Packing for expeditions

There are so many individual items that accompany me on my bike, kayak and 

other adventure trips. Like selecting your desert island discs it is pretty difficult 

to distinguish 10 most important, best or favourites. Here goes some of my 

deliberations:

• A Tarp – A lightweight tarp is a good friend to most adventurous types as 

it provides flexibility as a sheet to sleep under, a ground sheet, emergency 

shelter and the first item to erect whilst making camp if raining.

• Leatherman Multi-tool – Whilst travelling light these are an essential 

expedition team member. I have fixed kayaks, removed thorns, trimmed 

branches and cut things with mine.

• A DS (Deep S**t ) Bag – this is a dry bag rammed with little items you 

often need in a hurry including suncream, matches, spare torch, EPIRB 

beacon and ICOM VHF radio when kayaking etc.

• Lightweight Sil Nylon Bag – these fold down smaller than an apple and 

help for carrying daily rations, day kit if you are venturing away from the 

main camp and weigh nothing.

• Bike Spares Kit – A simple tool kit with spare links, cable, puncture 

repair kit and a couple of mini tools.

• Straps and Tie Downs – these are great for securing items to bikes and 

kayaks.

• Life’s Luxuries – Life’s little luxuries are so important. They might be a 

sachet of shampoo, bamboo clothing that doesn’t smell or a book. (I fight 

the digital devices)

• Exposure Lights – This are simply another life saver, they get me seen 

and allow me to see people, potholes and other obstacles wherever I am 

riding.

• My helmet – This is like wearing a seat belt. I remember once on the 

final day of London to Marrakech by bike and kayak contemplating not 

wearing it. What ensued was a massive crash and I was glad I made the 

right choice.

• Camera – I use an Olympus Tough Camera which provides excellent 

image quality, great video and is as the name suggests waterproof, freeze 

proof.