What’s in Your Bike Kit? 8 Essentials Every Rider Should Carry
🚴♂️🔧 What’s in Your Bike Kit? 8 Essentials Every Rider Should Carry
A great ride can turn into a long push — or a really miserable walk — if you forget the basics. Whether you’re out for an easy loop or rolling into a multi-day bikepacking trip, these eight items are non-negotiable for keeping your wheels turning and your spirits high.
Mini Pump
No air, no ride. A solid mini pump is your lifeline. CO₂ inflators are lighter and quicker for roadside fixes, but a trusty pump never runs out of juice. Pro tip: Know how to use it before you need it.
Spare Tube
A spare tube is the hero you hope you don’t need — but you will someday. Even tubeless riders carry one as backup. Make sure it matches your wheel size and valve type.
Tire Levers
Getting a tight tire off bare-handed is a wrestling match you don’t want. Tire levers save your thumbs, your patience, and maybe your ride partner’s day too.
Patch Kit
Think of this as the little brother to your spare tube. Sometimes a patch kit is the star of the show when you’re out of tubes, miles from a bike shop. Lightweight, cheap, and worth its weight in gold.
*🔧 These four — pump, tube, levers, patch kit — work hand-in-hand.
Get caught without them in the wrong place, and a nice ride can turn into a slog pushing your bike for miles.
Water
Hydration is mission-critical. Always carry more than you think you’ll need, and top off whenever possible — every trailhead, every café, every faucet counts. For hot days or big climbs, stash some electrolyte powder to drop in your bottle for an extra boost.
Sunscreen
Sunscreen is your shield against a sunburn that can wreck a multi-day trip. Trail camping with lobster arms is nobody’s idea of fun. Slather up at the start, top off during breaks, and carry a mini tube in your kit.
Snacks
Water keeps you moving — snacks keep you strong. Running out of food can cut a ride short just as fast as a flat tire. Bring trail mix, bars, jerky — anything packable and high-energy.
Multi-Tool
A pocket-sized multi-tool with hex keys, screwdrivers, and maybe a chain breaker is a must. Adjust your saddle, tighten bolts, and fix what tries to rattle loose. A little tune-up trailside can save a lot of grief later.
Smokey’s Closing Tip
When in doubt, pack light — but never leave these behind. They’re not just gear — they’re your ticket to finish every ride with a smile, not a story about pushing your bike ten miles back to the trailhead.