Tips and Tricks By

Whats in your pack?

I was doing a little winter inventory to see what I may need to refill. Now is a great time to get a solid base for your Waist or Hydration Pack.

While this may seem like a lot, nearly all of these items have saved me (and friends) in their own ways over the years. I don’t leave home without them and you should consider what you should bring.

Don’t rely on your buddies to have what you need, if you get stranded, you are going to regret reading this.

My recommendations;

  1. Tube, needless to say bringing an extra tube this is a no brainer!
  1. Tire pump– If you’re putting a tube in your pack, bring a pump. I am hoping you are saying duhhh!
  1. Tire levers- You must have these in your pack or you will be screwed.
  1. Dynaplug tire repair kit- if you are running tubeless this will save you for sure, get a set. They are rather pricey, but ask yourself, ‘is it really worth it to pinch a few pennies to save your day off committed to riding?’, I think not!
  1. Medical pack– Not going to get into serious specifics here and I would pack differently if on a multi-day trip, but I have found the following most important-
  • Band-Aids (various sizes), Sanitary/antibacterial wipes, non-stick pads, sport tape or self-adhesive tape, gauze, sting relief pad, anti-acid, Tylenol, Ibuprofen, iodine tab, electrolyte tabs, Steri-strips (close gashes).
  1. Zip ties– I cannot stress this enough have a good grip of them with you at all times, they are multifaceted, the ductape of the future, shoot maybe a little duct tape would be good to pack as well.
  1. Multi-tool, make sure you have a chain breaker and multiple heads for your bike, this may require that you have a torx bit so be aware of what you need to tighten or loosen on your rig.
  1. Pliers of some sort, I like the minimalism of the Leatherman Juice multi-tool.
  1. Brake pad set and cotter pin (especially important if on a long descent)
  1. Quick Chain link bring a couple extras I carry one for multiple chain widths to save buddies (9 and 10 spd) this is a great way to end a ride when you break your chain and don’t have one of these cheap and light spares.
  1. EZ Rayon expandable towels– these things are money, they expand 1000x their size and make for a quick brow wipe or wound wipe. They are light weight and pack-able, also they are biodegradable so environmental bonus points.
  2. Waterproof camera/gear pouch– saves your phone in the rain and moisture buildup from an iced hydration pack, mostly why I pack it.
  3. Ben’s 100% deet insect repellent– this stuff is the best I have found when it gets thick in the mosquitos, I got stuck on Iller with a flat and almost got eaten alive until I busted out the spray.
  4. Power bar (s)– always pack a power up snack, high in protein, salt, caffeine, whatever you need to keep you going. Having that extra snack will ensure you get that extra lap in.

 

Shred on

-Dan