Bike Tour Packing List: What to Pack for Every Type of Cycling Trip (Day Rides to Multi-Day Tours)

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My first bike tour was in Basque Country, and I somehow made it through without owning a single real piece of cycling gear! It wasn’t until the pandemic, when riding stopped being a one-trip novelty and turned into an actual habit, that I had to figure out what a cyclist really needs.

I ordered my first piece of biking clothing in my normal size, a medium, and when I tried it on I was mortified — it was skin-tight. It felt like I was wearing a Spanx shirt! So I returned it and ordered an XL instead, quietly wondering if I’d gained that much weight during COVID. Turns out there’s clothing sizing, and then there’s cyclist clothing sizing, and I had to learn through a lot of trial and error (and returns) — that cycling kit is meant to be somewhat tight!

After that, I leaned on other cyclists to shortcut some of that learning curve to biking gear; for bike computers and route planning specifically, I owe a lot to my friend Ryan Van Duzer, the bike YouTuber (and fellow Coloradan), who pointed me toward what I actually use today and love.

You can waste all day looking at review sites and trying to figure out what you need or what brand to get when it comes to gear – but I still find my best advice is when I get it from friends. 

So consider this article YOUR advice from a cycling friend!  This is my real bike tour packing list — the basics I never leave home without, and how that list grows as the rides get longer, from an easy afternoon near my home in Denver to guided tours in Patagonia and Southern France to the 200-to-500-mile Capitol to Capitol routes I ride a few times a year.

One honest caveat before we start: I’ve never done true bikepacking — the ultralight, off-road, everything-strapped-to-the-frame style of touring. Even on my longest solo routes, I sleep in a hotel every night. If you’re looking for bikepacking-specific advice, there are better resources than me – like Ryan Van Duzer – he has so much incredible info for bikepacking! 

The Biking Gear Basics: What Every Ride Needs, No Matter the Distance

Gear doesn’t really change all that much between a short ride and a long one. What changes is how much of it you need, and whether you’re the one carrying it or someone else is.

Before we get into day rides versus tours versus my Capitol to Capitol routes, here’s the gear that goes with me regardless of whether I’m out for two hours or two weeks. Get these right first — everything else is just addition.

Helmet

Not negotiable, not up for debate. I don’t think I need to explain this – but don’t skimp on a helmet! And whatever you do – make  sure your helmet has MIPS.  MIPS is a thin layer inside your helmet that lets the shell slide slightly on impact, soaking up some of the rotational force before it reaches you. This is your best defense against concussions and real brain damage (except for not riding at all and never leaving home!) It’s been around since 2001, it’s in most good helmets now.  It’s necessary,  I don’t think twice about paying for  – because it’s your brain…and you don’t mess with your brain!

I’ve used two brands and have liked them both – Smith and POC. One thing I love about the POC helmet is that is has large, unobstructed openings/vents that keep you cooler by allowing more air flow.

Cycling Kit – What is it and Why Use it

First – for the newbies out there like me – what is kit?
Kit is actually a British word that is used to describe the complete uniform or outfit for various sports. Yes they have Cricket kit. So in cycling terms, it’s the matching clothing worn by riders, typically consisting of a moisture-wicking jersey, padded bib shorts or shorts, specialized socks, and gloves.

I admit – I hated the idea of this at first. I wasn’t going to spend extra money on kit – I didn’t care if I matched or had skin tight clothing.  Can you bike without it…of course. 

However…you will be more comfortable wearing some kit.  And weirdly…you’ll feel more like a cyclist.  I hate that I just admitted that.

The tight kit is great for aerodynamics – you don’t want some cotton T-shirt flapping in the wind – it’s a distraction.  The back pockets are super for carrying snacks, sunscreen, keys, phone, etc. The padding in the shorts….I don’t think I need to explain why that is good. But here is the real bottom line – a good kit isn’t about looking like a cyclist — it’s about removing distractions so you can enjoy the ride.

