10 Things You Should Carry On Every Mountain Bike Trip

Adventure waits on mountain bike trips; cyclists ride nearby existing hiking trails and beyond to off-road touring. Consequently, packing for a mountain bike trip is equally important as choosing the right mountain bike and wearing proper riding clothes.

Cyclists who plan before are prepared for any circumstance that arises. Whether the trip is for a few hours or a few days, plan for any situation from bike issues to getting lost. These ten items are a must for any mountain bike trip.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's National Center for Statistics and Analysis (NCSA), in 2009 more than 100 deaths resulted from car involved accidents. Surprisingly, in 88 of those fatal cases, the bicyclist was not wearing a helmet.

The rider is often thrown over the handlebars in most accidents. Helmets are not meant to fit loose and move around, to end this, ensure it is level and snug when strapped under the chin. Any exposed forehead means it is too far on the back of the head.

On mountain bike trips, issues with the bike are possible, and cyclists need tools specifically for working on their bicycles. For this purpose, cycling multi-tools are compact with certain types of tools. Carrying a multi-tool eliminates some of the items needed for repair kits and is conveniently pocket sized. Clearly purchasing a good quality multi-tool is essential.

Compact air pumps or CO2 inflators with cartages are especially vital on any mountain bike trips. Compact pumps fit in pockets, back backs, or strapped to the bicycle frame. The CO2 inflator is a one-time use emergency pump, and it is a good idea to pack extra cartridge for the inflator.

The CO2 inflator fills the tire quickly in contrast to a mini pump which requires hand pumping. The inflator is good for filling the tire and on the hand; compact pumps are excellent for adjusting the air pressure.

Hikers carrying survival kits and with this in mind cyclists should carry one as well. The items in it are necessary for situations where people are lost in the woods or stuck due to weather conditions. These items are helpful in survival situations. Finding a sharp knife with a sawing tool on the blade especially saves space and is convenient.

Wearing Para cord bracelets is an efficient way to carry it, and some come with fishing line, fishing rods, hooks, and even small compasses. The best fire starter is magnesium and flint; however, trick candles and waterproof matches are handy. In place of tablets, cyclists can carry a life straw with a water purification system.

Surprisingly, the easiest method to avoid getting lost is to have maps of the area. If bikers are using existing hiking trail, maps are usually available. Sill carrying a compass or GPS device is also important and surprisingly easy considering Para cord bracelets have compasses and bike mounted devices have GPS.

Currently, GPS devices offer more than tracking your location, some equip heart monitors for example. The best device for a mountain bike trip is one that mounts on the handlebars in contrast to a wrist GPS device. Batteries can die, so take a compass as back up.

Proper lighting is important for safety purposes, especially for night riding. For example, a headlamp, bike mounted lights or an LCD flashlight safely light paths. Similarly, using daylight running lights makes cyclists more visible to each other on trails.

Further, on mountain bike trips involving camping small LCD flashlights are handy. On the other hand, signaling for help is another use for them. Again, lights are important for safety both at nighttime and daytime.

In addition to a multi-tool, repair kits are valuable for any mountain bike trip. Tires don't need to be often replaced; however, in remote areas folding spare tires are easier to carry than finding a suitable replacement. Again, brake and derailleur cables do not break frequently; however, they must be replaced immediately.

Normal cycling can shake even the tightest nuts and bolts loose over time and at any rate cyclists who carry spare nuts, bolts, and parts are better prepared. If you're new to touring then check with your local bike repair shop before your trip to find out which nuts and bolts you will have to carry.

Nutrient and hydration are vital for any rider; in any case, pack extra for mountain bike trips. Either hydration packs or water bottles work well. Hydration packs are similar to backpacks with a water bladder and hose. Small ones work best for biking because they are lightweight and stay secure while staying hydrated conveniently.

Similarly, pack extra food, for instance, protein bars, trail mix, or jerky. Cyclists are advised to eat small amounts of food high in carbohydrates about every thirty minutes. You never know when a repair or getting lost can change the amount of food you will need, go ahead and take extra energy bars.

In addition to a helmet, other protective gear is considered, for example, eye protection, rainwear, and gloves are a few items. Similarly, extra safety padding for upper body is necessary for certain types of riding. It is important to wear the correct clothing on a bike and carry extra in case you need layers.

Clothing for riding is wicking shirts, padded shorts or tights, cycling socks, and proper footwear for your pedal type. It is a good idea to carry a stow-away wind jacket, weather proof gloves, and insulation layers. Always think about both protections in accidents and against the environment.

According to reports, most accidents on mountain bike trips are minor scrapes and cuts; keeping that in mind, a first aid kit with the basics is key to treating minor injuries on the trails or off the road. In addition, regular checking ensures used items are replaced, and the best practice is to check after each trip. According to Red Cross, these items are key to every first aid kit: