Gear List

Last updated June 3, 2026

Everything on the bike and in the bags for Medellín to Ushuaia. Updated as the trip takes shape.

Bike & Drivetrain

ComponentDetailNotes
Frame
Surly
Cross Check 58cm (2009)Steel is real. Still one of the best all-road touring frames ever made.
Shifters
Shimano
Tiagra 4700 STI (2×10)Reliable, repairable, and widely serviceable worldwide.
Rear Derailleur
Shimano
RD-RX800 (Ultegra)Ultegra rear derailleur — built for long-haul reliability.
Front Derailleur
Shimano
Ultegra R8000
Cassette
SunRace
MS3 10-speed 11–40tWide range for loaded climbing over Andean passes.
Chain
Shimano
11-speed + spare quick links
Crankset & BB
Easton / Wolf Tooth
EA90 crankset / BSA30 bottom bracket
Brakes
Paul Component
Minimoto with Koolstop salmon padsCantilever brakes — reliable in wet conditions and easy to service anywhere.
Tires
Panaracer
GravelKing X1+ 700×45 tubelessBright yellow. Set up tubeless with orange seal.
Saddle
Brooks
ProfessionalOwned since 2008. It knows my sit bones better than I do.
LockSmall zip-tie style lock

Wheels

ComponentDetailNotes
Rear Wheel
DT Swiss / White Industries
R460 rim · Mi5 hub, polished silver
Front Wheel
DT Swiss / SON
R460 rim · SON28 dynamo hub, polished silverDynamo hub generates power for lighting and charging while riding.

Lighting & Power

ComponentDetailNotes
Headlight
Sinewave
Beacon 2, fork crown mountDynamo-powered. Converts AC from the hub to DC to charge batteries.
TaillightAmazon budget light
Power Bank (×2)
Nitecore
NB10000 Plus, 10,000 mAhPass-through charging — charges while simultaneously powering devices.
Power Bank
Iniu
10,000 mAh
USB-C Cables (×3)Varying lengths
Lightning Cables (×2)
Wall Charger
Anker
GaN multi-port

Electronics, Navigation & Communications

ComponentDetailNotes
Satellite Communicator
Garmin
inReach MiniTwo-way satellite messaging and SOS — peace of mind in remote areas.
Cycling Computer
Wahoo
ELEMNT Bolt v3
Phone
Apple
iPhone 14 Pro
Action Camera
Insta360
GO Ultra + mounting hardware
Earbuds
Sony
Wireless
Tablet & Keyboard
Apple / Logitech
iPad Pro M4 + Combo TouchFor remote work during the trip.

Bags & Carrying

ComponentDetailNotes
Handlebar Harness
REI
Handlebar Dry Bag
Sea to Summit
13L
Frame Bag
Blackburn
Rear Rack
Old Man Mountain
Divide
Panniers (×2)
Ortlieb
Backroller City
Fork Cargo Cages
Widefoot
Bolted to the fork blades for extra carrying capacity.
Fork Dry Bag
Sea to Summit
8L

Shelter

ComponentDetailNotes
Tent
Big Agnes
Copper Spur ULHV2 (circa 2015)Ultralight 2-person tent. The HV2 has extra vertical headroom over the standard.
Footprint
Big Agnes
Matching footprint
Stakes
MSR
Mini stakes
Guylines
MSR

Sleep

ComponentDetailNotes
Sleeping Bag
REI
Flash 20°F / −7°COver 15 years old and still going strong.
Sleeping Pad
Thermarest
Z-lite foam pad
Bag LinerSleeping bag liner

Clothing

ComponentDetailNotes
Helmet
Smith
Engage 2
Puffy Jacket
Arc'teryx
Atom (synthetic fill)Synthetic insulation stays warm when wet.
Mid Layer
Arc'teryx
Soft shell
Wind Jacket
Patagonia
HoudiniUltralight packable wind layer.
Rain Jacket
Decathlon
Rain Pants
Decathlon
Wool Full-sleeve Shirts
Wool T-shirt
Cotton T-shirts
Wool Thermal Tights
Hiking / Running Pants
Lululemon
Riding Shorts1× non-padded
Gym / Swim ShortsDouble as swimming shorts.
Underwear
Costco / Smartwool
Socks4× varying
Cycling Shoes
Giro
Rumble VR (SPD)
Running Shoes
Brooks
SandalsChappals — SF ChinatownReplacing ASAP.
Gloves
Ornot
Wool
Warm Hat
45NRTH
Wool, fits under helmet
Cycling Caps

Tools & Maintenance

ComponentDetailNotes
Multi-tool
Lezyne
With chain breaker
Tire Levers
Pedro's
Mini Pump
Lezyne
Patch Kit
Dynaplug
Dynaplug
Tubeless plug toolFast tubeless repairs on the road — no need to remove the wheel.
Tubeless Sealant
Orange Seal
Extra bottle
Allen KeysFull size: 4, 5, 6, 8mm + T25
Wrenches8mm and 10mm
Adjustable Wrench
Cable Cutters & Pliers
Quick Link Tool + SparesTool + 2 spare quick links
Chain Lube
Zip TiesAssorted
Electrical SuppliesSpade connectors + heat shrink
Repair TapeTenacious Tape + electrical tape

Cooking & Food

ComponentDetailNotes
Stove
MSR
Whisperlite Universal + fuel bottleMulti-fuel — runs on white gas, kerosene, or unleaded. All widely available in South America.
Lighter
Cookware
MSR
Pot and frypan
SporkTi long spork
MugTi single wall 750mL
Water Filter
Katadyn
BeFree
Emergency Water Bladder3LFor long desert stretches.
Food Storage Bag

Health & Hygiene

ComponentDetailNotes
First Aid KitBlister kit, bandages, antiseptic, SAM splint, ace bandage
Portable Bidet
Culo Clean
Game-changing for camping. Zero regrets.
Pain ReliefIbuprofen / acetaminophen
Anti-diarrhealImodium
SunscreenSPF 50+
Lip BalmSPF
Antibiotic OintmentNeosporin
SoapCamp Suds
Toothbrush & Toothpaste
DeodorantTravel size
Wipes & Trowel
Hand Sanitizer
Insect RepellentOrganic formulaLet's see how it goes.
Tweezers

Documents & Money

ComponentDetailNotes
Passport
Debit Card
Schwab
No ATM fees worldwide
Credit Card
CashLocal currency + USD backup

Miscellaneous

ComponentDetailNotes
Headlamp
Sunglasses
Bandana / Buff
EarplugsEssential for hostel dorms.
Hostel LockSmall padlock
Carabiner Clips