It's like watching House Hunters, only for bikepacking.
Snoopy McSnooperson
We all like peering into the private lives of others. I'm pretty sure the cavemen enjoyed it, as well as their predecessors... So without further ado, here's what made it to the final cut for my northbound GDMBR ride.
The setup
Handlebar bags
REI rain jacket
REI rain pants
Journal & pencil
Two 20,100 mAh battery packs
Charging cables
Bluetooth headphones
Bluetooth speaker
Toilet paper & trowel
Stem bags
Water bottles
Sunscreen & chapstick
Pocket knife
Headlamp
Tile
Garmin inReach Mini
Tubeless repair kit (bacon strips)
Contact cards
Pearl iZUMi cycling gloves
Not pictured: snacks
Front fork bags
Left side: Revelate Designs polecat bag
REI fleece gloves
First aid kit
More snacks
Right side: Revelate Designs polecat bag
Smartwool socks (for cycling) and wool socks (for sleeping)
Merino neck gaiter and handkerchief (for sun protection and washing)
You guessed it; snacks!
Rear rack panniers
Left side: Ortlieb gravel-pack
Sawyer water filtration system, purification tablets, 3L CNOC dirty bag and 3L CNOC clean bag
Toiletries bag
Homemade loaded oatmeal
Long spoon
Collapsible bowl with screw-on lid (for leftovers and soaking overnight oats)
Instant coffee packets
Dehydrated meals
Crushable backpack
Right side: Ortlieb gravel-pack
Custom Bote Designs watercolor bag (Brian Cote is a local design/bag wizard... he can make any custom bag with expert craftsmanship... and the creative process is a lot of fun!). He also made me a really interesting bag that perfectly fits the space between my seat tube and rear rack... I'm mailing it ahead to myself for when I begin carrying colder weather gear, but you can see it in the very first/top picture of this blog post.
Dehydrated meals
Bike toolkit (not pictured: orange sealant, chain lube and mini pump)
Rear rack (top)
Patagonia down puffy jacket
Not shown: Teva hurrican XLT2 sandals (strapped on top)
Frame bag & top tube bag
GORGEOUS custom matching Rogue Panda set (sunset fade w/white topo lines)!!!
HydraPak 2L collapsible water bag
Bike lights (in case of emergency... night riding)
Cash, ID, debit card and health insurance card
Phone
Mini tripod for taking photos
Paper maps
...you guessed it; snacks!
The clothes I'll be wearing on day one... and beyond
Smartwool socks
Pearl iZUMi sun sleeves
Pearl iZUMi sun legs
Icebreaker merino sports bra
Icebreaker merino shirt
Merino neck gaiter
Smartwool underwear (my preference is to not wear underwear with the shorts, so I'll wear them for sleeping and then pair with the shorts after a while... if needed)
Not pictured: Smith chroma pop sunglasses
Pack your fears (and little luxuries)
My fears are getting injured and mechanical issues, so I'm going a little heavy in those areas. I'm also bringing a camp dress, sun hat and water color set. Currently, I have a little extra wiggle room in my bags, but I'll be picking up some additional gear via my resupply boxes in Salida, CO, Jackson, WY and Kalispell, MT (including bear gear and cold-weather clothes).
What do you think?
Am I missing anything? I'd love to hear your experience and recommendations!
I'll be looking forward to your feedback and opinions on all the gear you've chosen. Especially your "bear bag" gear and method.