like them! Thanks for watching.😎

[@dondonner1095]

How could anyone not like your videos, always good.

[@paulsuchecki3985]

No idea. Thanks!

[@davidcawthorne7115]

I love watching your videos. You keep your explanations so simple. Beautiful work. Thanks.

[@paulsuchecki3985]

Thank you very much! I really appreciate it. Stay safe and ride on!

[@c_steve_j]

Thank you ... Thank you ... Thank you! I thoroughly enjoyed this video. I've been wondering ever since I started watching your videos, what's in those bags. I like the way you think. Being new to the touring and bikepacking world, there are going to be things I will carry just to get me past the newbie phase. I did the Ohio to Erie in 2021 and learned some good lessons. Will be doing the C&O Canal Towpath/GAP this summer. Hope to learn more. Thanks again. Looking forward to your next video. Stay safe! ... Rode my fatty today!!

[@paulsuchecki3985]

Thanks for watching! Glad you like it. For a self-proclaimed newbie, sounds like you're doing pretty well. If you liked the OTET, I think you're really going to like the GAP and C&O. Stay safe. Hope to see you down the road!

[@c_steve_j363]

@@paulsuchecki3985 After deciding I wanted to start doing longer rides and checking off bucket list items, I went crazy on testing out bike accessories. REI and Amazon make it very easy to process returns for those things I didn't like. I turned 65 last year, so like yourself, there are things I just want to carry and I accept carrying the extra weight (not all that much extra). I think my trail name would be "Pack Mule" if bike packers/tourers got trail names like the hikers. LOL! Do you prefer riding solo? I'm looking to ride across the U.S. next year if you're interested. I know you kind of already have a plan for that. Stay well! Stay safe!

[@bernardmolek2991]

Glad I read “Steve J’s” comment before I posted mine…it’s exactly what I would have said! > Paul, you got the gift because I felt almost as refreshed n free watching your videos as I do when actually riding. Looking forward to my first tour here soon I hope!

[@brandonmatthews8053]

Thanks for making and sharing another excellent video Paul. I shared your channel with my wife , and I thought she would watch for all of about 30 seconds...she has now watched several of your videos all the way through with me, and considers you quite an "inspiration" she wants me to dust off her bike so we can go riding together soon. Also thank for sharing a small part of your faith. One question,; what software do you use to edit your videos.?

[@paulsuchecki3985]

Thanks for watching. Man, that's awesome, I can't even get my own wife to go biking. When the Word goes out it never comes back void. I edit with Adobe Premiere Pro. It's pretty slick. Thanks again!

[@budcline]

This is a very informative video regarding what equipment you find useful for bicycle touring. Your choices are well thought out for your needs and preferences. They are clearly based on your very extensive touring experience. I had to chuckle when you told us what some of your gear from earlier years like your tent weighed - I can relate to that. I am certain that many of your viewers will find this video very helpful in deciding what they would consider carrying when they take up your challenge to just get out and ride (tour on) your bike!

[@paulsuchecki3985]

Bud, thanks again. On one hand, my gear has really changed over the years, but on the other hand I like to stick with the tried and true. I'm still stuck in the 20th century, but I'm trying to keep up. My next video is about the bike itself. Talk about a dinosaur. The frame is from 1987. But just about everything attached to the frame is new.

[@kennethnicholls8172]

@@paulsuchecki3985 i have been hoping to see you talk about your bike

[@johnwilliams5619]

going on my first bike tour may 6th 2700 miles with a friend .I love your videos keep up the good work

[@paulsuchecki3985]

Have a great trip!! Thanks for watching. I really appreciate it. Hope to see you down the trail. Stay safe and ride on!

[@jacobtokarz2889]

Instead of using multiple garbage bags I line my saddlebags with a heavy duty contractor bag that I cut to size and just fold and tuck it for waterproofing. I also keep the tent poles with the sleeping pad and the sleeping bag gets bungeed on top of the back rack. Only difference is I have the sleeping bag in a waterproof I guess you could call “school” backpack. I use the pockets on the backpack for storing some odds and ends and roll the empty space at the top down and bungee it down right on top of the rack with the pad. Thanks for the great video.

[@paulsuchecki3985]

Thanks for watching! I like the "school" backpack idea. Can use it on an off day for day hiking. Thanks again and Ride on!

