One of the best ways to ensure a safe and enjoyable trip is to prepare yourself with the appropriate equipment for your outdoor activity. Rather than cycling exclusively for sport or exercise, bike touring is solely for pleasure and can range from single-day trips to year-long tours! For those longer trips requiring overnight stays outdoors or traveling to your cycling route, be sure to bring your camping and travel checklists as well to ensure that you’re stocked for the excursion.
Click here to download a printable PDF shopping list.
Item | Why You Need It |
Bicycle | Mobility for your Cycling Trip |
Basic Gear
Beyond the necessary bicycle and helmet, there are still a list of basics that you will likely want to invest in to ensure a comfortable trip. Keep in mind that while certain items in this list are reserved for longer trips or more extensive routes, most of these should be part of your regular biking equipment for any trip.
Item | Why You Need It |
Energy Food/Snacks | |
Medical Info/Card | Useful for Emergency/Healthcare Workers |
Protection from Small Falls | |
Secure Transportation of Goods | |
Wipe Away Sweat, Dirt, and Debris | |
Performance Booster | |
Useful Tool | |
Keep Lips Hydrated and Protected |
Travel Gear and Accessories
Keep in mind that your repair items can vary drastically depending on your trip and your immediate access to assistance should you ‘blow a tire’. A patch kit can typically get the job done for those who aren’t biking long distances, but for extended trips, you may want to consider additional repair items like spare spokes, spoke wrench, replacement chain links, pressure gauge, and lubricant as well.
Item | Why You Need It |
Keeps Electronics Secure and Visible | |
More Visibility | |
Alert Nearby People of Your Presence | |
Improve Visibility | |
Replace/Repair Punctured Tubes | |
Improved Comfort | |
Keep Track of Your Fitness Progress | |
Make Yourself Visible to Others | |
For Minor Adjustments | |
Keep Your Bike Secure When Not in Use | |
Cell Phone | For Emergency Purposes |
Can Help When You Get Disoriented | |
Cash/Credit Card | Just In Case |
Keeps Loose Items Secure | |
Can Alert Nearby People for Help | |
Can Help Redirect You to Your Path |
Clothing
Because bike touring typically involves longer trips, you’ll want to ensure that you’ve packed clothing that can keep you comfortable in a variety of temperatures and weather conditions. Even day touring trips can have large temperature swings when transitioning from dawn to dusk, so dress in layers that you can shed easily should the need arise.
Item | Why You Need It |
Shields Face from Cold Winds | |
Blocks Sun from Eyes | |
Added Visibility to Others | |
Keeps Sweat Away from Skin | |
Padded Shorts or Leggings | Designed to Add Comfort When Cycling |
Protects from Elements | |
In Case of Inclement Weather | |
Cycling Footwear | Comfort for Your Ride |
Shoe or Toe Covers | Protects from Cold and Wet Conditions |
Additional Warmth | |
Extra Layer of Warmth for Head | |
Keeps Ears Warm |
First Aid
As an essential to any trip, first aid can help to ensure that minor accidents and ailments are taken care of. While a first aid kit covers most of the basics, cyclists will also want to consider a few of the extras on this checklist that cater to many of the common issues that could arise during a cycling trip.
Item | Why You Need It |
Cover and Protect Injuries | |
Reduce Pain for the Ride | |
Blister Treatment | Cover and Protect Blisters |
Ideal for Marshland, Dawn, and Dusk | |
Safety Glasses (if not wearing sunglasses) | Protection from Airborne Debris |
Useful When out in Wilderness |
Additional Safety Tips
When not in use, keep supplies and gear in a dry area and inspect them before each trip.
Stay up to date on First Aid and CPR training.
Keep your first aid kit stocked and know how to use all of its contents.
Stay hydrated.
Dress in reflective clothing.
