I’ve tried so many camp pillows and I also found that pillow to be the best and most comfortable, great video, always great to see what other tourers take with them and how they pack. Love the light too 👍
Hi Sylvia! I dig that pillow so much, I've given one to everyone in my family. At first I was the only one who had one, but we ended up almost fighting for it on family camping trips. So the easy solotion was to buy four more pillows. :-)
Some bike pumps come with a pump holder which is placed behind one of the bottle cages. Topeak pumps are of high quality and they give you a pump holder where you can place it somewhere within the Triangle part of the frame and is secured by a couple of heavy duty zip ties. You may want to look into this...one less thing to carry in your pannier bags.
Thanks for the advice Tracey! My pump did actually come with one of those holders as well. But I had just been to lazy to mount it. I figured I had plenty of space in my panniers to fit it. But if I were to do a tour in the future with a lighter setup (read: only two panniers) I would definitely consider adding the holder to my bike.
Thanks! Hopefully I will do a review of the pillow soon, but it might have to way until the touring season starts again. I'm not a fan of people doing reviews of equipment from their living room. It's more genuine when you do it out in the field. Only four more months of winter left here :-)
Thank you Brian! If I remember and if I have the time I will try to do one of these videos for each tour I go on. My packing is kind of similar every time, but there are some differences when I go on tours in southern Europe compared to my tours around here in Lapland. So it could be interesting to compare them I guess.
Hej Mike. Great video, I have always wondered what you had in your panniers. I guess you only need the bear repellent back home in Sweden. Hope to catch up on the rest of your adventures soon, I hope you get time to post them. Have a good Christmas and thanks for the years entertainment. Ed
That's great Dave! You can't go wrong with Ortliebs. It should be perfect for you who also do your fair share of documenting your trips. It's like the handlebar bag is build for keeping your camera handy. You can easily fetch the camera and close the handlebar bag with just one hand. Perfect for being able to film things on the go and you don't have to stop all the time to get your camera ready.
Nice job again Mike. Tough to be away from family. I would rather ride with my wife to be honest. We use a tandem with e-assist. Our children are gone though, so that makes it easier. You are seeing some beautiful parts of France.
Thank you for your feedback Brian! An e-assisted tandem, that's interesting. I don't think I've ever seen one of those. Sounds like a pleasant way to explore the world. Love hearing about the different ways people go on bike tours.
Hi Mikael, Thanks for the series of videos on your tour of Provence. I am planning a trip there myself in September this year and you have given me a great insight to this area of France. I have just ordered myself a Naturehike Cloud Up 2 tent, how would rate this tent. I have subscribed to your channel. Cheers from Australia.
Hi Phillip! Glad you enjoyed the videos. Regarding the Naturehike tent, I only have good things to say about it. It kept my dry and comfy during this and other trips. I like that it takes up very little space both in my panniers and also once set up on the ground. That is essential when you're camping in the wild and you don't maybe have access to a large spot to pitch your tent. The only bad thing I can think of is the color is maybe not ideal for wild camping, but they have the tent in green, so if I were to buy it now I would go for that version. Another thing I would have wished for is an opening on the side instead of the end of the tent. Makes getting in an out of the tent a bit easier. But other than that it's a fantastic tent for the money you're spending.
Just wondering is it 1× or 2× chain ring at the front ? What a great and inspiring videos.Just discovered your channel today and I can't stop watching it.
I can also highly recommend the Sea To Summit Aeros Deluxe Pillow. One the best things I've bought in my kit for touring. It's all good but the pillow is exceptionelle. I hope when you were flooded out you didn't have to pay for the pitch as that was dreadful for that campsite to allow that to happen to you. They must have really poor drainage at that site. How about space for carrying food as all your panniers looked quite full? I have exactly the same ones. They're great.
I paid for the campground upon arrival, but I guess I could have gone and asked for my money back. But I was more concerned with cleaning the tent from all the dirt so I totally forgot about asking for a refund. Regarding groceries I first get rid of all excess packaging. Then I stuff all the thing I can into whatever space that is left in my panniers. I take out my crocs, so I clear some space that way. Somehow I always seem to be able to fit everything inside the panniers. On other tours I have used a collapsabe backpack, which I unfortunately lost with the pannier that I lost last summer. But I have bought a new collapsable backpack now that I plan to bring on my next tour.
