RAGBRAI XLV (2017) Pack List
Knolling my RAGBRAI packlist
I have been on RAGBRAI (Des Moines Register’s Annual Great Bike Ride Across Iowa) several times since 2005. Over the years, I’d like to think I have figured out a pretty good list of gear. In general, this list is usually what I start with when planning a bicycle touring trip, not just for RAGBRAI.
An asterisk denotes a “luxury” item that I only take when riding supported (team bus). Otherwise, everything can pack on the bike (except the bike itself of course).
For food and drink, we mostly rely on stops along the way. However, included is some supplemental nutrition to keep the spending under control.
Depending on the route, I either ride my Surly Long Haul Trucker (35c tires) or my Single Speed Cyclocross bike (23c tires, 46:17).
# Bike basics
- beer koozie
- bottles (2) 1
- saddle bag
- rear pannier(s)
- bungie
- CO2 cartridges (1)
- spare tube
- CO2 adapter
- standard to presta adapter 2
- patch kit
- multi-tool
- small sunscreen
- hand sanitizer
- rear bike light
- flushable wipes (in zip-lock bag)
- large trash bag 3
# Camp
- tent
- sleeping bag/sheet (based on weather)
- sleeping pad
- camp pillow *
- camp fan * 4
# Clothes
- helmet
- bike gloves
- spd sandals
- rain/wind jacket
- casual sandals
- boxers (2)
- convertible pants
- board shorts
- cycling shorts (2)
- tees (2)
- cycling jerseys (1-2)
- long sleeve tee
- cycling cap
- baseball cap
- sunburn/cold weather socks
- sunglasses
# Misc
- allergy meds
- ibuprofen
- eye drops
- ear plugs
- large sunscreen
- camp towel
- headlight
- dr bronner’s soap (bathing/laundry)
- deodorant
- toothbrush
- toothpaste
- wallet
- phone
- phone charger
- mini swiss army knife
- gallon-sized zip-lock bags 5
- clothesline
- pipe insulation * 6
- 15 mm wrench 7
- clif bars (2 per day)
- clif bloks (1 per day)
- trail mix (almonds, peanuts, raisins)
# Honorable mentions
I don’t always bring these items, but there are times I wish I had them.
- solar kit charging kit
- rear-mirror (sunglasses mounted)
- a gallon water *
- jerky
- nuun tabs
- first-aid cream
- tums
- chapstick
- replacement AAA batteries (bike/head light)
my SS bike only has one cage, so I carry a collapsible bottle in my jersey pocket. ↩︎
this adapter is helpful to fill tires in car dominated nation. ↩︎
a garbage bag is a poor man’s rain jacket. you are going to get wet on the bike, but this will keep your core warm. ↩︎
if the weather looks overly hot and i have the space, a camp fan really makes a difference. ↩︎
poor man’s dry bags/luggage organizers. ↩︎
padding for your bike frame while on the bus. ↩︎
helpful to adjust wheels if i bring the single speed. ↩︎