Complete multi-day mountain bike trip packing list
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Whether it’s your first time heading out on a mountain bike trip or your 100th, having a go-to mountain bike trip packing list is essential. You don’t want to find out too late that you’ve left something important at home (like your helmet!), especially if you’re heading somewhere where bike shops and service will be scarce.
I always jot down a checklist before I leave for a trip even though I’ve packed for trips dozens of times.
In this post, I’ve included all the essential pieces of mountain bike gear, clothing, tools, and spare parts you’ll need for your mountain bike adventure.
This list is easy to tailor to your trip needs and duration, so be sure to download the checklist to make you pack everything you need for a great mountain biking vacation.
Let’s go!
start packing!
Download your free bike trip packing List
Head over to my biking resources page to download your free Bike Trip Packing Checklist and sign up for my weekly newsletter!
Mountain bike clothes
The mountain bike clothes you’ll want to bring on your trip will vary depending on weather, conditions, what type of riding you’ll be doing, etc…
Below is a general guide on what to pack, but customize it to fit your trip and needs.
I typically like to pack 2-3 mountain bike jerseys for a 5+ day trip.
What I pack depends on where I’ll be riding, what the conditions are like, the weather forecast, etc… If it’s going to be super hot and humid, I’ll pack more jerseys because I know I sweat a lot and they’ll need time to dry.
I also pack at least one long-sleeve jersey in case we ride trails that have a lot of brush and branches so my arms don’t get shredded (although your jersey might).
>> Favorite Jerseys:
I never go anywhere without my Patagonia Houdini jacket. It’s super lightweight and packable (it only weighs 3.2 ounces) and it’s a great layer for cooler weather or light precipitation.
This jacket doesn’t breathe super well, though, so if you will be pedaling you might want to consider the Houdini Air Jacket, which has better airflow and ventilation.
>> Where to shop:
Depending on your trip duration, you may want to pack more or less. I don’t like to wear chamois more than twice in a row (for obvious reasons), so for a 6-day trip, three pairs are perfect.
If you’ll be doing a longer trip, you’ll probably have a chance to rinse or wash your chamois somewhere, so I wouldn’t recommend packing more than 3-4 pairs of liners.
My favorite chamois are the Terry Bella Prima liners.
>> Where to shop:
I like having a pair of pants packed in case the weather turns chilly or we do a more downhill-oriented day.
The Troy Lee Designs Luxe Pants are perfect for trips because they’re lightweight, comfortable, and breathable.
>> Where to shop:
Don’t forget your socks! I typically have 3-4 pairs of synthetic or merino wool socks on my mountain bike trip packing list. Avoid cotton socks because they don’t dry well and can leave your feet chilled and wrinkly (and smelly).
I love the HANDUP socks because they come in super fun colors and patterns and they last.
>> Where to shop:
Pack 1-2 pairs of mountain bike gloves. If you’ll be traveling to colder or wetter destinations, pack warmer gloves like the HANDUP Cold Weather Gloves.
>> Where to shop:
I like to wear a CoolNet Buff around my neck if I’ll be riding in hot, exposed conditions or even in colder climates. It can also be used as a face mask in a pinch and as an eye mask if you’re trying to get some shuteye on the plane.
>> Where to shop:
Bring at least 2 sports bras and switch them out throughout your trip so they can dry or air out.
>> Where to shop:
I always like to bring at least two different weight layers – a lightweight long-sleeve layer and a mid-weight long-sleeve layer – that I can wear over my bike jersey or stuff in my pack for ‘just in case’.
For a lightweight layer, a big fan of the Shower’s Pass Apex Long-Sleeve Merino Tee (men’s) because it’s quick-wicking, dries fast, and easily stuffed into a pack.
>> Where to shop:
For a mid-weight layer, the Pearl iZUMi Summit Hooded Thermal Jacket (men’s) is super cozy and warm and a great choice for cooler days or mornings.
>> Where to shop:
Read More
Mountain Bike Apparel Posts
‘Normal’ Clothes
Even though you’re heading on a mountain bike trip, don’t forget to pack some normal clothes for walking around town in, going out to eat, and for relaxing post-rides.
Here’s what I typically pack for my mountain bike trips:
Mountain bike gear
Your helmet is perhaps your most important piece of mountain bike gear, so don’t forget it at home!
If you’re in the market for a new helmet, the Bell Super DH helmet is great for travel. It has a removable chin bar, so you can use it as a ‘normal’ helmet or as a full-face if the riding gets real.
