Equipment
Because a short trip around Europe and a four-month journey across Africa require different preparations, prudence compels me to carefully consider what to pack and what to leave behind—since there’s only room for the essentials; the “just in case” option simply isn’t feasible. Duration, distance, and climate variations are all factors that must be taken into account when making these choices.
My setup consists of a touring bicycle, the TX800 from the renowned German manufacturer Fahrradmanufaktur, and a single-wheel trailer made in Poland by Extrawheel, all constructed from steel—a material that can be easily repaired even at the farthest corners of the world.
Two pairs of side panniers are attached to the front and rear racks of the bike (2x12.5L Extrawheel at the front and 2x25L Ortlieb at the rear), plus a third pair (2x50L Extrawheel) mounted on the trailer. Together, these six bags serve as my bedroom, wardrobe, bathroom, kitchen, pantry, and garage.
Finally, two frame bags complete the setup, keeping essentials within easy reach: first aid kit, travel journal, pen, Swiss army knife, snacks, reflective vest, and more.
1
Bedroom
MSR Hubba Hubba BikePack2 tent – MSR footprint – Therm-A-Rest sleeping pad – Foam mat – Sea To Summit sleeping bag – Sea To Summit liner – Nemo inflatable pillow – USB headlamp – USB flashlight – Helinox folding chair – Solar panels – USB charger & cables – Power banks
2
Wardrobe
Helmet – Sunglasses – Cap – Hat – Headband – Cycling shorts – Long pants – Waterproof overpants – Poncho – Rain jacket – Fleece – Short-sleeve & long-sleeve T-shirts – Beanie – Gloves – Underwear – Socks – Sandals – Cycling shoes – Small canvas backpack – TrekMates waterproof storage bags
3
Bathroom
Microfiber towel – First aid kit (bandages, antiseptic wipes, gauze, medical tape, disinfectant, surgical mask and gloves) – Emergency blanket – Small scissors – Tweezers – Tick remover – Insect repellent – Sunscreen – Marseille soap – Toothbrush & toothpaste – Deodorant – Medicine kit (Ibuprofen – Paracetamol – Antihistamines – Anti-diarrheal – Anti-malaria tablets…)
4
Kitchen
MSR stove + gas canisters – Sea To Summit & GSI titanium cookset – Plastic cutlery –Cooking set (spatula, cutting board, salt shaker, pepper shaker) – Fire starter – LifeStraw water filter – Sponge – Dish towel – Zip lock bags – Clips – Rubber bands
5
Pantry
Water bladders (6 & 8 liters) – 72-hour supply of freeze-dried food (for emergencies) – Dried fruit – Crackers – Sugar – Salt & pepper – Condensed milk – Food purchased during the trip
6
Garage
Multi-tool – Chain breaker & quick links – Tire levers – Mini pump (compatible with Schrader and Presta valves, with pressure gauge) – Spare inner tubes – Patch kit – Spare tire – Bike locks – Rag – Chain oil – Adjustable wrench – Multi-grip pliers – Spare spokes – Screw, bolt & nut kit – Cable ties – Duct tape – Maps
