Just a reminder - for questions about the gear, check the video description. The full list is here as well: www.patreon.com/posts/107025941? We’re on the trip we mention in this video so we don’t have time to respond to every comment, even though we wish we did! ❤ Chris & Hillary
I'm an older ultralite backpacker and have now gone to an e-bike for bikepacking. I tow a cart to carry most of my bikepacking gear (this gear comes from my daze of ultralite backpacking) it provides all the needed gear for a fun and comfortable overnight adventure and weighs ~35 lbs. At 69 I say whatever works for you to continue to get out and enjoy the great outdoors then do it. Also, I no longer have to camp near water, I carry a gallon or two with me...
This is going to seem really dumb, but bear with me. One thing I carry, that is absolutely essential for me, is a small candle lantern. We all know how important rest-sleep-recovery is. I have found that at the end of the day, getting everything sorted, then eating, and then crashing, is not beneficial. So once my dinner is finished and the dishes are done, I find it helpful to sit (I carry a camp chair) and relax for a few minutes. I usually hang the lantern from a convenient limb and set my watch alarm for about fifteen to twenty minutes. The warm glow that candle puts out is quite restful. "Resting" before sleeping? Sound a little odd? Maybe, but I've had a lot of success with it, and I've shared it with all my traveling companions, and I've had quite a few converts. The relaxing is probably more important than the candle lantern itself, but maybe the ritual has something to do with it for me.
As long as you’re conscious not to set the land on fire, sounds very relaxing! (We come from a fire prone place, so we’re always hesitant about open flame.)
Sounds good to me. I've been doing it for years. On a cold night or under attack by mesquites, I bring the candle into the tent. and set it on my aluminum pot lid/plate. The candle is held in pland by a small bike wrench. The warm glow set the tone for slumber or on a cold night to break the chill. For candles I use Tea lights. The best Tea lights are Bee's wax and are full spectrum. My extra wee bit I carry is a folding stainless steel steamer basket to drain the water off my pasta, when tipped over becomes a lantern that is wind proof, and I can put my tea kettle on top to keep the tea warm. An alternative today is a solar folds flat LED lantern. A candle is better than a camp fire and best NO smoke.
Always interesting to see what others bring on the trail. I definitely carry more tools with me when traveling solo. I also carry DC string lights and another small lantern for ambiance and some extra light around camp. And lastly, I do carry the portable bidet. It keeps the undercarriage clean and reduces the amount of wipes needed, which I pack out in a double baggy of borax powder. +1 on the camp chair. Really reduces fatigue to be able to relax after a day in the saddle without having to lie down in the tent.
As I have only done solo bike packing trips the thing I am most envious of is that you guys seem to mesh well together on your adventures. I respect and admire how well you have dialed in your gear and equipment for your own needs but are seemingly a tight knit team. Respect and blessings!
Thanks! We’re really grateful that we work well together too. Haha also: remember that we get to edit out any parts where we’re mad at each other if we want. (It’s rare, though.)
i really like the guys bags in the center. I'm about to build an electric trike and ride from va beach to Montana. being able to see other peoples set up is very handy because it allows me to plan how to build the thing. from the seats to the bags this video has been extremely helpful.
Thank you both for running through your gear. It is always good to learn from others' experiences. I'm surprised by the additional weight of all your camera and drone equipment. I already struggle with too much weight, even though I don't carry videoing equipment. My bag setup is similar to yours. I guess however, I have to carry all the tent, sleeping, and cooking equipment myself because I travel solo. I've been tempted to get a little chair like yours so that I don't always have to sit on the ground. I like where you stow your chair on the front rack Hilary. I too have a Rohloff gear hub like Hilary's. Once you have ridden with one you never want to go back to derailleurs. I'm wondering what you do for lights? I carry a head torch, just a cheap one from the hardware store which takes AAA batteries. I have a small inflatable USB lantern which is very useful when I'm stuck inside the tent on rainy evenings. I have several very small USB red flashing lights for the back of my bike and the back of my camelback water bag. I also have a flashing white light on one of the dry bags on my front fork, in addition to the main front light. All my dry bags are bright yellow. I am trying to be as visible as possible. I was surprised with what you decided to put into your frame bags. I prefer to load heavier items like tools and repair gear, into my frame bag, along with 3 litres of water. With a desire to keep the weight centralised and have as low centre-of-gravity as possible. I also pack my tent, sleeping and cooking gear into the dry bags on the front forks in an attempt to get 60% of the weight over the front wheel and 40% over the rear wheel. This just makes the bike handle better, especially on rough singletrack. Enjoy your riding and keep the rubber side down. Thank you.
Thanks so much for a great video idea with great execution. So handy. So jealous of what you two get up to on your bikes. Truly an inspiration to us first timers
Thanks! Glad to hear the execution came out well. It definitely didn’t match what we imagined it would look like, but it was the best we could figure out how to do at the moment. We’re still learning a ton about video creation.