>> Where to Shop:
I usually bring both a pair of mountain bike sunglasses and goggles. I use sunglasses if I’m wearing my normal helmet and I wear my goggles when I’m wearing my full-face helmet.
Be sure to pack your sunglasses in a hard-sided case so that they don’t get smashed or scratched while traveling. Goggles will usually come with a soft sleeve you can store them in.
>> Where to Shop:
Be sure to add your shoes to your mountain bike trip packing list because they can be easy to forget since you probably aren’t walking out the door with them on.
My go-to mountain bike shoes are the Ride Concepts Livewire shoes.
>> Where to Shop:
Important! If you use clipless shoes, be sure to bring your pedals with you even if you’re renting a bike.
I always wear knee pads when I ride. I love my Fox Enduro Sleeve knee pads because they’re easy to pedal in and they don’t slip down like most other knee pads I’ve tried.
If I’m heading to a bike park, I’ll wear my Fox Launch Pro knee pads, which have more protection, but you don’t really want to pedal in them.
>> Where to Shop:
Chamois cream can be a lifesaver! If you’re flying and don’t want to bring a full tube, Chamois Butt’r also comes in small packets, which is super convenient. Bring one pack per day per rider just to be safe.
>> Where to Shop:
Whether you use a hydration backpack or a hydration fanny pack, it’s a good idea to bring it with you on your trip, even if you’re doing a multi-day full-service mountain bike tour. You never know how long the rides will be or whether water is readily available.
If you’re traveling to a third-world country, it’s a good idea to bring a Steri-Pen or a water filtration bottle so you can drink tap water and not rely on plastic water bottles.
>> Where to Shop:
Read More
Mountain Bike Gear
Bike Tools & Spare Parts
If you’re traveling to a destination with access to a bike shop, they’ll probably be able to fix most problems and issues that arise on your trip. However, keep in mind that you will be on the bike shop’s schedule and you’ll most likely be paying premium prices.
As such, it’s a really good idea to add these tools and spare parts to your mountain bike trip packing list:
Tools & maintenance
Spare parts
Optional Items
First aid kit
I think it’s always a good idea to ride with a first aid kit. Depending on where you’re heading and who you’ll be riding with, it could be a good idea to pack a first aid kit for your trip.
I really love the pre-made kits by MyMedic. Their Sidekick has everything you might need in case of an emergency. It also has basics like bandages and ibuprofen.
If you’re looking for a bike-specific kit, check out the Cycle Medic (opt for the Pro) or the Cyclist Super Lite Med Pack.
>> Read Next: Most Important Supplies for you Mountain Bike First Aid Kit
GPS watch or computer
If you’re like me, you love data and tracking. I always wear my Garmin Fenix watch when I ride so I can track mileage, elevation gain, elevation loss, and GPS tracks, and more. Just remember to pack the charging cable, too!
Shop Garmin Fenix Watch at:
GoPro or Camera
If you want to capture some footage of your trip, be sure to pack a camera. I go back and forth between using my iPhone and my GoPro. I really like the GoPro, but it’s the editing afterward that I struggle with…
Snacks & hydration powder
Even if I’m packing for a fully-supported and guided ride, I still like to bring a few energy bars and hydration packets with me. My go-to bars are Bobo’s Bars because they’re delicious and the Tailwind single-serving packets for hydration.
Sunscreen and lip balm
Regardless of where you’re heading, it’s a good idea to pack a small tube of sunscreen and lip balm. You’re probably going to be spending most of the day outside, so sunscreen is important!
I also always carry some lip balm in my pack, which is especially helpful in dry, windy conditions.
Rain jacket
If you think you’ll be pedaling or descending in wet climates, be sure to add a rain jacket to your packing list. The Showers Pass Elements Jacket is a great choice because not only is it waterproof and breathable, but it’s also designed for mountain bikers, so it’s helmet compatible and longer in the back to keep you covered as you ride.
Shop Elements Jacket at:
Final thoughts
I hope this post helps you plan for your upcoming mountain bike trip! Don’t forget to download your packing list checklist so you don’t forget anything at home. Have an amazing trip!
start packing!
Download your free bike trip packing List
Head over to my biking resources page to download your free Bike Trip Packing Checklist and sign up for my weekly newsletter!
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What are your essential mountain bike trip packing list items? What else would you add to this list? What questions do you still have? Leave a comment below!
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