Hello! They are just some random no brand bags I picked up at the dollar store. I'm sure there are several other stuff bags out there that work just as fine!
Hello Stefano! Yes, like you say the Brooks B17 is not waterproof. And it can be a problem in some situations. I always cover it if there's a chance of rain during the night when I'm on tour. And if I happen to ride during the rain, I put a cover on as well. My saddle hasn't taken any damage from the rain so far.
Looking back it so would probably I. I guess those first couple of days up in the small towns in the mountains made me feel totally comfortable leaving my bike unlocked. After that day it got a bit more crowded, so I think I did lock the bike most of the times. Although the bike lock I used was most for show. I think I paid 5 Euros for it. Merry Christmas to you too.
I'm sorry, I totally forgot to go over what I had in them, but if you read the description I have a list of everything that is in them. The stuff sacks are a great way to keep your things organized inside your panniers. They are often sold in different sizes and colors.
Thanks Phil John! I'm sorry for missing you comment. I've been offline for most of the holidays, so I must have missed this one. Anyway, my camp dinners mostly consists of pasta dishes and Mexican food. Plus I also like to make some easy Thai dinners, like Panag Curry. I usually have some seasoning for both the Mexican and Asian food with me when I leave for a tour. Regarding the camera, I fixed it when I got back home. With the right tools (tweezers and a screwdriver) and watching some DIY videos I got the job done. Oh, and I don't think the warranty would cover those damages, since it would be pretty obvious that something had happened to the camera. I still have a little dent in the lens cover, but luckily the lens itself remained unharmed.
Mike have you done a video about preparing the bike for air travel.if u land in a international country do you cycle back to Sweden or do get a flight back home if so how do source a bike box.do you cycle to the airport or taxi.
Haven't done a video on how to fly with your bike in a bike box yet. But I'm sure I'll do one of those int the future. However I have done a video on how I often transport my bike on a plane, in a CTC bike bag. That video can be found here: th-cam.com/video/FVksrzcS0BE/w-d-xo.html Using this method lets me easliy cycle to the ariport, since I have the bike bag folded up in my panniers. I can prepare the bike for air travel at the airport. This saves me a lot of money on taxi fares.
Hi Make, congratulations for your great videos ! After many yours without bicycle touring, I intend to restart. Your equipment seems complete and perfect. Could you give an idea about the total expense of all the tools you showed, bicycle included. Thanks in advance !
Hi Guydo! To start I want to apologize for the late answer. I've prioritized my family over the TH-cam channel for the holidays. Ooh, total cost. That's a hard one. Let's see: Bike: 1500 USD Panniers/bags: 350 USD Tent+sleeping gear: 450 USD Stove/cook set: 100 USD The total of that would be: 2400 USD
Another Question, how long would it take to break in the brooks B17 saddle, i know you've been using it for years, but what was it like, first time using it.
I would say probably 3-4 weeks if you're doing daily rides. In the beginning the saddle is really stiff, and you kind of feel like you're sliding forward all the time. But some small adjustments and time will make that sensation go away.
It differs a bit from tour to rout. When I'm touring around where I live and have acess to a decent floor pump I usually have a tire pressure around 60-65 psi. But when I go on international tours and have to rely on my little hand pump I usually have to settle with just under 50 psi.
Hi guys i carry a track pump, no point in a pump that doesn't work and can't put in the air you require, for all it really weighs over something that doesn't work, especially for fixing punctures i also have 65 in my tyres tho am ok with front being like 60 ish good luck .
The audio comes and goes, so if you have trouble hearing what I'm saying there are english subtitles avaliable as usual.
Thanks Mikael. ..wish you and family a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!
God bless you on your Journeys thank you for post all your gear I hope all your journeys go well.
I’ve tried so many camp pillows and I also found that pillow to be the best and most comfortable, great video, always great to see what other tourers take with them and how they pack. Love the light too 👍
Hi Sylvia! I dig that pillow so much, I've given one to everyone in my family. At first I was the only one who had one, but we ended up almost fighting for it on family camping trips. So the easy solotion was to buy four more pillows. :-)
Some bike pumps come with a pump holder which is placed behind one of the bottle cages. Topeak pumps are of high quality and they give you a pump holder where you can place it somewhere within the Triangle part of the frame and is secured by a couple of heavy duty zip ties. You may want to look into this...one less thing to carry in your pannier bags.
