PACKLIST

Whether you’re planning a multi-month expedition or a shorter bikepacking adventure, having the right gear can make all the difference. In this post, I’ll share the ultimate gear list that kept me rolling, safe, and most importantly comfortable across diverse terrains. This list is based on firsthand experience from my journey from Germany to South Africa so please note: I changed and adapted my set up during my trip. This list includes everything I was carrying at the end. Read down below to see what items I gave away or send home as I made my way south that felt unnecessary or too heavy. 

If I learned one thing on this adventure: It’s not just about the essentials; it’s about creating a setup that works seamlessly for you and your travel style. So I hope my list gives you some inspiration for your next trip!

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bike specs:


clothing:

 (*save 10% on the entire RYZON collection with my code WIEBKE10)

bike bags:


camping:


tools:


toiletries:

  • towel
  • tooth brush
  • tooth paste
  • floss
  • bite tray
  • interdental brushes
  • lip balm
  • sunscreen 50+
  • mosquito spray
  • deodorant
  • solid shampoo block
  • razor
  • tweezers
  • comb
  • nail clippers
  • menstrual cup
  • period underwear (2)
  • toilet paper


medicines:

  • malarone (100x)
  • coartem (2)
  • ibuprofen 400
  • aspirin
  • paracetamol
  • band-aids 
  • first aid kit
  • hand sanitizer
  • disinfectant spray 
  • betadine
  • imodium
  • antihistamine
  • probiotics 
  • electrolytes
  • antibiotics
  • mosquito bite cream
  • thermometer


electronics:

  • smartphone iPhone 14 pro
  • action cam Gopro Hero 14
  • drone DJI mini 4 + RC
  • wahoo rival watch
  • powerbanks (2)
  • USB-C cable
  • lightning cable
  • microo-USB cable
  • European standard plug (2)
  • South African standard plug
  • spare micro SD cards 
  • SD card adapter
  • portable SSD drive San Disc 2T (2)
  • iPhone headphones
  • JBL Go 2 mini speaker


personal stuff:

  • passport
  • wallet 
  • visa cards
  • cash (USD, euro, local currencies)
  • ID card
  • international vaccination pass
  • international driver's license
  • diary
  • pencil 
  • stickers
  • postcards


Packing for a long-distance cycling trip is as much an art as it is a science. While this gear list was perfect for my 20,000-kilometer journey through 22 countries in 14 months, your needs may vary depending on your route, goals, and personal preferences. The most important thing is to stay adaptable and open to learning as you go.

Things I dropped during my ride south:

  • hiking boots
  • rain pants
  • warm sweater
  • puffy jacket 
  • laptop + laptop case + cables
  • sony alpha 4 IV camera
  • camera lens
  • camera case
  • camera tripod
  • Ortlieb back roller plus
  • rear rack
  • spare cassette
  • spare tires
  • extra socks
  • merino long sleeve
  • base layer
  • mascara
  • other beauty products
  • books
  • merino beanie


It's always great to see how little we need at the end of the day. The lighter I got, the more I could enjoy the ride but for me this was a long process and I enjoyed changing and testing different set ups along the way. 

I hope this gear list inspires and helps you prepare for your next adventure, whether it’s a weekend getaway or a cross-continental expedition. If you have any questions or want to share your own packing tips, feel free to leave a message below. 

Here’s to the open road, the thrill of the unknown, and the joy of exploring the world on two wheels!

Follow my journeys on Strava or Komoot. 

Cover photo by Fabienne Engel.

The Wilier ADLAR gravel bike with both set ups: left side with rear rack, right side with front rack.