Preparation

General Prep
Physical Fitness
Route
Season
Direction
Safety
Food and Water
Bicycle Equipment
Camping Equipment
Bike Clothing
Sleep
Pace
Film Equip
Audio Equip
Support Team
Participation Forms

Camping Equipment

Camping Gear

Camping Gear: You will need a tent, sleeping bag, sleeping pad, and camp stove if you plan on camping along the way. Consider lightweight and compact options that won’t take up too much space on your bike.

What camping gear should I take when bicycling across the USA on the PanAmerica trail?

When preparing for a camping trip while bicycling across the USA on the PanAmerica trail, it’s important to pack essential camping gear that is lightweight, durable, and easy to carry on your bike. Here are some camping gear items that you might want to consider:

  1. Tent: A lightweight and durable tent that is easy to set up and take down, and provides adequate protection from the elements is essential. Look for tents designed for backpacking or bike touring that are compact and easy to pack.
  2. Sleeping bag: Choose a sleeping bag that is lightweight and compact but also provides adequate warmth for the temperatures you’ll encounter on your trip. Down and synthetic insulation are both good options.
  3. Sleeping pad: A good quality sleeping pad provides insulation and cushioning, making for a more comfortable sleep. Look for a lightweight and compact option that is easy to pack.
  4. Camp stove and fuel: A small and lightweight stove that uses propane or butane can be used to cook food and boil water. Make sure to bring enough fuel for your trip.
  5. Cookware: Choose lightweight cookware such as a small pot or pan and utensils to cook and eat your meals.
  6. Water filter or purifier: It’s important to have access to clean water while camping. A water filter or purifier will remove bacteria and viruses from natural water sources, making it safe to drink.
  7. Headlamp or flashlight: A good quality headlamp or flashlight will provide light in the evenings and early mornings, making it easier to navigate around camp.
  8. Multitool: A multitool can come in handy for a variety of tasks, including repairing your bike, opening cans, and cutting rope.
  9. First aid kit: A compact first aid kit with basic supplies such as bandages, antiseptic, and pain relievers can be a lifesaver in case of injury or illness.
  10. Insect repellent: Mosquitoes and other biting insects can be a nuisance while camping, so it’s a good idea to bring insect repellent to keep them at bay.

Remember to pack light and only bring what is essential for your trip. Make sure to test out your camping gear before your trip to ensure that everything is in good working order.

Tent

Can you recommend a lightweight durable tent for camping when I bicycle across the USA?

Certainly! There are many great lightweight and durable tents available that would be suitable for camping during a cross-country bicycle trip. Here are a few recommendations:

  1. Big Agnes Fly Creek HV UL 2: This tent weighs just 2 pounds and 5 ounces, making it one of the lightest backpacking tents on the market. It’s also incredibly durable and easy to set up.
  2. NEMO Hornet Elite 2: The NEMO Hornet Elite 2 is another ultralight option, weighing in at just 2 pounds and 3 ounces. It has a spacious interior and comes with a waterproof rainfly.
  3. MSR Hubba Hubba NX: The MSR Hubba Hubba NX is a bit heavier than the other two options, coming in at just over 3 pounds. However, it’s still considered lightweight and is extremely durable. It also has a spacious interior and two doors for easy access.

All three of these tents are excellent choices for a cross-country bicycle trip, as they are lightweight, durable, and easy to set up and take down.

Can you recommend light weight durable tents for two people?

