
Around the World Gear List
Let's see how far this stuff will take me
My Gear
This is the gear I am starting off on my journey with. Alot of this gear, like the bike compoinents and clothings, will most likely be changing over time. I dont expect chainring to last forever, nor a pair of socks to be invincible. Whenever this happens, I will try to update this list.
I am going for gear that can withstand a beating while performing well at the same time. With this being an extended tour, it is essential for me to carry lots of gear that wouldn’t normally be brought on a much shorter trip. I could trim the weight in half easily if this was a normal trip, but alas it is not.

The Bike
I am starting this adventure with a 2021 Salsa Timberjack Ti built up with the most solid and durable components I could source. My goal for this build was to create a platform that is capable of enduring any terrain while still maintaining a lightweight ride feel. I wanted a bike that isn’t incredibly sluggish on pavement sections but can still handle most any remote dirt rode out there. This wasn’t meant to be a super snappy bikepacking rig, but rather an ultra-distance long term touring bike. The end result is a hybrid of traditional touring bike with bikepacking capability. I am able to carry everything I need for full comfort and liveability while touring for an extended period of time. A traditional bikepacking setup just doesn’t offer enough storage space to carry along electronics and an ultra capable cooking system. Storage space was a key focus, hence the rear rack and from rack with basket.
I built up this bike during the height of the COVID pandemic so certain components were impossible to get or had prohibitive wait times. My preference is a 2x drivetrain, however I chose a SRAM GX 12s due to availability and durability. I have used a GX drivetrain in the past and it has proven to be extremely reliable so I’m sure this new generation GX will be just as solid. Apparently 12s drivetrains also have the most durable chains ever designed so I am hoping that end up being true.
I do have some carbon components on this build. The front fork is a WHISKY No. 9 carbon fork and I love it! This fork is very lightweight and offers a very supple yet snappy ride feel. While pedaling on even terrain, it retains an efficient amount of stiffness and doesn’t have excess flex while under load. There is a subtle amount of vibration reduction while on uneven and chattery terrain. I run it will Tailfin Fork Racks on the legs and with an Old Man Mountain Divide rack up front. Even under heavy loads, this fork has proven to be very reliable all while looking good.
This bike is running on Reserve 27 carbon wheels with DT Swiss 350 hubs. Although aluminum wheels are the traditional choice, these carbon fiber wheels have proven to be an amazing upgrade. The most noticeable benefit is that they have a consistent stiffness and track very well while under heavy loads. A stiffer construction may lead to less issues with the spokes over time due to less stress being placed on them, however time will tell. They also have a lifetime warranty which is pretty rad.
These are my preference for hubs and they perform amazing! 350’s with the ratchet engagement is just the best hub out there. I have upgraded the ratchet for better engagement so it really makes for instant energy transfer. Another benefit is they are so simple to service. You can literally pop off the cassette in seconds and service the rear hub if needed. They aren’t the lightest hub out there but I prefer these because they are just a little bit beefier.
I have an overall upright and comfort focused positioning on this bike. The riser bars help relieve stress from my hands, arms, shoulders, and back. It’s not a racing set up but more akin to a traditional bike touring configuration. I also have a leather Selle Anatomica saddle which is my favorite saddle I’ve ever used. I’ve tried numerous saddles and this one has proven to be the best for rides longer than 30 miles. I do like this saddle, but my butt always hurts at the end of the day regardless of saddle choice! My goal was to make this the most comfortable set up possible for long days of pedaling. I have taken it on many bikepacking trips and it’s proven to be a really great set up for me.
While building this bike up, I tried my hardest to ensure everything is serviceable while on the road. Nearly every component is extremely bomber but also simple to service at the same time. I have the capability of breaking down every system and thoroughly servicing everything. I am taking a Wera Allan key set with every key I need for my bike for ease of service when the time comes. I am hoping everything goes smoothly and I can find replacement parts every where I go! I wished it upon a star once.
Frame: Salsa Timberjack Ti
Wheels: Santa Cruz Reserve 28 w/ DT Swiss 350 Ratchet Hubs
Fork: WHISKEY No.9 MTN Boost Carbon
Drivetrain: SRAM GX Mechanical 12speed
Chainring: Absolute Black Elliptical 30t
Handlebars: Spank Spike Riser Bar
Brakes: Shimano XT 2 Piston
Pedals: Supacaz Orbitron DH Platform
Stem: PNW Range
Seatpost: Thompson Elite Setback
Saddle: Selle Anatomica X Series
Gear Storage
Gear storage has been the trickiest thing about perfecting this bike touring setup. The curse of having a small size bike is that it is very difficult to get all the necessary gear on it efficiently. I have spent years trying to figure out how to get everything on there and I feel this is the best system I have ever used. It’s not an ultralight setup but it is more than capable of very heavy touring.
The key to this set up is the front and rear rack. They allow me to carry way more simply than using a traditional soft bag approach. I can get 60lb on the front and 60lb on the rear if need be, however I hope I don’t need to carry nearly that much! Another benefit is it makes loading gear very simple and I don’t have to do complex origami to get everything on there. Nothing is overpacked and every item I carry fits comfortably in their spots. This is a heavy load out and is overkill for short trips, but a trip of this caliber needs maximum capability.
