Touring Equipment

I used to cycle tour but haven't done it for a few years now. Some things I learnt;

• you'll take more stuff than you need the first couple of times. Paring your kit back to the bare essentials is an art you perfect over time.
  
• merino wool clothing is superb for touring as you can wear it on and off the bike.
  
• depending on where and when you're riding, you'll probably only need two lots of clothing, one being worn and one that's been washed and is drying. A lightweight washing line is worth it's weight in gold.
  
• if you are going in a group then agree a tools list and who is bringing what.
  
• bicycle shops are never too far away in most European countries so you can normally make a temporary repair that'll get you to the next shop
  
  

I've only toured and camped once and I'd never do it again. I was in the Pyrenees, it rained a lot and I spent three days and nights either soaked to the skin or damp. It was horrible. Good waterproofs only keep you dry for so long.

My normal set up was a Condor light weight touring/audax bike (a forerunner to the Fratello), a Blackburn rack and Altura rear panniers.