I kinda have become a kit diva thanks to Velorosa.  Velorosa is a women-owned company, and their kit is specifically made for women’s bodies instead of shrunk down from men’s.  And most importantly – they are cute.  Their motto is that kit is for everyone – you don’t have to be some super competitive cyclist or someone who races to wear kit! You can see all of my Velorosa gear below…I LOVE them! Plus, the owners actually joined me on one of my Capitol rides into Lincoln Nebraska. It meant so much to me to ride with them!

Note: Sadly after writing this Velorosa is taking a year off due to high tariffs and the cost of doing business.  I HOPE they make it through this!  And this is why it’s important to support small businesses. 

Cycling Bibs – Hell No…but…

Ok – lets also talk about bibs.  The first time I saw these weird contraptions I thought “Hell no!” And then I tried them because a friend gave me a pair.  Bib shorts are cycling shorts with suspender-style straps that go up over your shoulders to hold the shorts up instead of a waistband. When you’re hunched over handlebars for hours, anything sitting on your stomach digs in and gets miserable fast. Bibs resolve that issue – and now I wish all of my pants were waistless!  These are the ones I use by POC.

Cycling gloves

Small item, big difference after a few hours – especially on gravel. Cycling gloves not only provide padding – but they also soak up the sweat and provide sun protection for your hands! I have some summer pairs (fingerless) and some cooler riding pairs that have fingers, and even an insulated waterproof pair! If you get a fingered pair of gloves – make sure they can be used with your phone screen as that is pretty essential while on the bike!

Shoes you can walk in

I think about the whole day, not just the ride. I want something that works when I’m exploring a village or grabbing lunch after I get off the bike. Or just walking into a gas station bathroom because I do that all the time when I’m riding! Because of that I often just wear regular shoes – like hiking approach shoes, or day hikers.  Approach shoes tend to have a stiffer sole and that is what you are looking for when it comes to cycling (see below). However, when I’m going on a bike tour somewhere in the world – I normally just take my Oboz Katabatic hiking shoes that serve double duty – hiking and cycling!

Why are They Called Clipless When You ‘clip in’

Recently I have been giving clipless shoes a go.  Now – let me take a moment to rant about the term clipless shoes. It makes no sense at all.  They are called clipless – yet you are clipped in.  Stupid.  

However – there is a historical reason for this. 

The name is a holdover. Before 1984, cyclists used metal toe clips plus a leather strap to keep their feet locked to the pedal. Then Look — the same French company that invented ski bindings, and whose pedals I ride today — adapted that twist-release mechanism for the bike. No more toe clip, hence “clipless.” Confusing name for something you clip into, but so is a sport that calls its shorts “bibs,” which has nothing to do with tying something around your neck to catch your food.

When I decided to try clipless, I decided to go high quality – and nothing says high quality cycling gear like Italy. I am using the SIDI Dominator gravel shoes. I prefer the gravel or mountainbiking clipless shoes because they are easier to walk in off the bike…and that matters to me. If you are just doing road cycling and you want the sleakest shoes with great power transfer, then you can choose road cycle shoes if you want to walk like a duck.

One thing to note when you are looking for clipless shoes -stiffness matters. A stiffer sole prevents your foot from flexing, which stops muscle fatigue, eliminates hot spots, and transfers your leg power directly into the bike.

My SIDI shoes are the Cadillac of clipless shoes – and yes – they are stiff (rated 8 out of 12) and made of carbon composite. However one thing I do recommend no matter what brand you get is skip anything with laces – and go for the dials for tightening and loosening. Also – make sure you have plenty of room in the toe box. And finally – when you are getting used to them, take a multi-tool with you on your rides so you can adjust the positioning of the clips to figure out what feels the best.

Cycling Sunglasses – Even if you have a Presciption

Wind, sun, and road debris protection in one. This is typically a pretty easy gear purchase.  

But…as someone who wears prescription glasses and no contacts, this is one of my biggest frustrations.  

