Ready to help someone start their touring journey? These tried-and-tested selections provide everything needed to hit the trail with confidence. From weekend warriors to aspiring continental crossers, every great adventure starts with reliable cycling gear.
Few people understand the demands of bike touring quite like Saoirse Pottie. Fresh from an epic 7,000km journey across Africa, crossing 10 countries in 5 months, Saoirse has put touring gear through some of the most challenging conditions imaginable. From the dusty tracks of Mozambique to the hills of Rwanda, her recent adventures have provided the ultimate testing ground for touring equipment. While many cyclists are winterising their bikes, you'll find Saoirse planning her next grand adventure, always ready to discover new trails and stories across the globe.
Essential Touring Kit: Saoirse's Selections
Sleep System for the Long Haul
The foundation of any bike touring adventure is a good night's sleep. Saoirse's experience crossing continents has led her to recommend our Pipedream 400 sleeping bag paired with the Numo Sleeping Mat. When you're covering 50+ miles a day recovery is everything and this combination offers the perfect balance of warmth, comfort, and packability.
Bike Packing Mastery
We are constantly refining our packing system and Saorise is no different. Her extensive African expedition put this to the test and she has several tried and tested suggestions:
- Deluge Stem Pack: Your essentials always within reach
- Lunar Frame Bag: Reflective frame bag for extra visibility on road, gravel or mountain bikes
- Deluge 13 Handlebar Bag: Weatherproof storage for electronics and valuables
- Koala 13L Saddle Bag: The perfect sized saddlebag for clothing and camp gear
Camp Kitchen Essentials
After thousands of miles on the road, Saoirse knows the value of a reliable cooking setup:
- Kraku Stove : Ultra-light and dependable
- MytiMug 650: The perfect size titanium cooking mug for both cooking and coffee
- LyoFood: Real food that packs light and tastes great
Shelter Solutions
For lightweight, liveable space you can carry on your bike, Saoirse recommends:
- Ultra 1 Tent: For solo minimalist adventures
- Soloist Tent: When more headroom is needed
Safety and Practicality
Essential items that Saoirse never leaves behind:
- Phase 550 Bike Light and Halo Rear Bike Light: Visibility is non-negotiable
- Trailside Multitool: Has saved countless adventures
- Hiplok Z-lock: Light weight lock that fits inside a Christmas cracker
- Hydrater: BPFA-free soft flask for drinking, and storing water on fast and light adventures in remote areas
Adventure-Tested Guarantee
Every product Saoirse recommends comes with our Alpine Bond guarantee, backed by 123 days of returns. As she discovered during her African crossing, reliability is everything when you're days from the nearest bike shop. We stand behind every piece of kit, giving you the confidence to plan your own adventures, whether they're weekend explorations or cross-continental expeditions.
Beyond the Gear
Each item in this selection has been chosen not just for its functionality, but for its ability to enhance the touring experience. From comfortable camps to reliable storage solutions, these pieces work together to create a seamless adventure platform.
Making Memories Possible
Whether you're shopping for someone planning their first overnight bike adventure or an experienced tourer dreaming of cross-continental journeys, these expert-selected items provide the foundation for incredible experiences. As Saoirse's African adventure proved, the right equipment opens up a world of possibilities.
Gift Cards - For when you are struggling to find that perfect gift
If, even after all of these great ideas, you are still struggling to put your mouse on that perfect present, our gift cards come to the rescue. We have physical gifts cards you can send to your loved ones, an Alpkit Foundation Giving Card and an e-Gift Card for when time has got you beat. These can be redeemed online or instore.