CityCyclingEdinburgh Forum » Topic: The "Touring Tips" they don't tell you about in the books

CityCyclingEdinburgh Forum » Topic: The "Touring Tips" they don't tell you about in the books http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ CityCyclingEdinburgh Forum » Topic: The "Touring Tips" they don't tell you about in the books en Sun, 28 Jun 2026 08:07:49 +0000 kaputnik on "The "Touring Tips" they don't tell you about in the books" http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=1579&page=3#post-123285 Wed, 28 Aug 2013 12:51:44 +0000 kaputnik 123285@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ The Zephros packs away quite small despite the huge bag it comes in. After a couple of cheap Eurohike tents, I was amazed to find when I bought my first expensive tent that the bag was much bigger than it needed to be. It was a revelation to be able to bundle up a wet tent in the wind and quickly stuff it into the bag, rather than sit for hours folding and re-folding and attempting to cram it into the bag they have a packing machine for in the factory in an attempt to make a big, cheap tent look smaller than it is by cramming it into the tightest possible bag. Instography on "The "Touring Tips" they don't tell you about in the books" http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=1579&page=3#post-123284 Wed, 28 Aug 2013 12:36:13 +0000 Instography 123284@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ Thanks for the offer but when I was looking and would have bought a Zephros Lite if the shop had had one, I bought a Force 10 Helium 200 to be the lighter but roomier replacement for my little Lightwave t0. Very similar design - single pole, all in one pitch almost the same weight and price as the Zephros Lite. DaveC on "The "Touring Tips" they don't tell you about in the books" http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=1579&page=3#post-123247 Wed, 28 Aug 2013 09:59:40 +0000 DaveC 123247@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ Funnily enough my Audax tool kit it in two Ikea ziplock bags, doubled up for safety, as is most of my food for my trip away. The Zephros packs away quite small despite the huge bag it comes in. Remove the poles and it can halve in size. Insto, you are free to borrow it anytime you like, to see what its like. I'll ditch the waterproof trousers on Kappers advice, as I only really use it in the hardest downpours on my commute to and from work. I guess Wild Country were bought by Terra Nova? as when I was young, Wild Country Geo tents were the go to tent, for us, over the more traditional Vango Orange Tobleraone ridge tent. cb on "The "Touring Tips" they don't tell you about in the books" http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=1579&page=3#post-123230 Wed, 28 Aug 2013 08:44:29 +0000 cb 123230@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ The Zephros also has the advantage that it doesn't need an external rain cover to be fitted over the pole (different material, seam sealed). Instography on "The "Touring Tips" they don't tell you about in the books" http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=1579&page=3#post-123227 Tue, 27 Aug 2013 23:53:08 +0000 Instography 123227@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ Zephros is a really nice tent. I was eyeing it up recently cos my favourite not cycling tents are both Wild Country. The build of them is excellent and I can't help thinking that the sales of Wild Country must cannibalise Terra Nova sales, especially in the lightweight end. Who would walk past the Zephros Lite, 300g heavier but £150 cheaper than the Laser competition at £330 (which is essentially the same design as the Zephros)? Snowy on "The "Touring Tips" they don't tell you about in the books" http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=1579&page=3#post-123226 Tue, 27 Aug 2013 23:09:18 +0000 Snowy 123226@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ +1 for sandwich bags. Especially the ikea ziplock sandwich bags which are tough enough to hold a multitool, or innertubes+levers. They also make a great waterproof cover for a mobile phone (and you can still operate the touchscreen through one). As kaputnik says, feet will get wet regardless (it's one of life's laws) but if your shoes (or socks) are windproof, they'll probably stay warm enough. kaputnik on "The "Touring Tips" they don't tell you about in the books" http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=1579&page=3#post-123179 Tue, 27 Aug 2013 13:23:28 +0000 kaputnik 123179@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ I have taken heavier-weight waterproofs before, including trousers, and only ended up using them for a walk to the pub or shops. On the bike you're going to get wet regardless. The less "waterproofing" you have on, the quicker you dry out at this time of year when it stops raining. I got thoroughly soaked on two days last week, and was in bibshorts (which were advertised as sprayproof and seemed to be), a longsleeve merino base, a heavierweight merino jumper and a lightweight waterproof. And I still got overhot in the rain anyway! The shoes had goretex liners which was fine on the drizzly days but in the real downpours your socks simply wick up the moisture and your feet get wet anyway, at which point they warm up rather like a wetsuit. +1 for warm hat for evening, in an easy-to-find location where you can grab it before