Sure, here are some lightweight and durable tents for two people that you may want to consider for your bicycle trip across the USA:

  1. Big Agnes Copper Spur HV UL2 – This tent is a popular choice among backpackers and cycle tourers for its lightweight design (2 lbs 12 oz) and excellent durability. It has two doors and vestibules for easy entry and storage.
  2. MSR Hubba Hubba NX – Another popular choice, this tent is designed for backpacking and bike touring with its lightweight design (3 lbs 14 oz) and durable materials. It has two doors and vestibules for easy access and storage.
  3. Nemo Dagger 2 – This tent is designed for backpackers and cycle tourists who prioritize comfort and space. It weighs in at 3 lbs 14 oz and has two doors and vestibules. The unique design provides plenty of headroom and interior space.
  4. REI Co-op Quarter Dome SL 2 – This tent is lightweight (2 lbs 14 oz) and designed for bike touring and backpacking. It has two doors and vestibules for easy access and storage.
  5. Tarptent Double Rainbow – This tent is a lightweight (2 lbs 10 oz) and popular choice among bike tourers who prioritize weight and space. It has two doors and vestibules and is made with durable materials to withstand tough weather conditions.

Sleeping Bag

Thank you. What is a good sleeping bag for a person who is camping as they bicycle across the USA?

A good sleeping bag for someone camping while bicycling across the USA should be lightweight and compact, yet warm and durable enough to withstand different weather conditions. Some popular options include:

  1. The North Face Cat’s Meow Sleeping Bag – This is a highly-rated sleeping bag that is designed to keep you warm in temperatures as low as 20°F. It is lightweight, compressible, and features a synthetic insulation that is water-resistant and dries quickly.
  2. Marmot Trestles Elite Eco Sleeping Bag – This sleeping bag is made with recycled materials and features a warm and durable synthetic insulation. It is designed to keep you comfortable in temperatures as low as 20°F, and it is lightweight and compressible.
  3. Western Mountaineering MegaLite Sleeping Bag – This sleeping bag is a top-of-the-line option that is designed to keep you warm in temperatures as low as 30°F. It is made with high-quality materials and is very lightweight and compressible, making it perfect for bike touring.
  4. Therm-a-Rest Questar 20 Sleeping Bag – This sleeping bag is designed to keep you warm in temperatures as low as 20°F, and it features a durable and water-resistant synthetic insulation. It is also lightweight and compressible, making it a great option for bike touring.

When choosing a sleeping bag, it’s important to consider your personal needs and preferences, as well as the weather conditions you are likely to encounter on your journey.

Can you recommend a lightweight sleeping bag for someone to use camping as they bicycle across the USA?

Certainly! Here are a few options for lightweight sleeping bags that would be suitable for camping while bicycling across the USA:

  1. The Marmot Phase 20 Sleeping Bag – This sleeping bag is lightweight and compressible, making it easy to pack and carry on a bike. It has a temperature rating of 20°F, so it should be suitable for most camping conditions.
  2. The NEMO Forte 20 Sleeping Bag – This sleeping bag is designed specifically for backpacking and bike touring. It’s lightweight and has a temperature rating of 20°F, so it should be suitable for most camping conditions.
  3. The Therm-a-Rest Questar 20 Sleeping Bag – This sleeping bag is designed to be lightweight and compressible, making it easy to pack and carry on a bike. It has a temperature rating of 20°F, so it should be suitable for most camping conditions.

All of these sleeping bags are highly rated and designed to be lightweight and compact, making them ideal for bike touring and camping across the USA.

Sleeping Pad

What is a good light weight sleeping pad when bicycling across the USA?

A good lightweight sleeping pad for bicycle touring across the USA should be durable, comfortable, and provide adequate insulation from the ground. Here are some options to consider:

  1. Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XLite: This pad is a popular choice for ultralight backpackers and bike tourers because of its compact size and low weight. It provides excellent insulation and comfort with an R-value of 4.2 and weighs in at just 12 ounces.
  2. NEMO Tensor Ultralight Insulated Sleeping Pad: This pad is another great option for bike touring because it packs down small and is lightweight, yet still provides a comfortable and warm sleeping surface. It has an R-value of 3.5 and weighs just 15 ounces.
  3. Klymit Static V Lightweight Sleeping Pad: This is a budget-friendly option that is still lightweight and packs down small. It has an R-value of 1.3 and weighs just 18.1 ounces.

Ultimately, the best sleeping pad for you will depend on your budget, preferred level of comfort, and specific needs for insulation and weight.

