I used Voile straps to make a collar and leash for a young cat I found on one of my training rides. Kept him close enough until another rider (finally!!!) stopped and helped me bring the cat home. Oh, I named the cat Rapha because I was trying out a new pair of Rapha brevet socks. Black socks...black cat. Seemed to fit.

In line with the dynaplug, I'd also suggest the Fiber Fix Spoke. It's a couple of pieces of metal, and a thin kevlar string that you can use as a replacement spoke. You can replace a broken DS spoke without removing your cassette. I used one as a rear replacement for over 450 miles during Tour Divide, and loaned one to a friend who used it for 300+ miles on a low spoke count front during another event. As Chris said, it takes up zero room. :)

I like Chris Hall and find what items he finds useful. However, I dont care for how the channel has become more gear orientated rather than a travel and adventure channel. There, I said it. ❤😂😢

@KMAN10694

6 ай бұрын

Yeah I know. Still have a ton of respect for Francis, but I think cycling is already focused way too much on materialism and always having the newest and greatest.

@j.c.7780

6 ай бұрын

To speculate based on comments Francis has made on the podcast, I think cycling across the USA completely burnt him out on riding, I think he doesn't want his private life so public anymore and trip vlogging just does not make money compared to "content about stuff/material"

@jamesenloe2791

6 ай бұрын

Yeah, I wouldnt want that evil on anyone. I cant imagine putting myself out there and having some A-hole critiquing me at every turn. I would say though, that he has ispired me by his travels. I have not riden accross the US, but I was inspired by the notion of riding on adventures. His adventures inspired me to participate in RAGBRAI, which is a ride across the state of Iowa in the US. When I watched his adventures, I felt the motivation of getting out there an pushing myself. Simply watching videos of random bike "stuff" doesnt give me the motivation to concur the world. @@j.c.7780

@SilverSniper75

6 ай бұрын

Got to agree. I used to watch every video of his when he was riding different adventures but now I skip a few months then watch. Like this video was interesting because I do some bikepacking, otherwise I just ignore and move on to others

@Ferrichrome

6 ай бұрын

I recommend Jethro Jessop. He does a lot of vlog style videos and his style is very relaxing

Pretty sure this is not a Down Jacket, but the Patagonia Micro Puff which features synthetic insulation. Would make sense (in most conditions) because it is almost as lightweight and warm whilst better suited for wet conditions as well as more compressible. The fact Chris didn’t even notice speaks for itself.

@tinglydingle

6 ай бұрын

Patagonia especially make such nice stuff, but a great budget option is Forclaz which is Decathlon's own brand. They make a down jacket for about £60 and it's genuinely brilliant.

Bibs with pockets definitely. Garmin 1040... oh yes, great performer. Haven't used much of the other stuff. I would add a Sawyer water filter. Small, light, easy to use. Some out of the way places don't have reliable water supply. Water filter will help with that.

I like the musette bag - will buy. My favourite unusual carries: Velcro trouser-tapes to use for anything from parking-brake to emergency shoe fastening (e.g. when the string on chum's knock-off boa-system shoe went ping!) Long boot-lace with a couple of spring toggles for lashing stuff down, or hoisting bike up against a fence while you fix a flat. Folding scissors: dead light, bigger than Leatherman scissors with proper finger loops. I like Chris's ski straps - might get some.

Yes... Chris absolutely nailed it... excellent choices... thanks for the tips.

Leatherman is a definite and so is the plug. I own both and saved myself many times. I use flipflops but I didn't know about folding shoes. Will give them a try 👍🏻👍🏻

Thank for the great content! Merry Christmas, Gents!

Great to see Chris again😊Fantastic list. Best regards Martin

For me, the Silca Seat Capsule Premio is the best saddle bag I've come across. It opens up like a clamshell which means you can easily access all the contents without it all falling out over the road, and the pack itself is very easy to attach/detach from the saddle. Plenty of room too - in mine I've got a spare inner tube, a set of 3 tyre levers, a set of small allen keys, a puncture repair kit, and space for some more things if i needed too. House keys, a bar or gel, bank cards and/or a tenner for the cafe, you name it!

