If you’re heading out self -supported on a multi-day cycling trip then you need to consider a few things. Are you planning to camp or stay in B&B’s and hotels? How much weight do you want to carry?
This packing list for a multi-day cycling trip is geared towards people who don’t want to carry a lot and who are staying in accommodation other than tents. Adding camping equipment and a tent/sleeping bag likely means you’ll have to carry a set of front panniers. Consider the following essential or highly worthwhile for a multi-day (2 – 7 day) bike ride.
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Must have bike gear on a multi-day cycling trip
- Waterproof panniers (I like the Axiom brand)
- Hand bike pump
- Patch kit, levers
- 1 – 2 spare tubes
- Synthetic lubricant
- Multi-purpose bike tool
- Spare chain section, a spoke
- Bike computer
- Bicycle lock
- Front gear bag for day items
- Cable ties – useful for all manner of things
- Duct tape or electrical tape
- Compression straps and/or a few bungee cords
Personal gear for the bike
- 2 pairs of bike shorts so you can alternate every day
- 1 pair quick dry pants for cycling
- 2-3 pairs of biking socks + 1 pair of waterproof socks
- Bike shoes
- 2 quick dry cycling jerseys + one long sleeved jersey if the weather is colder
- Arm warmers, leg warmers
- Rain gear including a helmet cover, shoe covers, pants and jacket
- Cycling gloves
- Sunglasses
- Bandana
Off the bike gear
- Several pairs of quick dry underwear
- 1 – 2 pairs of socks depending on the season – merino wool is great
- Sandals and runners
- Shorts
- Long pants
- T-shirt + one clean shirt
- Fleece jacket
- Sleeping attire
- Personal toiletries and medications including sunscreen, lip protection and insect repellent
- Biodegradable soap
- Alarm clock
- Books, Kindle, journal, pen, cellphone
- Maps
- Camera and binoculars, batteries, solar re-charger
- Corkscrew, cutlery set, collapsible bowl and cup
- Headlamp and extra batteries
- First aid kit with pain killers, Benadryl, bandaids, Neosporin, gauze, waterproof tape, iodine solution for wound cleaning
Miscellaneous gear for a multi-day cycling trip
- 2 water bottles or a CamelBack
- Assorted power bars
- Warm set of cycling gloves for cold weather
For shorter trips in hot weather, you can usually get by with fewer clothes. I find it easiest to wash bike shorts and jerseys every day so I always have a clean pair to put on.
The list is a guideline only. People develop personal preferences over time. Certainly getting a bike well tuned before any big trip is a good idea. And if you’re biking in an area with bike repair shops then you might be able to get by with less repair gear.
Further reading on multi-day bike trips
- Cycling the Cabot Trail on Cape Breton Island
- Biking the Viking Trail: Deer Lake to St Anthony
- Biking Le Petit Train du Nord through the Laurentians
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