Camp Stove

What camp stove and fuel are best for bicycling across the USA?

When it comes to camp stoves and fuel for bicycle camping trips, there are several factors to consider, including weight, fuel efficiency, ease of use, and availability of fuel.

For a bicycling trip across the USA, you may want to consider a lightweight backpacking stove that is easy to transport and fuel-efficient. Some popular options include:

  1. Jetboil Flash: The Jetboil Flash is a lightweight and compact stove that is ideal for bicycle camping. It uses a small canister of fuel and is known for its quick boil times.
  2. MSR PocketRocket: The MSR PocketRocket is another popular option for bicycle camping. It is lightweight, easy to use, and fuel-efficient. It can be used with a variety of canister fuels, including propane and butane.
  3. Primus Omnilite Ti: The Primus Omnilite Ti is a high-end stove that is designed for extreme conditions. It is lightweight, fuel-efficient, and can be used with a variety of fuels, including white gas, kerosene, and unleaded gasoline.

In terms of fuel, you may want to consider using canister fuel, as it is lightweight and easy to transport. However, you should also be aware of the availability of fuel along your route. It’s a good idea to carry extra fuel with you, just in case you can’t find it when you need it.

What type of fuel for a camp stove is most available when bicycling on the Transamerica route across the USA?

The most widely available fuel for camp stoves when bicycling on the Transamerica Trail is white gas, also known as Coleman fuel. This fuel can be found at most outdoor supply stores, as well as many general stores and gas stations along the route. Propane canisters are also widely available, but they may be less common in some of the more remote areas of the trail. It’s always a good idea to carry a backup fuel source, such as alcohol or solid fuel tablets, in case you’re unable to find white gas or propane.

One highly-rated camp stove that fits your criteria is the MSR WhisperLite International stove. It is a lightweight and compact stove that can use both white gas and Coleman fuel. It also features a multi-fuel burner, making it suitable for use in various conditions and locations. Additionally, it has a wide base that provides stability and can support larger pots and pans. It is a popular choice among backpackers and campers due to its durability, efficiency, and versatility.

What lightweight cookware should I take?

When it comes to selecting cookware for camping during a long bicycle trip, it’s important to choose lightweight options that are durable and can withstand the rigors of the road. Here are some suggestions:

  1. Titanium cookware: Titanium is known for its light weight, strength, and durability, making it an ideal choice for camping cookware. Look for pots and pans made from this material, which can be found in a variety of sizes and configurations.
  2. Aluminum cookware: Another lightweight option is aluminum cookware. This material is durable, conducts heat well, and is often more affordable than titanium. Just be sure to choose high-quality aluminum cookware that is coated or anodized to prevent the metal from reacting with acidic foods.
  3. Non-stick cookware: Non-stick coatings can make cooking and cleaning up easier, especially when resources are limited. There are many non-stick camping cookware options available, including those made from aluminum or titanium.
  4. Nesting cookware sets: To save space and weight, consider investing in a set of nesting cookware. These sets typically include multiple pots and pans that can be stacked inside one another for compact storage.
  5. Pot grabber: A pot grabber is a simple tool that allows you to pick up hot pots and pans without burning your hands. Look for lightweight, compact models that can be easily packed with your cookware.

Remember, when choosing cookware for your bike trip, it’s important to consider your specific needs, such as the size of your group, the types of meals you plan to prepare, and your overall budget.

Can you suggest light weight titanium cookware?

Yes, here are some options for light weight titanium cookware:

  1. Snow Peak Trek Titanium: This is a lightweight and durable cookware set made of titanium that includes a pot, lid, and a mesh storage bag. The set comes in different sizes to suit your needs.
  2. TOAKS Titanium Cookware: This brand offers a range of titanium cookware including pots, pans, and cups. They are lightweight, durable, and come with foldable handles for easy storage.
  3. MSR Titan Cookware: This is another great option for lightweight titanium cookware. They offer a range of pots, pans, and kettles that are perfect for camping and backpacking.
  4. Vargo Titanium Cookware: This brand is known for its lightweight and durable titanium cookware. They offer a range of pots, pans, and cups that are perfect for camping and backpacking.
  5. Evernew Titanium Cookware: This brand offers a range of titanium cookware including pots, pans, and cups. They are lightweight, durable, and come with foldable handles for easy storage.