Good presentation. Lots of ways to solve the same problems. We all figure out what works for our needs. I'm a little more old school mainly because I'm old and have been using and modifying old equipment for the past 50 some years of kayak touring, backpacking, canoe touring and bike touring. I'm not a stuff it in pannier sort of guy. I keep everything in a color-coded stuff bags. Works for me. My triangle holds two stainless steel one liter thermal wide mouth bottles. I have started mounting four grab bags on the handlebars, two on the front of the bar and two facing the cockpit. I like small front panniers because I feel they are more versatile than dry bags on the fork. Depending on the days agenda and weather I can put extra water on each side or a quick grab for my rain jacket or wind jacket, or grocery stop storage for the day lunch or supper. On the top of the back rack, I carry a dry bag with all the camp sight set up items, tent and poles, my 45 year old Thermolite sleep pad, camp shoes. The dry bag when emptied becomes my door mat. Gave up on a sleeping bag a few years ago and went to the MSS, Modular Sleep System and only take the modules needed for the time of year. I always carry my 16 oz Blizard bag year around in a bright yellow dry bag to cover my body from the tip of my toes to the top of my head in alpaca and merino wool if caught in a storm. Which is also one of the modules in my MSS.
You guys. So nice and fun to watch. I´ve made some different choices regarding front/rear but other than that it all looks solid and well thought out. Nice to see some quality stuff that, despite pricing also lasts a lot longer, so in the end a better deal. And you´re just the sweetest ☀
I'm glad your video popped up I have a Surly Bridge Club that is begging me to take it on a long (months) road trip I have a couple of bags for it but have been concentrating on the bike components slowly but surely thanks again for the information I'll be watching this again 😊
I took them to Italy and then on a local trip on rougher roads over this last weekend. I’m a huge fan. I don’t use them for commuting because they take like 30 seconds each to take on and off, compared to one second each for ortlieb panniers. But for trips I will probably continue to use them because they’re just so stable.
Great video, I guess what suprized me is u guys don't use bike shorts(unless I missed that)..Trying to get back into biking now(after about a 20yr hiatis) gosh it's a slow process and thes old muskels just dont have much in them... thanks so much for sharing w us!
Thanks! Yeah, we’ve just never seen the need to bring extra clothes just for biking when regular clothes work just fine. Sometimes we think the biking industry tries to convince you you need to spend money on things that you really don’t need. (Also, our first trip was in Turkey and it would have been inconsiderate for Hillary to wear bike shorts in rural conservative areas, so we just got used to it.)
It is an AcuRite thermometer that we bought from Amazon. But, when it breaks we will probably replace it with a ThermoWorks zipper pull thermometer from Garage Grown Gear.
Love your bike! Actively looking for a bike I can take small tours on. Your channel is awesome. Can you tell me where to buy or the name of that handlebar tape with the multi-color brown diamond pattern? The bike I’m looking at would look great with that wrapped around the bars. Thank you for putting out great content! ❤
if your going to go ANYWHERE, you need a bear vault or other hard bear resistant container, many national parks in the US wont allow you in unless you carry one ore rent a camp sote with a storage container
You make a good point! You should always know the rules and regulations for the areas you are traveling in. The strict camping restrictions in place at National Parks is one of the reasons we tend to avoid NPS land.
Our ulock just happens to fit perfectly between the seat stays and the rear rack. A voile strap around the rack struts keeps it there and out of the way.
Hi, we actually don't carry laptops with us on our trips. If we did, we would probably put them in a pannier, since they are waterproof. We're not quite sure how much weight the bike holds as they are hard to weigh, but it sure does make it hard!
Sea to Summit sells a detachable sling for their dry bags so you can make your dry bag backpack-like. How does the 13L dry bag feel on the rack? I have the same setup with an 8L, but I'm considering upgrading for a longer trip.
It’s never bothered me, but on our last trip I tried using a handlebar bag that could hold more of my gear so I could put my sleeping stuff in a pannier and get it off the rack. I liked it… it’s so hard to find the perfect set up though!
Yes, they are Ortlieb Gravel panniers. I haven’t had any issues with broken clips, but Hillary did break the clips on her Ortlieb panniers in Türkiye. Now we make sure we always have a few spare gear ties in our repair kits.
Fantastic and informative. I love y’all’s approach. What brand is Chris’s shirt? I have tried some merino wool shirts, and they all hang off of me like a poorly hung rainfly (I’m on the lanky side). Thanks! And happy travels.
Interesting to know your stance on bib shorts? I used to not like the idea of them but can’t deny that they’re easy to move in, provide some comfort and for me at least hide my crease! How do you manage this in regular shorts?
I don’t know what you mean by hide your crease? I dunno, it would just be another thing to spent money on and pack. The pants and shorts we wear aren’t uncomfortable, and they look like normal clothes so we don’t stand out. Plus peeing is easier without bibs. Also, they would have been inappropriate for Hillary to wear in rural eastern Turkey. We just haven’t ever seen the need for them, and sometimes think the idea that we need specialized clothes for bike travel just encourages unnecessary consumption. But if they work for you, great!
