What to take on long bike rides
Headed out into the backcountry? Here are the tools, clothing, and extra gear to pack along
It’s nice to ride light when you are setting out on short outings or are on trails that are close to town, but when taking on longer rides around Durango, particularly those in the high country or deep in the outback, it pays to make sure you have the right gear in your pack.
Depending on your bike and your destination, backcountry cyclists should consider taking extra clothing, first aid supplies, extra food and water, and an assortment of tools and a repair kit.
No—not all of this extra gear is required, but some of it should definitely be on your packing list before you set out on a big ride. Exactly what to take, though? If you are not sure what you need, ask Durango’s backcountry riding experts at Pedal the Peaks—they can suggest what to take based on the trail, and if you are missing key pieces of gear it’s likely they can get it to you.
Long bike ride packing list
Tools: A basic set of tools can help you out of a jam. You don’t need anything fancy, but you should have at the minimum a set of Allen wrenches and a multi-tool with a built in knife, pliers, and screwdrivers.
Spare tubes: Yeah, tubes are kinda dorky, but if you slice a sidewall, get a big puncture that sealant won’t fix, or lose the seal on a tire, a tube might be the only thing that will get you off the mountain.
Pump or CO2 cartridges: Flats, blowouts, or slow leaks—a pump or a CO2 cartridge is not optional when headed out the door. Which is better? Cartridges are lighter and load faster, but have limited use and create trash you need to pack out. Pumps are larger and take longer to use, but dependable and last for years.
Repair kit: Nothing fancy, but a simple repair kit could make or break your trip. Consider tube patches, a tubeless repair kit, tire levers, a chain breaker, duct tape, zip ties, and lubricant. Headed out on a huge ride? You may want to throw in a spare derailleur cable, replacement chain links, and a spare spoke or two.
Jacket: High summer in the mountains can go either way – you can be faced with baking heat, driving rain, pounding hail, or bucolic blue skies and cool temperatures. Be prepared for any of these! Depending on the ride, throw in a light insulating layer, a packable puffy, or a waterproof rain jacket. You may also want dry gloves and dry socks if you think it’s going to be especially wet or cold.
Cell phone: While not guaranteed, coverage in the mountains can be surprisingly good, so this is a critical piece of safety gear. Plus, it will help you get that sick footy for the ‘gram.
Maps: Trail signage can wary widely in the mountains and deserts around Durango, from full-feature trail signs and indicator maps to webs of interlaced unmarked nightmarish trail intersections. If you are venturing into unfamiliar terrain, or might be out at night or in adverse weather, consider a mixture of paper maps and maps downloaded to your phone or GPS device which work offline. Many trail apps will let you download maps for offline use, but keep in mind that GPS navigation can wear down a phone battery quick. Non-phone GPS units are more clunky to use but are much more durable than phones and are much less taxing on batteries.
Water: With Durango’s high elevation and low humidity, expect to drink a lot more water than you normally do. Frame-mounted bottles are a good start, but nothing beats the luxury of a long ride with a full 3-liter water bladder.
Snacks: Some riders will tell you snacks are what the trip is all about. Only you know what fuels and sustains you—and how much you should eat on a long, difficult ride. If you are unsure, look for energy bars in a flavor you like and which are densely nutritious. *Pro tip: If you go with nutrition bars, make sure to try one out before buying a dozen and dumping them in your pack. Not everyone likes every kind of bar.
Sunscreen: It’s bright out there, folks—lather up!
More questions? Pedal the Peaks can help set you up with much of the gear shown here, or make recommendations about what you might need on a particular trail. PTP can also arrange bike rentals, tune-ups and repairs, boxing and shipping, and more.