Thanks for the advice Tracey! My pump did actually come with one of those holders as well. But I had just been to lazy to mount it. I figured I had plenty of space in my panniers to fit it. But if I were to do a tour in the future with a lighter setup (read: only two panniers) I would definitely consider adding the holder to my bike.
This was really good. Thanks, Mike. I have made a note of a number of things... including the pillow.
Thanks! Hopefully I will do a review of the pillow soon, but it might have to way until the touring season starts again. I'm not a fan of people doing reviews of equipment from their living room. It's more genuine when you do it out in the field. Only four more months of winter left here :-)
The video is a nice holiday gift for us, the viewers. Merry Christmas to you and your family.
Thanks Brent! You're always so kind. Merry Christmas to the Irvine family as well!
nice job on your gear, well organized and well thought out
Thank you Brian! If I remember and if I have the time I will try to do one of these videos for each tour I go on. My packing is kind of similar every time, but there are some differences when I go on tours in southern Europe compared to my tours around here in Lapland. So it could be interesting to compare them I guess.
Hej Mike. Great video, I have always wondered what you had in your panniers. I guess you only need the bear repellent back home in Sweden. Hope to catch up on the rest of your adventures soon, I hope you get time to post them. Have a good Christmas and thanks for the years entertainment. Ed
Nice load out Mikael , I have just got the ortlieb 6 classic for my bike and next years trips . atb dave
That's great Dave! You can't go wrong with Ortliebs. It should be perfect for you who also do your fair share of documenting your trips. It's like the handlebar bag is build for keeping your camera handy. You can easily fetch the camera and close the handlebar bag with just one hand. Perfect for being able to film things on the go and you don't have to stop all the time to get your camera ready.
Nice job again Mike. Tough to be away from family. I would rather ride with my wife to be honest. We use a tandem with e-assist. Our children are gone though, so that makes it easier.
You are seeing some beautiful parts of France.
Thank you for your feedback Brian! An e-assisted tandem, that's interesting. I don't think I've ever seen one of those. Sounds like a pleasant way to explore the world. Love hearing about the different ways people go on bike tours.
Put the light stuff in the front panniers, the havier stuff in the back.
saludos desde catalunya ...
Hola popon segura!
Hi Mikael,
Thanks for the series of videos on your tour of Provence. I am planning a trip there myself in September this year and you have given me a great insight to this area of France. I have just ordered myself a Naturehike Cloud Up 2 tent, how would rate this tent. I have subscribed to your channel. Cheers from Australia.
Hi Phillip! Glad you enjoyed the videos. Regarding the Naturehike tent, I only have good things to say about it. It kept my dry and comfy during this and other trips. I like that it takes up very little space both in my panniers and also once set up on the ground. That is essential when you're camping in the wild and you don't maybe have access to a large spot to pitch your tent. The only bad thing I can think of is the color is maybe not ideal for wild camping, but they have the tent in green, so if I were to buy it now I would go for that version. Another thing I would have wished for is an opening on the side instead of the end of the tent. Makes getting in an out of the tent a bit easier. But other than that it's a fantastic tent for the money you're spending.
Just wondering is it 1× or 2× chain ring at the front ? What a great and inspiring videos.Just discovered your channel today and I can't stop watching it.
So glad to hear this! It's actually a 3x chain ring. It's got a huge range.
I can also highly recommend the Sea To Summit Aeros Deluxe Pillow. One the best things I've bought in my kit for touring. It's all good but the pillow is exceptionelle. I hope when you were flooded out you didn't have to pay for the pitch as that was dreadful for that campsite to allow that to happen to you. They must have really poor drainage at that site. How about space for carrying food as all your panniers looked quite full? I have exactly the same ones. They're great.
I paid for the campground upon arrival, but I guess I could have gone and asked for my money back. But I was more concerned with cleaning the tent from all the dirt so I totally forgot about asking for a refund.
Regarding groceries I first get rid of all excess packaging. Then I stuff all the thing I can into whatever space that is left in my panniers. I take out my crocs, so I clear some space that way. Somehow I always seem to be able to fit everything inside the panniers.
