Custom wood handle for my parang

The “Tour de Jungle” bikepacking trip is just around the corner. Just when i thought everything was ready, something falls apart. My parang’s handle finally cracked after more than a decade of loyal service (not bad for a plastic handle). For some reason, this parang is one of my personal favorite. So with a help from a blacksmith, a custom full tang wood handle has given my parang a new life.




With custom full tang wood handle, my favorite parang  is now stronger than ever before and it definitely feels and looks better than the old plastic handle (pictured above). So nice... Even the housefly can't resist it.











The Making of A Jungle Bike Tour

Kawanbike's “Tour de Jungle 2012” bikepacking is in the pipeline... 
But the fun of planning, making my own gear, and testing out actually started long time before. The key principles of ultralight bikepacking such as minimizing and finding multiple uses for gears always keep me busy in a good way.

Here’s a little sneak peek into some of the new developments.


An improved version of waterproof seat bag.
A modified dry bag with added bungee cords for quick & flexible storage. 
The heavy Brooks has been a loyal companion so far & i'm happy to take him along.




 
 The cockpit...
Complete sleeping system (jungle hammock, tarp, ropes & sleeping liner)
under the handlebar secured with DIY handlebar harness. A fuel tank bag for
snacks, camera, sunglasses, etc.




 
Parangs sharpenend!
My all-time favorite multi-tasking jungle tool is in the list too, despite the slight weight penalty.






More modification and addition for the jungle hammock...  
These netted pockets also doubled as “side pull-out” for the hammock. Creating a larger interior space and increasing overall air circulation.



 

Of course, nothing is complete without a test in the real environment after all the works that are done indoor.







More stuff soon....