pitching tent for the night. DaveC on "The "Touring Tips" they don't tell you about in the books" http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=1579&page=3#post-123093 Mon, 26 Aug 2013 16:21:16 +0000 DaveC 123093@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ Just seen this apologies Insto. Wild Country Zephros 2 (as I'm too tight to buy the Terra Nova Lazer. I bought a Sea to Summit camping wash basin, the 5ltr version which is a few quid cheeper than this one: <a href="http://www.nevisport.com/pr/6252/kitchen-sink-10l" rel="nofollow">http://www.nevisport.com/pr/6252/kitchen-sink-10l</a> Need to buy from Gaffer tape, as I have run out, keep forgetting this. I Bought a Striker for my stove, and White Gas fuel as well. I used to have a Trangia stove but used Meths with it, and everything tasted of meths. Not seen it for years! Good idea about the Spork, buy I have plastic cuttelry for camping and its light enough. My Gore tex jacket is the light Oxygen cycle type, and I have very lightweight G-Tex Packlite trousers, which tbh are the same packing size and weight as my w/proof shorts! I have a camera, but not sure the batteries (proprietary type) are any good, its not been used for a year. Don't need any chargers, as my old Nokia lasts days, and my GPS also lasts days with Lithium batteries. I have been rooting through the garage, and popping interesting items into a pannier. I think I'll have to go through it all and weed out all the rubbish I really don't need! Instography on "The "Touring Tips" they don't tell you about in the books" http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=1579&page=2#post-122712 Thu, 22 Aug 2013 14:46:09 +0000 Instography 122712@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ Look in Asda / Tesco for folding basins. Last year they had a good one <a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/SunnCamp-Lightweight-Foldable-Washing-Bowl/dp/B003CL0IK6/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1377178996&sr=8-3&keywords=folding+washing+bowl">like this</a> for a few quid. And then you'll need some Fairy Liquid. Oh, and Duck tape or <a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/s/?ie=UTF8&keywords=tenacious+repair+tape&tag=googhydr-21&index=aps&hvadid=34734174828&hvpos=1t2&hvexid=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=1633343113361056384&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=b&hvdev=c&ref=pd_sl_252i5qge72_b">Tenacious</a> tape in case of rips to tent, sleeping bag or mat. Instography on "The "Touring Tips" they don't tell you about in the books" http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=1579&page=2#post-122709 Thu, 22 Aug 2013 14:37:58 +0000 Instography 122709@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ Details man! Which tent? Whisperlite's a great stove. A Trangia triangle is a great lightweight alternative and only £20 (if you have a burner already). And string. I'm a big fan of a decent sized bit of string. Loads of uses. Ditch the KFS and get a spork or a foon. If you've got a pocket knife then a Spork's all you need. Camera? Chargers, batteries and cables for things that need them or one of those charged up powerpack type things. Still swithering over the Goretex. It's heavy stuff and to be honest I don't think it works as breathable on a bike so I use a thin Rohan showerproof jacket and, if there's likely to be heavy rain, carry a light but cheap plastic jacket from Decathlon. I have a pair of <a href="http://www.keela.co.uk/catalog/product/view/id/1643/s/roadrunner-trousers/category/21/">waterproof cycling trousers</a> made by Keela who supply to police forces. Haven't used them on the bike but they are definitely waterproof in heavy rain and very comfortable. A trip to their factory shop in Glenrothes is worth it. I love making camping lists. Wish I did more camping. Wish I didn't work so close to all the outdoors shops. DaveC on "The "Touring Tips" they don't tell you about in the books" http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=1579&page=2#post-122703 Thu, 22 Aug 2013 14:31:10 +0000 DaveC 122703@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ Check, don't plan to fry, but have a midge net, and a radio/iPod already. Looking at folding basins for washing/up in already. Cyclingmollie on "The "Touring Tips" they don't tell you about in the books" http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=1579&page=2#post-122697 Thu, 22 Aug 2013 14:10:29 +0000 Cyclingmollie 122697@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <ul><li>Don't fry anything. Too hard to wash up afterwards.</li><li>Take a hat with a midge net.</li><li>Take a radio and something to read.