Having ridden the BNT once before, I have a pretty good idea of what equipment I need/want. Also what I don’t want to lug around this time. Like before I am keeping a detailed spreadsheet listing all items I plan to carry. In 2003/2004 I was hauling an average of almost 50 kg, which included my bike, trailer, and everything attached to both of these. For this upcoming trip I am managing to shave off almost 7 kg. A lighter bicycle, lighter tent, lighter mattress pad, lighter lots of things. No seatpost rack this time. GPS and camera are now part of my smartphone. I am taking my old phone as a spare in case something happens to my primary one.

All my maps and guidebooks have been scanned in on my phone. No bird guide (have I ever travelled without one of those???), but just an Aussie Birds App, which isn’t nearly as detailed but will have to do. I will be carrying a solar charging unit, so I can more dependably rely on my trusted smartphone for all my telecommunications, mapping, navigating, picture taking, as well as for recharging any batteries.

I’ll have a PLB again, haven’t quite decided which one, but most likely the KTI SA2G, which apparently is made in Australia.

For my previous trip I had heavily loaded up on freeze dried meals. This time I am going a bit more basic and will avoid the commercial stuff. The Aussies are good at stocking dried peas, carrots, beans and ground beef in their local supermarkets. Those plus a good variety of herbs and spices should make some decent meals. Rice, macaroni, and couscous for carbs. Pig out on fresh stuff whenever I hit a town or pub. Granola, milk powder, crackers (Reyvita) for breakfast and lunch. And peanut butter of course.

Both my bike and BOB will have two XL bottle cages that hold 1.5 litre pop bottles, so I can carry a total of 6 litres of water, plus a MSR bladder for stretches of trail devoid of any fresh water.

Food parcels and spare bicycle equipment such as tires, chain, brake pads, lube, etc. are again going to be mailed ahead. I am thinking of just posting some parcels to a few main drop points, take from those what I need, and forward the rest on to the next community I’ll be passing through. That may offer more flexibility than trying to predetermine when and where I’ll need what.