@@slow_spokes crease, crack, butt crack ;) I think it probably isn’t such an issue for slimmer people than me. I get your point about consumption but I really struggle to ride in regular shorts
Fyi footnpksition over pedals should be the ball of the foot directly over the axle spindle. Then, plumb line through the knee to the pedal's axle (cranks horizontal). Adjust your saddles fore-aftnposition for that. Once that is set, Adjust bike frame size and/or stem length and Handlebar reach so that you feel comfortable, within ideals of course. Your weight distribution should be 60% on the back wheel and 40% on the front. Between 60-40 up to 55-45 unloaded. (hey if your hardware isn't working, get a bike fit before choosing the frame size. If it's too long, shorter stem and bars reach isn't ideal because too much weight over the back wheel makes for a more squirrely ride when you take hands off the bars.)
Agreed, I used to ride with heavily loaded panniers in the rear. My bike handled terribly. The steering was too light and squirrelled all over the place, lacking stability. The back end used to slide out on loose corners. Climbing hills was ultra-tough. Your advice about peddles and knee alignment is also very important. On long tours, avoiding knee, hip and ankle injuries is paramount. Thanks for your contribution.
Oh, I like them! I haven’t really noticed them being heavy or anything, and I do think I notice being less fatigued. Might be placebo effect, but I’m keeping them.
It depends on how long the trip and where we are. In the US, we eat your standard backpacking food, lots of dehydrated meals that we either make ourselves or purchase. In Turkey, we ate a lot of rice, lentils, veggies and bouillon for flavor. In Italy, we usually bought fresh pasta, canned sauce, and veggies from supermarkets. Breakfast is coffee and often yoghurt + muesli. Lunch varies. Plus a lot of fruit, nuts, and cookies as snacks.
Thanks for sharing guys. What bottle cage do you use to carry the big long water bottle in the frame (I guess a 1,5 liter nalgene)? Edit: never mind, found it on your gear list! Unforunately not available in NL
Pirelli cinturato and ultradynamico. And yes at the moment. Though Hillary is not convinced that they’re better than tubes as her rear tire doesn’t seem to want to hold air despite all efforts to fix it, the repair kit is heavier, and sealant isn’t available everywhere.
They're called "Problem Solvers Bow Tie Strap Anchor Kit" - for the record, though, I don't like them and can't recommend them. They're not stable enough, the bags don't stay on very well.
I generally carry more bike repair stuff to fix broken things that will end riding and sometimes pushing. e.g. spare spokes, there are also spectra fiber temporary "spokes" because i've been in situations where a wheel no longer rolled in the frame after 3-4 adjacent spokes broke. With all that camera gear, i'm surprised one of you doesn't have a dynamo hub on the front.
Good points! Somehow we forgot to mention that Chris has a fiber spoke in his seat bag as well as several spare spokes attached to the frame. Dynamos are definitely on the wish list for a longer tour, but for now a couple of battery packs have been more than sufficient. Our understanding is that most dynamos are only powerful enough to keep a light and maybe a phone or gps charged. And, Hillary has worked with a bike fitter along the journey to a bike that fits. So far the Fargo has been great!
Hi! It's hard for us to suggest specific bikes because we've only tried a few! But full suspension MTBs are heavy so not great for uphill. Many people like hardtails. Ours are called "all-terrain bikes", so they're meant to go everywhere. They are fully rigid bikes with comfortable geometry.
Why is mostly colored black? My panniers are yellow, and my jacket is red, helmet is orange. Doesn't it make sense to wear coloured stuff? Apart of my thought, thanks for the video!
Did you notice that they both ride on Brooks Saddles? For over 40 years I have always ridden with undershorts that include a padded chamois, together with chamois cream. Then, I switched to Brooks Saddles on all my bikes. After a time I noticed that when I rode to the shop for some groceries or rode shorter distances I didn't need to change into my bike nics. Now, I take some bike nics away with me to use on longer-distance days. But, you know, I don't really need the extra protection. As long as I am very strict about my body hygiene when I get very sweaty, and after I go to the toilet. I've learned to take baby wipes away with me to clean up. So, now I ride mostly in my normal underwear.
It's crazy how much weight you pedal, it's also crazy you can trip long with bicycles, I get tired even driving a car. I drive bicycle but only on weekends, just to have a rest and do little travel around the place I live.
I got so sick of packing & unpacking all my belongings. Now i just tour camp in topical locations & have reduced everything by 70% (honest guess). Riding a loaded fully touring bike is not much fun too
Hi Hillary, I just saw your video and am REALLY interested in these ear-savers!!! But I can't find them in the instructions. Is there a link or product name that you can give me?. Cheers,. Frank
Oh! Thank you for pointing that out! Here’s the link: amzn.to/4cTMo1Z Those are the slim version. They have a thicker version that does a better job but I’m vain. :) Of course the one link I mention in the video I forgot to put in the description. 🤦🏽♀️
Handguns are problematic on so many levels. It’s best to leave them at home and rely on non-lethal defenses like pepper spray/bear spray. I just completed a tour of the US on the Northern Tier, and I can honestly say that I never felt like I was in danger.