</li> </ul> DaveC on "The "Touring Tips" they don't tell you about in the books" http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=1579&page=2#post-122679 Thu, 22 Aug 2013 13:16:33 +0000 DaveC 122679@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ Yeh, I have thought of a couple of things like Toilet roll, matches/spark striker etc... I've bought a lightweight tent, sleeping bag, and an MSR Whisperlite already. Wolly hat is a good idea, but his it summer camping really, and aimed at fast touring for a long Audax, hence light weight. Just picked up the new (to me) seatpost rack from Kaputnik, and will see how the panniers fit this evening. Instography on "The "Touring Tips" they don't tell you about in the books" http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=1579&page=2#post-122655 Thu, 22 Aug 2013 11:47:09 +0000 Instography 122655@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ No clothes for off the bike? First aid. Torch. Cooking gear seems big for one. Cooking porridge and boiling water for pasta will use a lot of fuel and needs large pans. For one person, two nights, you should be able to get away with a small stove, 100g gas canister and a mess tin. I'd probably prepare stuff and take it with me to reheat for two nights and pick up tinned and fresh food along the way if I was away for longer. A lot comes down to the size and weight of tents, sleeping bags. My last wee jaunt everything fitted inside two panniers. cb on "The "Touring Tips" they don't tell you about in the books" http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=1579&page=2#post-122626 Thu, 22 Aug 2013 09:01:02 +0000 cb 122626@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ Are you not meant to tell us the make and model of tent, sleeping bag, stove and how much they weight to the nearest gram? Something to light the stove with. gembo on "The "Touring Tips" they don't tell you about in the books" http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=1579&page=2#post-122621 Thu, 22 Aug 2013 07:31:23 +0000 gembo 122621@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ Gloves Midge repellent Smudge on "The "Touring Tips" they don't tell you about in the books" http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=1579&page=2#post-122610 Thu, 22 Aug 2013 05:57:24 +0000 Smudge 122610@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ Warm hat for cool evenings in camp? Oh and a cable lock for when you're sleeping or visiting shops. DaveC on "The "Touring Tips" they don't tell you about in the books" http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=1579&page=2#post-122589 Wed, 21 Aug 2013 22:39:11 +0000 DaveC 122589@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ So here is my first draft of kit list for peer review: Camping: Tent, Sleeping bag, Mat. Bike Kit: Overshoes, Goretex jacket, Goretex trousers, Panniers, Bike spares kit. Cooking: Stove + Fuel, Pan 1.5 ltr, pry pan/lid, pan handle, KFS, Swisse Army Knife. Food: Porrage, Pesto, Pasta, Tea, Sugar, Hot choc, milk powder, Cuppa Soups. General: Cup (Insulating), Water Bottles, Loads of sandwich bags. I also plan to stop and buy food on the way, as I would on an Audax. The food is basically breakfast and eve meals. My route? FRB - Annan, camp, Annan - Stobo Castle (nr Peebles), Camp, Stobo Castle - FRB via Innerleithen - Gorebridge - Dalkeith - Edinburgh. DaveC on "The "Touring Tips" they don't tell you about in the books" http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=1579&page=2#post-122397 Tue, 20 Aug 2013 14:44:29 +0000 DaveC 122397@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ I'm resurecting this as its very useful for a sghort trip I'm going on in September. Hoping to be fully self sufficient, and using it as a test for a much longer ride in July next year. Just getting a kit list together (I love planning), and hoping not to take too much stuff I really won't need or can't buy along the way. minus six on "The "Touring Tips" they don't tell you about in the books" http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=1579&page=2#post-93221 Mon, 03 Dec 2012 17:13:16 +0000 minus six 93221@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ Considering food preparation for extended field trips -- where every ounce counts, I recommend the Excalibur 4-Tray Food Dehydrator, and the Andrew James Professional Vacuum Sealer. ARobComp on "The "Touring Tips" they don't tell you about in the books" http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=1579&page=2#post-93215 Mon, 03 Dec 2012 16:35:12 +0000 ARobComp 93215@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ Savlon, and loads of sandwich bags. When touring I'll generally carry at least 2-3 days worth of food in case I decide to avoid population for a while. easy way is to measure out porridge and rice/pasta and kidney beans into bags. roll, seal and tape with a bit of electrical tape. This then packs nicely into your billy cans for transport and is well sealed away. ruggtomcat on "The "Touring Tips" they don't tell you about in the books" http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=1579&page=2#post-93203 Mon, 03 Dec 2012 15:49:07 +0000 ruggtomcat 93203@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ never need it *smug* deckard112 on "The "Touring Tips" they don't tell you about in the books" http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=1579&page=2#post-93183 Mon, 03 Dec 2012 14:03:07 +0000 deckard112 93183@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ There's only one thing that springs to mind in my experience of long distance cycling....Sudacream! Enough said! Dave on "The "Touring Tips" they don't tell you about in the books" http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=1579&page=2#post-93107 Mon, 03 Dec 2012 10:19:58 +0000 Dave 93107@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ I took my lock and cable round the west coast of Scotland, which was a daft idea really as the bike was never out my site during the day, and I soon realised when it was all packed up, with the rackpack across the top, no right-minded person was going to be able to do much more