Checklist for Cycling -

One of the best ways to ensure a safe and enjoyable trip is to prepare yourself with the appropriate equipment for your outdoor activity! Cycling can range from a casual bike trip to a local park to a weekend excursion of mountain biking adventure. Before you go, review our checklist to ensure that you’re prepared for your biking trip accordingly. Your personal needs may vary, so add or remove items to best suit you.

Click here to download a printable PDF shopping list.

Item	Why You Need It
Bicycle	Mobility for your Cycling Trip
Helmet	A Lifesaver in an Accident!

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
Water Source (Hydration Pack or Bottle)	Hydration
Energy Food/Snacks	Calories to Keep You Going
Sunscreen	Prevents Sunburn
First Aid Kit (See ‘First Aid’ Section Below)	For Use on Minor Injuries and Ailments
Sunglasses	Protects Eyes from the Sun
Medical Info/Card	Useful for Emergency/Healthcare Workers
Protective Gear (Elbow/Knee Pads)	Protection from Small Falls
Bag (Waist Pack/Saddle Bag)	Secure Transportation of Goods
Towel	Wipe Away Sweat, Dirt, and Debris
Strength Tape	Performance Booster
Flashlight/Headlamp	Extend Ride Times/Make You Visible
Pocket Knife	Useful Tool
Lip Balm	Keep Lips Hydrated and Protected

Travel Gear and Accessories

For those who choose to bike to work or who are just going for a casual ride, many of the items in this section can be waived. But for others planning a camping trip with a mountain biking excursion, an extended biking trip, or biking on a trail that’s not close to home, then you will need to outfit yourself, your bike, and your car. Consider a few of these travel items for your extended biking trip.

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 in the wilderness or mountains, 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
Backpack	Holds Gear for Extended Trips
Bike Rack, Hitch, or Cage	Transport Bike via Car
Mounting Devices (GPS/Phone Mount)	Keeps Electronics Secure and Visible
Bike Mirrors	More Visibility
Bottle Holder	Keep Water Bottle Secure
Cycle Horn or Bell	Alert Nearby People of Your Presence
Tail Light/Side Lights	Improve Visibility
Tube Repair Items (Tube, Inflator, Patch Kit)	Replace/Repair Punctured Tubes
Handlebar Grip	Improved Comfort
Fitness Watch	Keep Track of Your Fitness Progress
Reflective Tape and Strips	Make Yourself Visible to Others
Cycling Multi-Tool	For Minor Adjustments
Lock	Keep Your Bike Secure When Not in Use
Cell Phone	For Emergency Purposes
Map/Manuals	Can Help When You Get Disoriented
Cash/Credit Card	Just In Case
Straps or Bungee Cords	Keeps Loose Items Secure
Emergency Whistle	Can Alert Nearby People for Help
Compass	Can Help Redirect You to Your Path

Clothing

For a casual ride down the street, you may be comfortable with whatever outfit you chose for the day, but if your ride is at dawn/dusk, during foul weather, or extending over the course of several hours or days, then it’s time to filter through this checklist to ensure that you’re outfitted and ready to go. Keep in mind that it’s always better to be safe than sorry, so wear or pack layers during chilly weather that can be removed as you cycle and warm up throughout the day.

Item	Why You Need It
Face Mask	Shields Face from Cold Winds
Visor/Hat	Blocks Sun from Eyes
Reflective Vest	Added Visibility to Others
Gloves	Protects and Warms Hands
Wicking Top	Keeps Sweat Away from Skin
Technical Socks	Comfort
Padded Shorts or Leggings	Designed to Add Comfort When Cycling
Windbreaker/Jacket with Liner	Protects from Elements
Rainwear	In Case of Inclement Weather
Thermal Underwear	Base Layer for Chilly Rides
Cycling Footwear	Comfort for Your Ride
Shoe or Toe Covers	Protects from Cold and Wet Conditions
Hands and Feet Warmers	Additional Warmth
Balaclava	Extra Layer of Warmth for Head
Ear band/Ear muffs	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
First Aid Kit	For Use on Minor Injuries and Ailments
Bandages	Cover and Protect Injuries
Pain Relieving Balm	Reduce Pain for the Ride
Blister Treatment	Cover and Protect Blisters
Insect Repellant	Ideal for Marshland, Dawn, and Dusk
Safety Glasses (if not wearing sunglasses)	Protection from Airborne Debris
Toiletry Kit	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 it’s contents.
Stay hydrated.
Dress in reflective clothing.