Do you find that the wool bra dries faster than a cotton bra? One of my biggest complaints is that my bra will stay wet with sweat way longer than the rest of my clothes.
You’re right! It would be hard to squeeze a laptop into this setup. For shorter tours we haven’t needed to bring a laptop out with us, but we might try it in the future. How do you pack your laptop?
@@slow_spokes How do you manage video from camera and drone without laptop? I carry laptop in the pannier (I couldnt find another way) but it still weights 2.3 kg including mouse , charger and case.
Hehe @nepa1952, I'm guessing by your user name that like me you were born in 1952. Yep, increasingly over recent years I too have struggled because younger people speak so much faster than our generation. I think it comes from lots of exposure to social networking, streaming, hip-hop and online sources of information. When my niece came to live with us we kept on having to say, "Slow down. We cannot understand what you are saying." For me, the worst is at the check-out in supermarkets. They speak so rapidly that I just stand there with a silly look on my face, replaying the sound in my head, desperately trying to figure out what was said to me.
@@bruce.KAY-bike-drifter So, I’m a bit younger than you all (by about 20 years), and I usually watch TH-cam videos at 1.5x speed. It’s gotten to the point where regular speech feels really slow to me. If I’m watching something live, I end up multitasking or just getting bored. So, you're probably right about how new media is affecting younger people. On the flip side, there are cultures, like Chinese and other East Asian ones, where people speak pretty fast, and I actually have to slow down the video just to keep up with the subtitles and the storyline in movies!
Just a reminder - for questions about the gear, check the video description. The full list is here as well: www.patreon.com/posts/107025941?
We’re on the trip we mention in this video so we don’t have time to respond to every comment, even though we wish we did!
❤ Chris & Hillary
Didn’t see the mention in your list of the windbreaker ear pieces for your helmet strap. What are those?
@@bike-ride-beats It's right at the top, but easy to miss: amzn.to/4cTMo1Z
@@slow_spokesthanks!
hey nice vid. wats the total weight of your bike+packing. thx
I'm an older ultralite backpacker and have now gone to an e-bike for bikepacking. I tow a cart to carry most of my bikepacking gear (this gear comes from my daze of ultralite backpacking) it provides all the needed gear for a fun and comfortable overnight adventure and weighs ~35 lbs. At 69 I say whatever works for you to continue to get out and enjoy the great outdoors then do it. Also, I no longer have to camp near water, I carry a gallon or two with me...
This is going to seem really dumb, but bear with me. One thing I carry, that is absolutely essential for me, is a small candle lantern. We all know how important rest-sleep-recovery is. I have found that at the end of the day, getting everything sorted, then eating, and then crashing, is not beneficial. So once my dinner is finished and the dishes are done, I find it helpful to sit (I carry a camp chair) and relax for a few minutes. I usually hang the lantern from a convenient limb and set my watch alarm for about fifteen to twenty minutes. The warm glow that candle puts out is quite restful. "Resting" before sleeping? Sound a little odd? Maybe, but I've had a lot of success with it, and I've shared it with all my traveling companions, and I've had quite a few converts. The relaxing is probably more important than the candle lantern itself, but maybe the ritual has something to do with it for me.
I can see your approach to the candle its like watchin a fire its simple to drift into your thoughts
As long as you’re conscious not to set the land on fire, sounds very relaxing! (We come from a fire prone place, so we’re always hesitant about open flame.)
I can see how that would be a good time to relax.
I enjoy watching the sunset and the occasional campfire
Sounds good to me. I've been doing it for years. On a cold night or under attack by mesquites, I bring the candle into the tent. and set it on my aluminum pot lid/plate. The candle is held in pland by a small bike wrench. The warm glow set the tone for slumber or on a cold night to break the chill. For candles I use Tea lights. The best Tea lights are Bee's wax and are full spectrum. My extra wee bit I carry is a folding stainless steel steamer basket to drain the water off my pasta, when tipped over becomes a lantern that is wind proof, and I can put my tea kettle on top to keep the tea warm. An alternative today is a solar folds flat LED lantern. A candle is better than a camp fire and best NO smoke.
Always interesting to see what others bring on the trail. I definitely carry more tools with me when traveling solo. I also carry DC string lights and another small lantern for ambiance and some extra light around camp. And lastly, I do carry the portable bidet. It keeps the undercarriage clean and reduces the amount of wipes needed, which I pack out in a double baggy of borax powder. +1 on the camp chair. Really reduces fatigue to be able to relax after a day in the saddle without having to lie down in the tent.
Kudos for the DIY quilt!
As I have only done solo bike packing trips the thing I am most envious of is that you guys seem to mesh well together on your adventures. I respect and admire how well you have dialed in your gear and equipment for your own needs but are seemingly a tight knit team. Respect and blessings!
