I have spent two years researching and purchasing all of the gear and clothing I need to sustain myself for a ten to twelve-week trip. Yet, inevitably, I spent the few days before I left scrambling to make last-minute purchases. Every time I walked by my pile of stuff, I would add an item. Then I would take away an item. And then maybe add it back. Time will tell if I added and subtracted correctly. Math was never my strong suit.
So much of what you pack depends on where you go, what the weather conditions will be, and where you plan to sleep each night. Cycling in the hinterlands of Scandinavia in January, (yup, people do it) is very different than cycling a self-guided tour with set accommodations through the vineyards of France in June.
One criterion I did not mention, is the length of time. For the most part, what you pack for a four-day trip is the same for a four-month trip. You only need enough clothes for three or four days. Wool is your friend here. A day of climbing hills in the French vineyard in August in your fancy sweat-wicking, techy cycling kit will leave you stinkier than the piece of cheese you are having with your glass of wine at the end of the ride. 100% Merino Wool will wick that sweat and still be clean and stink-free to wear the next day. Not only that, it is sustainable, good for the planet, lightweight, and comfortable as well. There are a few brands that I mention in my kit list. It’s an investment, but so worth it.
I will be using a variety of accommodations. Hostels and B&B’s on occasion and Warmshowers and campgrounds for the bulk of the trip. So I am bringing my tent, sleeping mat and sleeping bag. I do not want to cook which honestly seems like more hassle than it is worth for one person to do nightly. I am biking thru foodie heaven. Why would I not eat the local food? Even just picking up some fresh bread, a local cheese, a bit of salami and some fruit from the corner market is way better and easier than any campfire dinner.
For me, my panniers gave me the initial impression of a vast amount of space. But oh how quickly they filled up. In the future, I think I will invest in the packing cubes that Ortlieb designs for their bags, rather than try to conform my various sacks to the pannier. No matter how well you pack, your somewhat light and nimble steed will feel like a cumbersome packhorse. It takes some getting used to.