Gear in Depth
Here is a little post of what I'm packing in back.
I want to be as light as possible, but still comfortable. Japan offers lots of conveniences especially with vending machines and convenience stores everywhere. I don't have to worry about carrying food with me or cooking equipment.
- Rinko Bag - these are a must have in Japan. You can not take your bicycle onto a train without one. I picked this one up at Cycle Base Asahi in Kyoto last year. Costs around 3500 yen. This is the Tioga Cocoon. You can place your bike in this by taking off the front wheel and strapping it to the frame. Tested it out last year on the bus from New York to Montreal. Got off the bus, wheel and pedals back on, and I was back on the road.
- Tools and Spare tubes - I've opted out of using a multi tool, as I'm sick of the allen keys short reach. Instead I'll bring full size keys, multi use pedal wrench, chain breaker/spoke key, and a set of screwdrivers.
- Kryptonite U Lock and Cable - I know Japan is a pretty safe place for bikes. I've seen high end road bikes attached to chain link fences with dinky cable locks before there. However, when you buy a bike in Japan you usually register it, and receive a license number for it. That won't be the case for me, so I don't want anything to happen to it. It's heavy...but I think worth it.
- Big Agnes Air Core Mattress - nothing better than lying down on a comfortable mattress after riding. Doesn't take long to inflate and to pack up. I have the 20 x 66 x 3.25 size one.
-Tarp - always handy to use as a footprint or a shelter
-La Fuma Microfleece Mummy Sleeping Bag Liner - I've been using this for about 5 years now. Comfortable and easily packable. Cold nights will require some bike base layers though!
-Weanas 2 person Tent - picked it up on eBay for around $85. From what I've seen so far....I like it. Assembly and disassembly can both be done in 5 minutes or less. Spacious for two people or one with a bike. Poles are sturdy and rain fly is easy to attach. Looking forward to testing it out!
I want to be as light as possible, but still comfortable. Japan offers lots of conveniences especially with vending machines and convenience stores everywhere. I don't have to worry about carrying food with me or cooking equipment.
Everything I need....hopefully |
Some descriptions:(Left to Right)
- Rear bag cover for when it rains- Rinko Bag - these are a must have in Japan. You can not take your bicycle onto a train without one. I picked this one up at Cycle Base Asahi in Kyoto last year. Costs around 3500 yen. This is the Tioga Cocoon. You can place your bike in this by taking off the front wheel and strapping it to the frame. Tested it out last year on the bus from New York to Montreal. Got off the bus, wheel and pedals back on, and I was back on the road.
- Tools and Spare tubes - I've opted out of using a multi tool, as I'm sick of the allen keys short reach. Instead I'll bring full size keys, multi use pedal wrench, chain breaker/spoke key, and a set of screwdrivers.
- Kryptonite U Lock and Cable - I know Japan is a pretty safe place for bikes. I've seen high end road bikes attached to chain link fences with dinky cable locks before there. However, when you buy a bike in Japan you usually register it, and receive a license number for it. That won't be the case for me, so I don't want anything to happen to it. It's heavy...but I think worth it.
- Big Agnes Air Core Mattress - nothing better than lying down on a comfortable mattress after riding. Doesn't take long to inflate and to pack up. I have the 20 x 66 x 3.25 size one.
-Tarp - always handy to use as a footprint or a shelter
-La Fuma Microfleece Mummy Sleeping Bag Liner - I've been using this for about 5 years now. Comfortable and easily packable. Cold nights will require some bike base layers though!
-Weanas 2 person Tent - picked it up on eBay for around $85. From what I've seen so far....I like it. Assembly and disassembly can both be done in 5 minutes or less. Spacious for two people or one with a bike. Poles are sturdy and rain fly is easy to attach. Looking forward to testing it out!
Not too big. I'll be strapping the tent to my waist to reduce the weight on my back directly. If the weight is to much I can remove the poles and strap them to the top tube of the bike. |
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