METRICS
Without going through too much details, we packed all our needs as light as possible for a many months trip. Aiming comfort vs weight but still trying to keep bikes and load down to a reasonable weight. The bikes fully equipped with racks and paniers are around 20-22kg and all contents around 15-20Kg. During transports, the contents will be stored in 2x 70L waterproof backpacks. On the bike the empty backpacks are folded tight on the rear rack. They will be useful during multiday hikes.
the money
Coming soon...
Under THE MONEY tag, you will be able to have an idea of all our expenses related to the trip.
It will be detailed by country, covering cost of living on the trail in general, from July 2018 and onward.
Food, transports, accommodations, visas & permits, .... everything to estimate a budget for your own bike trip :)
the donkey
During our winter journeys and races we developed some strong affinities with our SALSA Fatbikes. A recent bikepacking trip through the highland of Iceland confirmed these bikes are not only amazing in snow but behave as army tanks on rugged and rocky terrains. We give them the chance to surprise us again. Our 2 bikes have a slightly different set up. Thank you Mighty Riders in Vancouver for your input.
Bikes
from June 2018 to March 2019
Salsa Mukluk 2014 & 2016, aluminium frame
Tires Maxxis Minion FBR 26x3.8” TUBELESS on both bikes
Rim HED alu 80mm & SUNringle Mulefut SL 80mm
Cassette SRAM 11-42 / 36 & SRAM 11-36/ 22-34
Front and Rear brakes avid BB7 mountain Mechanical disc on both bikes
Seat post Cane Creek Thudbuster LT
Handlebar Ergo grips GP2
Flat pedal 45nrth Helva
Salsa rear rack Wanderlust/Old Man Mountain Front rack & Salsa Anything cage
from November 2019 to …
Salsa Fargo 2018 & 2019, steelframe
Tires Terraveil Coronado 27.5x3” TUBELESS on both bikes
Rim HED alu 80mm & SUNringle Mulefut SL 80mm
Cassette SRAM 11-42 / 36 & SRAM 11-36/ 22-34
Front and Rear brakes avid BB7 mountain Mechanical disc on both bikes
Seat post Cane Creek Thudbuster LT
Handlebar Ergo grips GP2
Flat pedal 45nrth Helva
Salsa rear rack Wanderlust/Old Man Mountain Front rack & Salsa Anything cage
Paniers
Frame bags Wallcustombag
Revelate Design seat post,
Axiom 22l,
Arkel T28 & Arkel T42
Revelate Design gas tanks, mountain feed bags
the wardrobe
From skin level, layers by layers
Sylvia
Underwear (3); Bra (2); Sleeve less mesh shirt (1); Socks (3); First Hoodie Layer fleece (1); Long john fleece (1); MTB short (1); Long pants with zipper for short option (1); Second Hoodie Layer fleece (1); Merino T-shirt (1); Light fleece vest (1); Light windproof vest (1); Light Wind jacket (1); Primaloft Hoodie jacket (1); Hard shell rain jacket (1); Wind/Rainproof pants (1); scarf/Buff (1); Windproof fleece mittens (1); Waterproof mitten cover (1); Sandals (1); Approach shoes (1); Hat (1)
Frank
Exactly the same check list...different colours and I decided to not pack bra ;)
the kitchen
Multifuel expedition stove MSR
2x 750ml fuel bottles
2x 500ml Nalgene bottle
2x Spoon/Fork
1x pot
1x sponge
1x can opener
1x pocket knife
1x silicone cutting board
Lighters + storm matches
50ml container for soap
Water filter/purifier pump
Fluid soft bladders 4L+6L and soft water bottles 2x750ml + 2x500ml
The tech
We like photography and short video !
Sony @6500/ 3 batteries + lens 1.8/35 and its UV filter + lens 4/18-105 and its Polarizing filter
Sony RX100 III/ 3 batteries
Sony wireless microphone
Gopro Hero 6/ 2 batteries
Iphone 8
Ipad pro and mini
Kindle
2x earphones
Power bank Ravpower Xtrem 26800mAh 30W
Solar panel 24w/5V
Multiple 3 usb/2 outlet power strip + 1x travel plug adapter
GPS device
Inreach garmin satellite device
Spot Trace Tracker
The apothecary
Pharmacy
Thermometer
Folding scissors
Antibiotics ( lungs-stomach)
Pain killer
Disinfectant
Insect repellent
Imodium
Tape
Band aid
Tensor
Burn wound pad
Coughing tablets
Electrolytes
Safety blanket
Toiletries
2x toothbrushes
Toothpaste
Nail clipper
Sunscreen
2x small travel towel
2x bath gloves
Sunscreen
Diaper cream
Facial cream/lotion
Floss
Purell
Lipbalm
Folding wash basin
Deodorant
Multipurpose biodegradable soap
the sundries
Bikes
Spare tubes (2), Tubeless sealant, Chain master links (3), Chain lubricant, Core valves (10), Multitool Leatherman, Duct tape, Titan straps 76cm (6), Break and derailleur cables (2), Zip ties/straps reusable different lengths (10), Dynaplug micro pro (1), Patch kit, Valve Stem for tubeless (2) Allen keys, Flat keys, Pump,
Miscellaneous
Horseshoe magnet, AA lithium batteries (8), 2mm string (15m), Wood Clothesline pins (10), Waterproof and compression bags (6), Headlamp (2), Sandisk expand flash drive 128gb (3), Sandisk Micro sd cards Extreme 64gb (5), Power plug adapter, Silicone sink drain stopper plug, Sunglasses, Reading glasses, Notebook, Waterproof marker, Pencil
THE SHELTER
Tent 4-season Hilleberg Tarra - 4.2Kg, heavy but it will be our home for many months in all kind of weather and conditions. Our lighter option would have not been reliable enough. The Tarra offers many setting options, making it a good choice for rugged terrain and harsh climate but has also a good ventilation system and light setting for warmer conditions.
Sleeping: we need to think of the different climates and seasons. We opted for one warm sleeping bag and 2 lighter sleeping bags. The 2 light bags together have the same weight and storage volume in a single compression stuff bag than the warm bag. It will give us the option to use the 2 light bags separatly when it will be warm with the possibility, if needed, to use the warm bag as a blanket. In colder conditions we will combine the 2 light bags to make one warmer bag while the warmest bag can be used as it is.
Sylvia: 800 Down fill -18c sleeping bag, light fleece liner, full body size sleeping pad R4
Frank: 800 Down fill +5c sleeping bag, 750 Down fill +5c sleeping bag, silk liner, full body size sleeping pad R4
One light tarp that can be used as floor mat, element protection, or under the tent as a footprint
Luminaid solar lantern
2 light folding chairs
1 light hammock