What Kit Do I Need?
The subject of what to pack on a multi day bike packing adventure is a bone of contention topic. Some will take the absolute minimum so they can tick off the miles whilst those seeking comfort opt to take as much as the bags that are strapped to their bikes can stuff inside.
The kit that you decide upon will depend largely on the time of the year, the weather conditions that you are likely to experience, the location in which you are riding and your preference for balancing weight with comfort.
As a minimum we would suggest the following items are essential:
- Helmet
- First Aid Kit
- Chamois Cream
- Sudocrem
- Sun cream (Time of year depending)
- Bike Lights
- Power Bank
- Wall Charger and Cables
- Phone with (What3Words) (Komoot)
- GPS Device (With Routes Loaded)
- Water Proof Jacket
- Down Jacket
- Cycling clothing (appropriate for riding conditions)
- Tent or Bivvy Bag
- Sleeping Bag (3 Season)
- Water Bottles (800-1000ml)
- Water Filter or Chlorine Tablets
- Pump
- Multi Tool
- Inner Tube
- Spares (bolts, cables, brake pads, mech hanger)
Event Preparation
The Headstock 500
Please watch the “Before You Ride” Headstock 500 video where Josh provides a difficulty rating, overall route rating and offers insights and guidance on the bike best suited to the job, resupply points and kit options to get the most from the event.