Packing list for Bhutan cycling tour.

 

So we are finally done with our packing list for Bhutan. Just a few more days to go and here's a list of everything that will be going along with us on the tour. Since we wont be using front panniers, most of our stuff will be loaded on our rear rack. We wont be carrying any dedicated film making gear or a laptop, and will mostly be using our phones for photography and to shoot some videos.

The tent and stove will basically be for emergency purposes only as we plan to stay mostly in hotels or homestays  but they will be useful if we plan to camp out in the open on certain days. We arent really much concerned about carrying food as we can get it in most of the villages or towns along our route. But to be on the safer side, we will be carrying some instant noodles, oats, canned fish, dried fruits and butter with us. Moroever we will be carrying just a single Butane gas canister of 450 gm which should be able to cook decent amount of food for both of us for about 6- 7 days depending on usage.

One of our major concerns is the availabily of safe drinking water. Although filtered water is available at hotels in bigger towns, and packaged mineral water is sold  almost everywhere these days, we cant really afford to buy water everyday. And thats where the lifestraw comes in as a boon for us. Its a very lightweight portable water filter that removes almost all bacteria and parasites. I have used it on a trek in Nepal last year and I am totally amazed with it. Its definitely one of the most important piece of gear thats coming with us. It can be used for drinking water from ponds, rivers, streams, or most of the other water sources in the outdoors and the best part about it is that it doesnt smell, unlike chlorine tabs.

We wont be carrying too many clothes on this trip and the idea is to wash one and wear the next. Most of our cycling clothes are quick-dry and lightweight and after washing it can be dried on the bike itself using para cords. So here's the list:

                                                    Dhriti D.

Bicycle accessories:

# rear rack + panniers 20 ltr.                  
# duffel bag 20 ltr
# handlebar bag 5 ltr.                              
# rain covers for all bags
# small triangle bag.                                
# long bar ends with tape
# cyclometer.                                            
# LED tail light
# rear view mirror                                      
# bell
# bike lock                                                  
# bungee cords-2
# water bottles -2                                      
# hydration pack

Camping:
# 2 men lightweight tent                          
# sleeping bag
# foam carry mat                                      
# air pillow
# camping stove                                        
# Gas canister 450 gm- 1
# small cooking pot                                  
# small knife, 2 spoons
# steel tumblers - 2                        
# Life straw
# 20 ltr daypack                                          
# LED headlamp

Cycling wear ( for one person)
# tshirts- 3 to 4                                            
# cycling shorts -2
# full pants -2                                                
# fleece jacket-1
# wind & waterproof jacket -1                    
# poncho-1
# socks- 3 pair                                              
# underwear -3
# gloves - 2 pair                                            
# helmet -1
# sunglasses                                                  
# cycling shoes -1 pair
# sandals -1 pair.                                          
# sun hat

Tools and spares:
# bicycle multitool.                                            
# Allen Key set
# puncture repair kit                                           # tyre- 1
# tube -2                                                      
# spokes
# brake pads                                                         # brake and shifter cables
# air pump - 2                                                       # lube
# extra clamps, screws.                                       # pliers and screwdriver

Documents :
# passport.                                                             # voters id card
# passport size photos                                       # ATM cards
# travel notebook                                                 # emergency phone numbers list

Toiletries:
# soap                                                                
# toothpaste and toothbrush
# toilet paper.                                                       # scissors
# Sunscreen lotion

Others:
# first aid kit.                                                       # memory cards
# Lighter and match boxes                               # para cord
# power banks-3
# flashlight -1
# vaseline                                                             # mini tripod
# extra batteries                                                   # lavalier mic
# bluetooth speaker.                                           # small sewing kit
# ipod                                                                     # pen
# Cellphones and charger                                   # duct tape        
# zipties                                                            
# lighter and match boxes

Meanwhile Shisir is trying to finish reading 'The History of Bhutan'...