What are we taking?

One question we have continually asked ourselves throughout training has been "how much stuff do we really need?"

We all have the mentality that less is more in many respects with an undertaking such as this. Every extra kilo is an extra kilo we have to haul up and over the Cascades and across 4000 miles of US highway. Equally, we are going to be travelling for 2 months and want something other than lycra shorts and jerseys to wear when we encounter civilisation, lest people think we are "weird". So a balance then; As light as possible but with enough comfort to get by in a family friendly manner.

The only way to work out what we needed and what was just dead weight was to get out on the bikes with the full kit and try it out. We did 2 training mini-tours to experiment and got quite slick with our drills by the end of the second tour.

So what kit have we taken? Below I have written a list of all the kit we have each (personally) and the group kit split between us. Add to it food and consumables when we get going and it should be pretty comprehensive. Split between us this worked out around 35 kg each (bikes and all) when weighed at the airport (I am writing this while en-route to Seattle!).

I may make edits to this in future to reflect what we didn't need in the end, or what we add as we go (less likely).

Personal kit:

Dawes Galaxy Plus touring bicycle
Altura rear panniers x2
Altura handlebar bag
Altura under saddle bag
Bike Shed water bottles x2
Cycle jerseys x2
Cycle shorts x2
Training jacket
Windproof
Packable waterproof smock
Cycle gloves
Compression sleeve (for my arm - it reduces the pain following an old injury)
Socks x4
Underwear x3
Helmet
Sunglasses
Tshirts x3
Walking trousers
Shorts
Campsite shoes/ flip-flops
Cycle shoes (SPD cleats)
Softshell jacket
Cap
Warm hat
Extra pair liner gloves
Sleeping bag
Roll mat
Dry bags (I have 7 - I like things organised into different bags)
Wash kit
Towel
Buff
Mug
Plate
Bowl
Spoon
Daysack
Spare inner tubes (at least 1 each)
Spare spokes (2 each)
Sun cream
Insect repellant
Foot powder
Leatherman
Bungees
Action camera
Phone + charger
Tablet (for updating this blog)
Speakers (for music as we go)
Notepad
Head torch
Batteries
Documentation

Group Kit:

Aluminium pot set (3 pots, 1 fry pan, 1 kettle)
Wild Country Hoolie 3 ETC 3 man tent (split between Jake and I; Owen gets the cook set)
2 gas camping stoves
Brew kit
Cooking utensils
Sponge for washing up
First Aid kit
Emergency blanket
Knee and ankle supports
Vaseline
Portable battery charger
Multi-socket adapter plug
and the Union Jack (of course!)

Rich