Thanks! We’re really grateful that we work well together too. Haha also: remember that we get to edit out any parts where we’re mad at each other if we want. (It’s rare, though.)
i really like the guys bags in the center. I'm about to build an electric trike and ride from va beach to Montana. being able to see other peoples set up is very handy because it allows me to plan how to build the thing. from the seats to the bags this video has been extremely helpful.
That sounds like an awesome trip!!
Thank you both for running through your gear. It is always good to learn from others' experiences.
I'm surprised by the additional weight of all your camera and drone equipment. I already struggle with too much weight, even though I don't carry videoing equipment. My bag setup is similar to yours. I guess however, I have to carry all the tent, sleeping, and cooking equipment myself because I travel solo. I've been tempted to get a little chair like yours so that I don't always have to sit on the ground. I like where you stow your chair on the front rack Hilary. I too have a Rohloff gear hub like Hilary's. Once you have ridden with one you never want to go back to derailleurs. I'm wondering what you do for lights? I carry a head torch, just a cheap one from the hardware store which takes AAA batteries. I have a small inflatable USB lantern which is very useful when I'm stuck inside the tent on rainy evenings. I have several very small USB red flashing lights for the back of my bike and the back of my camelback water bag. I also have a flashing white light on one of the dry bags on my front fork, in addition to the main front light. All my dry bags are bright yellow. I am trying to be as visible as possible.
I was surprised with what you decided to put into your frame bags. I prefer to load heavier items like tools and repair gear, into my frame bag, along with 3 litres of water. With a desire to keep the weight centralised and have as low centre-of-gravity as possible. I also pack my tent, sleeping and cooking gear into the dry bags on the front forks in an attempt to get 60% of the weight over the front wheel and 40% over the rear wheel. This just makes the bike handle better, especially on rough singletrack.
Enjoy your riding and keep the rubber side down. Thank you.
Thanks so much for a great video idea with great execution. So handy. So jealous of what you two get up to on your bikes. Truly an inspiration to us first timers
Thanks! Glad to hear the execution came out well. It definitely didn’t match what we imagined it would look like, but it was the best we could figure out how to do at the moment. We’re still learning a ton about video creation.
A very informative presentation. And you two are just plain cute to listen to. Good travels.
I use Merrell Trail Gloves as my cycling shoes too! Love them.
Good presentation. Lots of ways to solve the same problems. We all figure out what works for our needs. I'm a little more old school mainly because I'm old and have been using and modifying old equipment for the past 50 some years of kayak touring, backpacking, canoe touring and bike touring. I'm not a stuff it in pannier sort of guy. I keep everything in a color-coded stuff bags. Works for me. My triangle holds two stainless steel one liter thermal wide mouth bottles. I have started mounting four grab bags on the handlebars, two on the front of the bar and two facing the cockpit. I like small front panniers because I feel they are more versatile than dry bags on the fork. Depending on the days agenda and weather I can put extra water on each side or a quick grab for my rain jacket or wind jacket, or grocery stop storage for the day lunch or supper. On the top of the back rack, I carry a dry bag with all the camp sight set up items, tent and poles, my 45 year old Thermolite sleep pad, camp shoes. The dry bag when emptied becomes my door mat. Gave up on a sleeping bag a few years ago and went to the MSS, Modular Sleep System and only take the modules needed for the time of year. I always carry my 16 oz Blizard bag year around in a bright yellow dry bag to cover my body from the tip of my toes to the top of my head in alpaca and merino wool if caught in a storm. Which is also one of the modules in my MSS.
Amazing for your video of Our (All-Terrain) Bikepacking Gear List for 2024. I love your video and thanks for sharing.🥰
Glad it was helpful!
Solid gear video. Good pace. Not everyone can do that well.
Thanks.
Thanks so much for sharing. Subscribed. Love this video. I hope to be able to do this someday. 😊❤ Always have fun on all your journeys.
Thank you! You should do it! Don’t wait until you have all your stuff perfect. We’re still tweaking things all the time.
You guys. So nice and fun to watch. I´ve made some different choices regarding front/rear but other than that it all looks solid and well thought out. Nice to see some quality stuff that, despite pricing also lasts a lot longer, so in the end a better deal. And you´re just the sweetest ☀
Thank you so much! Yeah, Hillary’s front is a work in progress.
Great video.thanks for all the info
Great video you two! Thanks for the tips.
I'm glad your video popped up I have a Surly Bridge Club that is begging me to take it on a long (months) road trip I have a couple of bags for it but have been concentrating on the bike components slowly but surely thanks again for the information I'll be watching this again 😊
You are living my dream good luck
Cool set ups guys, I'm just getting into bike packing.
Love that! See you on the trail someday!
thanks for sharing! its very useful for me!
We’re glad!
sweet set ups!!
Thanks!
The western rise pants are great!
Great vid! How have the old man mtn panniers worked out?
I took them to Italy and then on a local trip on rougher roads over this last weekend. I’m a huge fan. I don’t use them for commuting because they take like 30 seconds each to take on and off, compared to one second each for ortlieb panniers. But for trips I will probably continue to use them because they’re just so stable.
these guys are absolutely dialed
Thanks!
you both are pure inspiration
Great video, I guess what suprized me is u guys don't use bike shorts(unless I missed that)..Trying to get back into biking now(after about a 20yr hiatis) gosh it's a slow process and thes old muskels just dont have much in them... thanks so much for sharing w us!