Apparently all cyclists have perfect eyes or can wear contacts.  Sadly this cyclist can’t.  Trying to find a brand that has cycling sunglasses that offer a prescriptions has been nearly impossible.  Apparently, those cool curved cycling glasses aren’t compatible with prescription lenses. However – I have found one company that cares about prescription wearing cyclists…enter Tifosi! 

For years I have worn their prescription cycling glasses.  They have a slight curve to them, but they aren’t the big ‘sheilds’ that you normally expect for cycling.  They have been great – and they even made them in progressives so that I could read my bike computer AND see what was ahead of me in the distance. 

Now they’ve gone a step further and created prescription inserts that work/insert inside regular big shield/curved cycling glasses.  Hallelujah! And those inserts also come in progressives! I’ve just started testing these new prescription inserts – so far so good.

And the best part – Tifosi sunglasses are affordable but great quality.  And use the promo code OTTSWORLD for a 15% Discount for readers!

A water bottle – the best on the market!

I never thought I’d have opinions about this until long rides changed my mind. I’m a Bivo convert — this innovative stainless steel water bottle keeps water tasting fresh, and cold – which matters more than you’d think.  They created a metal bottle with a perfect flow rate when you tip it up.  It’s absolutely brilliant.  No squeezing, no sucking, it just pours into your mouth at the right rate meaning you don’t lose a breath focusing on sucking in water

Plus – no more funky tasting water becuase the Bivo is easy to clean…all parts of it! It’s quite common to leave your used bottle on your bike for a liiiiittttle too long with sports drink that turns to mold too quickly (Guilty!). But Bivo made every part of the bottle dishwasher safe! The silicone parts of the bottle come apart easily and can be reassembled after cleaning to ensure the deepest possible clean. No more moldy water bottles!

Once you try Bivo – you’ll never go back. Cold water after an all day ride, perfect flow rate, and completely cleanable!

Snacks

Enough that I never let myself get to the point of being hungry and cranky on a shoulder somewhere. I’ve learned that I really need to eat something about every 10 miles or so.  I love some of the caffeinated snacks for longer rides – they are a game changer.

Some of the brands of snacks that I love to use while biking:
CLIF bar, KIND bar, SCRATCH LABS, Gu, CLIF blocks, and Nuun.

A mirror – it’s a for your own safety

A small handlebar or helmet mirror lets you see what’s coming up behind you without turning your head or losing your line — one of the cheapest, most underrated pieces of gear I own. I love the one that fits sleekly on my drop handlebars. You can also buys mirrors that fixate to your biking helmet if you prefer. But whatever you do – if you are cycling on a road – use a mirror – it can save your life!

A bike computer

Mileage, elevation, and navigation in front of you at all times. I like knowing exactly how far I’ve got left, especially on a route where the next town is 20 miles away.  In addition, my Garmin computer gives me turn by turn directions and a bunch of other safety features that I talk about below. Plus – it integrates with things like Strava, Ride with GPS, Fitbits, etc.

A basic repair kit

Spare tube, tire levers, a mini pump. Even on a short ride, a flat tire without these turns into a very long walk.

Rear Rack and top tube pack

Basically it’s great to have some sort of bag that comes off the bike easily where you can put a few of the basics identified here. (snacks, repair kit, lock, rain gear, and some layers)  I love the Ortlieb bikepacking gear because it’s sleek, easy to install and take off, and they are waterproof.  I use the saddle bag which can expand to carry lots of things and I also use the top tube bag.  It provides easy access to snacks, and sunscreen.  My favorite feature is that it snaps shut with magnets that ‘clip’ it back in place. 

Gear for Home Rides and Day Trips

This is where I started, and some of my favorite cycling has never left home. My own easy rides near Denver taught me more about what I actually needed than any packing list ever did — which shorts didn’t chafe, how much water I actually drink, which snacks I reach for without thinking. I’ve also gotten to do this same kind of low-key riding on the road, like a media trip covering Wisconsin’s bike trails near Madison — proof that a “day ride” doesn’t have to mean local.

For a day ride, the basics above are genuinely the whole list. Add one extra layer for changing weather and your phone, and you’re set. Don’t let anyone talk you into more gear than that for a few hours on a trail.

