Mountain Bike Pack Essentials: What to carry on the trail

Quick tips on what to carry in your mtb pack

A multi-tool is the most important mountain bike pack essential
Decide if you want a CO2-compatible hand pump or ‘normal’ one plus a CO2 inflator head
Consider what you might need on longer and more remote rides – think of your pack as modular
There are several ways to carry your tools including backpacks, hip packs, frame bags, etc… think about which is best for you

You’re out on the trail, miles away from your car, with no cell service, and you get a flat. Do you have the mountain bike pack essentials to repair it or are you doomed for a several-hour hike-a-bike back to the trailhead? How about a spare derailleur hanger to keep your shifting working smoothly or a multi-tool to fix a loose bolt?

If you’ve been caught unprepared, don’t worry – we’ve all been there, even me! But, having a well-stocked pack filled with a few key items can rescue you from misery on the trail. It might even save you from a more serious situation.

If you’re just starting out as a mountain biker, you might not know what to bring mountain biking. That’s ok! I’m here to help. In this post, I’ve rounded up the mtb pack essentials as well as a few additional pieces of gear that I like to always take with me on longer and bigger backcountry adventures. You won’t need them until you do, so it’s best to always be prepared!

Mountain Bike Tools & Spares

1. A Multi-Tool

I love a good multi-tool. They have saved me countless times on the trail when I’ve needed to tighten bolts, adjust my rear derailleur, fix a broken chain, or do other trailside quick fixes. If you only carry one tool with you on a mountain bike ride, make it a multi-tool.

A good multi-tool, like the Crank Brothers Multi-19, will have at least a chain breaker, a Torx T25, and 2 through 8 mm hex wrenches (Allen keys). These are the basic tools you should need for most trailside fixes. More complete tools will have both types of screwdriver heads, pliers, a wire cutter, and other various tools.

Multi-tools are needed for:

Tightening loose bolts
Adjusting seat height and saddle position
Adjusting the position of shifters and brakes
Fixing a broken chain (must have a chain tool)
Replacing a bent or broken derailleur hanger
Pretty much every other ‘fix’

Mountain bike tools and backpack laid out on trail — My Crank Brothers M19 multi-tool is always in my pack

2. Snacks! (and water)

You can always count on me to bring extra mountain bike snacks! I also like to carry a few SaltStick Fast Chews. I sweat a lot when I ride and I find that these electrolyte tabs help so much on longer or hotter days.

Also, be sure to carry enough water. I drink a lot, so I typically carry at least 2 L no matter how short my ride is. It’s better to be over-prepared than under.

3. A Hand Pump

Whether you forgot to check tire pressure before you hit the trail or you got a flat and need to pump up the new tube, a hand pump is a non-negotiable tool to carry with you on a mountain bike ride.

Valve type

Most hand pumps work with both valve types – Schrader and Presta – but double-check your valve stem to make sure the one you buy will work with your bike.

CO2 cartridge compatibility

Some hand pumps are compatible with CO2 cartridges, which makes fixing flats super quick and easy. However, CO2 cartridges can get expensive if you use a lot of them, so it’s nice to have the choice to pump up tires manually or inflate quickly with a dose of CO2.

If you choose a pump that isn’t CO2 compatible, you can always buy a CO2 inflator separately.

My top picks

The One Up EDC Pump isn’t the cheapest pump out there, but I like it for a couple of reasons. Firstly, it attaches directly to the valve stem instead of via a twist-on ‘hose’ like other bike pumps. The twist-on style can unscrew the valve core and let all the air out in a blast, which is annoying, to say the least. I also like this pump because it has a CO2 inflator attachment, so you don’t need to carry a separate one. It’s got a few more bells and whistles, which you can see in this EDC Pump video review.

If $65 is a bit steep (I don’t blame you), I also have the Crank Brothers Sterling Pump, which is basic but, does the job. It’s not CO2-compatible, though, so you’ll need to carry an inflator if you want to use CO2 cartridges.

4. Tubeless Tire Plug Kit

If you have tubeless tires on your bike, then it’s a really good idea to carry a tubeless tire plug kit. When inserted into a puncture in your tire, tire plugs seal up holes in seconds and they can even hold for the life of your tire. Meaning, carrying inner tubes is a thing of the past!

Tire plugs are basically sticky strips that you push into the puncture with a push pin. The Tubeless Tackle Kit is one of my favorites because it includes plug strips, a push pin, extra valve cores, and a valve core tightener on the bottom.

In order for tire plugs to work, you do need sealant in your tires. Fresh sealant should be added every couple of months. Learn more about basic mountain bike maintenance here.

Note: A lot of tubeless plug kits are designed to fit inside the ends of your handlebars. For some people, this is what they’re looking but for others, it’s not. Double-check before you buy to make sure you’re getting what you want.

Tire plug kits are needed for:

Plugging small punctures in your tire
Tightening a valve core
Removing a valve core

Mountain bike tools laid out on trail — My tubeless tire kit includes tire plugs, an inserter tool, valve cores, and a master link

5. Master Chain Link

While not super common, chains can break on the trail, and unless you have a master link (and a multi-tool with a chain breaker like the Crank Brothers Multi-Tool above), you’re out of luck. Master links are small, very lightweight, and a ride-saver if you ever need one.