@Ok_rouleur

6 ай бұрын

Sounds good !

What a treat having Chris on the show

@ChrisHallRides

6 ай бұрын

❤

I used the Dynaplugs when I rode motorcycles, LOL I still used tubes on my bicycle but I like their ease of use and not having to carry glue, and the t handle tool which always breaks the first time you use it, just a note you can put more than one Dynaplug in a puncture if you need to.

Great tips! Thank you!!!!!!

Some cool things there. On of my best is Son dynamo and K-Lite. You can also charge your phone etc. with it. Also cable ties. 👍

Thanks, Chris!

Chris when you talked about the Apidura musette bag a few years ago I bought one and it stays on my bike all the time. Huge fan of mini multitools, dynaplug, voile straps and lightweight puffy jackets. I have used Bedrock sandals for camp shoes with great success, if there is no snow, lol

@ChrisHallRides

6 ай бұрын

It’s so useful isn’t it?!

Nice to see Chris on the channel again. Like some of his ideas.

Hope everyone has a merry Christmas 🎅 🎄

Love the vibe of this game

Love this dude!!!

I really enjoy this series

Really enjoyed the episode where you rode with Francis across Australia! Hope you do another epic ride with Francis really soon?🚴🏻‍♂️🚴🏻‍♂️❤️

@ChrisHallRides

6 ай бұрын

👀

Merry Christmas

Chris really is a true legend. Spare pair of dry socks are useful You guys are amazing - happy Christmas.

Thanks for this video! I have a little tool for tightening disc rotors that uses the thru axle as a lever (the brand is Terske). I wouldn't go on a bike packing trip without it.

The Garmin solar headunits really are amazing... even the non-solar have tremendous battery life, but solar is next level and worth the extra money.

The moment you mentioned he took part in three (out of four) editions of Badlands static noise took over my ears and I couldn't hear anything else. Been trying for two years now and still no luck. And now I will also need to re-watch the video! 😅

@ChrisHallRides

6 ай бұрын

😂😅

That Apidura musette looks so much better than a normal one. No bag swinging round to your knees. I’m getting that today. 😊

On Longdistance Trips i use Crocs as spare shoes. Lightweight and no Problem with water. I connect my Garmin to the hub dynamo. so No spare batteries needed either.

Time to peer pressure the Jimmerfee into a couple of 200mi weekends? One a Carry Everything, camping to camping effort the other being more of a light bikepacking (carry food/clothes/maintenance between bought bedding [cabin/caravan/pub])

My number one loved product is my bike. Always take it with me on rides.

All very useful things, wet wipes also useful for keeping clean probably go that tip from Chris as well

@trek520rider2

6 ай бұрын

I've used wet wipes on aching feet they help but don't flush them.

All i want for Christmas is more Chris Hall!! ❤ 😘 Great video; as always....

Walrus 🦭 😂

I always take a toothbrush but even more importantly I take and USE dental floss. If I had to choose between a brush and dental floss, dental floss wins hands down.

@Pesmog

6 ай бұрын

.......and you can use floss for rudimentary bike repairs.

@billyshakespeare17

6 ай бұрын

@@Pesmog Also, hot chicks can use it for a bikini.

I never knew cargo bibs were a thing...thanks for the info

@Avioto

6 ай бұрын

La Passione also makes really nice ones.

@BikePappy

6 ай бұрын

Also RedWhite.

Tiny pair of jewelers tweezers. The tweezers plus the pliers on the Leatherman tool means that there’s nothing you can’t pull out of your tire (thorns, wires, etc)

Have you used Stan’s Dart tubeless repair kit?

Thanks mate! I will check his channel out

@ChrisHallRides

6 ай бұрын

Thank you!

excellent

Tern link 7 , fold it put it in your car , you ready to ride anytime , good parking spot becomes an option

I recommend the Sea to Summit Ultra-Sil Nano, it's only 40gr and it fits almost 20l of stuff!

