Spotlight - equipment views and reviews from the AK team
Bikepacking what to pack
By Dan Thompson
18, May, 2016
Dan recently completed the South Lakes 100, 100 miles of Lake District trails, 90% off-road, here's the kit he used.
The South Lakes 100 was a low key affair, basically a 100 mile course was set and you could complete it however you wanted in a self sufficient, bike packing style.
Some elected to ride it in one go, some decide to take a couple of days.
You can read the full Daring Deed here...
I decided to ride the Sonder Transmitter and loaded it up with Alpkit luggage and kit for a 2 day hit.
Initially this was the set up I selected, the large fuel pod on the frame was eventually ditched and teh contents went into my rucksack instead...
After last minute kit faffing and chatting to other riders on the morning of the event, the bike looked like this
I'd elected to ride the Sonder Transmitter to see how it faired, I already klnew it to be a very competent bike for trail centres and for shorter blasts in the Peak District and Yorkshire, how would it fair with long days, technical climbs and with the extra weight of luggage.
Kit List:
Sonder Transmitter GX1 with Yari and Reverb
Tyres: Front: WTB Bridger 3.0, Rear: WTB Trailblazer 2.8
Saddlebag: Kowari Black
2 x 27.5 x 3ins tubes
Lovemud Tyre levers x 3
Spare disc brake pads x 2 sets
Toilet paper (in ziplock bag)
Spare gloves
Top tube bag: Fuel Pod Medium
Opinel knife
iphone in waterproofbag
Energy gels
Basic first aid
Money/cards
Stem Cells: 1 x Stem Cell and 1 x Stem Cell drybag (sample)
Haribo/M&Ms/sandwiches/anything else I could get
Camera
Hydration tabs
Spare batteries for cameras
Bar Bag: Airlok Dual 20L and Fat Roo
Lumo sleep mat
OS map, compass
More food and snacks
Rucksack: Gourdon 20L
Kraku and gas/lighter
Prototype insulated jacket (the yellow thing).
Large volume pump
Shock pump
1.5L hydration system
Food and coffee.
Bar mounted:
Garmin Edge 500
Go Pro Hero 3
Exposure Toro 7 light
Specialized Helmet, Oakley Jawbone glasses and Joystick 10 light
This is meant as a guide to what I personally used, lots of other riders went lighter and many more carried more gear. I felt i got a good balance of maintaining a light bike, using the dropper post, keeping the front end light enough to still lift and manual through obstacles and comfort.
There were a few items I carried but didnt use but it was nice to have teh extra security/comfort had the weather/conditions changed.