Note: Master links, also called quick links, are drivetrain specific, so make sure you know whether you have a 12-speed, 11-speed, Sram, or Shimano or something else entirely.

Master links are needed for:

Fixing a broken chain
Transforming a bike into a single-speed if the derailleur is broken (not all bikes can do this)

Looking for a new hydration pack?

Osprey Raven mountain bike hydration backpack

Carry all your tools, water, and snacks for your ride. I know there are three camps when it comes to mountain bikers: the hydration backpackers, the hip packers, and the water bottlers.

I fall firmly in the hydration backpack club for a few reasons. I drink a lot of water, I eat a lot of snacks, and I like to be prepared with all the tools and spares I might need (especially when mountain biking alone).

The Osprey Raven (Raptor for the guys) is my favorite pack that I’ve tried. It has a ton of organization including its own tool roll, it’s comfortable, and it can carry a 3L water reservoir.

Buy AT REI Buy AT Osprey Buy AT Backcountry

6. Zip Ties

Zip ties are like duct tape. They can be used for so many different things and having a couple in your pack can lead to a swift mountain bike hack.

Zip ties can be used to secure errant cables, temporarily replace bolts or take the place of a broken shoelace, among many other creative uses. I always have a few zip ties in my pack for quick fixes.

Good-to-haves For longer rides

The five mountain bike pack essentials listed above are what I consider the necessities. I carry them with me on almost every ride and for the most part, they never leave my backpack.

However, sometimes it’s good to be even more prepared, especially if you’re heading out on a longer or more rugged, backcountry ride. Below are a few “good-to-have’s” for these types of rides.

A first aid kit: Even if it’s just a few bandaids, some antiseptic wipes, and sterile gauze, it’s better than nothing. Learn more about what to put in your mountain bike first aid kit in this post.
A spare derailleur hanger: A spare derailleur hanger can save you from a long walk back to the car. Some derailleur hangers are bike-specific, but many brands are using – or at least compatible with – the universal derailleur hanger.
Spare tube: Tire plugs usually do a great job patching up a puncture, but sometimes the hole is too big or you’ve already flatted and you’re out of plugs, in which case you’ll need to put in a spare tube. A 27.5″ x 2.5-3.0 tube will work for most bikes in a pinch regardless of tire size.
Tire levers: If you do need to put a tube in, you’ll want a pair of tire levers. I’ve tried getting a tire off without them and it’s near impossible! Any tire levers will do, but I like Pedro’s. They’re bright yellow so you can’t lose them!
Chain lube: It’s a good idea to bring a small bottle of chain lube with you on longer or more dusty rides to prevent the obnoxious squeal and keep your drivetrain happy. Wolf Tooth makes a nice 0.5 ounce bottle of chain lube that you can easily toss in your pack.
Tire sealant: If you run tubeless tires on your bike and you get a minor flat but it’s not sealing, sometimes a little injection of tire sealant can speed things up. Not always, but sometimes (which is why you should always carry tire plugs).
Shock pump: It’s a good idea to carry a shock pump if you are riding a new (or new to you) bike and haven’t gotten the suspension dialed in yet.
Spare brake pads: Bringing an extra pair of brake pads is a good idea, especially if the ones currently installed are getting down there and you’re headed out for a big ride. Brake pads are specific to brakes. Make sure you know which ones to buy (ex. Sram or Shimano) and what kind of pad you prefer (ex. metallic vs resin).
Lightweight jacket: I’ve gone out for a ride with the sun shining and the temps in the 70s and ended with rain, cold wind, and frozen fingers. Having a lightweight jacket like the Patagonia Houdini in your pack can be a lifesaver for those days when the weather just does freaky things. (Men’s version here).
Bike light: If you’re headed out for an all-day adventure, I recommend packing either a headlamp or a bike light that can be mounted on your handlebars. Bike lights can also act as an SOS signal.

Mountain biker riding bike over suspension bridge in lush forest in Pisgah National Forest

How to carry your tools & Gear

When it comes to carrying your mountain bike pack essentials, there are a number of options. It’s important to remember, though, that there is no ‘one’ right way to carry your gear, it really comes down to personal preference.

Here are a few popular options:

A hydration backpack – my personal preference
A fanny pack like the Dakine Hot Laps. I don’t like how hip packs dig into my stomach. I drink a lot of water when I ride and find that my hip pack is just too heavy when filled with water and tools.
A top tube bag like the Rouge Panda Alamo. These are great for cross-country riding, but I wouldn’t want to have one attached to my bike for rowdier days.
A saddle bag like the Ortlieb Micro 2. Again, they’re great for cross-country riding, but I wouldn’t use one for more technical downhill riding.

Mountain biker riding bike down rocky trail — I’ve always preferred a backpack over other ways to carry water and tools

I hope this list helps you plan and prepare for many mishap-free days in the saddle! What are your mountain bike pack essentials and how do you carry them? What tools or gear did I miss? Leave a comment below!

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Mountain Bike Pack Essentials: What to carry on the trail

May 7, 2024