[@billelliott2374]

GAP tour with cousin,tore my pannier. He carried needle and thread, duct tape till camp.

[@paulsuchecki3985]

Needle and thread. Small roll of duct tape. Good idea.

[@jwalk4491]

Thanks, Paul. I will try the bikepacking ride this spring. I will be staying at the hotel, though. Great video.

[@paulsuchecki3985]

Sounds great! I usually stay at hotels. Especially at my age. LOL! Thanks for watching. I really appreciate it. Hope to see you down the road. Stay safe and ride on!!

[@EdgarSiscar]

Thank you so much, Sir. I’m learning a lot. And I haven’t done any cycling tour or bike packing. More power!👌🏼

[@paulsuchecki3985]

Thanks for watching. I really appreciate it.

[@raceface_m2579]

Your videos are very inspirational and informational. Thank you for sharing your experience and knowledge

[@paulsuchecki3985]

So nice of you. Thanks, I really appreciate it. Hope to see you on the trail. Stay safe and ride on!!

[@petere6036]

Nice Video, wait for your next. I am astonished at the hole equipment you carry around. What’s the hole weight without the driver? I always try to reduce the weight in expectation of climbs. Have a good time and drive always safely!

[@paulsuchecki3985]

Thanks for watching. I've never weigh my gear, I'm afraid to. I guess it's about 50 lbs, not including bike or rider. I should carry less, but it's hard to leave stuff at home. Stay safe out there and ride on!!

[@WheelsonaBike]

Loved this video and most importantly your message that underlies personal preference to carry what works for each person. Thank you for sharing! One thing I take that is different from your setup is a kitchen sink, a sack that I use for carrying water. Love that thing and I use it all the time. It's from the Sea to Summit brand.

[@paulsuchecki3985]

When I first read that you brought the kitchen sink, I thought you were kidding! 😁 That sounds like a good idea. I need to check into that. Thanks again!

[@WheelsonaBike]

@@paulsuchecki3985 Yeah, I can see how that'd happen, I mean who carries a kitchen sink with them? :) Interestingly, it's a hot ticket item, as my first one was stolen.

[@djnottttt]

Great, thank you Whak kind of bike shoes do you use.

[@paulsuchecki3985]

Thanks for watching. I've been using a pair of Specialized shoes that I bought in Cedar City, Utah while out touring. Stay safe out there!

[@bigmac3006]

What chain lube do you use? Great vid!

[@paulsuchecki3985]

Thanks for watching. I just use anything my local shop carries. I think it's called "Finish line". Works pretty well.

[@PedalingAdventures]

Outstanding video! Shine on!

[@paulsuchecki3985]

Thanks for watching. I really appreciate it. Stay safe and ride on!

[@CreativeExperiments1]

I tested out some merino wool shirts and they work really well and don't smell much. I'll try a few merino wool shirts next time and alternate between them daily.

[@paulsuchecki3985]

Thanks for watching. I really appreciate it. I've heard good things about merino wool jerseys. I may have to invest in a couple of them. Thanks again. Hope to see you down the trail. Stay safe and ride on!!

[@michaelherron4306]

I’m thinking about touring so it’s interesting to see what you pack. I’m definitely of the minimalist mindset but I’m sure the list of things you need is sure to grow with the miles. Thanks for the videos, stay safe!

[@paulsuchecki3985]

Thanks for watching. I really appreciate it. Travel light! Stay safe and ride on!!

[@davidp7414]

I also carry a few tie wraps for emergency repairs- take almost no space and no weight

[@paulsuchecki3985]

Good idea.

[@bobsimmermon8972]

This is excellent, Paul! I noticed you carry a lot of end wrenches. I’ve found that one 6” crescent wrench and a small channel lock covers all those needs. Again, thanks for another fun and informative video.

[@paulsuchecki3985]

Thanks for watching! The tool kit is always evolving. Sometimes, especially a shorter tour, I don't carry all of those wrenches. The 14 mm open end wrench has 1 purpose, to get the pedals off. If you get to a train or bus station and have to box your bike, the pedals have to come off and a crescent wrench will break. After making that video, I've come to one conclusion. I'm carrying way too much stuff! LOL. Thanks again.

