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Many bicycle guides offer suggestions about what to pack for a bike tour. Here’s our version; if you like one of the others, that’s fine too.
Clothes and personal items in overnight baggage
| Clothes to ride in | Toilet kit | Warm shirt or windbreaker | |
| Clothes for hotel or camp | Wallet, ID, money | Long-sleeved shirt, long pants | |
| Extra shoes | Notebook, pen for journal | Hat with brim |
Choose clothes based on the weather you expect – but take an additional warm layer. One night is likely to be 10-15 degrees colder than you expect.
Personal items for daily use (carry with you or wear)
| Helmet | Camera, film | First aid kit | |
| Gloves | Guidebook | Insect repellent | |
| Water bottles/hydration pack | Jacket or sweater | Sunscreen | |
| Rain gear | Swim suit, wading shoes | Sunglasses | |
| Waterproof tarp (5’x7’) | Plastic bags | Toilet paper | |
| Snack or energy bar | Pocket knife | Cell Phone (emergency use) |
Carry at least a quart more water than you think you need.
Bike equipment
| Bike | Patch kit, tire levers | Handlebar pack | |
| Bike lock | Spare tube | Rack | |
| Headlight, taillight | Pump | Rack pack or panniers | |
| Bell or whistle | Tools (know how to use ‘em) | Rain covers for panniers | |
| Fenders | Spokes (to fit your wheels) | Bungee cords |
We don’t recommend carrying more than a few pounds in a backpack. Your load will be much more stable in panniers on a rack firmly attached to the bike. If you're camping or traveling without vehicle support for more than a few days, split the load between front and back panniers for better handling. Many people prefer a trailer; a one-wheeled trailer such as the BOB works well on the C&O.
Even if you don’t plan to ride after dark, you’ll want the headlight or a flashlight in the Paw Paw tunnel (C&O MP 155).
Camping equipment
| Tent | Stove, matches | Towel | |
| Sleeping bag | Cook kit, utensils | Plastic ziplock bags | |
| Sheet or sleeping bag liner | Food (carry an extra meal) | Biodegradable soap | |
| Air mattress or sleeping pad | Extra water |
Oh, yes – did we mention extra water?
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