Introduction
In 2025, I spent 2 months cycle touring through Europe. I travelled through the Netherlands, Germany, France, Switzerland, Austria, Slovakia, Hungary and Slovenia, staying in a mix of hostels, Airbnb’s and hotels. When it came to packing, I aimed to keep my panniers light. I was touring European cities so anything else I needed could be bought on the way. Here is a list of everything I took, along with my bicycle and panniers:
Clothing
- Short sleeved cycling tops x2
- Long sleeved thermal tops x2
- Padded cycling shorts x2
- Long leggings x2
- Casual set of shorts and t-shirt (for evenings & rest days)
- Cycling jacket
- Lightweight padded jacket
- Cycling gloves
- Buff
- Socks x3 pairs
- Underwear x3 sets
- Pyjamas
- Swimming costume
- Flipflops
- Trainers
Bike essentials
- Water bottles
- Bike lights (front & rear)
- Bike lock (if you have bicycle insurance, check this meets the insurers requirements such as Sold Secure rating)
- Multi tool
- Tyre levers x3
- Inner tubes x2
- Puncture repair kit
- Tyre pump
- Chain tool and quick links
- Chain cleaner and oil
- Disc brake cleaner
- Chain brush
- Microfibre cloths
- Tape
Toiletries
- Sun cream
- Toothbrush
- Toothpaste
- Deodorant
- All-in-1 shampoo, conditioner & shower gel
- Travel wash
Other items
- Travel towel
- Sunglasses (for keeping both sun and flies out of your eyes)
- Tablet
- Battery pack
- Plug and adaptor
- Charging cables
- Small notebook & pen
- Spare plastic bags (for dirty/wet items)
Personal and safety items
- Passport
- Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) if travelling in the EEA
- First aid kit
- Copy of travel insurance policy. Make sure your policy covers you for cycle touring; many travel insurers consider cycle touring to be an extreme sport and won’t cover it in their policies. ✅Check out our article on why you need specialist travel insurance for cycle touring for further detail.
Camping gear
I did not camp but if you choose to, you will also need a tent, sleeping bag, sleeping mat plus a lightweight stove and fuel
✅ Read our tips on preparing for your first cycle touring trip.