I like to be prepared for anything on the trail from bike and body breakdowns to hunger meltdowns and over the years I’ve come up with a list of items to handle almost any emergency. As a rule of thumb I try to “expect the unexpected” and pack my trail bag accordingly. Here are my tips.
The first thing you need to be prepared for an epic ride is a backpack or a hydration pack that has room for carrying what you need. If you look at cycling-specific hydration packs regardless of brand they all do a pretty good job at carrying water and stuff so it’s important to find the most comfortable pack that’s the right size. I purchased the Camelbak Octane 14+ since it has a 100oz bladder, a comfortable strapping system that’s both secure and non-restrictive, and an expandable zipper system that effectively doubles the storage capacity on demand.
Once you’ve settled on a pack, it’s time to fill it up. First and foremost you should pack a comprehensive first aid kit – one that contains everything you need to take care of most major abrasions you may get. Inside my kit I have bug spray, alcohol pads and sanitized hand wipes (both for cleaning any wounds), 4 x 5 prep pads, 2 x 2 prep pads, band aids (assorted sizes), Advil extra strength, compression bandages, thread and needle (sterilized in bag), Polysporin, Benedril (poison ivy cream), a hot/cold pad (to reduce swelling), steri-strips 2nd skin patches (holds cuts closed like stitches), a very sharp diving knife with serrated edge, a sling, and splints. Now this is a worst-case-scenario first aid kit and works great if you know how to use it but for some folks it may be overkill.
In terms of trail tools I recommend a good quality multi-tool that includes a chain rivet tool. If you have special wheels like Mavics Crossmax carry the tools that are used to adjust the wheel and true them as well. A good quality pump for tires is a must and if you have full suspension bike you may want to bring the shock pump as well (for them pesky stuck down situations). I also like to bring spare parts like SRAM power links, derailleur cable, and a spare derailleur hanger. Tire irons and patches and/or tubes are a good idea, and if you have tubeless tires a spare 2 ounces of Stans and a tire inflator to blasts the beads in place could come in handy on the trail.
Extra items that you will want to consider are a spare pair of gloves in case the ones you are wearing get wet and a water resistant jacket that will keep you warm when the weather doesnt cooperate. A high power tail light that clips to the bag is a good idea in case you’re caught in the dark and need to be seen. Your wallet, cell phone and car keys are good to have as well – never leave home without ’em!
Now that we have medical and mechanical emergencies covered it’s important to talk about food. I like to carry fresh fruit on long rides which I like to consume first since fruits tend to get bruised easily on rocky trails. I also carry a variety of snack bars (taste them before you go off the deep end and buy a box) and gel for fast energy. Another good thing I like to carry is a bag of trail mix (that’s what it’s made for after all!). More important than any snacks, make sure your Camelbak has enough water for your ride. I have found 100oz it usually good for about 4 hours and if I think I’ll need more water I carry a 500ml bottle in my Camelbak as well.
One final note about packing for your epic ride: bring whatever you like on your ride but always pack out what you pack in (wrappers, etc.) Keep a small bag so that you can toss the wrappers in without messing the inside of your hydration pack. If I have extra room in my pack I’ll stop to pick up small trash I find on the trail as well.
Packing for an epic ride takes just a little planning but pays off big time in the event of a trail emergency!
2 Comments
Jan 27, 2009
In the Tahoe backcountry I also wear my Suunto Vector...and watch the barometer...it will give you some advanced warning when those Summer storms roll in and pelt you with whatever was forming in the heavens when your exposed at 7000ft and above.
Cheers
Jan 28, 2009
Nice list.