Gear for Bike Tours — Guided or Self-Guided

This is where bike travel really opened up for me, and it’s still where I think most people should start. Someone else has handled the logistics — a support vehicle, your luggage, sometimes the whole route — so your gear gets to focus almost entirely on comfort.

There are two flavors here, and I’ve written a full breakdown of how to choose between them in How to Choose the Right Bike Tour for You. Short version: guided tours give you a leader, a group, and zero decisions to make. Self-guided tours — still hand off your luggage each night and give you detailed maps and GPS, but you ride at your own pace and make your own calls along the way.

This is the category behind some of my favorite trips: cycling the coast of Prince Edward Island, an eBiking route through Patagonia’s steppe toward Torres del Paine, food-obsessed backroads through Southern France with Experience Plus, and — most recently — six days and 215 miles cycling the Camino Português from Porto to Santiago this July, thirteen years after I first walked into that same plaza on foot.

On top of the bike gear basics, I add:

• Front and rear lights, even on routes that feel safe
• A rear radar (more on this below — it’s not optional for me anymore)
• Phone and a backup battery
• Sunscreen and lip balm

And yes — if the terrain or the season makes me nervous about keeping up, I’ll take an e-bike without a shred of guilt. E-bikes aren’t cheating. They’re what let me finish a hilly day in Patagonia energized instead of wrecked.

Rain Gear and Cold Weather Layers

Weather is the one thing you can’t plan your way out of, and Patagonia made a believer out of me. A sunny morning there can turn into a cold, windy afternoon on an exposed road with zero warning.

The fix isn’t one bulky item for one specific condition — it’s layers that work together:

• A lightweight base layer
• Arm/sleeve and leg warmers
• A windproof/waterproof jacket (even when rain isn’t forecast, it kills wind on descents)
• Warm gloves
• Waterproof pants to pull over your cycling shorts
• Shoe covers – for rain or insulated for cold weather riding

The rain jacket earns its space in my bag on almost every trip, rain or not.

Long-Distance Self-Supported Routes — My Capitol to Capitol Bike Gear

This is where gear stops being about comfort and starts being part of how I actually solve problems on the road.

Quick context if you’re new to this one: my dad started walking to every U.S. state capitol in 1984 and made it to some before health stopped him. I picked up the project by bike in 2022, and I’m working through the 26 capitols he didn’t finish — about 8,000 miles in total. I do it one route at a time, usually 200 to 500 miles, a few times a year. My “Logistics Queen” (friends who graciously agree to help me) drives support in a car the whole way, and we stay in hotels every single night. This is not bikepacking — there’s no tent, no cooking gear, no sleeping on the side of the road. But I am packing and unpacking a full kit at a different hotel every night for a week or more, which comes with its own logistics.

On top of everything above, here’s what I don’t leave home without:

A bike rack for the support car

When you need to transport your bike – this is essential. We transport my bike between hotels, start and end points for capitol to capitol. I use the Kuat rack that holds two bikes.  Since I’m repacking at a new hotel every night, quick in-and-out matters more than ultralight.

I absolutely love this rack. It’s so easy to put on and off the hitch, it’s secure, and it comes with a built in lock system and cable. It really is simple to put on the hitch. Once you have it in and the pin through it, all you have to do is tighten the knob on the end and that tightens down the hitch. No extra tools needed.

However – the Kuat rack comes with a hefty pricetag and if you want to save a little money – then I suggest the Yakima Holdup rack. I also have this one and it is also a very good quality rack. It secure on the hitch, a little harder (more steps) to put on and off the hitch – but still a great choice!

A full repair kit

Multiple spare tubes, tire levers, pump, multi-tool, chain tool, spare link, patch kit

Full Clothing Layering System

I’ve ridden through 100-degree days and 40 mph prairie winds on these routes, sometimes on the same trip. I’ve also rode through really cold days where it was only 20 degrees when I started! The only way to combat this is a good layering system for your clothing.