Thanks! Yeah, we’ve just never seen the need to bring extra clothes just for biking when regular clothes work just fine. Sometimes we think the biking industry tries to convince you you need to spend money on things that you really don’t need. (Also, our first trip was in Turkey and it would have been inconsiderate for Hillary to wear bike shorts in rural conservative areas, so we just got used to it.)
Hi, thanks a lot for sharing your setups, really fun and inspiring video. One quick question: what's the model of that tiny thermometer?
It is an AcuRite thermometer that we bought from Amazon. But, when it breaks we will probably replace it with a ThermoWorks zipper pull thermometer from Garage Grown Gear.
Great video!! About how heavy are your bikes?
We actually don’t know. About 29 lbs unloaded, but with Racks and gear, much heavier. :)
Really well thought out organization.
Love your bike! Actively looking for a bike I can take small tours on. Your channel is awesome. Can you tell me where to buy or the name of that handlebar tape with the multi-color brown diamond pattern? The bike I’m looking at would look great with that wrapped around the bars. Thank you for putting out great content! ❤
It’s from a company called Camp and Go Slow, which is honestly the best name.
Fun video. Subscribed and will def follow along. Looks like a disled-in kit for you both. What was that long versatile cloth called?
Thanks! It’s called a pareo.
Flats for the win.
if your going to go ANYWHERE, you need a bear vault or other hard bear resistant container, many national parks in the US wont allow you in unless you carry one ore rent a camp sote with a storage container
You make a good point! You should always know the rules and regulations for the areas you are traveling in. The strict camping restrictions in place at National Parks is one of the reasons we tend to avoid NPS land.
I would like to add... if an extreme budget constraint exists... learning how to hang a bear-bag could be an option ❤
Oh!haha❤ I'm now @21:24 into video, and he totally mentions a bear-hang!😂🤌🔥
Nice.
Hey! Could you tell a bit about how you carry the ulock? That looks like a nice setup there around 11mins.
Our ulock just happens to fit perfectly between the seat stays and the rear rack. A voile strap around the rack struts keeps it there and out of the way.
@@slow_spokes thanks! :)
Thank you, nice vid,
what about your laptops ? where do you keep it usually? also how much weight does the bike hold , does it makes it hard?
Hi, we actually don't carry laptops with us on our trips. If we did, we would probably put them in a pannier, since they are waterproof. We're not quite sure how much weight the bike holds as they are hard to weigh, but it sure does make it hard!
Sea to Summit sells a detachable sling for their dry bags so you can make your dry bag backpack-like.
How does the 13L dry bag feel on the rack? I have the same setup with an 8L, but I'm considering upgrading for a longer trip.
It’s never bothered me, but on our last trip I tried using a handlebar bag that could hold more of my gear so I could put my sleeping stuff in a pannier and get it off the rack. I liked it… it’s so hard to find the perfect set up though!
Chris are those Ortlieb Gravel pack panniers? Have you had any broken issues with the plastic clips?
Yes, they are Ortlieb Gravel panniers. I haven’t had any issues with broken clips, but Hillary did break the clips on her Ortlieb panniers in Türkiye. Now we make sure we always have a few spare gear ties in our repair kits.
Fantastic and informative. I love y’all’s approach. What brand is Chris’s shirt? I have tried some merino wool shirts, and they all hang off of me like a poorly hung rainfly (I’m on the lanky side). Thanks! And happy travels.
It’s smartwool :)
The pedals are good i got them 5 years ago just a bit hard to get used to with rembering to reposition you feet
Thank you for a great and helpful did! Loved the intro mentioning intentions and approach, yall rock
Interesting to know your stance on bib shorts? I used to not like the idea of them but can’t deny that they’re easy to move in, provide some comfort and for me at least hide my crease! How do you manage this in regular shorts?
I don’t know what you mean by hide your crease? I dunno, it would just be another thing to spent money on and pack. The pants and shorts we wear aren’t uncomfortable, and they look like normal clothes so we don’t stand out. Plus peeing is easier without bibs. Also, they would have been inappropriate for Hillary to wear in rural eastern Turkey. We just haven’t ever seen the need for them, and sometimes think the idea that we need specialized clothes for bike travel just encourages unnecessary consumption. But if they work for you, great!
@@slow_spokes crease, crack, butt crack ;) I think it probably isn’t such an issue for slimmer people than me. I get your point about consumption but I really struggle to ride in regular shorts
I think if they work for you, great!
😱 What frame bag is that on your Fargo at 0:36 ? That's beautiful!
I think you’re thinking of my old Vaya - it was from Rogue panda and I loved it! Unfortunately that bike couldn’t accommodate the gearing I wanted.
