Mountain biking might seem pretty simple if you know how to ride a bike you just hop on a trail and off you go, right?
Ladies, we want to show the guys that girls can handle mountain biking too. We can fix our own flats, put the chain back on when it falls off, and bandage up those scrapes if we fall.
Read more: A Women’s Guide on How to Start Mountain Biking
If you are serious about mountain biking and want to make sure you are prepared for the trail, there are a few things that you need to bring along with you!
During my years of biking, I’ve learned that there are several things that I absolutely must bring in my backpack for any ride, even if it’s just a short one.
What should you pack for a mountain bike ride? Here are my recommendations for 9 mountain biking essentials you need for every ride.
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First things first, none of this is possible unless you have something to carry all of this in! I always bring my backpack on a ride no matter what. It’s a lot easier to load everything into one bag than to figure out how to fit all of this inside of multiple little bags that are somehow attached to my bike.
The backpack I use is the Osprey Women’s Raven 10 Hydration Pack. It’s not the cheapest out there, but there are certain things that are worth spending a little more on, and this is definitely one of them. The quality of this backpack is amazing and I know it will last for years. Plus, it’s the perfect size and color for me! If you are serious about getting into mountain biking (or hiking), I highly recommend this one!
Read more: Women’s Guide for What to Wear Mountain Biking
Once you have picked out the perfect backpack for you, go ahead and fill it with these mountain biking essentials:
1. Water
This is obvious, but I feel that it’s so important that it has to be included on my list. Do not go on a ride without bringing enough water! If you don’t want to carry a hydration pack like the one I use, you can add a water bottle cage to your bike and fill up a bottle instead.
2. Snacks/Energy
You will most likely get hungry while burning all of that energy! There have been so many rides where I had to give up early because I was hungry. Even if you are just going on a short ride you may as well bring something with just in case. Clif and Kind bars are a good option!
3. Toolkit
If something happens to go wrong with your bike, you don’t want to be stuck on the side of the trail, or walking back! You are going to need a toolkit. This one is a good option: Crank Brothers Multi Bicycle Tool.
4. Spare Tube/s
Of course, this is the main thing you are going to need in case you get a flat, so don’t forget one of these. My husband manages to get flat tires a lot, one time he came home with both tires flat! We ended up changing his bike over to “slime” tubes before he finally went tubeless.
5. Tire lever
This is another tool you will need in case you get a flat. There are so many options to choose from but any should work fine. Here is just one option: Crank Brothers Tire Lever.
6. Tire pump
Another very important item for fixing a flat! Some people use CO2 cartridges, but I prefer to just bring my mini pump: Blackburn Core Mini Pump. Sometimes CO2 cartridges are unreliable and you only have one chance to get it right, and if you don’t, you waste the whole cartridge.
7. First aid
In the unfortunate event that you have a stumble, it’s a good idea to bring a few small first aid items. I use this First Aid Kit, and it fits inside of my backpack perfectly. You can also attach it to the outside of your backpack or even to your bike.
8. Sunscreen
Since you will be outdoors for a while you shouldn’t forget to put on sunscreen! I always bring a travel-size tube with me in case I forget, or someone in my group forgets.
9. Chap-stick
One of those mountain biking essentials you won’t understand until you’ve been on a few rides without it. I always make sure I have chap-stick in my backpack!
Now that you know what to bring mountain biking, you are better prepared for the trail! These items should help you survive any ride with ease!
READ NEXT:
How to Start Mountain Biking: A Guide for Women
What to Wear Mountain Biking: The Essential Checklist for Women
25+ Must-Haves for the Outdoorsy Girl
Amazing blog you have here. Really well put together and great content. I am a keen biker over here in the UK, I agree with everything on the list. I also like to take a book so when I get to my destination off the beaten track I can chill and have a read…..
Hi John! Thanks so much for your comment, that really means a lot! It’s hard work putting a blog together and I am so happy to hear that you enjoy it. Bringing a book is a GREAT idea! One that I actually never thought of! I know the perfect place to take a break and read too…maybe on my next ride I will have to do it! What kind of bike do you ride?
Water and sunscreen are a must! I got my own Camelbak recently, but I haven’t taken it biking with me yet. I like taking protein bars with me, too, because I definitely get hungry afterward. Great tips!
Shirin | http://www.queenshirin.com
Hi Shirin! I ALWAYS get hungry on a ride so I love taking a snack break once I reach the top that way I can enjoy these excellent California views! Enjoy your new Camelback!