[@shoechew]

"one 6” crescent wrench and a small channel lock covers all those needs. " blasphemy

[@aroqsi]

@@shoechew crescents are wider than wrenches and than the room available in pedals to put them back tight. But for other bolts a crescent can work.

[@selurusey]

I recently discovered your videos and am thoroughly enjoying them. Thank you! Could you give your experience on which cameras you end up using the most? If you were to carry only the most essential camera equipment what would you choose?

[@paulsuchecki3985]

I use my Canon M50 to film myself, because it has good quality. I use my DJI Mini 2 for aerial shots. For an action camera I have a GoPro and a DJI Pocket gimbal. They both have their merits, but the DJI has some unique features, like the gimbal. I recently purchased an Insta360 and I've been experimenting with that. If I could only take 1, except for the drone, I would choose the DJI Pocket gimbal. very lightweight and versatile. Thanks again for watching!

[@Beertownbill]

I'm brand new to touring, but am a long-distance hiker with a kit somewhere between ultralight and lightweight. I get the need for keeping everything in plastic. Pack covers are worthless. I have found that trash compactor bags make a great pack liner. I haven't yet determined my solution for biking. Even though I bought Ortliebs, I will still have a secondary system.

[@paulsuchecki3985]

Thanks again, Bill. You got this. Stay safe out there.

[@longrider42]

I separate all my cloths, and store them in Hefty Slide lock storage bags. Clear plastic, makes it easy to see whats in them. I'm glad to see you haven't been suckered into those silly Bike packing people who take as little as they can get away with. Nice old school bike touring set up you have. How many gears does your bike have?

[@paulsuchecki3985]

Thanks for watching. I can't see through my stuff sacks, but I have them color coded. I've never weighed my rig, I'm afraid to. I don't want to know. I know people that shave ounces off their bike. Makes 'em happy and they get down the trail 3 seconds faster. No school like the old school. I ride a 3 x 9 gear set up. Thanks again!!

[@fredfields6916]

Very informative video Paul. I wonder what influenced you to record all of your rides? Did you have experience with videography or photography?

[@paulsuchecki3985]

I was a HS teacher and I would tell my students about my rides, they thought I was crazy. So I started making videos to show them I wasn't the only crazy one. There are lots of others. No photo or video training, just a hobby. Thanks for watching. I really appreciate it. Stay safe and ride on!

[@alvinmatthew53]

Man i love your videos its very informative

[@paulsuchecki3985]

Thanks for watching. I really appreciate it. Stay safe and ride on!

[@mikekilburn3552]

I bought the Arkel front pannier rack now I just saved up to get the rear panniers...284 for the pair...little steep but they look solid

[@paulsuchecki3985]

I hope they last you many, many miles. Ride on!

[@moodswingkayaking4921]

Well done video. I’ve used that same REI tent on several bike packing trips. Excellent gear list.

[@paulsuchecki3985]

It's a very lightweight tent, I like it. Thanks for watching. I really appreciate it. Stay safe and ride on!!

[@jovanknutson342]

I love your videos they're really informative and funny 😃

[@paulsuchecki3985]

Glad you like them! Thanks for watching. Ride on!! 😎

[@markbajek2541]

You probably have these in there someplace. Zip ties, a small assortment of screws and bolts that fit your bike all jammed into a pill bottle , with some strike anywhere matches , an extra lighter ,a mini head lamp and the list goes on depending on the rider., .

[@paulsuchecki3985]

All the little stuff... I do carry some of those items that you mention, but not all of them. Thanks. Ride on!

[@friarrodneyburnap4336]

Thank you Brother Paul it's great to know you are a believer...

[@paulsuchecki3985]

Thanks Friar. I hope to see you down the road!

[@Htzcw]

Good vid suchecki . Caleb Holtzclaw here, hope you’re doing well!!

[@paulsuchecki3985]

Caleb! What's up , Man. I'm doing well, I hope you're doing well too. Thanks for watching my video. Did you see my other videos? Start binge watching, now! 😎

[@Htzcw]

@@paulsuchecki3985 doing great man! I definitely have watched most of them. Your content has came along way over the years and I enjoy seeing you do what you love! Got a fiancé now, just finished building a house in Vienna. So I’m not too far from you!

