Equipment list

Bikes - Surly Ogre - chosen for their durability, versatility, and their set up for on and off road long distance touring. We debated bikes for a good three months before settling on the Surly's so here is hoping we made the right choice. It is a big change to go from a high spec full suspension bike to a hard core steel touring bike. However, we are pretty confident the Surly is the best fit for our journey. We will keep you posted on this.

Seats - Brooks s17 - again we debated this long and hard and again we made a decision based on the advice of other long distance cycle tourers. We are not yet totally sold on these seats and will keep you updated on this decision.

Pannier racks - Freeloaders - at the back of the bike. These are an awesome innovation of some kiwi guys and we have been using them for adventuring and touring on our full suspension bikes. We are confident that although these are a bit heavier than other metal racks they will be far more durable. We are using anything racks at the front - made by salsa - hopefully these will cope with our load !!

Pannier bags - Ortlieb classic rollers (rear) there was no debate here as Ortliebs have been on the wish list for us both since we were University students 

Stove - MSR Whisperlite - chosen for its ability to burn most fuels and also as it can be pressurised for altitude

Tent - MSR - Hubba Hubba lightweight, roomy, waterproof . We have also got a gear storage attachment which attaches to the main tent to give us more rooms

Sleeping bags - Macpac express 800 loft

Trekking shoes - Montrail Masochists 

Rainwear - Macpac traverse jacket and Macpac over pants