Water Purifier

What Water filter or purifier is good for bicycling across the USA?

When bicycling across the USA, there are a variety of water filters and purifiers available that can be used to ensure safe drinking water. Here are a few recommendations for lightweight and portable options:

  1. Sawyer Products MINI Water Filtration System: This filter is lightweight (just 2 ounces), compact, and removes 99.9999% of bacteria and protozoa. It can filter up to 100,000 gallons of water and comes with a reusable squeeze pouch for easy drinking.
  2. Katadyn BeFree Water Filter: The Katadyn BeFree Water Filter is also lightweight (just 2.3 ounces) and removes 99.9999% of bacteria and protozoa. It has a high flow rate and can filter up to 1,000 liters of water.
  3. SteriPen Ultra UV Water Purifier: The SteriPen Ultra UV Water Purifier uses UV-C light to destroy 99.9% of bacteria, viruses, and protozoa. It is lightweight (just 4.94 ounces) and can treat up to 8,000 liters of water with one set of batteries.
  4. LifeStraw Personal Water Filter: The LifeStraw Personal Water Filter is a simple and lightweight (just 2 ounces) option for filtering water. It removes 99.9999% of bacteria and protozoa and can filter up to 1,000 gallons of water.

It’s important to note that while these filters and purifiers can remove bacteria and protozoa from water, they may not remove viruses or chemicals. It’s important to research and assess the water sources along your route to determine what type of filter or purifier is best for your needs.

Can you suggest a Water filter or purifier is the best for bicycling across the USA?

There are several water filters and purifiers that are suitable for bicycling across the USA. Some of the most popular and reliable options include:

  1. Sawyer Squeeze Water Filter: This filter is a lightweight and compact option that can filter up to 100,000 gallons of water. It removes 99.9999% of bacteria and protozoa, making it a popular choice for backpackers and cyclists.
  2. Katadyn BeFree Water Filter: This filter is a collapsible bottle with a built-in filter that removes bacteria and protozoa. It has a fast flow rate and can filter up to 1,000 liters of water.
  3. MSR Guardian Water Purifier: This purifier uses advanced technology to remove viruses, bacteria, protozoa, and sediment from water. It has a high flow rate and can purify up to 10,000 liters of water.
  4. LifeStraw Go Water Filter Bottle: This filter bottle is a lightweight and affordable option that removes bacteria and protozoa. It has a built-in straw that allows you to drink directly from the bottle.

Ultimately, the best water filter or purifier for you will depend on your personal preferences and needs. It’s important to consider factors such as weight, filtration capabilities, and ease of use when choosing a water filter for your bicycle trip across the USA.

Head lamp

Which Headlamp or flashlight do you recommend for bicycling across the USA?

For bicycling across the USA, it’s important to have a headlamp or flashlight that is lightweight, durable, and provides sufficient illumination. Here are a few options that might be suitable:

  1. Black Diamond Spot Headlamp: This is a popular choice for outdoor activities, including camping and hiking. It is compact and lightweight, yet powerful, with a maximum output of 300 lumens. It has multiple modes, including red light for preserving night vision, and is water-resistant.
  2. Petzl Actik Core Headlamp: This headlamp is also lightweight and has a maximum output of 450 lumens. It features a rechargeable battery that can be charged via USB, making it convenient for extended trips. It has a variety of modes, including red light for preserving night vision, and is water-resistant.
  3. Fenix LD22 Flashlight: If you prefer a handheld flashlight, the Fenix LD22 is a good option. It is compact and lightweight, with a maximum output of 300 lumens. It has multiple modes, including a strobe mode for emergency situations, and is water-resistant.
  4. Nitecore NU25 Headlamp: This headlamp is ultra-lightweight and has a maximum output of 360 lumens. It features a rechargeable battery that can be charged via USB, making it convenient for extended trips. It has multiple modes, including red light for preserving night vision, and is water-resistant.