Rear Rack: Salsa Wanderlust
Front Rack: Old Man Mountain Divide w/ Thru Axle Kit
Frame Bag: Salsa EXP Series Velcro
Seatpost Bag: Revelate U.S. Made (Unsure which model, from around 2017)
Feed Bag: Revelate (2017) and Buckhorn Bag
Handlebar Cradle: Salsa EXP Series Anything Cradle
Seatpost Wedge: Apidura Backcountry Rear
Fork Cage: Tailfin Cargo Cage x2
Waterbottle Cage: Blackburn Steel Cage on downtube (from 2015)
Panniers: Ortlieb Gravel-Pack Pair
Bags
Backpack: ZPacks Nero 38L DCF Backpack
Drybags: AquaQuest Rogue x2, Salsa EXP Series Dry Sack
Shelter
I have a relatively simple shelter setup. I have had this tent for a number of years and it has been extremely dependable. It is a comfortable two wall tent and is about two pounds or so. It does everything a tent needs to do and it is freestanding as well. I prefer to bivvy or tarp camp but I kind of really want to have some bug netting for this adventure!
Tent: Big Agnes Fly Creek HV UL2
Sleeping
Sleeping Bag: Sea to Summit Spark 40 Degree
Sleeping Bag Liner: Sea to Summit Reactor Compact Plus
Sleeping Pad: Exped Synmat UL
Pillow: Klymit Pillow X
Cooking
My cooking set up was a big consideration while preparing for this trip. Food will be a daily consideration while budgeting and is one of the biggest places where I can save money. If I eat out daily, I could easily spend over $30 dollars which would add up very quick. My approach is to cook most every meal and spend $10-$15 on food daily. This allows me to keep expenses low all while still eating nutritious food.
My stove is the tried and true world traveler stove, the MSR Whisperlite International. The beauty of this stove is that it can use most available fuels found everywhere and allows me to do real cooking. Being able to control the heat makes it possible for me to cook a variety of different foods without burning things. I still burn food while cooking occasionally but that is of no fault to the gear!
The other component which I am super stoked about is the Fry-Bake! This cast iron, made in America pan is capable of doing any kind of cooking and is ready to withstand an extended adventure. I can sauté vegetables, cook eggs, bake bread, fry sausages and much more. This is such a versatile backcountry pan that I should have for a lifetime. Clean up is easy and it wont lose its nonstick properties if cleaned with sand or metal. It is not the lightest pan out there but it’s utility makes it more than worthwhile for true wilderness cooking.
Much like my other systems, this setup is overkill for casual bikepacking trips. For most tours, a simple alcohol burner and pot is all you really need. Many people have done extended tours with minimal cooking setups and that’s totally a way to go. However I have chosen to prioritize this system to keep overall travel costs down and to eat well at the same time. If I can keep food costs down I can travel for a much longer time!
Stove: MSR Whisperlite International w/ Rebuild Kit
Pot: Sea to Summit Sigma 1.2l Stainless Steel
Pan: Fry-Bake Alpine
Spatula: Titanium Homemade (from Ohio)
Utensils: Snowpeak Fork and Spoon
Cup: Snowpeak 10oz w/ Lid
Bowl: Nalgene 16oz Jar
Cutting Board: Fozzils Snapfold Bowl
Fuel Storage: MSR 20oz Fuel Bottle
Food Bag: Ursack Bear Bag
Water
Water Filter: Platypus GravityWorks Water Filter, QuickDraw Microfilter, Iodine Tablets
Water Storage: Platypus Platy 2l Softbottle x4, Nalgene 1.5l, Basic Cycling Waterbottle
Photography
Photography is one of the primary reason I am setting off on this adventure. While I am wandering around, I have a compulsion to photograph and document the interesting places I come across. The world is a big place with lots of hidden gems to be captured with a camera. I love coming across wild places and indulging in amazing light and strange sights. It is essential to have my camera equipment ready to capture some amazing shots.
Camera Body: Sony A7RIII
Lens: Sigma 28-70mm f2.8 Contemporary, Tamron 70-180mm f2.8, Rokinon 45mm f1.8
Tripod: Peak Design Aluminum Travel Tripod
Accessories: Sony Camera Remote, Peak Design Clip, Peak Design Strap, Cleaning Kit
Storage: Lowepro Aventura SH120 (for 70-180mm and accessories), REI Drysack w/ Pendleton Washcloth and Desiccant Packs (for camera while sleeping or in wet conditions)
Video: GoPro Hero8 Black
Electronics
Computer: Apple IPad Pro 12.9" M1 512gb, Apple Keyboard, Apple Pen
Chargers: Green Extreme Camera Battery Charger, Anker Power Hub, Anker 21w Solar Panel, Lots of Charger Cords
File Storage: LaCie 2tb SSD Harddrive, Lots of SD Cards, Dropbox
Clothing
Shirts: Columbia Long Sleeve Button Up (From Savers)
Pants: Prana Brion II, Prana
Socks: 4 Pairs
Underwear: Exoficio Briefs, Adidas Briefs, Endura Wool Chamois
Rain Wear: Outdoor Research Helium Jacket and Pants
Jacket: Black Diamond Puffy
Base Layers: Smartwool Longjohns and Long Sleeve
Shoes:
Gloves: Mechanix Work Gloves, POC Riding Gloves
Head Wear: Hippy Tree Hat (I've had since 2012), Carhart Orange Beany, Buff, Bandana
Sunglasses: Ray-Ban Wayfarer (From a lost and found), Oakley Radar EV Path, Tifosi Clear Transition
Accessories
Health: Basic Hygiene and Medical Kit
Clothe Maintenance: Scruba Wash Bag, Sea to Summit Clothes Line, basic Sewing Kit
Safety: Bear Spray,
Warmth: Cotton Mexican Blanket