[@paulsuchecki3985]

@@Htzcw Glad to hear it. Congrats on the fiance and the house. I'm in Vienna almost every weekend, when the weather doesn't suck, riding the Tunnel Hill trail. After this year, I've got one more and then i can retire. I plan on doing lots of riding and making videos. Great to hear from you. God Bless!

[@miker4481]

Super helpful! I now have a better of understanding of what to pack. Thank you!

[@StarEssences]

Check out Darren Alff; he'll be able to guide you on many pertinent areas of bike touring too.

[@paulsuchecki3985]

Glad it was helpful! Thanks for watching. My way of doing things is only one way. I'm sure I left a lot out. It's good to get many different perspectives. Thanks again!

[@bryanwehmeyer]

Bible. Good man. As usual, great video, Paul.

[@paulsuchecki3985]

Thanks! 😄

[@ethanseltzer]

Curious, what rear rack do you use for your Disc Trucker? Great videos, really enjoying them.

[@paulsuchecki3985]

Thanks for watching. I really appreciate it. I use a Surly rear rack. It's pretty sturdy, but it's also pretty heavy. Stay safe and ride on!

[@jeffcooley7577]

Hi Paul, Have you ever carried, or had a need to carry a chain break tool? I don't...but mostly because I wouldn't know how in the hell to use it!

[@paulsuchecki3985]

I have never had trouble with my chain on a long tour, so I've never had the need. When in doubt start with a new(er) chain. Not that expensive, but peace of mind is priceless. Thanks for watching! I really appreciate it. Stay safe out there and ride on.

[@thomasdipaolo2349]

Very helpful for mee as a newbie

[@paulsuchecki3985]

Glad it was helpful. Thanks for watching!

[@cryhill]

Thank you so much for your video.Your videos are very inspairing

[@paulsuchecki3985]

Thanks for watching. I really appreciate it. Stay safe and ride on!!😎

[@alphacentauri7381]

Never new one could fit so many things in a bicycle panniers.

[@paulsuchecki3985]

Only what I need. LOL!! Thanks for watching. Stay safe out there!

[@StarEssences]

Packing cubes for clothes, collapsible bucket for; 1) laundry 2) dishes 3) bathing. Electronic organizer, klymit sleeping pad ( compact & lightweight), 2p lightweight tent, compact sleeping bag, fleece liner, compact down camp blanket. Packable down jacket, bike tools (in pouch) & spare parts, camera, small journal, tablet (for reading), radio, tent light, rain jacket & pants, first aid kit, toiletries, cooking gear; lightweight & compact, rear trunk bag, clothes line & clothes pins, water shoes, food, collapsible, compact lightweight chair, my dog & her gear, ...I will begin touring next month. I've been wanting to do this since 2016.

[@paulsuchecki3985]

I like the fleece liner. Down is great in cold weather, don't let it get wet. Traveling with your dog? That presents some unique challenges that I have never dealt with. I've seen people touring with their dog's. I love dogs too. It looks like fun for the person. I just hope the dog is having fun too. Take good care of that pooch.🐱‍🏍 Starting next month, you're probably gonna need that down coat. Love it! Thanks for watching. Keep on ridin'. Hope to see you down the road!

[@StarEssences]

@@paulsuchecki3985 A dog bicycle seat called, Buddyrider; it attaches to your seatpost, has a metal alloy bar that extends parallel to the toptube and at then end of bar there is a special designed dog seat (option: padding for back and bottom for an addt'l cost) that has a safety harness strap to attach to your dog. This seat can hold up to 30lbs of dog weight. The weight is center gravity so riding performance is not hindered. Also, I have a weekend lunch bag organizer which I put her food, water, and a couple of toys for her. I am thinking of getting another dog and this dog will be placed in front ontop of front pannier rack (holds up to 45lbs) with britch rack adapter and Dog Cocoon (up to 24lbs of dog weight) and plate attachment to steadily and stablely hold Dog Cocoon on bike. Dutch doggy ride makes products for those who travel with their pets besides buddyrider and other options like dog trailers. (weight is a factor).

[@StarEssences]

@@paulsuchecki3985 I have a set of axiom Seymour pannier bags (55+, 35+) and these bags have a light clip along with 3 nice sized pockets for more storage, on the side of panniers. Therefore, also having 4 bright blinking tail lights, they will be placed on these light clips so when riding on the road, I can be seen even the more.

