Equipment The bits and pieces that help keep us going...
After coming up with the idea to tour, we started going through the motions of selling everything we owned. The purge included getting all of our files and photos scanned and archived, a few boxes of things we thought we’d need in the future stored with friends, and saying goodbye to our collection of bicycles. Along the way we commenced the acquisition of gear and planning for every contingency. Can you ever be ready for everything though? We’ve broken down the gear used into a few categories, and also list the decommissioned parts that just didn’t cut it, broke, wore out, or were lost along the way. A fair amount of research has been done to find the right combination of gear, delicately balancing budget vs weight.
We have learned over our hours of riding that the only way to figure out your equipment is to try it out. Andrew in particular does a lot of research on-line to see what others experience has been. That has proven to be a useful tool. Still, an internet article can only tell you so much, and sometimes when you are holding, feeling, smelling, or talking about something real in your hands, things change. At the end of the day we embarked with whatever we chose and have changed items as necessary. Here’s what we’ve used, endorse and had some concerns with.
Equipment
We returned to Canada in early 2017 and took the opportunity to renew some well worn gear. We need to...
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The Best of Equipment Lists
Andrew and I have been on the road now for over a year. We’ve ridden in temperatures below freezing and...
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bags, Equipment
Price: Discontinued Website: www.mec.ca Description: A handlebar bag that converts to a shoulder bag for touring and riding around town....
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bags, Equipment
Price: $81.00 Website: http://www.ortliebusa.com/prodInfo.asp?pid=62&cid=2 Description: The Ortlieb Rack Pack is a classic piece of luggage. It’s a universal holdall bag...
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bags, Equipment
Price: $106.99USD Website: http://www.ortliebusa.com/prodInfo.asp?pid=373&cid=2 Description: With waterproof protection from the elements, the Ortlieb Ultimate 6 Plus handlebar bag keeps your...
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bags, Equipment
Price: $160.00USD/pair Website: http://www.ortliebusa.com/prodInfo.asp?pid=30&cid=2 Description: Ortlieb Front Roller Classic waterproof panniers are terrific, expedition-quality front panniers. Mount these panniers to...
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bags, Equipment
Price: $235.00USD/pair Website: http://www.ortliebusa.com/prodInfo.asp?pid=7&cid=2 Description: The spacious Ortlieb Bike Packer Plus panniers are large, secure, robust and perfect for extended...
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bags, Equipment
Price: $119.00CDN/pair Website: http://www.mec.ca/product/5024-315/mec-world-tour-2-56l-cycling-panniers/ Description: These tough, touring panniers will make nomadic lifestyles easier and more efficient. Spindrift collars and...
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Electronics, Equipment
Price: $79.00CDN Website: http://store.sony.com/black-4gb-walkman-sports-mp3-player-zid27-NWZW273//cat-27-catid-All-Players-Docks Description: Most of the electronics we use on a regular basis aren’t designed to be thrown...
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Electronics, Equipment
Price: $49.00CDN Website: http://www.apple.com/ca/ipod-shuffle/ Description: Never leave a favorite tune behind. Along with up to 15 hours of battery life,...
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Electronics, Equipment
Price: From $253.00USD, Discontinued Website: https://buy.garmin.com/en-GB/GB/outdoor/discontinued/etrex-vista-hcx/prod8703.html Description: Neither deep foliage, nor canyons faze the rugged eTrex Vista HCx. Its high-sensitivity...
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Electronics, Equipment
Price: From $299.00USD Website: https://buy.garmin.com/en-US/US/into-sports/cycling/edge-touring-plus/prod143677.html Description: The Garmin Edge Touring Plus works like the GPS navigator you use in your...
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Electronics, Equipment
Price: From $59.00CDN Website: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00AWH595M/ref=fs_clw Description: As wonderful as books are, I have a love-hate relationship with them on a...
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Electronics, Equipment
Price: From $519.00CDN Website: http://www.apple.com/ca/ipad-air/ Description: It’s lighter and more compact than most all laptop-style computers, and offers very good...
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Electronics, Equipment
Price: From $1049.00 CDN Website: http://www.apple.com/ca/macbook-pro/ Description: It may be incredibly thin and light, but MacBook Pro with Retina display...
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Electronics, Equipment
Price: From £399.00 Website: http://www.yellowbrick-tracking.com/ Description: The Yellowbrick Tracker is a two-way messaging device that uses the Iridium satellite network....
detailspreview Electronics, Equipment
In order to keep in contact with friends and family, update the website, archive and upload photos, reload music players,...
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Clothing, Equipment
Wearing the right clothes is imperative to ensure you are not only comfortable, but don't run into chafing, rashes or worn clothes.
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Equipment, tent & sleeping
As you begin to tour for extended periods, your tent is your home; it's very important to be comfortable at the end of the day.
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cooking
Food is what fuels you to keep going. Eating well is so essential to success everyday!
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bags, Equipment
Having sealed panniers that are reliable is critical. If you are unable to store your goods and attach them to your bike, you're not going anywhere.
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Bikes, Equipment
Our bicycle knowledge is vast when it comes to different types of bikes and their applications. Over the years we have owned as many as twelve bikes at one time. Our love for cycling is immense and isn’t simply limited to touring...
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Darwin & Betty
Nov 26, 2014 -
Great meeting you in San Carlos…how are your Spanish lessons? We are now back home in Spruce Grove…. I will miss meeting you at Barracuda Bobs and around San Carlos.. Safe travels you two.
What a wonderful Adventure…you are an inspiration to us.
Darwin & Betty Park