Login
Stores
Cart
A weekend with great weather is just around the corner and you still have no plans? Grab your mountainbike and cycle towards the mountains! It’s not always that easy though, to pack your backpack the right way. You need suitable equipment for essential repairs, but you shouldn’t carry too much weight. Here you find some tips and tricks on how to pack your backpack for a day trip with your mountainbike.
By the way: if you are looking for some inspiration for your next bike tour, check out our list with the 5 most beautiful
→ mountain bike tours in the Bavarian alps.
Or do you prefer → epic mountainbike trails in Slovenia?
These essentials you should have in your Backpack for your next daytour
For a day trip with your mountainbike there is more to think about, then for your next after work mountainbike tour. You should think about where to go, you should look at the weather report, you should download a map on your cellphone or your GPS device. If possible, get informed if there is any kind of water source or another possibility to fill your water supply. This way you can reduce weight. Should you plan a tour to a remote terrain or to a mountain hut, make sure, that you have enough food in your backpack. We recommend a backpack with 10 – 20 liter packing volume – it depends on how much space your bike tools and your apparel need.
Important bike equipment and protectors
Before you start your bike tour, you should check, if your mountainbike – especially if the bicycle forks and the bicycle damper – work. Don’t forget to wear a helmet and protectors. There are soft knee pads, which are very comfortable when cycling uphill and that won’t bother you when pedaling. It makes sense to try the knee pads before on a shorter tour, just to make sure, that they really fit.
Mountainbike apparel and equipment
Besides your normal bike apparel, it is important, to wear a good base layer on the top as well – that kind that is transporting sweat from the body, so you won’t freeze after your tour. Our tip: a functional shirt or top made from → merino wool. To protect yourself against rain or wind, pack a thicker layer and a headband or a cap which you can wear underneath your helmet. In case it rains, it makes sense to store your dry spar – and insulation clothing in a drybag pack sack, so they won’t get wet.
The sun can be really strong in the mountains, that’s why you need sun protection, suncream, sunglasses and a long-sleeved bike jersey. On longer tours it’s possible that you get frictions, that’s why its better to pack a Chamois creme so you are comfortable on your bike seat. Your cellphone, some money, your ID and information about emergencies are very important for your safety.
Mountainbike tools and spares
Punctures happen on your tours. That’s why you should have enough bicycle tubes, repair kits and a CO2 pump with you. If you don’t own a CO2 pump, just bring a normal pump. If you are cycling with more people, you could share the tools. Actually you just need one tool, especially heavy tools like multi-tools, a wrench or a bike damper. Pack some spokes and master link plugs for a fast bike chain – or tire repair. You should check if your multi-tool has a spoke wrench and a chain tool. If not, you should pack both of it additionally.
Mulitpurpose tools like cable ties can be very useful for simple repairs. They make sure, that you are able to cycle uphill and won’t have to carry your bike on your back. It depends on how big your group is, you are cycling with, but you always should have enough bicycle tubes with you. Check, if they have the right size. There are many different wheel sizes.
A broken switch gear is the second most popular reason for a puncture. Often and very fast a puncture can happen on steep and rocky terrains – like on typical high alpine trails. Which makes a spare derailleur hanger a life saver. A headlamp or lighting is something you always should have in your backpack in case of emergency.
Food & Drink
It’s extremely important, that you have enough water for the whole day in your backpack. Get informed if there is a water station anywhere on your tour, so you can fill up your water supply. You should drink at least 3 liters of water a day. You can fill the water in a bike bottle or in a hydration bladder. Think about how much food you are putting in your backpack. It must me enough, but not too much – every gram counts on longer tours. Power bars or nuts give you energy when your power is leaving you at the end of your tour.
Please keep in mind, that this is our personal reccomendation and it can (should) be modified to your personal needs and experiences. The packlist below should work as a helpful guideline or an inspiration
→ Have a look on the complete list of our recommended packing list for a day-tour with your mountain bike or you can download the list in a pdf format ready to print.
You plan more tours?
→ Read more about, which 5 things you need for your next after-work bike ride
→ Learn, what to pack for a multiple bike trip
→ Locationcheck: E-biking in the Olympiaregion Seefeld
Foto © Flow Valley / Adrian Greiter