On other tours I have used a collapsabe backpack, which I unfortunately lost with the pannier that I lost last summer. But I have bought a new collapsable backpack now that I plan to bring on my next tour.
Hi, thanks for your video. What's the brand of the zipped bags you use to keep items organized? Thanks.
Hello! They are just some random no brand bags I picked up at the dollar store. I'm sure there are several other stuff bags out there that work just as fine!
Hi, greetings from Italy. I also have a Brooks B 17 but it's not waterproof at all, not suitable for me
Hello Stefano! Yes, like you say the Brooks B17 is not waterproof. And it can be a problem in some situations. I always cover it if there's a chance of rain during the night when I'm on tour. And if I happen to ride during the rain, I put a cover on as well. My saddle hasn't taken any damage from the rain so far.
Huuh, I would lock my bike! God jul! :-)
Looking back it so would probably I. I guess those first couple of days up in the small towns in the mountains made me feel totally comfortable leaving my bike unlocked. After that day it got a bit more crowded, so I think I did lock the bike most of the times. Although the bike lock I used was most for show. I think I paid 5 Euros for it. Merry Christmas to you too.
Hey Mike, i would like know more about your two stuff sack.
Happy Christmas amigo
I'm sorry, I totally forgot to go over what I had in them, but if you read the description I have a list of everything that is in them. The stuff sacks are a great way to keep your things organized inside your panniers. They are often sold in different sizes and colors.
Hi Mike, what foods are you cooking while camping, and have you found out how to fix your G7X II, is it under warranty, another great vid.
Thanks Phil John! I'm sorry for missing you comment. I've been offline for most of the holidays, so I must have missed this one. Anyway, my camp dinners mostly consists of pasta dishes and Mexican food. Plus I also like to make some easy Thai dinners, like Panag Curry. I usually have some seasoning for both the Mexican and Asian food with me when I leave for a tour.
Regarding the camera, I fixed it when I got back home. With the right tools (tweezers and a screwdriver) and watching some DIY videos I got the job done. Oh, and I don't think the warranty would cover those damages, since it would be pretty obvious that something had happened to the camera. I still have a little dent in the lens cover, but luckily the lens itself remained unharmed.
Mike have you done a video about preparing the bike for air travel.if u land in a international country do you cycle back to Sweden or do get a flight back home if so how do source a bike box.do you cycle to the airport or taxi.
Haven't done a video on how to fly with your bike in a bike box yet. But I'm sure I'll do one of those int the future. However I have done a video on how I often transport my bike on a plane, in a CTC bike bag. That video can be found here: th-cam.com/video/FVksrzcS0BE/w-d-xo.html
Using this method lets me easliy cycle to the ariport, since I have the bike bag folded up in my panniers. I can prepare the bike for air travel at the airport. This saves me a lot of money on taxi fares.
Hi Make, congratulations for your great videos ! After many yours without bicycle touring, I intend to restart. Your equipment seems complete and perfect. Could you give an idea about the total expense of all the tools you showed, bicycle included. Thanks in advance !
Hi Guydo! To start I want to apologize for the late answer. I've prioritized my family over the TH-cam channel for the holidays. Ooh, total cost. That's a hard one. Let's see:
Bike: 1500 USD
Panniers/bags: 350 USD
Tent+sleeping gear: 450 USD
Stove/cook set: 100 USD
The total of that would be: 2400 USD
@@BikeTouringMike Thanks Mike for the precious information !
Another Question, how long would it take to break in the brooks B17 saddle, i know you've been using it for years, but what was it like,
first time using it.
I would say probably 3-4 weeks if you're doing daily rides. In the beginning the saddle is really stiff, and you kind of feel like you're sliding forward all the time. But some small adjustments and time will make that sensation go away.
What tire pressure do you use in your tires? How many psi?
It differs a bit from tour to rout. When I'm touring around where I live and have acess to a decent floor pump I usually have a tire pressure around 60-65 psi. But when I go on international tours and have to rely on my little hand pump I usually have to settle with just under 50 psi.
Hi guys i carry a track pump, no point in a pump that doesn't work and can't put in the air you require, for all it really weighs over something that doesn't work, especially for fixing punctures i also have 65 in my tyres tho am ok with front being like 60 ish good luck .