Cycling Navigation and Route Planning

Route planning for me is one of the most difficult and time consuming parts of Capitol to Capitol. Ideally, I want to be able to look at the roads and see what kind of shoulder they have, etc – but that’s not as easy as I think it should be. Ultimately I end up using my Komoot route planning app in conjunction with Google street view – but it’s a tedious process.

But – before you utilize Google Street View – first you have to plan the route. There are lots of phone apps that will help you route plan and create routes such as Ride with GPS, Strava, etc. However – there is only one app (that I am aware of) that allows you to plan a big route that is hundreds of miles – and then with a click of a button splits it up into a 7 day route (or whatever number you choose). I use Komoot Pro account specifically for my Capitol route planning to break it into multiple days.

A small first aid kit

On a day ride I don’t normally take a first aid kit with me – but on my longer rides where the possibility of an accident is way more real, and could happen out in the middle of nowhere – I always have one with me!

Gear boxes and packing cubes

Organizing your car for a big bike trip is important. And the best way to do that is with gear boxes. These essential pieces of gear are also great for any kind of road trip! It’s a way to keep clothing, tools, and electronics separate, so I’m not digging through everything at 8pm in a hotel parking lot.

I have tried a few different brands – but I really love these Gregory Alpaca Gear Boxes. They have hard sides and a top, which is great for stacking. In addition they have a lid that is see-through, and that can open from one side or you can take it all the way off. I normally take a couple with me – one with my bike electronics, camera gear, snacks, and water bottles. And then one with recovery shoes, helmet, extra layers, a massage gun, yoga mat, and a hat. I keep things organized within the box using packing cubes.

I also love the Gregory Utility Tote for carrying food and bottles, etc. All of these organization gear haulers make it easy to pack and unpack the car every day as well as find things quickly!

Recovery Gear: The Part Everyone Forgets

Nobody puts this on a packing list, and it’s exactly why I’m putting it on mine. Riding 200 to 500 miles in a week does something to a body (especially a 55+ one like mine!), and ignoring that just means a worse ride the next morning. I have a ritual when I’m on long rides like Capitol to Capitol or on multi-day bike tours.

Compression Socks

Did you know that compression socks are great for muscle recovery? As soon as I get off the bike and take a shower – I put on my compression socks and wear them the read of the day. Before I go to bed I take them off. The improvement in blood flow, facilitated by compression wear, has been linked with legs that feel of more comfortable, light, and energized. When you’re suffering from sore legs from exercise (particularly delayed onset muscle soreness), compression socks may also massage and soothe the muscles, further helping relieve pain and discomfort.

I of course love the Vim & Vigr brand. They have socks, sleeves, and toeless socks (that you can wear with flipflops!)

Recovery Sandals

Recovery shoes are a new type of shoe that you never probably even knew that you needed. The world of marketing will tell you that if you are working out for long periods, then recovery shoes will help you be less sore and ready to go the next day. I’m not convinced that this is more than a marketing message – but I do like putting on comfy shoes after my ride!

I love my Ofooz slides and bring them on every biking and hiking trip!

Massage Gun – Small Travel Size

Since I can’t travel with a masseuse, bringing a travel size massage gun is a perfect solution! Five minutes on tired legs before bed has saved me more than once following day

Yoga Mat

Stretching is necessary for long multi-day rides or adventures. But no one wants to lay on that gross hotel room carpet doing sleeping pigeon! For stretching in a hotel room I take a yoga mat with me. It’s a lifesaver and your muscles will thank you!

Camera Gear I Use to Video My Cycling

The Capitol to Capitol project isn’t just a ride, it’s a docu-series, so a piece of my packing list has nothing to do with cycling at all — it’s about capturing it. This is probably the question that I get the most – “How are you recording all of this footage while you are biking?!”

The answer is…it’s not easy, however I have found a system that works really well for me. Sadly it’s a system I’ve cobbled together that works, no brand really makes a good solution for carrying a video camera on a bike that you can take on and off while riding to get footage.

Here’s what I’ve come up with!