@bshean72

6 ай бұрын

+1 for that, been keeping one in my frame bag for years

@greatgoofy

6 ай бұрын

Is its durability of any concern, or do you have it inside another bag? I've been eyeing their river bag for its webbing on the side for ekstra security, but 150-200 gram saved does addup.

@ridethelakes

6 ай бұрын

Just googled this, that is outrageous, a ruck sack that weighs 72g and folds up the size of an egg!

Next week, on the Walrus and Otter Show....

surprised the tailfin aero pack isnt on here

I agree on the downjacket 100% but the jacket you show is not true down. Anyway, for the better, no tiny little ducks were murdered.

@ChrisHallRides

6 ай бұрын

Synthetic down is way better when it rains as well. Never had any issues with it and like you say, no ducks harmed

Followed Chris for a few years & he's a definitely inspirational person, brilliant video

@ChrisHallRides

6 ай бұрын

Thanks for following!

Thanks Chris ,Jimmi , Francis and Emily. I'm a fan of his !! Dude is a legend

What a champ.

Chris is a smart guy much love 😂

@ChrisHallRides

6 ай бұрын

❤

I've taken toe post flip flops for years which weigh the same as butterfly wings and pack completely flat so it's judt like taking 2 very lightweight soles

Chris is my favorite cycling product

@ChrisHallRides

6 ай бұрын

❤❤❤

Legend Chris 107

He should say that his jacket is a synthetic down so it is fine if they are fine if they get wet etc. rather than real down that doesn’t work great after it gets wet.

@ChrisHallRides

6 ай бұрын

Correct it is a synthetic down jacket

Unfortunately Garmin 1040 is terrible in the rain. Both my mates had it and it died under heavy rain. One was racing NorthCape 4000 and the other one The Japanes Oddysey.

@gonzalezgaraypablo

6 ай бұрын

My garmin 530 also died in heavy rain 😢

That's cool! I'm a 365 commuter in the PNW, USA and I'm a new parent! Any chance there'd be interest in doing a 10 most loved/hated products for getting around with kids & babies? We've got a Surly Big Dummy!

I'd never heard of Chris Hall before, but he's brilliant! Great voice, great personality.

@ChrisHallRides

6 ай бұрын

Thank you!

Great stuff but would really appreciate time stamps!

What about sleeping bags or bivis?

Tooth brush is hands down the best one. Nothing beats a freshen up during an ultra or a big bikepacking trip. Anyone have any experience of the 1040 in the UK, does it charge in the autumn/winter or is it just peak summer?

@ChrisHallRides

6 ай бұрын

Works pretty well all year round but of course significantly better in brighter conditions

@CycleXplorer

6 ай бұрын

Thanks!

Is anyone know what is the model of PTGN jacket?

Dynaplugs are the absolute best! Won’t use anything else. Too many issues with standard plugs working their way out.

If I ride in my Rab microlite down jacket (even in freezing temps) it takes me about... What, 45 seconds to drench that thing in sweat. I was thinking of getting a gilet to use while on the bike because my arms are the first to break out in a ridiculous sweat when I wear it, no idea why because my arms don't typically sweat when I wear other stuff... Anyone have similar problems or know if I'd be wasting my time with a gilet?

hey francis.. being of your longest followers, its really crazy what youve built yourself. and following it, I know its not just "luck" it was hard work, yearly posting daily videos etc. - really amazing and happy for you!

Happy holidays Gents!

Metre or so of gorilla tape wrapped around a small pot of sealant, zip ties. Always ride flats…. Often have to hike a bike so wear trainers which work fine & carry crocs to relax in the evening… & also are superb if you need to do a stream/river cross. The fibre fix emergency Kevlar spoke I carry… never needed it but means you can fix a drive side spoke without having to take the cassette off…. Great video by the way. Thank you. Merry Christmas!

11 if you include the hacksaw🪚

Some original content needed in 2024...

What saddle does he use?

@ChrisHallRides

6 ай бұрын

gebeomozed sleak

7:30 walrus for scale?

