Just say no to the bikey pizza cutter. I mean, delicious, but no. This is a bike touring gift guide for the bike tourist in your life (hint: this might be you). These are (almost all) things I personally use and love.
Bike Touring Gift Guide
Tent: Alps Mountaineering Zephyr 2 person ($125)
This tent saved me from a flood. Like, for real.
Sleeping bag: Hyke and Byke 32º down sleeping bag ($99)
A newer addition to my gear… works great and super affordable.
Ultrlight Stove: Etekcity Ultralight foldable stove ($9.99)
Runner up: Trangia Spirit Burner alcohol stove ($14.53)
Love the Etekcity, and the Trangia is a great value.
Lights: Portland Design Works Radbot 1000 ($29)
Runner up: Ascher USB rechargeable LED set ($13.99)
I swear by PDW as my rear light, and I just bought the Ascher set for Kimberly.
Panniers: Ortlieb back roller classic (prices/colors vary)
Ortlieb front roller classic (prices/colors vary)
Look, there are a lot on the market. But Ortlieb stands the test of time for me. Plus: orange.
Dry Bag: Sea to Summit eVent Compression dry bag, large ($42.95)
I think this is one of the most clever items on the list… waterproof but lets air out for easy compression. I use the large size for sleeping kits, but all sizes are great.
Support the Parks: National Park and Federal Land Annual Pass ($80)
I ride the C&O a lot, and while there isn’t an entrance fee, this pass makes me feel like I support the system. Oh, it also lets me in all the others… which is nice.
Water Bottles: Brita Sport Water Filter bottle (2 pack for $16)
Filters built in make this a great way to help less than tasty water sources (it filters out iodine taste too for you backcountry types with iodine pills).
External Battery: Anker Astro E7 ($60)
Runner up: Anker Power Core 20100 ($40)
Anker is my brand for these.. get the biggest battery that makes sense for you.
Rain jacket: Showers Pass Double Century ($159)
Best rain jacket I’ve ever had. Looks nice too!
Tires: Schwalbe Marathon Plus (Price varies by size)
or
Schwalbbe Marathon Supreme (Price varies by size)
Nearly puncture proof, but more importantly, Schwalbe stands by their product with great warranties.
Tune up: contact your LBS (price varies by service)
Your bike will thank you.
Maps: ACA maps for a future tour (price varies)
For you paper types!
Stocking stuffers:
- Freeze dried instant meals
- Caffeine pills
- Electrolyte pills
- VIA Instant coffee packets
- First aid kit
- Tubes
- Patch kit
- Wool socks
For you big spender types… a touring bike:
Brompton, Pedalshift Style from CelverCycles in PDX (Oregon has no sales tax!) or your LBS… (just no orange)
Runner up: Surly Long Haul Trucker from your LBS
FYI, some of these are affiliate links.