The mountain bike season is around the corner – the bike is fixed, the motivation is high – but before each tour you have to follow the same procedure: What to do? What is necessary? Our packing list helps those who are spoiled for choice and lists the essential equipment for a day trip.
The most important thing is to find out what you do not need to pack and how you can avoid excess baggage. Below you can find a list of things that you do not have to pack. Depending on the condition of the components and length of the tour, they should be replaced before the start –
- Tire
- Pads
- Chain
- Chain rings
- Spring / shock absorber
If everything is OK and adequate for the trip, I recommend the following things to pack in any case…
- Cycling shoes
- Cycling socks
- Cycling shorts
- Cycling jersey
- Cycling helmet
Table of Contents
Mountain Bike Ride – Essential Equipment
- Spare jersey
- Functional Garment
- Vest
- Arm / Leg Warmers
- Buff (headband, bandana, handkerchief in one and is thus an all-rounder)
- Overshoes (for cold season only)
- Sunglasses / eyewear
- Cycling gloves
- Mountain bike backpack (20 liters)
- Rain cover for your backpack
- Knee pads
- Hard shell raincoat
Gadgets
- Bike computer
- GPS device
- Outdoor multifunction watch / heart rate monitor
- Small light for your mountain bike
- Repair kit
- Small pump
- Lock
Food and Hydration
- Bottle or hydration material in backpack
- Energy bars
Health and First Aid
- Small first aid kit
- Duct tape
- Sunblock
- Lip protection
- Handkerchiefs
Miscellaneous
- Map
- Compass
- GPS
- Mobile phone
- Photography equipment (if needed)
- Batteries / Replacement Batteries
- Cash
- Pocket knife
- Matches / lighter
The above packing list is sufficient for a one day trip in moderate terrain with no special requirements. If you want to bike in really extreme terrain or downhill, change your equipment accordingly. Also it is important to note that depending on the length and route selection, you certainly do not need to take everything.
A one-hour trip through the fields and meadows needs lesser gear than a ten hour trip in Yosemite. Therefore, we have tried to be as exhaustive as possible. You can leave some of that equipment at home according to your needs. Anyone planning a multi-day mountain bike tour, should obviously pack much more quality gear.
Here are some tips for your next MTB trip
- Comfort is very important.
- Select spare clothes that have low weight.
- Beware of the weather at all times. Keeping a good raincoat never hurts and protects against wind and weather conditions.
- Safety first! Whatever weight you end up saving in the clothing department, get some safety equipment in its place. Some repair items are required (small pump, small tool kit), because every trip carries some risk.
- Respect the environment. Mountain biking is booming and rightly so. It is a wonderful means to move fast and to experience nature intensely. But as always, it is also true here some rules are to be observed. As more and more mountain bikers flock to the hotspots, often special routes have been established, while others are prohibited. Always comply with the local rules.
- Respect your fellow men! The mountains are there for all and there is enough space for all to bike/hike/camp happily.
- Respect your limits! Challenges are good and you grow with them but select the routes according to your skill levels.
Daniel, a mountain biking expert with a Master’s degree in Sports Science, has over 10 years of experience navigating the toughest trails. With a passion for sustainable riding, he shares expert tips and gear advice on mountainbikerz.com. Join his 145K followers on Instagram.