@ChrisHallRides

6 ай бұрын

Of course

@harrybowman1843

6 ай бұрын

Genius! @@ChrisHallRides

Can you do an mtb episode

my most loved product is Chris. I wish he could always be there for my bike packing adventures

Well dynaplugs are overated, i prefer usual bacon strips as they never failed me ( and are cheap) and also later i dont have alloy bits inside my tyre. Also hard to imagine using them on ocasional pinch flat. The only system i would never recomend is stans dart tool - its shit.

BATMAN

More videos with Chris if you get chance!

Garmin , if only they had prper instruction mamuals

Pretty sure the Patagonia jacket is the micropuff, in which case it's not down but synthetic ? Main difference being that down will not keep you warm in wet conditions but synthetic however will. All the best !

@DanielFNG

6 ай бұрын

how can you tell it's the micro and not the nano?

@vincentcomerford5376

6 ай бұрын

Good call, it is the nano. In either case, both are synthetic and not down. @@DanielFNG

@eojw

6 ай бұрын

​@@vincentcomerford5376 It's the micropuff, the baffle pattern is in squares on the nano and the outer fabric is different (less shiny).​ "Down" often gets conflated as warm insulation in the UK- a catch-all term. Main exceptions are fabric nerds or people in the hiking community

@Pesmog

6 ай бұрын

I have been very pleased with my Patagonia. I fell off and broke my collarbone on a day when temperatures were just below freezing. It kept me warm until someone could rescue me.

Aluminum has a smaller density than titanium, therefore an equally sized aluminum utensil is lighter than one made out of titanium.

@dtolios

6 ай бұрын

Depends on the alloy of aluminum, but yes, it is possible to make a 7075-T6 alloy (or similar) spork that will be lighter and effectively as strong as a titanium spork. Raw aluminum although light, is stupid weaker than titanium though.

@l.d.t.6327

6 ай бұрын

Not very hygienic eating aluminium.

@georgeperantinos4157

6 ай бұрын

You do not want aluminum in contact with your food.

@Gekkibi

6 ай бұрын

@@georgeperantinos4157 tell that to hikers... tl;dr - misconception based on few edge-cases like lye and acidic substances like citrus fruits...

qwaso

Instead of wearing cycling shoes and carry and additional pair of shoes, better take some hiking boots with SPD cleats.

@flaviodui6658

6 ай бұрын

Doesn't work for all people though

@KerenWang

6 ай бұрын

Heavy

@bikepackingadventure7913

6 ай бұрын

For bikepacking, I try my best to not look like a cyclist and use clothes that are good for cycling but are idea for off the bike. Shoes that look good off the bike and walking around town but have a spd cleat. I take bamboo cutlery, because it lighter than titanium and they don’t scratch my non-stick pan - why non-stick over lightweight pans? Because it’s a pain to clean non-stick pans and you need more water to clean your pan. I just use my iPhone on a quad lock, lighter than two devices and can navigate on the way. Wear bib shorts - need a toilet stop on a rainy/cold day at a cafe etc. Absolute pain having to take all your clothes off just to get your bib shorts off. Keep warm, keep all your clothes on, on your top half. So much easier with cycling Lycra shorts

@jameshancock18

6 ай бұрын

They’re poor at both things really, not good cycling shoes and not good walking shoes

@KerenWang

6 ай бұрын

@@bikepackingadventure7913 I think ultra cycling and bikepacking are a bit different. i won't carry a pot or stove on an ultra nor will the phone last as it's quite an inefficient map tool.

Too much sponsored stuff displayed in this video, the credibility suffers tremendously, which leaves this sort of video useless. This should be an ad. Come on guys, you can do better. Happy holidays!

@sempi8159

6 ай бұрын

Agreed

Electric isn't actually any better than a regular toothbrush. But obviously easier to use.

@themuddycyclist

6 ай бұрын

Not according to my dentist, just saying

Hey youtube.com/@ChrisHallRides & youtube.com/@Cade_Media What is the thin pannier you have attached to the tailfin in the footage at 4:48? Thanks!

@ChrisHallRides

6 ай бұрын

It was a prototype laptop case tailfin made for us both. They weren’t ever produced to sell