Multi-Day Mountain Biking Trip Pack List

Gear List

Clothing: It is important to dress warm, and have extra layers available. You need to have layers for your top and bottom. It may be warm and sunny, but it also may be cold and windy. Below is the suggested clothing to wear and bring on the trip.

Gear to wear WHILEmountain biking:

Ckd. / Item / Description
Mountain Bike* / The OP has bikes, but bring your own if you have one
Bike Helmet* / Again, the OP has helmets, bring your own if you have one
Shoes / Grippy, stiff soled shoes are best. Some people prefer high-tops for ankle protection.
Pants/Shorts / Something comfortable that allows freedom of movement. Some folks like tight, stretchy pants, others prefer loose, baggy pants. Personal preference. Shorts are great in warm weather
Padded Bike Shorts / Optional. Bike shorts with a padded seat make everything more comfortable, but are not necessary.
Shirt / Synthetic or wool. Can be long or short sleeve depending on preference and weather.
Sunscreen
Sunglasses
Water / Two 32oz/1 liter wide mouth water bottles. Camelbak type systems work great
Bike gloves / Optional, great for preventing blisters.
Street clothes / Make sure to bring long sleeves and long pants, just in case
Extra layers / Down “puff” type jacket, thick synthetic layer such as pile or heavy fleece jacket or synthetic “puff” type jacket. You may get chilly while climbing, this jacket will warm you up afterward.
Rain gear / The best kind is waterproof and breathable. (Good rain gear is probably the single most important layer that you can have in the wilderness.) Waterproof/breathable fabrics are ideal, because you are less likely to overheat or get wet from the inside. There are now many options in waterproof/breathable outer-ware with some costing less than others, so shop around. The rain gear should have a hood for good coverage on the head and pit zips to allow for excessive body heat to escape. This also works as a wind layer.
Having all this said, any rain gear is better than none. Don’t feel like you have to spend tons.
Backpack / To carry all of your water, food, and extra clothes during the ride.

Camp Gear:

Ckd. / Item / Description
*Tent / To be shared with another participant
*Sleeping pad / Closed cell foam pad, or self-inflating “Therm-a-Rest” pad.
*Sleeping bag with stuff sack / Bag needs to be rated to at least 20 degrees. It may be helpful to bring a lightweight sheet in case it is hot.
2 wide mouth, 32oz./1 liter “Nalgene” water bottles / Internal pack water bladders are great for while you are riding, but you still need to bring at least one Nalgene or other durable bottle for while we are in camp, andin case the bladder springs a leak, or for mixing Gatorade type drinks.
Headlamp / Headlamp (LED bulbs preferred) needs to be water resistant. Bring extra batteries.
Next to skin/long underwear layer
top and bottom / Long underwear/next to skin layer needs to be made from a wool or synthetic material such as “Capilene”, or polypropylene – cotton long underwear is NOT acceptable.
Light to Mid-weight top layer / Light wool sweater, expedition weight polypropylene, lightweight fleece pullover, etc.Cotton is NOT acceptable.
Mid-weight to Heavy weight top layer / Fleece or pile jacket or heavy wool sweater. Cotton is NOT acceptable.
Cold weather layer / Down “puff” type jacket, thick synthetic layer such as pile or heavy fleece jacket or synthetic “puff” type jacket. This is mainly for warmth while in camp.
Mid weight to Heavy weight bottom layer / Fleece pants or heavy weight long underwear. No Cotton.
3 pair wool/synthetic socks. Sock liners / Socks must be made of wool or other synthetic “hiking weight” material. One pair of these should be reserved for sleeping only. Sock liners are a thin moisture wicking layer that helps prevent blisters. (Sock liners are not required, as some people like to use them and others do not….)
Underwear
/ Some cotton and some non-cotton (merino wool or synthetic) Comfort is king.
1 lightweight, short sleeve t-shirt / Quick drying is good. To wear while hiking.
Wool or Fleece hat (or beanie) / For warmth. A lot of body heat escapes through your head – a good hat is essential.
Shorts / Lightweight and quick drying. Something that you can hike and swim in.
Travel and town clothes / 1 set for traveling, and for the ride home
Heavy or mid-weight hiking boots / Boots should fit properly when wearing the socks you plan to hike in. The boots should also provide adequate ankle support and be “broken-in” prior to the trip.
Camp Shoes / Lightweight, comfortable, but adequate to walk around camp in…with socks on in case it’s rainy and cold. Old running shoes, etc.
Wide-brimmed hat or baseball cap / For sun protection and hair wrangling!
1-2 Bandanas / The uses of a bandana are too numerous to list… just trust me on this one!
1 insulated travel mug / Anything with a wide mouth can be used for drinking or eating. (Optional, you can also use a water bottle for this)
1 spoon / Good to have.
1 small bowl / Good to have.
Toiletries (e.g.,
shampoo, toothbrush, toothpaste, floss, deodorant, comb, prescription drugs, chapstick, insect repellant, feminine hygiene needs, etc.) / If you wear contacts, bring an extra pair of contacts (or two), saline solution packed in a small container and a pair of backup glasses. If you wear glasses and you have an extra pair, you may want to bring those along as well. Please bring your own sunscreen as well. Please bring enough medication or prescription drugs to last for the entire expedition. Some items such as shampoo can be left in the van until we return from the backcountry.

Optional Gear: Provided by the individual participant

Ckd. / Item / Description
Camera / For capturing the experience
Binoculars (small pair) / You get a bird’s eye view!
Gloves / Lightweight gloves or liners may be nice for time in camp.
Pocket knife or multi-tool / Good to have.
A good book
Playing Cards, dice, etc. / We love games.
Trekking poles / Help when you want to keep going, but your knees aren’t as willing!
Small Dry Bags and stuff sacks / Keeping personal items dry and organized.
Repair kit / Supplies to repair any of your personal gear. Could contain extra buckles, zipper care supplies, needle and thread, etc.
Journal and pens / For personal reflection
A little bit of $ / For emergency ice cream or souvenirs found along the way

*Gear marked with a star is available at the OP. You are welcome to bring your own gear as well

***A quick note on battery powered devices. You’re encouraged to leave IPODs, cell phones and other devices behind or in the van. These devices can be very isolating and take away from the unique opportunity you have to connect with people in an amazing setting. ***

Food and Cookware:

Outdoor Programs will provide all meals and snacks for each day. Feel free to bring your own snacks or food items if you have special needs or eccentric taste buds. Meals will definitely be nutritious and delicious.