Southern Tier Tour

  •   Category Weight
  • Cooking
    1.77 lb
  • Lighting, on and off bike. Doesn't include dynamo lights
    1 lb
  • Electric gear. Includes laptop. Doesn't include lights or hub dynamo
    2.92 lb
  • Shelter and sleeping system
    4.65 lb
  • Camping comfort and luxury
    0.17 lb
  • Planning and reference items
    0.56 lb
  • Bike tools and materials
    2.75 lb
  • Water containers
    1.11 lb
  • Toiletries and First Aid
    1.02 lb
  • Containers
    0.19 lb
  • Cold-weather clothing
    2.55 lb
  • Clothing
    6.43 lb
  • Total 25.13
    lb
    • oz
    • lb
    • g
    • kg
  • Consumable 1 lb
  • Worn 7.28 lb
  • Base Weight 16.85 lb

This was the list of things I started my Southern Tier Tour with in 2019, with some exceptions.

Other documentation

Instagram of start of trip: https://www.instagram.com/p/B3yJiaBh7k2/?utmsource=igwebcopylink&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA== Many, many more photos in Instagram thereafter.

Journal/notes: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1TybM4FnYZUSyvBU0HmmftDODd4VOsrWRhUSBVaPRrkQ/edit?usp=sharing

caveats/notes/errata:

  • I may have neglected some items, and I may also have failed to weigh everything accurately.

  • One important item not mentioned here is my bicycle, a Surly Long Haul Trucker. I liked the Surly LHT, the overbuilt wheels I had made, and the dynamo hub.

  • I started using the BRS-3000T camping stove, but found that it would flame out in windy conditions. I replaced it with the WhisperLite mentioned here, and ditched the windscreen
  • I carried a collapsible camp sink and a DromLite water bag; I sent these home quickly. Buying a plastic gallon jug at a convenience store for these sections and then discarding it was better than water bladders, which are heavy and prone to leak.
  • I tried to get a foldable bluetooth keyboard for my phone journaling, but I ended up with a small laptop when that keyboard didn't work.
  • There was only one night where it was cold enough that the quilt I chose was not warm enough.
  • I have not listed my wallet and keys
  • I have not listed a ulock, but I was glad I brought one
  • I did not list the Shimano MTB shoes I wore, but I was glad to have cleats.
  • I briefly carried a ginormous foam roller for my back, but I can't remember if I ended the trip with this.
  • I carried section maps from the ACA of my route; I mailed these to myself so I did not have to carry all of them

Additional things I would bring next time:

  • A tire pressure gauge
  • A watch, so I'd be able to gauge progress even if my phone, the main navigation system, died
  • If I did this again, I might bring a compressible ultralight backpacking down sweater or puffy, but only because I own it. The layers listed here were sufficient.

Advice:

  • *Don't skimp on lights and lighting* The best time of year to ride this route is when the days are short. Riding at night is important, and so is being comfortable at camp.
  • Learn how to use general delivery for maildrops and to get replacement gear! This skill, adapted from long-distance backpacking, allows one to send supplies to oneself for later pickup at a post office. I also had REI mail me things.
  • I was glad to have planned out my trip for the first week or so in a spreadsheet.. I was glad to have prepared resupply boxes for food for the first part of the trip.

  • After the first few resupply pickups, I noticed that I had sent myself too much food because my model was wilderness travel. In fact, they sell food in stores. Duh.

  • If you can do so, pick a wheel/tire combination that has very common tubes. As a measure of being common, see what Wal-Mart carries. I was delayed several times hitching to a far away town to replace a tube. (Or go tubeless if that's your jam. You do you, boo.)