Pyramids of Giza – Egypt

This is a combined backpacking/bikepacking/hiking checklist male specific. Ladies, please add/subtract items where necessary.

Core Gear

Backpack 35-55 litre

Daypack 15-25 litre

Expeditiion (packrafting) 65 litre

Make sure both bags can attach to each other. The daypack should connect from the top, to the front of the backpack via clips on the chest strap, thus making it easier to carry together.

Travel as light as possible. This will save your energy. Aim for 10-13 kg for your backpack and 3-5 kg for your daypack. I recommend layering to keep your body dry and at the ideal temperature.

Clothes

One weeks’ worth of underwear (moisture wicking if possible)

3-4 pairs of socks (moisture wicking)

3-4 t-shirts (moisture wicking)

1-2 long sleeve t-shirts (moisture wicking if possible)

1 wool or synthetic jumper/pullover

2-3 “no iron” polo shirts (moisture wicking if possible)

1-2 “no iron” shirts (if required)

1-2 singlets (moisture wicking if possible)

1-2 pairs of lightweight shorts

1-2 pairs of lightweight trousers. Avoid jeans. If you have hiking pants that zip off to become shorts, take them instead and combine both shorts and pants in one.

1 pair of camp shoes/thongs (flip flops)/sandles, depending on where you will be travelling

1 waterproof jacket

1 waterproof pants

1-2 waterproof pack covers

Toiletries Gear

Microfibre towel

Toothbrush and toothpaste

Shampoo (enough for the trip)

Soap/shower gel (enough for the trip)

Sunscreen minimum SPF 50 (enough for the trip)

Lip balm with minimum SPF 15 (enough for the trip)

Deodorant (preferably roll on) (enough for the trip)

Razer with replacement blades and shaving cream or electric shaver/trimmer

Tissues (enough for the trip)

Wet wipes (enough for the trip)

Condoms (enough for the trip)

Medical Gear

Paracetamol or similar (enough for the trip)

Personal medications (enough for the trip)

Plasters, band-aids, bandages and gauzes (enough for the trip)

Disinfectant spray/wipes (enough for the trip)

Diarrhoea pills (enough for the trip)

Mosquito repellent (enough for the trip)

Hand sanitizer (enough for the trip)

Blister kit (if required)

Document Gear

Flight/train/bus/ferry tickets

Addresses of all accommodations and tours

Travel insurance information

Passport

Debit/credit cards (minimum of 3)

Cash

Drivers licence and/or student card

Recent passport photos

Hiking Gear

1-2 pairs of gloves (1 warm and waterproof, 1 liner) (if required)

1 down jacket (if required)

1 thermal top (if required)

1 thermal pants (if required)

1 pair of hiking boots, worn in

1 pair crampons or micro spikes (if required)

1 head torch (with spare batteries)

2-4 carabiners (if required)

1 multi-tool/Leatherman/Swiss Army knife

Gaiters (if required)

1 portable stove (if required)

1 spork (if required)

1 washing up scubber (if required)

Washing up liquid (if required)

1 tent (1-2 person) (if required)

1 sleeping pad (if required)

1 sleeping bag (if required)

1 sleeping bag liner

1 water bladder with spare bite valve (2-3 litres) (if required)

1 rigid metal and/or soft sided plastic water bottle

1 solar charger (if required)

Water purification tablets (enough for the trip), or other filtration system

Sewing needle and thread

Trekking poles (if required)

Hydration tablets (enough for the trip)

1 emergency shelter/blanket (if required)

1 GPS navigation system (if required)

1 personal locator device (if required)

1 mosquito head net (if required)

Miscellaneous Gear

1-2 small padlocks (with keys or combination written down somewhere safe)

2-3 small/medium stuff sacks or dry bags

1 power adapter

1 laptop/tablet/iPad

1 camera (with back up memory card)

1 phone

1 USB hard drive (if required)

1-2 powerbank

1 hat/cap

1 beanie/skull cap

1 buff/bandana

1-2 pair of sunglasses

1-2 pens

1 journal

2-3 zip lock bags

1 pillow (if required). I use a stuff sack with clothes inside

Bikepacking Gear

1 bicycle

1 helmet

Frame bag

Handlebar bag

Saddle bag

Stem/feedbags

Front top tube bag (to store the days supply of nutrition etc)

Rear top tube bag (to store tools, tubes etc)

Water (enough for the trip). I carry 3 x 950 ml bottles or a 2 litre bladder and a 950 ml bottle. Have option to carry more water but depends on trip

Food (enough for the trip)

1 tent/bivy (depending on weather and time of year)

1 sleeping bag or use down jacket, down pants and down booties instead od sleeping bag

1 sleeping bag liner

1 sleeping pad

1 blow up pillow

1-2 pairs of gloves (1 warm and waterproof, 1 liner) (if required). I mostly ride with fingerless gloves

1 down jacket (if required)

1 thermal top (baselayer) (if required)

1 thermal pants (baselayer) (if required)

Underwear (enough for the trip, moisture wicking if possible)

Socks (2-3 or enough for the trip, moisture wicking)

T-shirts (2-3 or enough for the trip, moisture wicking)

1 pair of riding shoes/boots, worn in

1 solar charger (if required) with 4 carabiners

1 head torch (with spare batteries) or use bicycle torch that attached to your helmet

1 multi-tool/Leatherman/Swiss Army knife

1 portable stove (including gas cannister if you are allowed to travel with it)

1 spork

1 washing up scubber

Washing up liquid (enough for the trip)

Water purification tablets (enough for the trip), Mini Sawyer filter, or handheld UV light water purifier

Sewing needle and thread

Hydration tablets (enough for the trip)

1 emergency shelter/blanket

1 GPS navigation system

1 mini bike pump with gauge

Bicycle repair kit

Handful of cable ties

Sustenance (Enough for the entire trip or to get you to the next destination)

Energy/protein bars

Energy gels

Electrolyte tablets or pre-packed zip bags full of Gatorade or Powerade powder

Bicycle tools I use regularly

Floor bike pump with gauge

Mini pump with gauge

Wheel repair stand (alternatively you can use a floor stand or workbench repair grip)

Set of 3 tyre levers

Allen key set

Torx key set

Hex key set

Multitool

Chain tool

Chain lube

Chain cassette cleaner

Chain brush

Chain wear gauge

Chain checker

Degreaser

Lubricant (WD40)

Tube patch kit

Tubes

Clean rags

Disposable gloves

Screwdrivers

Needle-nose pliers

Open ended spanners

I do all the bike maintenance I can myself. This list is not exhaustive. Use as a guide. For more information on how to conduct bicycle maintenance click here