Think Big! Pack Little!

Right now, I’m experiencing a special kind of affliction—nervous excitement. You know, that stomach-twisting, mind-racing sensation where you’re equally stoked and slightly terrified because the adventure of a lifetime is just days away. Our flights to South America are booked, the countdown is in full swing, and it’s finally time to face the music… and pack our gear.

Now, I’ve seen plenty of bikepackers on the road—bikes groaning under the weight of bulging panniers, tents strapped at precarious angles, pots, sandals, and even the occasional stuffed animal dangling from their rigs. I always wonder, what exactly is in there? The kitchen sink? A petting zoo? Underwear??

To be clear, this is not a judgment—it’s just that I pack small and I'm a simple girl and genuinely don’t know how to bulk it up. Why would I? Less gear = more freedom, less weight = more fun. Also, I don’t feel like wrestling my bike up a mountain pass with half of my worldly possessions strapped to it.

So, with zero fluff and no unnecessary suspense, here’s our gear list for our South America bikepacking journey.

(Spoiler: It does not include a cast-iron skillet or a garden gnome, but it does include things that will keep us pedalling, warm, dry, and—hopefully—not crying on the side of a dirt road.)

THE BIKES & BAGS

Surly Karate Monkeys – battle-tested, ride-ready, and about to become our best (and occasionally worst) friends.

Frame bags, rear rack + 35ltr waterproof day bag (mostly only 2/3 full!), and handlebar cradle + 20ltr day bag no panniers - I don’t like riding a wind-catching billboard).

Top tube bag – aka the snack stash (no one likes a hangry H!)

CAMPING GEAR

2-person tent – one I use for all my adventures so not bikepacking specific.

Sleeping bags – warm enough for Andean nights, light enough for our sanity.

Inflatable sleeping pads – because pretending rocks are comfortable only works for so long.

Tiny but mighty stove – Cracking out the roadside coffee is essential!

CLOTHING

The classic "one outfit for biking, one for not-biking" system.

Puffy jackets – mountain passes don’t care about your comfort.

Rain gear – South America is not known for its bone-dry climate.

The absolute minimum amount of socks and undies society deems acceptable.

.

TECH & NAVIGATION

Trust the universe", don't see it as getting lost see it as exploring somewhere

different!

Garmin Inreach Mini2 - Safety first.

Phone - Because my eyes can't read the Inreach and for pod castes.

Powerbank – mainly for lights and camera.

Headlamps – for those inevitable "why are we still biking in the dark?" moments.

Bike Lights - I have a no-biking in the dark rule but there's always that time when...!!!

Bike Alarm - It screams when the bike is moved and I do as well!!

Camera - Yip I like the old school ways!

Cooking & WATER

Cooking gear – enough to keep us fueled, not enough to inspire Master Chef ambitions.

Water filtration system – because mystery river water is not a recommended fun travel activity!

Coffee setup – because some struggles are worth the weight.

TOOLS & SPARES

Multi-tool – Fix your bike and cut your cheese!

A selection of tools for basic bike maintenance and/ or repair.

DuctTape - 101 uses for.

Spare tubes, tyre levers, – we run tubeless so this is for but what if!!??!!

Zip ties – the unsung heroes of every repair.

FIRST AID.

We had our shots - Yellow fever, rabbis, Heb A+B and Tetnnis - I didn't get a lolly pop!!!

We are carrying stuff for runny bums, vomit bugs, dehydration, altitude sickness and infections.

Then we have the standard first aid - plasters bandages, antiseptic, and saline.

That’s our simple bikepacking kit. Simple and ready for anything. No excess, no unnecessary frills—just the essentials for a journey filled with mountains, headwinds, questionable road conditions, and whatever surprises South America throws our way.

Now, all that’s left is to pack it up, board the plane, and start pedalling south. 🚴‍♀️🔥

Let the adventure begin.