Insta360 Video Camera

I absolutely love this camera – it’s perfect for capturing your ride when you are cycling alone. Since it’s taking video in 360, you don’t have to worry about framing. The camera doesn’t need to be perfectly aimed while you’re riding — you can just mount it and select the right frame later in the editing software. For a solo rider (or anyone shooting one-handed on a moving bike), that’s the single biggest win — no more guessing whether your GoPro caught the shot you wanted.

The fact that it automatically erases the selfie stick or the mounting clamp in my case makes it look as if a drone is following me. Plus the footage can be easily edited quickly on my phone or my laptop. I’ll never go back to a gopro again!

Wireless Mics

One of the hardest things about capturing video on a bike is the wind noise. I use a wireless mic that I can easily turn on and off and integrates with my Insta360. I’ve used two different kinds – a RODE Wireless Go Mic and receiver as well as an Insta360 wireless mic. Both work well – and the technology for wireless mics are constantly changing – so this is one where it’s always good to stay on top of the latest technology.

GoPro Clamp and Gooseneck

This is the key to getting good footage on my own. The clamp is secure on my handlebars – however I am able to take it off my handlesbars with one hand while I’m riding. Then I can hold it out and get great b-roll footage of my feet pedaling, or a closeup of the wheel turning on the asphalt. And then I can clamp it back to the handlebars.

The gooseneck allows you to easily turn the camera around or manipulate it close to the wheel, handlebars, etc. And the Insta360 camera erases the gooseneck!

TESSAN Adapter and Charger

With all of this equipment, you need a powerful charger to recharge all of the batteries each night! This TESSAN adapter/charger is a life saver mainly because it can charge multiple things at once – and quickly.  This is one powerful charger!

None of this is essential if you’re just riding your own route for yourself. But if you want a record of the trip — not just the memory of it — this is the gear that makes that possible.

Safety on the Road

This is the section I take most seriously, because riding solo — especially on the highways and backroads of my Capitol to Capitol routes — is the part that scares me more than the mileage ever has. Drivers are distracted, they always in a hurry, and many of them really dislike you because you are holding them up or making them get over. Every time I get on the bike, I accept the fact that I might get in a serious accident. But there are some steps I can take to help reduce that probability.

Front and Rear Lights

You should have bike lights on your bike for every ride, not just the ones that feel risky. They should blink in a somewhat random pattern as this is what catches driver’s attention. Typically you use a red blinking light on the back and a white blinking light on the front. These aren’t lights for you to be able to see, they are for people to see you!

Air Horn

This is one of the things I have found is useful for scaring off dogs who are running after me on the bike. My mini air horn attaches to my handlebars and is very easy to grab when dogs seem to come out of nowhere.

Pepper Spray

Another canister I attach to my handlebars for safety is a small pepper spray bottle. It’s sort of my last resort if a dog attacks me while riding.

Rear Radar and Light

This has been the single upgrade that changed how confident I feel riding on roads. This incredible little machine communicates with my bike computer and shows me (and warns me with a sound) on my computer when a vehicle is coming behind me. It also identifies how fast it is coming by the color of the dot on the screen (red or orange). And it gives me an indication of when it’s all clear too.  It doesn’t replace paying attention, but knowing a truck is coming before I hear it lets me relax into the ride instead of white-knuckling every shoulder

Small Mirror

I always know what’s behind me.  Once my radar goes off, I use my mirror to watch that the car behind me gets over and gives me space.  

Reflective or High-Visibility Elements

Every little bit helps.  I have hi-vis cycling socks, a little vest, and sometimes kit. Anything you can do to be seen is the goal!

A Bike Computer

I always know my location and how far I have left.  It also has automated accident detection.  If it detects that I’ve been in an accident I automatically texts 3 of my contacts that I have identified and give them my location.  

None of this is about eliminating fear. It’s about being prepared enough that the fear doesn’t overtake me.

The best bike tour packing list was never the one with the most stuff on it. It’s the one that matches the ride you’re actually taking — and gets you out the door to go take it. For help figuring out which kind of tour is right for you in the first place, start here.