(part 2 of 5) I’m gradually going through past trip notebooks and random Google Docs and jotting down all my packing lists in one place.

For a week-long ride like Berlin->Copenhagen which is self-contained but involves staying in hotels every night and is not far from civilization, I pack fairly light, since I have to carry everything on the bike and don’t have to carry camping gear or significant food or bike repair tools. This type of trip often involves a few days after the riding in a city, so I want clothing I feel comfortable walking around or going out to a restaurant in.

A good list for me for what I can fit in two small panniers (in addition to the tools / accessories / etc already on the “always on the bike” list):

Clothes:

  • (2x) padded bike shorts, to wash alternate pairs in hotel sink each night (3x is more convenient in case one doesn’t dry in time)
  • (2x) quick-dry boxers (also to wash in sink)
  • (6x) socks
  • (2x) wool t-shirts to bike + walk in (assuming moderate climate)
  • (1x) long shorts (to wear over padded shorts, with pockets)
  • (1x) basic sleeping t-shirt
  • light gym shorts (to change into immediately at end of ride to “let everything breathe”)
  • small pack towel, mostly for impromptu swimming stops (since hotels will have towels)
  • bathing suit (redundant a bit w/ gym shorts)
  • flip flops
  • bike cap
  • rain shell / windbreaker
  • jeans (wore on plane, then packed away and saved to dress more presentably in the evening or on “city days”)
  • one light + fast-drying long-sleeve shirt
  • one warmer button-up shirt (worn onto plane, then does dual duty as warmth or “looking more presentable in restaurant”)
  • I just ride in regular shoes that are good for walking as well

Electronics + Paper:

  • outlet adapter
  • phone charger + cable
  • bike computer + microUSB cable
  • front and rear lights (also microUSB rechargeable)
  • noise-canceling headphones (a luxury, helps with sleeping on international flight, may skip next time)
  • larger USB battery pack (enough to recharge everything overnight in case of a hotel without enough working outlets for me + travel partner)
  • notebook and two pens (having your own pen is frequently useful at border crossings)
  • kindle or paper book
  • phrasebook
  • passport / ID / vax certificates / etc depending on trip

Other:

  • panniers (ideally with external pockets or ability to ride open-top to hold bulkier items like bottle of olive oil / wine / beer, loaf of bread, etc)
  • dopp kit
  • several days of my favorite pick-me-up snacks
  • safety pins (quick garment repair + clean out debris in phone port), duct tape, zip ties
  • map
  • masks
  • a few Covid rapid tests
  • earplugs
  • extra ziplock bags
  • two trash bags (for double-bagging possessions in panniers in heavy rain)
  • backup pair of glasses

Sometimes I add:

  • waterproof pants and shoe covers (useful in rain, but I also find they get sweaty easily, and in the heaviest rain I find water still finds a way in after a few hours, and they take up a lot of space). A blog reader suggested looking up “Rain Legs”
  • full-finger gloves for cold days
  • other warm clothing as needed, though I find I rarely want legwarmers or other base layers beyond the above
  • instant coffee / a few teabags, in case of a very basic hotel or airBNB that doesn’t provide them or has late breakfast hours
  • bug repellent

Looking back this seems like a long list, but this all (barely) fit in the two small panniers above, and those panniers fit in the small tote bag below that I used to carry or check them as “one item”: