Packing list for MTB day tours: These 35 items are a must on your bike tour

Mountain biking in the great outdoors not only (hopefully) offers an exciting adventure, but also requires a certain amount of preparation in terms of equipment. For an experience that doesn't make you go "Oh my!" or "Oh, oops!", it's crucial to be well equipped - in terms of safety, comfort and efficiency.

In this article, we show you the essential components that should be considered when planning a day trip by mountain bike, supplemented by product suggestions that are currently available at favourable prices; a.k.a. bargains.

Safety is the top priority on an MTB tour

The most important piece of equipment for mountain bikers is the helmet. A well-fitting, certified helmet protects the head in the event of a fall and should never be "forgotten". For example, we have currently tested 15 MTB helmets here.

Elbow and knee protectors can be useful for additional safety, especially on technically demanding routes. Sunglasses not only protect your eyes from glare and UV rays but, almost as importantly, also from dust and swirling stones. Here, too, we have just 14 current models put through our BIKE test.

Bicycle equipment packing list

• Bicycle bags: Handlebar bag, Frame bag or Luggage carrier bags
• Bottle holder: a large selection available here
• Drinking bottles or Hydration bladders
• Multitool: such as Crankbrothers M20 Multitool
• Tyre lever: Large selection available here
• Replacement hose: Large selection available here
• Repair kit: Large selection available here
• Air pump: such as Topeak Turbo Morph G mobile floor pump
• Bicycle lock: such as Abus Combiflex Trip 125
• Mobile phone holder: such as Topeak RideCase II
• Bike computer: such as Garmin Edge 1040
• Sat nav app: such as Outdooractiv
• Mudguard: such as SKS Germany Velo 65
• Bicycle lighting: e.g. Sigma AURA 100 Set
• First aid kit: such as First Aid Kit Active from Deuter

Breakdown repair: self-help for defects

Nothing is more frustrating than having a puncture in the middle of the countryside. A well-stocked tyre repair kit is therefore essential. This should include spare inner tubes, puncture repair kit and a mini air pump or CO2 cartridges. For tubeless tyres, we also add a Tubeless repair kit which contains these small sausages for plugging holes in the tyre. A Multifunctional tool should also be part of the standard equipment to be able to fix minor mechanical problems quickly. These tools and spare parts can be efficiently attached to the bike frame to reduce the weight of the rucksack.

First aid: prepared for all eventualities

Accidents can happen to even the most experienced drivers. A compact First aid kit should therefore always be part of the equipment. Bandages, disinfectant wipes, painkillers and a rescue blanket are among the essential items. It is also advisable to carry a small, waterproof bag for personal medication. Keep such important items within easy reach in the top or side section of your rucksack.

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Cycling clothing: Functionality meets comfort

Anyone who has ever spent 4 hours freezing in the saddle or spent a whole day pedalling in wet shoes knows that the right clothing makes all the difference. Breathable and weatherproof clothing ensures that your body stays dry and cool or warm during the ride. Good MTB trousers with padding are essential for prolonged riding comfort. Here we have tested 23 models for women and men.

Even if the weather seems warm, it is advisable to take a versatile long-sleeved vest with you that still offers reserves in the event of a drop in temperature. As weight is crucial when packing, textiles should be rolled up tightly to maximise space.

Clothing packing list

• Helmet: such as Poc Tectal MTB bike helmet
• Sunglasses: such as 100% Hypercraft
• Cycling jersey: such as POC Motion Air
• Bib shorts with padding: such as Gonso Sitivo M cycling shorts
• Cycling shorts: such as ION Ionic LT MTB shorts
• Cycling gloves: such as Fox Ranger Gloves
• Wind and rain jacket: like Gorewear Lupra 20 or POC Pure-Lite Splash Jacket
• Arm warmers and leg warmers: a large selection available here
• Cycling shoes: such as Northwave Hammer Plus
• Cycling socks: a large selection available here
• Buff: a large selection available here
• Bicycle cap: such as Santini Maillot Jaune
• Backpack: such as Evoc Stage 18 backpack or Deuter Race Air

Optimised packing for maximum freedom of movement

The weight, quantity and type of layering in the rucksack are decisive for how the rucksack is carried. Optimally packed backpacks prevent back pain and ensure freedom of movement. Place heavy items close to your body to ensure stability and prevent the bag from swinging. Also make sure that items you need quickly, such as a rain jacket, tools or first aid kit, are easily accessible. Modern MTB backpacks, waistcoats and hip bags (here, for example, Osprey in the test) help with the arrangement of the pockets.

Other equipment for your day bike tour

• Identity documents (identity card, health insurance card)
• EC card, cash
• Possibly Bahncard, train tickets, public transport
• Mobile phone
• Handkerchiefs
• Pocket knives: such as Victorinox Ranger
• Sun cream: such as La Roche Posay Anthelios SPF 50
• Rain cover backpack: such as the Raincover Sleeve from Evoc
• Buttock cream: such as the Ilon Protect Ointment
• Cable ties: a large selection available here
• Energy hedgehog: how Chimpanzee Energy Bar or Clif Bar Energy Bar
• Action Cam: such as DJI Osmo Action 5 Pro