The other stuff
Photo - Video
Linda uses on all our trips a Fuji X-T3 with 2 Fujinon prime lenses, the XF 35mm f1.4 and the XF 18mm f2.
For Tripod photography, we have the Peak Design Carbon Tripod and The Hahnel Captur Remote.
While cycling or walking, Linda always wares the camera on her body using the Peak Design Slide.
While Linda does the serious stuff, Dirk is playing around with the GoPro 10 and
a DJI Mini 3 Pro.
We recently also bought a Fuji X-T4 with a Fujinon XF 23mm lens. This makes it easier for us as we can both have our own camera settings to work with. The intention is also to improve on our video capability as this new camera has a good internal stabilisation system eliminating the need for a gimbal.
When we are on a trip, we always have our iPad with us. Linda uses Lightroom from Adobe and she has created her own filters to standardise the look of het photo's on Instagram. For her instagram stories, she is using the Unfold app.
Dirk is using the free Apple software iMovie to make his short landscape videos. For video's in portrait mode, we're still trying to find out what works best.
Navigation
Years ago, we bought a Garmin GPSmap 60. The advantages of this one is easy to read screen without backlight, extremely good reception of GPS signal, solid casing and waterproof, works also on AA batteries and has real push buttons. We later replaced it with the GPSmap 64s and are still using it.
On our smartphones, we both have the app "Pocket Earth". It uses the Openstreetmap data and has the advantage that you can also have national, regional and local cycle ways highlighted. Maps can be downloaded and used offline, just using your GPS on the smartphone.
The planning of longer routes begins at home and we usually start with existing bicycle tracks which we download from the internet.
We are using Garmin Basecamp to combine some of the tracks we have found. For making connections between existing tracks, we usually use the routecreator of Basecamp for activity "bicycling", "tour cycling" or "mountain biking".
The last step is to transfer the routes to the Garmin GPS and to the Pocket Earth app on our smartphones.
Most of the time, we use the Pocket Earth app to follow the downloaded track, the Garmin is used as a backup and to track our actual route.
Some of the sites which we use to plan our routes :
- www.cyclingeurope.nl (by Benjaminse)
- cycling.waymarkedtrails.org
If you use routes from the internet, please do not forget to also support those who put in all the work.
Whenever we go on a short or medium long cycle trip, we first check if we can take existing cycle ways as available on the Pocket Earth app.
If so, no further planning is done and we just go.
We decide on the spot what routes we take based on the detailed maps, possible cycle ways and topographic info.
Music
We both have an iPhone so our favourite music is always available. With an internet connection, we also just listen to Belgian radio channels.
When we travel by car, our 3kg Marshall Kilburn speaker goes along.
On our bike touring trips, the much lighter 300gr Bose Soundlink Micro is doing the perfect job.
When bike or backpacking, the sound which comes out of the phone is more than good enough.
Backpacks
Since we started cycling, hiking trips disappeared to the background and we now use the backpacks mainly as just another piece of handy luggage.
Backpack: Deuter Aircontact 55+10 (dirk) and Deuter ActLite 45+10 SL (linda).
What we of course still use frequently are our walking poles and walking shoes.
Walking poles: Leki Albulalite and Leki Photosystem. The photosystem poles have an integrated camera adapter which changes the trekking pole in to a monopod.
Shoes: Meindl
Clothing
When it comes to clothing, we do not have a preferences for certain brands. The quality and looks are much more important than the brand name.
For Linda, the clothing has to look good on her and that is of course very subjective. Dirk is still not able to differentiate between "gorgeous" and "disastrous".
The design should be timeless, the colours not dominant with a preference for earthy, the fabrication preferably sustainable, the brand not obvious, the usage multi-purpose and easy to combine.
It should be suitable for cycling and camping, but also for eating out in a fancy restaurant or strolling around in the city.
And, exceptions prove the rule.
Piece of cake.
For Dirk, the looks are less important but it needs to be easy to maintain, technologically superb, stretchy or loose (bigger body), small packable (bigger sizes).
Colours can be more daring (but not allowed by Linda) and it's preferably also multi-purpose.
We have a preference for some materials and we do not mind models of a few years ago as we are also from a few years ago.
We also avoid buying things which come from low-cost countries, which in fact implies that those who make it are not really correctly paid. This is sometimes difficult.
Merino wool : ideal for T-shirts, base and mid-layers. Cool in summer, warm in winter and most importantly, does not smell. You can wear it several days without washing.
Only non-negotiable condition is that the producer guarantees that merino sheep were not subject to mulesing.
Brands : Icebreaker, Super Natural, Findra, Smartwool
Down : if possible, go for hydrophobic down. Ideal for bodywarmers
If you sweat a lot, a good alternative (synthetic) version is also an option.
Brands : Rab, Peak Performance
Shoes : We cycle with flat pedals and wear normal waterproof hiking shoes. When it's warm, we usually wear sandals.
Brands : Vaude, Merrell, Meindl, Brooks running, Teva
Cycling pants : Tendency to go for cycling underwear or summer cycling pants.
Over it, we wear stretchable hiking pants, running or yoga pants, shorts, skirts
Brands : Gore, Assos, Vaude, Lululemon
Goretex : Waterproof, windproof and breathable. Ideal for jackets, rain pants and shoes.
Brands : Arc'teryx, Gore, Peak Performance, Merrell
The advantage of buying a quality goretex jacket :
Santa can still wear your old jacket 35 years later.
Tips
On all our trips, we take our foldable backpacks and hip pack.
This allows us to easily take our most valuable items with us when we are camping.
From left to right:
Osprey Ultralight Stuff pack, 100 grams, 18 liters
Matador packable Hip Pack, 85 grams
Matador Freerain 24 packable backpack, 185 grams, 24 liters