Fyi footnpksition over pedals should be the ball of the foot directly over the axle spindle. Then, plumb line through the knee to the pedal's axle (cranks horizontal). Adjust your saddles fore-aftnposition for that. Once that is set, Adjust bike frame size and/or stem length and Handlebar reach so that you feel comfortable, within ideals of course. Your weight distribution should be 60% on the back wheel and 40% on the front. Between 60-40 up to 55-45 unloaded.
(hey if your hardware isn't working, get a bike fit before choosing the frame size. If it's too long, shorter stem and bars reach isn't ideal because too much weight over the back wheel makes for a more squirrely ride when you take hands off the bars.)
Agreed, I used to ride with heavily loaded panniers in the rear. My bike handled terribly. The steering was too light and squirrelled all over the place, lacking stability. The back end used to slide out on loose corners. Climbing hills was ultra-tough. Your advice about peddles and knee alignment is also very important. On long tours, avoiding knee, hip and ankle injuries is paramount. Thanks for your contribution.
Estou criando coragem para começa minha aventura na bike.
Vale a pena!
Curious for an update on how those pedals are working out?
Oh, I like them! I haven’t really noticed them being heavy or anything, and I do think I notice being less fatigued. Might be placebo effect, but I’m keeping them.
What food do you prepare during your travel?
It depends on how long the trip and where we are. In the US, we eat your standard backpacking food, lots of dehydrated meals that we either make ourselves or purchase. In Turkey, we ate a lot of rice, lentils, veggies and bouillon for flavor. In Italy, we usually bought fresh pasta, canned sauce, and veggies from supermarkets. Breakfast is coffee and often yoghurt + muesli. Lunch varies. Plus a lot of fruit, nuts, and cookies as snacks.
What handlebars are you using on the fargo?
They’re called Denham bars!
Interesting is that Hillary has Rohloff with chain. Mine is with Gates belt.
Thanks for sharing guys. What bottle cage do you use to carry the big long water bottle in the frame (I guess a 1,5 liter nalgene)? Edit: never mind, found it on your gear list! Unforunately not available in NL
What tires are you running? Tubeless?
Pirelli cinturato and ultradynamico. And yes at the moment. Though Hillary is not convinced that they’re better than tubes as her rear tire doesn’t seem to want to hold air despite all efforts to fix it, the repair kit is heavier, and sealant isn’t available everywhere.
Hi, where can I find those little Problem Solvers strap mounts ? I couldn't find those on Amazon, JayJay in Oregon
They're called "Problem Solvers Bow Tie Strap Anchor Kit" - for the record, though, I don't like them and can't recommend them. They're not stable enough, the bags don't stay on very well.
What bike stand is Chris using?
We both use Click-Stands: www.click-stand.com/
I'm really fond of the Therm-a-Rest Honcho Poncho 3 -1 poncho - blanket - and when stuffed, a worldclass pillow.
Nice!
I generally carry more bike repair stuff to fix broken things that will end riding and sometimes pushing. e.g. spare spokes, there are also spectra fiber temporary "spokes" because i've been in situations where a wheel no longer rolled in the frame after 3-4 adjacent spokes broke. With all that camera gear, i'm surprised one of you doesn't have a dynamo hub on the front.
...and if those pedals don't work out, it might be worthwhile to get a proper bike fit and/or maybe a custom frame
Good points! Somehow we forgot to mention that Chris has a fiber spoke in his seat bag as well as several spare spokes attached to the frame.
Dynamos are definitely on the wish list for a longer tour, but for now a couple of battery packs have been more than sufficient. Our understanding is that most dynamos are only powerful enough to keep a light and maybe a phone or gps charged.
And, Hillary has worked with a bike fitter along the journey to a bike that fits. So far the Fargo has been great!
no solar panel?
Just power banks. Do you use a solar panel?
can you write down the handle bar type on Hillary bike?
They are called Denham bars
@@slow_spokes thank youu
Wow very good presentation nice bike check. Good bless❤❤❤
Hi, what bicycle do you suggest for long distances and uphill rides? Hybrid or MTB with robust tyers??? Thanks...
Hi! It's hard for us to suggest specific bikes because we've only tried a few! But full suspension MTBs are heavy so not great for uphill. Many people like hardtails. Ours are called "all-terrain bikes", so they're meant to go everywhere. They are fully rigid bikes with comfortable geometry.
Why is mostly colored black? My panniers are yellow, and my jacket is red, helmet is orange. Doesn't it make sense to wear coloured stuff? Apart of my thought, thanks for the video!
Sometimes the gear we want is only available in black or grey. Also, when we're stealth camping it's nice to have neutral colors.
Looking good :)
Thanks! Thanks for the goodies!
Which chairs do you use.
REI flexlite air chair: alnk.to/g3bjdLl
Love this Chanel and where are you guys bicycling now....?
We’re in the alps right now. And thank you!
What do you wear for under layer riding shorts?
We both just wear normal underwear.