[@paulsuchecki3985]

@@StarEssences That sounds really cool. I have seen bike tourists traveling with dogs before. They usually have a trailer or the dog runs along side. I'm a dog lover and always wanted to travel with a dog. Our dogs were always too big to carry. I thought about getting a small dog and rigging up some kind of basket on the handlebars. But what you are describing sounds way better. I may have to look into that. Cool!

[@c_steve_j]

@Tracey McNeel ... Check out Omni Terra's channel. John travels with his dog Mira. They are amazing. Talk about a well oiled machine. Every time I watch one of their videos I am amazed. John has started his around the world adventure.

[@ericjohnson8571]

Thanks Paul, another great video. What brand/type of padded shorts do you use? Thanks

[@paulsuchecki3985]

I've had trouble finding a good pair of biking shorts. It seems like most of them have a pad in the seat that is too thick. Feels like wearing a diaper. I'm looking for something like a liner that I can wear with over shorts. Right now my biking shorts are Trek brand, but when it comes to shorts, I'm not particularly brand loyal. Thanks again.

[@dougwarren612]

love your vids. Very informative. Question: Any idea how much weight total including panniers (less bike)

[@paulsuchecki3985]

Thanks for watching. I really appreciate it. I've never weighed my bike with all the gear, I'm afraid to. I would guess that I'm carrying at least 50 pounds or so (minus the bike). I'm not an ultra-light bike packer, but I've met some. I could carry less stuff but I like some comforts while traveling. Thanks again. Stay safe and ride on!

[@blakemutschler5925]

I am 73 and I still love to cycle. Love the way my lungs feel. One time My wife and I biked into a movie set in Ala..You ever do something weird like that? JACK LEMMON WALTER Mathau.

[@paulsuchecki3985]

Thanks for watching! I really appreciate it. Once I unexpectedly rode into a triathalon along the Pearl river in Jackson, Miss. Hope to see you down the road. Stay safe and ride on!!

[@gonefishin2221]

Big like! Love from Romania!

[@paulsuchecki3985]

Thanks for watching. Greetings from the USA!

[@matsuymarin]

Thank you very much Sir for sharing. 🌸

[@paulsuchecki3985]

Thank you for watching! 😎

[@danielcavins4235]

Hey Paul I’m glad you make these videos so I won’t have to. I’m too lazy to carry all that camera gear. Oh, I do like to watch them too.

[@paulsuchecki3985]

Glad you like them! Thanks for watching.

[@lmalmen]

Excellent video. Thanks.

[@paulsuchecki3985]

Glad you liked it! Thanks for watching.

[@dog-so1vj]

As always, awesome Paul. It's always great to compare what items and how one carries them as compared to other's. Information is a great tool to have on your side, at least I think so...😊 Happy Holiday's to you and yours and Happy Trails...🚴‍♂️🚴‍♂️🚴‍♂️

[@paulsuchecki3985]

Glad it was helpful! Thanks for watching. I really appreciate it. Happy Holidays to you and yours as well. Stay safe and ride on!!😎

[@ghostdog7306]

Surprised you carry your heavy gear in the front panniers. I would think it would affect your steering. Thanks for sharing great info!

[@paulsuchecki3985]

There's still way more stuff in the rear panniers. Fewer items in front, so it actually helps balance the load. Thanks for watching. I really appreciate it. Stay safe and ride on!

[@randyperkins5759]

I’ve wanted to ask about a bike helmet and you didn’t mention it. Still, towards the end when you had your gear laid out, I thought I saw a hardhat- not a traditional bike helmet, but it would serve the purpose. Second, Amazon sells two sizes of dehydrated, highly compressed “toilet cloths”, which you should investigate.

[@paulsuchecki3985]

Thanks for watching. I really appreciate it. I own a Nutcase Helmet. I usually don't wear it. But after a crash this summer I think I will be wearing it when on roads. Thnaks for the tip . Stay safe and ride on!!

