In this video I go through all the things I do when I reach camp on my bike tours plus a number of tips on how to choose the best spot to pitch your tent.
My Complete Packing List for my bike tour in Tuscany, Italy
Ortlieb Ultimate 6 Handlebar Bag
Ortlieb Back-Roller Pro Plus 35L
Giro Fixture Mips Helmet – https://amzn.to/3azuTpK
Science In Sport Water Bottle – https://amzn.to/3j1tJrC
Left Rear Pannier:
Adidas Adilette Flip Flops – https://amzn.to/3AIndMm
Haglöfs Scree Pant
Haglöfs Velum Jacket
Amazon Basics 4 Piece Packing Travel Organizer Cubes Set – https://amzn.to/3BGuTQB
Nike Mens Dri-FIT Short Sleeve Polo Shirt – https://amzn.to/3j2aq1w
Helly-Hansen Men’s LIFA Merino Crew – https://amzn.to/2YJ5bfQ
Convertible Pants
Extra Pair of Socks
Two Pair of Underwear
Polo Shirt
Nabaji Microfibre Towel L – https://amzn.to/3mMzhaC
Light My Fire Camping Foldable Cup – https://amzn.to/3FW2GrM
Tools:
Lezyne HV Bicycle Hand Pump – https://amzn.to/3lHxnJc
Maifede Bike Inner Tire Patch Repair Kit – https://amzn.to/3p1IfDz
Crankbrothers M19 Multi-Tool – https://amzn.to/3j0A86D
Squirt Long Lasting Dry Lube – https://amzn.to/3iWqYIf
CTC Plastic Bag + packaging
Right Rear Pannier:
Bike Lock
Toiletries:
Toothbrush
Toothpaste
Shaving Gel
Mach 3 Razor – https://amzn.to/3j2bYsm
Contact Lenses
Schampoo
Naturehike Cloud Up 2 Tent – https://amzn.to/3aA1MTp
Collapsible Backpack
Dji Mavic Pro Drone – https://amzn.to/3FKsVBk
Packing Cube With Electronics
EU Camping Adapter
Wine Bottle Opener
Aegismax UL Down Sleeping Bag – https://amzn.to/3BVCStv
Sea To Summit Aeros Premium Pillow – https://amzn.to/3va15JI
Sea To Summit Comfort Plus Insulated Sleeping Pad
Swim Trunks
Swim Cap
Handlebar Bag:
Quechua MH140 Cat3 Sunglasses
Samsung S20
GoPro Hero7 Black
Canon G7X Mark II
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29 Comments
Mike, any reason you chose two larger rear panniers instead of 4 smaller ones with 2 in the back anc 2 in the front?
Great info👍
Mike come on. Do you know anything about food, italien food? They have so great food, but i see u eat pitzza everyday. You miss out the great taste of italia. You need learn about that! 😁 but thx for your vlog. Take care man
Thanks Mike. I’m really enjoying the Italy videos. Thank you!
Hey Mike…good point on avoiding the trees. I've found even the night's dew causes that gunky discharge. Also regarding the power box…the fact that there were, in this case, six outlets, does this mean you have potentially five nearby campers running extension cords? …or is the typical practice to leave your things at the box charging? Just curious…anyway, hope you enjoyed the trip, anxious to hear about the next adventure.
Another nice bit of wine. 🙂 I have a question about a topic ithat may be a bit dull, but your comment about removing socks made me think of it. On tour I stay in a room so generally have an en suite WC where I can wash my socks, jersey and cycling shorts after the day's ride. When camping, do you find that ypur laundry does or does not dry out overnight? Or, do you stretch out the time between laundry days a bit?
Some great tips. I'm sorry to go off topic but could you please tell me what handlebars you are using and why this kind. Thanks, JP
Fantastic trip, appreciate the handy tips. You are motivating me to plan my first trip next year. Many thanks
Bra videos! Fortsätt så!👍
Excellent video with very valuable information. My first impression is that camping fees are quite cheap (they're about $50+ in Ontario). Important point about bringing valuables with you, even though it translates to having to take a pannier with you. Also, thanks for a tip about the trees! Wouldn't have thought of that. Thank you for putting this together.
All of your discussions regarding security have me wondering…how often have you had items stolen?
I've done hundreds of miles of wilderness hiking and never once carried anything electronic. I say that because it seems that so much time, effort, energy, and money is spent on various types of gadgets and keeping them safe, charged, and connected. It would seem that one way to lessen the hassles of bicycle touring would be to disconnect from the internet, stop checking in with momma via phone every day, and maybe stay off of Facebook, YouTube, et al until the trip is over. Thus far on my bicycle tours, I'm using paper maps, no phone, no GPS. But to each their own. Of course you are creating content for us to enjoy and learn from, but I would hope that those of us not doing so and touring just for the joy of touring would think a long time about the real versus imagined need for electronic gadgets.
Mr. Mike, I greatly enjoy your videos and the information you've provided is very helpful. Thanks.
thanks Mike, i hope to make it to Italy one day, before i do i will re-watch your vids, great stuff
This year i did fracigena with bicicletta in Italia. From Pavia to Roma. I started in Nederland, first i used the camping (D FR CH) then in Italia i used the guest house or Hostels for the pilgrims . They cost from donation to max 20 euro, sometimes i had single room, many of them u can also use the kitchen.
Do you get any noise disturbance by camping right next to the electricity box . ie. a humming noise that might keep you awake.
Mike, why do you not ride in hiking sandals? Then your feet don't get so hot and smelly 😉
Hi Mike. Holy cow the showers looked great!! The pizza as well. You are living good my friend. Take care.
Good video.
I like all of your travels.
Have you tried a small solar panel to charge your power packs up?
Also, that bike lock doesn't seem very strong to secure your most expensive item?
I've used an Anker solar panel the last 2 years in Portugal but don't take as much camera stuff I guess.
Mike , I normally tour like you but struggling a bit due to age and no longer commuting/riding as much ,so taking my bike in a trailer at the back of my motorbike from uk . Going up through Norway to Trondheim then crossing into Sweden for return ( and a drink). Whole trip is about 5 weeks . What would you recommend as a route in Sweden to include a of 2/3 day centre based stops for cycling.
Glad to see you had a good trip and thanks for any advice you can give. Cheers.
I like sun to wake me up in the morning. I'm surprised you don't pick a diet with more pasta for energy. Anti Paste is better. Bon Appetito
Excellent Mike 🤩 thanks for your share 🙂
About charging: I recharge only my powerbank, not other devices at camping sites (using two powerbanks interchangeably, as you do). From my experience in Poland, Germany and Estonia, even if there is an extra cost of for using boxes/sockets in the campground for permanent access to electricity, they allow to plug in a powerbank for free in the kitchen, reception desk or in the bathroom. Does it work the same way in Sweden?
Great info. The campgrounds in Italy seem pretty posh compared to the rustic ones here in California. Reasonable price too. The pizza in Italy is the best, that and the gelato.
I only got through one minute cuz to me in Canada ..child of sixties and seventies..wild camping! Its adventurous and its free. Bicycling is supposed to be free…if not take your car or the train. I do several days of wild camping then 1.or 2 lovely days in Airbnb discount price. I guess its easier in Canada than Europe.
Does the Italian restaurant do delivery?
Isn't that modern life for you? Ten-minute video and he spends 4 and a half minutes charging his stuff.
Showers, also known as stand up clothes washers.
Thanks for the info, Mike! Where do you find the information of these campsites? Is there any website where I can search them?
Terrific video Mike, I hope to do the Rhine next year. I’ve learned so much from your videos. 👏👏