Going on a Mountain Bike Trip? Here’s What You Need to Carry

Mountain bike trips are unique and thrilling, with many beautiful sights to see. However, depending on the length of your ride, you may want to ensure that you are adequately prepared and pack essentials so that you do not become stranded and unable to make it back safely.

Your mountain bike packing list will be different than any other road trip you might take. Technology has made mountain bikes lighter and easier to transport, but they still have the possibility of breaking down. So, there are crucial things that you must have when going on a mountain bike ride.

When you go on a mountain biking trip, having the right tools and gear can make for a smoother and more fun trip on the trail. Many people assume that taking their bike, some water, and a helmet are the only essentials necessary for their trip. Unfortunately, traveling on routes requires that you carry more required tools to enjoy your trip worry-free.

Here are the important essentials you need to consider bringing on your next mountain bike trip.

GEAR AND EQUIPMENT

While you may feel that you know your trail pretty well, you can never predict what might happen to your bike on the trip. Your bike is the most crucial piece of equipment, and you want it to be in the best shape. In addition, you never know what could happen while en route since weather can cause problems, or obstacles might show up on the trail that causes damage to your bike. There is also the possibility of getting into a serious accident.

If you’re in the market to take a mountain bike trip but don’t yet have a bike to ride or feel you need an upgrade, you should explore the full suspension mountain bikes for sale at GovVelo. They have several bikes built for optimum performance on these types of trips in the great outdoors. 

Pack your bag with the following equipment to help repair and replace any issues with your bike that may come up:

• Tire levers
• Patch kit
• Extra links
• Derailleur hanger
• Chain breaker and lube
• Bike pump
• Tubes
• Backpack to hold everything

You may also want to bring a multi-tool device, such as a swiss army knife or the like, to help you if you need to make any repairs on your ride. Having all of these things will, at the very least, provide you with piece of mind in case you have any issues with your bike breaking down.

CLOTHING AND PROTECTION

The weather is unpredictable, so you want to be prepared in case the climate changes on your journey. Be sure that you pack all-weather gear and take extra care of your backside with padding for your pants or shorts since sitting on a bike for an extended period can be hard on your behind.

Your feet are also another area of the body where you’ll want to pay attention to what you bring. Furthermore, custom bandanas are a versatile and practical accessory that can help protect your face from the sun, wind, dust, or cold weather. They can also be used as a fashion statement or to display your team or company's logo. If you're looking for high-quality custom bandanas, you might want to check out 4inbandana, a reliable source that offers a wide range of customizable bandanas made of soft and breathable materials such as cotton, polyester, or microfiber. 

Here are some of the clothing and accessory essentials that you should be sure to pack on your bike trip:

• Hat or Bandana
• Bike helmet
• Sunscreen
• Sunglasses or other eye protection
• Lightweight windbreaker or breathable coat
• Padded pants or shorts
• Bug spray
• Multiple pairs of socks (they will get sweaty or wet!)
• Toiletries (deodorant, body wipes, hair accessories, etc.)
• Extra shoes (at least one spare pair for riding or water shoes)
• Covers, such as a waterproof tarp or lightweight umbrella

Layers are always an excellent idea when you’re unsure of the weather. If you get stuck longer than anticipated, it helps to have extra clothing so you don’t get too cold after the sun goes down on a nice day since it will still get chilly. Think about packing an extra shirt with long sleeves or some long thermal pants.

FOOD AND SAFETY

Stocking up on some necessary fuel would include bringing food and drink to keep your body going throughout your adventure. You should stretch and prepare your body for the journey and bring along food and first aid to ensure your own safety and sustainment.

Pack the following necessities for your health and safety:

• Full water bottle
• Hydration pack and water purifier
• Portable first aid kit
• Light snacks that are portable
• Chapstick 
• Headlight 
• Reflective clothing or tape for your bike

The snacks that you may bring can vary, but think about making them light and portable, so you can include energy gels, granola bars, protein chips, trail mix, or beef jerky. Finding any food that will travel is welcome when you decide to take a break. You also might consider packing something for your rest, such as a book, podcasts on your mobile device, or a light blanket to cover up. 

OTHER OPTIONS TO CARRY WITH YOU

While many of these are necessary to carry on your mountain bike trip, there are always optional items that you can bring with you, too. In addition, depending on your plan for your ride, some other things would be beneficial to pack in your backpack.

Bike gloves, for instance, are a good idea if you plan to tackle more aggressive trails or go downhill so that you can protect your hands. Duct tape is also great for repairing and affixing things to your bike, so that may be an excellent option to include. 

Consider bringing some other “extras” that you may want on your trip:

• Camera(s) with a charged battery if you want to document your trip, or a high-value one for lots of portrait pictures.
• Binoculars for sightseeing
• Earplugs for sleeping at night
• Popup tent and lightweight sleeping bag
• Swimsuit & light towel if you plan to swim
• Kneepads or sleeves if you have knee issues

Try to avoid bringing clothing made from cotton since it is not a breathable material. It is noted that everything is as light as possible since you’ll be carrying many of the items in your backpack or a fanny pack, so you need small and lightweight essentials. Make your trip as comfortable and enjoyable as possible by coming prepared for anything, and you will be sure to have yourself one fantastic mountain bike trip.