[@josephschlau5611]

Like your videos. On equipment, it’s interesting that we share some of the same equipment preferences, REI Quarter Dome, Showers Pass, Jet boil Style stove. On the rear flasher, I have at least 2 on the back anytime I am riding on a road. One is alway on the back of my helmet. The triangle is a good idea which I may incorporate this year. Reflectors and reflective/high visibility materials depend on a light source hitting the reflective elements then bouncing back to the car driver who must then see and understand there is something unusual on the road, a bicycle. Problem with reflectors is twofold. Depending on where you are riding, some highway departments flood a highway with reflectors on lane lines, signs, guard rails an in some states, reflective license plates. What looks to you to be a very visible bike while parked in your driveway is just 1 of multiple reflectors competing for attention. The other element is lighting conditions. Out in open country reflective high visibility material will stick out especially if the surrounding terrain is green brown and gray. Now take that same setup and suddenly put it into deep shadows, like an underpass or into a heavy tree canopy. Unless a closing vehicle has its headlights on, little light is reflecting back. Remember the last time you were on a bike path and had to ride through an unlit tunnel under a road. Your eyes had a hard time even seeing what the path in the tunnel even looks like. Same for a car driver. Their vision is also going to have a hard time adjusting to the sudden change in light. Their “tunnel vision” is focused on the road in preference to anything else that may be in their peripheral vision. Dedicated full time flashers for roads work with any reflective materials to provide complimentary coverage for rapidly changing conditions. If flashers are on all the time, then you eliminate the judgement call of when it’s dark enough to turn a flasher on. Over the years of commuting by bike, usually in the morning and sometimes at 11:00 pm, I had a rather powerful headlight on my bike. Most quality lights come with a strobe flash mode which I now use anytime I am on the road or crossing on a bike path at at a major intersection during the day. The same reason that motorcycles have to have a full time headlight applies to bicycles. In lower light conditions that strobe reaches out and reflects off those same reflectors on signs. Essentially using all those reflectors in the highway environment to your benefit. The other benefit is to alert oncoming traffic of your presence if they are planning a left or right turn in front of you. A flashing front headlight also helps give a heads up to oncoming cars if you are being passed by another car going in the same direction. If they see the passing car drifting toward the centerline, they see the reason why and can adjust accordingly. I’d talk about the Varia radar too, but this is Paul’s channel, not Joe’s.

[@paulsuchecki3985]

Joe, thanks for the reply. Write (ride) on! Anything that you can add that helps people, adds value to this channel. Ride safe out there and thanks again!

[@InChristAloneForever]

I LOVE that you carry a Bible with you.

[@paulsuchecki3985]

Thanks for watching. I really appreciate it. Gotta bring the sword! Stay safe and ride on!!😎

[@tompritch56]

Zip ties and twist ties come in handy. Also have my Garmin.

[@paulsuchecki3985]

Zip ties. Good idea. I need to look into a Garmin, but I'm not sure what I'd do with it. What does your Garmin do?

[@VagabondTurtle]

Very prepared! Good to see the gear and how it fits on the bike. I am always a little apprehensive how much I can pack on my bike.

[@paulsuchecki3985]

You and me both! I can't believe it all fits on there either. Thanks for watching!

[@fanom1]

Going to do the Katy next month. (May 2022) Good video....I have been cycle touring for many years in Europe...now back in the US I am starting to work off my list. Done the Mickelson, and 360 miles on the Natchez Trace...Katy next...Cowboy, Paul Bunyon next yr.. I have a new Trek 520...I am going inn to in on the next trip....maybe camp on the Cowboy...then I will probably use my trailer.

[@paulsuchecki3985]

Sounds like a plan. One of these days I would like to bike tour in Europe. There are still places in the US that I want to see. Keep on pedaling!

[@sanoroo]

Just found your channel. Glad I did. I follow the KZbin channel, Flyscout Ryder, another gentleman who’s into bike touring. I’ve been cycling (paved and gravel) for about seven years now on a Trek FX. Following Flyscout Ryder and now you, I’m drawn to checking out touring. Your story inspires me to try. Couple of questions: 1. What is the weight of all the items you carry? 2. What editing software do you use? I have a KZbin channel (MassTransit). I use FCPX. Go ride your bike …. and post some more episodes.

[@paulsuchecki3985]

Thanks for watching! I appreciate it. I also follow Flyscout. He makes cool videos. I have never weighed my gear. I'm afraid to. I guess it weighs 40-50 lbs. I use Adobe Premiere for editing. Thanks again!