What to Pack When Mountain Biking

There’s a rider in our group that we fondly refer to as Pac-Man. Chain lube? He’s got it. Clif Bar? Choose your favorite flavor. Broken derailleur? He’s got both SRAM and Shimano — it’s just a matter of which pocket they’re hiding in. Sure his pack weighs more than the bike, but he’s saved everyone (and himself) from terminal hunger and having to walking our broken bikes out of the woods.

As nice as it is to ride with a human vending machine and rolling toolbox, it’s also a good idea to have all the right provisions to save yourself on the trail. Here are some of the basics to get you through without weighing you down:

Pick the right pack

With lots of companies, sizes, and features to choose from, the simple hydration pack is now quite advanced. Many come with slots for an MP3 player, cell phone, and spare parts, along with special insulation for year-round use. Narrow down what features you’d like beforehand (many companies have online charts) and remember that you can always buy smaller water bladders or leave pockets empty, but it’s difficult to upgrade as your needs and the seasons change, without buying a new (and more expensive) pack.  Read more