Frequently asked questions

What should I bring?

SHORT ANSWER: There are many different attitudes on what to bring, my only strong advice is to keep your weight to a minimum, it's hot in SEA, keep it light and safe yourself some of the effort.

LONG ANSWER: The golden rule for cycle touring in SEA is to bring as little as possible. I have seen both ends of the spectrum when it comes to bikes laden with equipment. I have seen bikes laden with 4 panniers (front and rear), a box on the handle bars and bungee keeping various items on top. At the other extreme I have seen a guy touring with only a tiny backpack and nothing on the bike. I believe that the ideal is somewhere in between.

My bike fully laden

The other extreme

I usually tour with a front box (Altura) on my handle bars and 2 rear panniers (Altura). I try to keep my load light, especially if I am heading for the hills. The heat is a real drain and it helps if your bike is as light as possible.

There is another method of carrying your gear, the trailer. I have not tried a trailer yet so cannot comment, but eventually I would want to try one out. Tourers with trailers tend to be extreme long-distance tourers.

I carry 2 water bottles on my bike. This has been adequate everywhere I have been, apart from one particularly bad, hot climb in the mountains of Kanchanaburi. I would recommend 2 bottles to every cycle tourist in South East Asia. You will find water/refreshment stops at very regular intervals, however it is always good to be prepared.

The other typical items I carry are as follows: -

T-shirts (3)
Shorts (2)
Underwear (Undisclosed)
Jeans
Wash bag (soap etc.)
First aid kit
Bike multi-tool
Puncture repair kit
Pump
Water bottles (2)
Spare inner tubes (2)
Camping gas stove
Gas canister
Camping set plates and cutlery
Hammock
Mosquito net
Torch

Life Systems first aid kit

Topeak Multi-tool

There is a lot of debate, amongst cyclists, about which bicycle equipment/spares to take. Some cyclists, mostly round-the-world cyclists, take along every conceivable spare. Often including spare tires, spare spokes, spare inner tubes and spare chains. When touring in SEA I personally take the minimum. I take 2 spare inner tubes and a puncture repair kit. What to take is entirely down to your own feelings. I can say that there is a bicycle repair shop in most towns and villages in SEA, failing that there are always the ingenious, multi-talented repair people lurking around most villages. I usually take a packet of cigarettes (Western brand) to hand around in situations of minor problems with my bike, the result is I often have a whole village helping me repair the problem.

Packing is a subject I have developed on my travels. I used to pack for convenience and space. I now find it is far better to pack to anticipate what you may need on a journey. This includes putting any spare/bike equipment in easy reach and putting my camping gear at the top. I now keep my dirty clothes firmly at the bottom of my panniers, well out of harms reach.

If you do not have waterproof panniers I would strongly suggest 'sectioning' your panniers. You should separate things inside with plastic bags. This not only adds an extra layer of waterproofing but also makes packing easier with a compartment approach - all too important when you are tired from a long ride to unpack. Just pull out the relevant bag.

Back to main FAQ page