How to Pack for an All-Day Back Country Ride

For most day-to-day rides, the average rider is fine with a spare tube, a multi tool, a snack and a CO2. With that in mind, if you’re heading out for more of an all day adventure, you’ll want to be better prepared. Here’s our checklist of what we’d bring for a big romp into unknown terrain with iffy weather looming.

All of the items pictured and a 3 liter Hydrapak fits comfortably into the weatherproof Acre Supply Hauser 10L bag on the right.

Safety – First and foremost, a basic medical kit on the left includes ibuprofen, antiseptic, bandages, gauze, tape, tweezers, surgical scissors and a suture kit. We also throw some paper towels and moist towelettes into the mix for obvious reasons.

Tire/wheel rescue – Clockwise from top right:

– Spare tubeless valve with a valve core removal tool/cap
– The best tire lever ever, made by Michelin
– Patch kit
– Multiple tire boots
– 2 CO2’s and an inflator (or a minipump)…We wrapped one CO2 with a couple feet of duct tape.
– 2 Tubes (one ultralight, one regular to save some weight)
– Dynaplug kit

Snacks – A good mix doesn’t hurt, if you’re going to be a long way from home/camp, something with peanut butter is good as it’s very calorie rich and can sustain you well providing you aren’t allergic to it. This of course is in addition to packing a proper meal depending on the duration of the ride.

Bike rescue items – Clockwise from top right:

– Duct tape **find a clever place to wrap a couple feet of it…around a C02, minipump, or tire lever
– Zip ties – they can be lifesavers with broken brake levers/drivetrain parts and beyond
– Extra chain link pieces and a masterlink
– Perhaps the most important bike related item – a multitool with every fitting you’d need, plus a chain tool

Even if your objective is to get out into the wilderness and avoid using your phone, just bring it…If you get lost, someone may be able to locate you through its GPS signal, and it’s got a damn good built in flashlight. Carrying a small LED headlamp is also a good idea and stashing a small whistle never hurts either.

If your phone has no signal, it certainly doesn’t hurt to carry a waterproof map detailing the area you’re riding.

Basic survival – Clockwise from top right:

– A simple lighter or flint…You might need to make a fire for food, warmth or smoke signals
– A good, foldable knife
– Flask of whiskey – if you have to give yourself stitches, you might want to get pickled first
*this isn’t meant to be taken seriously*
– A high quality foldable saw – you’d be surprised how useful it can prove to be

Hydration – Lots of water in a proper hydration pack. We’d also recommend a squeeze action water purifier, particularly if you’re a thirsty type.

Warmth – A beanie and a high quality, lightweight waterproof shell with a hood – in our case the Acre Meridian.

**A survival blanket is also a good idea if you’re going to be really remote. It also doesn’t weigh/cost much.

A shock pump isn’t necessary for survival, but can certainly come in useful. We love this tiny digital Lezyne.

Storage – We’ve had good luck with Acre/Mission bags. They’re built really tough, basically waterproof and very comfortable. The rolltop design on The Hauser 10L (and 14L) give you lots of room to trim down or expand cargo area as needed. Its zippers are waterproof and the extra lash points allow you to store layers and kneepads externally. There are likely plenty of bags that are also suitable, so just choose one that fits all of your gear and doesn’t leave you with too much additional bulk.

Last, but not least, this tool roll from Acre is a great way to keep your things compartmentalized while preventing them from flying/rattling around.

Packed, stored and ready…Depending on where you’re going, you may want to consider other items such as bear mace or an epi pen.

Is there anything we’re missing? If so, call it out in the comments.