Ultimately, the choice of headlamp or flashlight will depend on personal preferences and needs. It’s important to consider factors such as weight, brightness, battery life, and durability when making a decision.

Phone Charger

How can I charge my phone when I bicycle across the USA?

There are several ways to charge your phone when bicycling across the USA:

  1. Portable Power Banks: You can carry portable power banks that can charge your phone multiple times. Look for power banks with a high capacity and multiple USB ports.
  2. Dynamo Hub: A dynamo hub is a generator built into the front wheel of your bike. As you pedal, it generates electricity that can charge your phone or other devices through a USB port.
  3. Solar Chargers: Solar chargers are lightweight and can be strapped to the back of your panniers or attached to your bike. They work by converting sunlight into electricity that can charge your phone.
  4. Wall outlets: You can also charge your phone at motels, campgrounds, and other places where there are wall outlets available. Make sure to carry a wall charger with you.
  5. Public Charging Stations: Some parks, cafes, and other public places have charging stations where you can charge your phone for free or a small fee.

Insect Repellent

  1. Insect repellent: Mosquitoes and other biting insects can be a nuisance while camping, so it’s a good idea to bring insect repellent to keep them at bay.

Can you recommend an insect repellent for this trip?

Certainly! When it comes to insect repellents, DEET is considered the most effective and commonly used ingredient. However, if you prefer a more natural option, you can look for products containing essential oils such as citronella, lemongrass, or eucalyptus.

Here are some insect repellents that are highly recommended:

  1. Sawyer Products Premium Insect Repellent: This product contains 20% Picaridin and is effective against mosquitoes and ticks.
  2. Repel 100 Insect Repellent: This product contains 98.11% DEET and is highly effective against mosquitoes, ticks, and other biting insects.
  3. Ben’s 30% DEET Insect Repellent: This product contains 30% DEET and is effective against mosquitoes, ticks, and other biting insects.
  4. Natrapel 8 Hour Insect Repellent: This product contains 20% Picaridin and is effective against mosquitoes, ticks, and other biting insects.
  5. Badger Anti-Bug Balm: This product is a natural option that contains essential oils and is effective against mosquitoes, ticks, and other biting insects.

It’s always a good idea to check the product labels and instructions to ensure that the insect repellent you choose is safe and effective for your needs.

Sunscreen

Can you recommend a sunscreen for this trip?

Sure, here are some recommendations for sunscreens that can be suitable for bicycling across the USA on the Transamerica Trail:

  1. Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry-Touch Sunscreen: This is a popular sunscreen that is known for its lightweight formula and non-greasy finish. It is water-resistant and provides broad-spectrum protection against both UVA and UVB rays.
  2. Coppertone Sport Continuous Spray Sunscreen: This sunscreen is designed for active individuals and is water-resistant for up to 80 minutes. It has a non-greasy and quick-drying formula that won’t run into your eyes while you sweat.
  3. Blue Lizard Australian Sunscreen: This sunscreen is formulated with natural minerals and is free from chemical sunscreen ingredients. It provides broad-spectrum protection against UVA and UVB rays and is water-resistant for up to 80 minutes.
  4. Banana Boat Ultra Sport Sunscreen Lotion: This sunscreen is designed for active individuals and is water-resistant for up to 80 minutes. It has a lightweight formula that won’t clog pores or cause breakouts, making it suitable for use during outdoor activities.
  5. La Roche-Posay Anthelios Melt-In Sunscreen Milk: This sunscreen has a lightweight and fast-absorbing formula that won’t leave a white cast on your skin. It is water-resistant for up to 80 minutes and provides broad-spectrum protection against UVA and UVB rays.

Remember to reapply sunscreen every two hours or after swimming or sweating heavily. Also, choose a sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 or higher for adequate protection.