One of the best ways to ensure a safe and enjoyable trip is to prepare yourself with the appropriate equipment for your outdoor activity! Mountain biking is probably the most rugged form of cycling there is, requiring specialized equipment to handle the strain of the rough terrains. Many choose to hike and/or camp to their cycling route, so be sure to also check our camping and hiking checklists as well as our travel checklist to ensure that you’re prepared for all aspects of your outdoor adventure.
Click here to download a printable PDF shopping list.
Item | Why You Need It |
Bicycle | Mobility for your Cycling Trip |
Basic Gear
Mountain biking requires many of the same pieces of basic equipment that one would need for any cycling trip plus the addition of gear that can handle the demands of mountainous terrain. Be sure to bring all items on this list, regardless of the length of your mountain biking excursion, even if you plan to keep some items at your ‘home base’ campsite.
Item | Why You Need It |
Energy Food/Snacks | |
Sunglasses or Eye Protection | Protects Eyes from the Sun and/or Debris |
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 |
Freeriding Gear
One form of mountain biking called ‘freeriding’ involves a bit more risk, as the cyclist is given more freedom to explore new paths. Due to this, a cyclist should protect themselves with additional essential pieces of equipment and gear for safety purposes.
Item | Why You Need It |
Full-Face Helmet | Extra Protection for Your Face |
Shin Guards | Protect Shins from Sharp Rocks |
Upper Body Protection | Helps Shield Upper Body from Falling Rocks |
Travel Gear and Accessories
As we’ve mentioned before, many will choose to travel to a destination and then hike or camp at the start of the mountain biking route. In these instances, you’ll need to review our checklists for travel, hiking, and camping in addition to these travel items and accessories specifically for mountain biking excursions.
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. Mountain biking typically brings with it an increased chance for bike and tire damage, so don’t skimp on repair items unless you want to find yourself stranded on a mountain with a broken cycle (or worse, in an emergency situation).
Item | Why You Need It |
Slim-Fitting Backpack | |
Keeps Electronics Secure and Visible | |
More Visibility | |
Replace/Repair Punctured Tubes | |
Improved Comfort | |
Keep Track of Your Fitness Progress | |
For Minor Adjustments | |
Keep Your Bike Secure When Not in Use | |
Cell Phone | For Emergency Purposes |
Can Help When You Get Disoriented | |
Keeps Loose Items Secure | |
Can Alert Nearby People for Help | |
Can Help Redirect You to Your Path |
Clothing
Mountain biking can involve a range of temperatures and climates, especially if you’re biking through large changes in elevation. Be sure to dress in layers that can be easily removed, and pack for inclement weather should the need arise.
Item | Why You Need It |
Shields Face from Cold Winds | |
Blocks Sun from Eyes | |
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 | |
Keeps Debris Out of Shoes |
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.