The photo shows a 3″ by 5″ mesh bag with my pajamas in it.
When I met Vic a few years ago, I asked if he was interested in bike touring. He said he had not really considered it before.
Vic said “yes” to many things, including our life together, and together we keep learning about being more free from old constructs. We try not to repeat old habits in our relationship that could present a problem, and in other areas of our life. Life can be filled with love and adventure if you are willing to look at it thoughtfully and not be disappointed. Instead you figure out a way to move ahead.
Getting out of our comfort zone, and learning new things, and getting inspired by different people and places helps do that. And traveling in a locale where you need to learn French also helps you break the mold.
Vic and I bike for both a vacation and for adventure. We like to sleep at a hotel, Bed and Breakfast, or motel. We are not too picky but we like nice beds and WiFi. So this article is about packing for inn to inn. We are relatively new to bike touring but we really enjoy it.
There is a certain joy in light packing for up to 2 weeks with smaller light touring bags. Our panniers and trunk bags total about 18 pounds for each of us. We invested in lightweight clothing since they just compress better and wash and dry better.
Practice helps. And letting go of habits –such as having outfits for all occasions! Or not styling my hair or having slippers!
We move along from town to town so the only persons who may get sick of how we look is ourselves.
But we have found ways to look presentable when off the bike, and comfortable and warm while on the bike.
Comfort is the key word here. For off bike I want a skirt, nice capris, a shawl or scarf, and soft pj’s that let me drift off to sleep. One pair of sturdy (and waterproof) Teva sandals for off bike and are ones that you can walk in or do light hiking. Pack colors that work together and remember black is always good. No cotton.
For biking you have to have rain gear also; it’s inevitable. So far Vic and I only bike in the summer and fall so we only pack a waterproof rain jacket, waterproof booties, and waterproof helmet cover. Our bike shorts and legs get wet, and we use leggings if it’s colder, but we just make sure we have one other set of bike shorts that are dry for the next day. We both pack 2 sets of biking clothes. We both like our white sun arm protectors so we can skip sunscreen on our arms and they double as arm warmers.
Without resorting to fleece or other warm weather coats, we rely on the traditional method of layering. We use our rain jackets as a windbreaker or when needed for warmth. We bring microfiber that we can wash out and dry within a day. Or I strap a damp shirt ( or bra or socks) to air dry on our trunk bags. Here’s my list: I have four short sleeve mostly solid color microfiber Champion T-shirts that I wear biking, and wear off road.
I purchased them on online. I have one long sleeve black microfiber shirt to use as a light “sweater” cover-up for layering on or off the bike. I carry a bandanna for many uses including protecting my neck from sun and wind but also sweat, and it looks cute!
I am bringing another one in a new color next time. I always bring a set of warm black stretch capris to wear for comfort in our room or walking in town, and a pair of lightweight washable dark poly shorts and a nylon skirt to wear around town. I love the skirt to also go to pools and spas as a bathing suit cover-up. Which brings me to bathing suits. I bring a two piece because it’s smaller and you cannot pass up a hot tub!
I make sure I bring a few bras and underwear and they are thin so that they can be easily washed out with Dr. Bronner’s soap in a hotel sink. And dried with a hairdryer. Or on your trunk bag.
I have one summer weight collared button-down shirt that I use as a jacket for cold evenings and when I want to look a little dressy.
A few pairs of socks , a microfiber camisole top and I’m done! The most important thing is to coordinate all the colors so you look put together. A little bling is nice so I pack some earrings.
Vic brings the guy version of the above– He has 2 off bike mesh microfiber polo shirts and one pair of green shorts ( “they go with everything” ). And a lightweight canvas strap belt. One pair of street socks to wear with his Teva sandals. And a microfiber tank top for warmth on or off bike. He looks dashing (and warm) in his charcoal gray microfiber long sleeve pullover shirt.
Vic says that the limited weight makes the whole thing possible. The priority is to travel light and we don’t notice our limited wardrobe. You make a choice between hauling around a lot of stuff, or making do, and enjoying the things you have so that your trip is fun. And actually the less choices you have to make about what to wear each day means more time you can spend on things that matter. Bike touring really takes you down to the essentials.
We use small mesh and plastic zip lock bags to organize our clothes. Happy travelling.
Velo Spirits 