​What kit and why?

Much of the kit for wild biking applies to bikepacking. This kit list works well for multiday riding with little access to shops for food replenishment. If you are racing there will be lighter kit that can be substituted and luxury items stripped out. We prefer to bike pack with tried and tested kit which isn't always the lightest on the market but won't let you down.

Some of the key things to consider on a trip are:

• Comfort - Some might think this odd but being comfortable both on and off the bike is important. You are going to be on the bike for a long time and need to ensure that your bike/kit set up is right, you are warm and dry when off the bike and eat/drink well.
• ​Eating/Drinking - You are going to need to eat a lot and will drink more than you think. Ensure you plan your food accordingly and understand where you can replen drinkable water. Dehydration and hunger are a horrible combination when it's dark, you're tired and looking for somewhere to pitch your tent or find shelter. Eating well will ensure that you get the most out of the trip and maintain good physical condition throughout. Consider taking more food than you think you might need providing a reserve for safety.
• Equipment Maintenance - You'll be taking your bike to muddy, dusty and gritty places that want to break your bike. The bike will provide feedback through noise and vibration, listen to the bike and inspect anything that sounds off. Keeping on top of cleaning and lubricating the drivetrain and any other moving parts will keep your bike running smoothly in the worst of conditions.
• Health - Your body can degrade very quickly on the bike if you don't look after it. Carry your prescribed meds and any other regular meds you think you may need. There will be chaffing, abrasions and rashes which can be alleviated with chamois cream, sudacream or antiseptic cream. Your feet and groin will get wet for long periods, dry and air them during stops to stave off athletes foot and any other afflictions that thrive on damp human bodies.
• Morale - Its great to have something that adds to the enjoyment of a trip! It comes in many forms; music, chocolate, reading books, whisky, good food or anything else that flicks your switch.

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Handlebar Bag / Harness

• *Cycle Computer - Cateye Micro Wireless

• *Satellite Tracker/Beacon - Spot Messenger
• *Smart Phone / Mapping - iPhone SE
• Dry Bag - Ortlieb Dry Bag 13 Litre
• Tarp - If you are using a bivvy bag and expecting a damp trip.
• Bivvy Bag or Tent- Terra Nova and Wild Country make a range of excellent lightweight tents and bivvy bags.
• Sleeping Bag - Mountain Equipment Xero 250
• Silk Sleeping Bag Liner - Will add an extra season to your bag for cold winter, autumnal and spring trips!
• Sleeping Mat - Thermarest Neoair​

Cockpit Bags

• Stem Cell Bag 1 - Sunscreen, Contact Lens Fluid, Sudacream, Insect Repellant, Talcum Powder, Toothpaste
• Stem Cell Bag 2 - Muesli Bars and Nut Mix

Top Tube Bag

• ​*Multitool - Crank Brothers 19 Function Multitool
• *Headtorch - Petzl Zipka Plus
• *Lighter - Disposable. Carry one on the bike and one in your pack.
• Patches - Self adhesive are best. Carry a couple of packs on the bike.
• Knife - A folding 3 inch blade is a versatile tool.
• Titanium Spork
• Toothbrush

Frame Bag
Bike Maintenance:

• Patches - Self adhesive are best. I carry a couple of packs on the bike.
• Inner Tubes x 2
• *Tyre Levers - A lot of tyres are hard to get on/off rims these days. Carry a solid set as flimsy ones will snap!
• Spare Chain Links (Quicklinks) - Make sure you have the right speed. 1,9,10 or 11 speed.
• Spared Brake Pad(s)
• Spare SPD Cleat(s)
• *Tyre Boot - Cut an old toothpaste tube into a square. Can be used as a tyre boot to get you home with a slashed tyre.
• Cable Ties - Assorted
• Duck Tape - Wrap it round an old credit card to save space.
• Assorted bag of bolts, elastic bands, bits and bobs..
• Chain Lube - Sometimes handy on a long wet/muddy ride
• Grease - Decant into a small plastic container
• Spare Cable - Gear and or Brake
• Adjustable Spanner - If you are riding a Shimano Alfine this maybe useful.

Cooking/Food:

• Gas Stove - Jetboil PCS
• Spare Gas Canister
• Jetboil Coffee Press
• Brew Kit - Assortment of hot chocolate, tea bags, fresh ground coffee, instant soups
• Breakfast
  • Porridge Oats
  • Milk Powder
  • Dried Cranberries
• Lunch/Dinner
  • Cous Cous
  • Rice - Boil in the bag is convenient.
  • Ramen Noodles
  • Baby Bel Cheeses
  • Chorizo
  • Dried Mushrooms
• Flavourings
  • Fresh Chillis or Hot Sauce
  • Pepper Mill - GSI Outdoors sell an excellent mini pepper mill.
  • Sea Salt - Carried in a small plastic bottle this adds taste whilst also ensures you are replacing some lost of the salt lost through sweat.
  • Chicken/Beef Stock Cubes - Stock cubes deepen flavour whilst instant soups make an instant sauce for your noodles, rice or pasta.

Seat Post Bag

• Flip Flops - In a plastic bag strapped to the outside of the bag.
• Merino Socks 
• Merino Leggings
• Merino Long Sleeve Top
• Lightweight Down Jacket
• Travel Towel - Small microfibre towel an optional luxury item!

Equipment in your pack

• *Lighter - Disposable. I always carry one on the bike and one in my pack.
• *Pump - A small pump might be light but try pumping up a 2.4" 29er up with it when you are cold, wet and tired!
• Multitool - Gerber/Leatherman style tool with a decent set of pliers.
• *First Aid Kit - Assorted plasters, butterfly stitches, tape, gauze pads, alcohol swabs, painkillers, betadine solution spare contact lenses and any prescribed medication.
• Toilet Wipes - They can double up as wet wipes.
• Soap - Small bar of soap in a plastic bag.
• *Mobile Phone - Programme in emergency phone numbers i.e local mountain rescue
• *Photo ID - Driving license
• *Credit Card
• *Cash - Enough to buy a decent meal... or a couple of beers!
• *Spare Batteries - Get in the habit of carrying spare batteries for your electronics. Try and buy electronics that take the same battery size.
• Phone Battery Power Pack -  KODAK Portable Charger 2600mAh
• *Map
• *Map Case - Ortlieb Document Bag A4 which fits an OS 1:50k folded.
• Warm Hat
• Buff
• Arm Warmers
• Waterproof Jacket
• Pertex Top
• Thermal Mug
• Emergency Nutrition - Bury a couple of energy gels and a muesli bar in your pack. They'll be 'nectar' when you need them.

*Safety equipment - This kit as a minimum is a must for us and will help you keep the wheels on your adventure when it goes wrong!
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