Gear Essentials for Long Bicycle Touring

Bicycle tours can actually be a great way to explore nature. You get to be active and if you’re cycling with friends or loved ones, you get to bond with them on a different level.

Gear Essentials for Long Bicycle Touring

You can also go on a multi-day bicycle tour, with camping nights, filled with laughter and telling stories around the campfire. A whole different experience that cannot be perfectly described. There are things in life that you simply have to feel, and this is one of those things.

In this article, we’ll go over the essential gear that you must pack with you for a long bicycle tour, and we’ll also share some tips along the way. Keep in mind that when you’re going on a multi-day tour, you need to pack light, but still have all the things needed.

For example, you’ll bring a tent right? Those things can be huge and heavy, so you can always opt for lightweight backpacking tents that will be perfect for your journey.

Essentials for Bicycle Touring

Having the Right Bike

If you’re a professional in cycling, then you know how important it is to have the right gear at all times, for different situations. For example, you cannot go on steep mountain terrain with a regular bike that you use to go to work with.

Well, there is no such thing as a universal bike, so you have to invest in one that is perfect for the upcoming journey.

There are tons of articles online, going into detail for the right kind of bike for you. There are also some online quizzes that demand you to choose some answers, and based on them, they’ll give you some advice on the perfect bike.

Some go even one step further and add links to online stores for a bike. With modern tech, your dream bike is only one click away from you.

Wear Protection

That’s right, we think of a helmet and all the other things that come with it, shields for your elbows and knees. You can go one step further and wear a whole bicycling suit on you, but the basics are essential.

Consider wearing gloves, since they’ll be protecting your palms from the constant friction that’s caused by your bike handles.

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    The terrain that you’ll visit most probably will be somewhat dangerous, so it’s better to be safe than sorry. You never know when an accident can happen. The gloves will also prevent any scratches on your hands if you accidentally fall.

    The knee and elbow shields will protect parts of your body that are really important for moving. The helmet basically protects your head and prevents some major, sometimes fatal injuries. With the right protection, you can avoid injuries and enjoy all the benefits of cycling.

    Water Bottle Attached

    If you plan on going camping after this, it’s a great idea to bring enough water with you. One water bottle is not nearly enough, but it will keep you hydrated while cycling. Simply attach it to your bike, there’s usually a special place meant for water bottles.

    You should bring more than one bottle, especially if you’re not an experienced camper and there is no drinking water available at your final destination. There are some videos online on how to make water drinkable but stick to the safe side for starters.

    a backpacker

    Divide the Gear Equally

    Carrying a heavy load on your back while you cycle may seem like an easy thing to do, but it’s definitely not. It’s far heavier than carrying it while you hike, so never underestimate this. If you’re a group of cyclists, then divide the gear equally among you.

    For example, one or two of you can carry the water and snacks, the others can carry the tent, sleeping bags, first aid kit, lighters, matches, headlamps… there are many things that you need for a successful long ride, but with the right plan, you can make this work.

    If you are a beginner, make sure to be part of an experienced group that will make the journey all the easier for you.

    Having the Right Backpack

    The right backpack has no pressure points, multiple compartments, and foamy parts on the shoulders and the back. That way you’ll feel comfortable while you carry the backpack and you won’t end up with terrible back pain that will ruin the whole journey.

    Investing in a proper backpack can be really important, once you see all the benefits it offers. If the material is waterproof, it’s even better! In there, you can neatly fold all the dry clothes you’ll need, and for them to take up less space, try rolling them.

    Another camper can fold the tent and set it inside the backpack. If you do not have enough space inside, the tent and the sleeping bags can be placed above it and secured.

    Read about Camping

    If you’re new to this, there are tons of articles online, related to setting up a campfire, setting up the tent, making water drinkable… over time, your skills will improve so much, that you’ll be able to filtrate water in multiple different ways, to set up a tent in 10 minutes, and to light a fire without a lighter or matches.

    Conclusion

    You need to be patient, determined, and also curious about nature.

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    Some other articles you might find of interest:

    See how bike riding makes its mark among other outdoor activities:

    How Bike Riding Compares to Other Popular Outdoor Activities

    https://www.bikehacks.com/bike-riding/

    Make a bike stand on your own with these tips:

    How to Easily Build a Bike Stand – 3 Methods Compares

    https://www.bikehacks.com/how-to-build-a-bike-stand/

    Ride bike comfortably and safely with these tips:

    Best Tips for a Safer Summer Bike Rides: Ways to Stay Healthy and Clothing to Wear

    https://www.bikehacks.com/best-tips-for-a-safer-summer-bike-rides/

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    Gear Essentials for Long Bicycle Touring — Bike Hacks