Did you notice that they both ride on Brooks Saddles? For over 40 years I have always ridden with undershorts that include a padded chamois, together with chamois cream. Then, I switched to Brooks Saddles on all my bikes. After a time I noticed that when I rode to the shop for some groceries or rode shorter distances I didn't need to change into my bike nics. Now, I take some bike nics away with me to use on longer-distance days. But, you know, I don't really need the extra protection. As long as I am very strict about my body hygiene when I get very sweaty, and after I go to the toilet. I've learned to take baby wipes away with me to clean up. So, now I ride mostly in my normal underwear.
Mosquito head net. Tiny, fits over a helmet, great for camp
It's crazy how much weight you pedal, it's also crazy you can trip long with bicycles, I get tired even driving a car. I drive bicycle but only on weekends, just to have a rest and do little travel around the place I live.
Great list and set up. What is the type/brand of light mount for the front fork I saw?
It’s made by old man mountain. I like it so far!
Very interesting stuff. Thanks.
Great information!
I got so sick of packing & unpacking all my belongings. Now i just tour camp in topical locations & have reduced everything by 70% (honest guess). Riding a loaded fully touring bike is not much fun too
Great video, just out off curiosity how big are your panniers
Apologies we can’t remember right now, but it’s in the description!
Why your bike does not fall?
Klikstand! They’re made by a guy in Washington state.
Hi Hillary, I just saw your video and am REALLY interested in these ear-savers!!! But I can't find them in the instructions.
Is there a link or product name that you can give me?. Cheers,. Frank
Oh! Thank you for pointing that out! Here’s the link: amzn.to/4cTMo1Z
Those are the slim version. They have a thicker version that does a better job but I’m vain. :)
Of course the one link I mention in the video I forgot to put in the description. 🤦🏽♀️
@@slow_spokes Thank you! Happy traveling! Can't wait to see your videos!
How do you editing your videos while touring
Right now we’re editing at home
@@slow_spokes for long tours think it would be great to firgue out how edit on tour
You’re right. We’ve been brainstorming, but (un)fortunately we haven’t needed to risk a computer on the road with us yet.
@@slow_spokes use iPad mini6 with lumafusion it can edit in 4 k
Love the mindless consumerism disclaimer
Thanks :)
Curious if anyone brings a handgun for protection?
Not us
Handguns are problematic on so many levels. It’s best to leave them at home and rely on non-lethal defenses like pepper spray/bear spray. I just completed a tour of the US on the Northern Tier, and I can honestly say that I never felt like I was in danger.
Do you find that the wool bra dries faster than a cotton bra? One of my biggest complaints is that my bra will stay wet with sweat way longer than the rest of my clothes.
I do think it dries faster than cotton, but it dries slower than my shirt. Also, wool isn’t as uncomfortable when wet as cotton in my opinion.
You guys are loaded for bear. Seems heavy. Thoughtful packing and yeah to luxury- pillow 😊
Do you wear padded shorts?
We don’t! I tried once but it felt unnecessary. Do you? -H
@@slow_spokes I do bc I’m new to the activity and thought I should 😂 maybe I’ll try without to test it.
I think it might depend on your saddle too. Leather saddles, when they fit right, usually mean you can avoid the chamois.
for me i bring first aid kit and unfortunately i used it a week ago when i crash my bike
Oof! Hope you’re okay!
@@slow_spokes thanks :) luckily i didnt get any broken bone and now recovering, planning to for ride after this
paneer is a type of Indian cheese. PANN-yays is a french name for side luggage.
You’re an Indian name for cheese
@@slow_spokes rekt
Please review you guys gesr
Good thing if you dont need to carry laptop.
You’re right! It would be hard to squeeze a laptop into this setup. For shorter tours we haven’t needed to bring a laptop out with us, but we might try it in the future. How do you pack your laptop?
@@slow_spokes How do you manage video from camera and drone without laptop? I carry laptop in the pannier (I couldnt find another way) but it still weights 2.3 kg including mouse , charger and case.
Not interested in the gear, tbh. More interested in the tires...
Hey!
Hilary- do you wear chamois?
Nope! Haven’t ever seen the need
🤍
SLOW the speed of your narrative down
Thanks for the feedback
Hehe @nepa1952, I'm guessing by your user name that like me you were born in 1952. Yep, increasingly over recent years I too have struggled because younger people speak so much faster than our generation. I think it comes from lots of exposure to social networking, streaming, hip-hop and online sources of information. When my niece came to live with us we kept on having to say, "Slow down. We cannot understand what you are saying." For me, the worst is at the check-out in supermarkets. They speak so rapidly that I just stand there with a silly look on my face, replaying the sound in my head, desperately trying to figure out what was said to me.
@@bruce.KAY-bike-drifter So, I’m a bit younger than you all (by about 20 years), and I usually watch TH-cam videos at 1.5x speed. It’s gotten to the point where regular speech feels really slow to me. If I’m watching something live, I end up multitasking or just getting bored. So, you're probably right about how new media is affecting younger people. On the flip side, there are cultures, like Chinese and other East Asian ones, where people speak pretty fast, and I actually have to slow down the video just to keep up with the subtitles and the storyline in movies!