Below is the setup used for the 2020 Tour Aotearoa (click here for the TA blog post to read all about it). In summary, all went really well, and it just would be better to have had a different bike. Else this Tour Aotearoa gear list is relatively fast & light and good to go!
Bike
- Giant Dual Suspension Anthem Advanced (my review here)
- Not ideal given 51% of the TA is on road, but it is what I have; a gravel/CX bike would be the winner if you are competent over occasional rough terrain
- Stans Flow Ex front rim with Schmidt SON 28 dynamo
- Maxxis Ikon 2.2 tyres
- Jones H Bar with Profile Designs carbon TT bars
- K-Lite front light and Sinewave USB, 2x rear USB red lights
- eTrex 20 GPS
- Thule Pack and pedal rear rack
- MTB helmet with visor
- Topeak frame and seat bag, Revelate top tube bag, Mountain Buggy drink bottle holder
- Sea to Summit waterproof compression sacks front and rear held with bungee cord
- Pensioner gel seat cover (I didn’t train enough to survive without it!)
- Covered in clear book contact and some reflective stickers
Clothes
- 2x Bibs (Mavic allroad a clear winner, rotated ~3 daily)
- 2x Merino socks
- 2x Buff
- Bike top (The TA jersey! Used everyday)
- Bike shoes (For our Tassie Bikepacking we used flats/shoes because we were more ‘holiday’ style, though this setup is way better)
- Arm sun sleeves (Used everyday)
- Sunglasses
- Finger-less gloves with stowaway waterproof over-fingers
- Storm jacket (It’s NZ; take and ignore the weight/bulk!)
- Fluro shell jacket (Not really waterproof, but good for visibility/some insulation)
- Nano-puff jacket (Doubled as pillow. Probably could survive with vest if storm jacket doesn’t get soaked)
- Thermal t-shirt (Only used after hours. Backup jersey)
- Running shorts (Only used after hours. Sleeping, travel,etc.)
- Ebay special water shoes (Only used after hours. Ridiculously light and packable when removing the innersoles, and look OK to wear with socks on the plane home!)
- Mozzie head net (Used once, wouldn’t bother)
Camping
- SOL Escape bivvy
- Sea to Summit ultralight mat
- Sea to Summit thermal liner
- Sea to Summit mini towel
- Footprint from our Nemo tent (for under or over head)
Bike Repair/Tools
- Tube
- Gas canister & head, small hand pump
- Stans Dart Tool
- Tyre Pliers
- Topeak Mini 20 tool
- Spare brake pads (my bike brakes a little specific). Changed roughly half way after crossing to the south island
- Hanger and quick links
- Bottle of lube and small rag
- Assorted zipties and small roll of gaffa tape
Other/Misc
- Spot GPS Tracker
- 2L water bladder
- 6000mah power bank and assoc. cords
- Roadbook printed 9 per page double sided, on waterproof paper
- Basic 1st aid kit/drugs inside 2 disposable gloves
- Small toothpaste, brush, floss, small liquid soap
- Full size tub of bum cream
- Small sunscreen on carabiner
- Phone & headphones (Only used headphones 1 time, else for flight home)
- Stuff sack backpack (Only used 1 time, else for flight home)
- Thin loop wire and lightweight lock
- Passport, 2x credit cards & cash
2 thoughts to “Tour Aotearoa Bikepacking Packlist”
This has been an awesome read. I am trying to complete the course in 20 days. I am 30 and was 140kg 2 years ago. I have lost 50 kg and want to complete this course as an end goal. Thanks for mapping it out into bite sized pieces. I really appreciate it.
Glad you enjoyed the read Jesse !
I’m certain you’ll have an amazing time, and it’ll be all the more rewarding after what you’ve achieved already.