We won’t list all the gear we have with us but we’ll mention some items that we love. These are not listed in any particular order:
- Brooks saddles – we were a little skeptical at first. These leather saddles were rock hard when we bought them but they have slowly softened and contoured to our bodies. Neither of us have had any significant ‘comfort’ issues which is pretty incredible on a cycling trip.
- Electrolytes and medical supplies. We drink an electrolyte drink just about every day and they’ve been invaluable while cycling through such hot environments. Fortunately, they’re available in pharmacies in the region.
- Thermos, tea and coffee making supplies (reusable filter). Most places we’ve stayed at have had hot drinking water available for free. Having our own tea/coffee saves money but we also find it comforting to be able to make our own little ‘wake up’ wherever we are. The fact that we’ve biked through so many coffee-growing regions makes stocking up easy.
- Language abilities – weightless but invaluable. We were lucky to begin the trip in Thailand where we felt comfortable with our language skills. In Laos there were enough similarities with Thai to get by just by learning a few new words (helped by the fact that many Laos people understand Thai – thanks to Thai soap operas that are aired in Laos). We feel lucky to be able to communicate in Thailand. In Vietnam we gave ourselves a little crash course when we arrived but it’s definitely more tough and we’re often communicating by using our guide book and sign language.
- Quick drying clothing, especially underwear and socks. Also, we carry laundry detergent so that we can wash at night (but we wish we had brought a portable camping wash bin).
- Our Schwable Marathon tires
- Multiple spare parts (tires, tubes, spokes, bolts, etc..) and bike repair equipment
- Bungy cords: these have been valuable to load extras onto front and rear racks.
- Lights (front and rear), for the few occasions we arrive into some towns close to or at dusk.
- Safety vests and rear view mirrors that attach to our helmet.
- Multiple maps – nice to consult more than one source (we found the Thailand A-Z map to be particularly useful and GT Rider maps for Northern Thailand and Laos are also great). For Vietnam the best we found TẬP BẢN ĐỒ GIAO THÔNG ĐƯỜNG BỘ VIỆT NAM, published by the Nhà Xuất Bản Bản Đồ (Cartographic Publishing House) – see link here: www.vietvisiontravel.com/vietnam/cycling/road_map/
- Water bags (platypus bladder, MSR 10L bag)
- Sunscreen. This has been tough to find since leaving Thailand (we’ve been able to find very small amounts) so luckily we brought lots with us.
We are traveling with full camping gear – tent, stove, pots, water filter, etc… While we camped a few times in Thailand, we haven’t once used our stove. It’s generally easier, cheaper and faster to eat out. If we weren’t traveling on further north in Asia, we would suggest that a tent and camping gear is not necessary since it is so inexpensive to stay at guest houses along the way (that said, it is always nice to know that we have the tent if the need arises).