than wheel it a few yards then give up trying to steal it as a daft idea. I went one better last Easter, when I towed a cable lock around the west coast and we actually used it (when sleeping in the railway coach at Glenfinnan, leaving the bikes outside) - only to realise in the morning that the keys were in the car in Oban. Of course, we hadn't packed a hacksaw and had to scrounge around the village early on a Sunday in pouring rain to find one! Moral - always lock your lock for transport if it has "keyless locking"... chdot on "The "Touring Tips" they don't tell you about in the books" http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=1579&page=2#post-93041 Sat, 01 Dec 2012 19:47:48 +0000 chdot 93041@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ This is probably more a club run than "touring". Those were the days (apparently) - " Here's a 1954 front cover of the old Scottish Cycling magazine. Pictured are the Wallacehill Cycling Club having a drum-up. No Chryston Wheelers type fire. A bit more sophisticated, they're using Primus stoves. " <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/23666168@N04/5383747523" rel="nofollow">http://www.flickr.com/photos/23666168@N04/5383747523</a> kaputnik on "The "Touring Tips" they don't tell you about in the books" http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=1579&page=2#post-93007 Sat, 01 Dec 2012 01:46:47 +0000 kaputnik 93007@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ 1. If you use a rack put the bolts in backwards. The bolt-head to the inside, and use a nut to hold on your racks. Then if the bolt breaks you can still take it out just using an allen-key. no fuss Genuinely excellent advice. always bring talcum powder in a ziplock bag. I don't trust ziplok bags further than I can throw an empty one. I'd stow the bag it inside a tub or something to avoid unwanted talcum disasters in your kit. Talcum also useful when changing tubes, acts as a dry lubricant. I'm of the over-planning mentality, I wouldn't be able to leave the house without 20kgs of gear I don't need but MIGHT JUST need in some obscure evntuality. I can live with that though, and it's all good leg training, and you can always post stuff home or to relatives if you realise it's just silly dragging it along. Summer touring in Scotland for instance, means theres a good probability of requiring spring/autumn type kit for cold/wet/windy days when shorts and tee would land you with hypothermia. I took my lock and cable round the west coast of Scotland, which was a daft idea really as the bike was never out my site during the day, and I soon realised when it was all packed up, with the rackpack across the top, no right-minded person was going to be able to do much more than wheel it a few yards then give up trying to steal it as a daft idea. Smudge on "The "Touring Tips" they don't tell you about in the books" http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=1579&page=2#post-93006 Sat, 01 Dec 2012 00:39:04 +0000 Smudge 93006@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ Ahh that makes more sense, especially on an MTB :-) retrodirect on "The "Touring Tips" they don't tell you about in the books" http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=1579&page=2#post-92928 Fri, 30 Nov 2012 12:37:30 +0000 retrodirect 92928@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ @ Darkerside lol @ Smudge, don't think I explained properly. Drybags get strapped to the bars and under the saddle when riding, bikepacker style. No weight on your back. Camping gear under the saddle, things like clothes on the front. Documents and Camera and food sat in the rucksack on this trip, to be moved to a gastank bag next time. Only photo I could find, this was headed to the trailhead in India. Easy to whip drybags off for non-bike days. <img src="http://i44.photobucket.com/albums/f48/Pablowoof/IMG_0482Custom.jpg"> Drybag doubles as a pillow for camping. 5. The thing I always promise to do, but always forget. Bring family photographs and a small world map. Darkerside on "The "Touring Tips" they don't tell you about in the books" http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=1579&page=2#post-92925 Fri, 30 Nov 2012 12:12:01 +0000 Darkerside 92925@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ True I'm afraid! It turns out when two ambulance crew decide to go touring with no experience and pack without any real coordination, you end up with quite a lot of first aid kit... This was at the end of the week, when we treated ourselves to a night in a hostel. After a (very long) shower I decided that the bandage boxers were the most logical idea. Worked well, until we returned to the room later on to discover two female German tourists had arrived. My attempts to act as if DIY pants were completely normal weren't entirely successful. Roibeard on "The "Touring Tips" they don't tell you about in the books" http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=1579&page=2#post-92921 Fri, 30 Nov 2012 11:56:04 +0000 Roibeard 92921@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ @Darkerside <snorts coffee> <chokes> Now I can't work out if you were serious or not. Granted, I've never had to use a triangular bandage in anger, and if I tried your suggestion, it would be an epic fail resulting in bits of crepe appearing at both trouser leg hems... Robert HSE Qualified and mostly incompetent/inexperienced with bandages!