To be safe and comfortable when riding on a bike path or a trail for recreation/fitness you will need gear with you. There are a lot of bag options when it comes to carrying gear for this type of simple day riding.
Supporting you and your family to SMILE when you ride.
How much gear should I carry?
The requirements for gear when riding on bike paths and trails rides is fairly straight forward. You don’t want or need to be loaded down with too much stuff. We think a combination of small bags or one mid to large size bag will be fine. It is however better to be prepared than caught short. If your day ride is with a tour company and you are thinking about hiring bikes from them you will also be able to hire bags. Find out what is available as every company will have slightly different options.
Water and tools should go with you every time you ride. How much and whether you need extra things depends on…
- season/weather
- how far you are going
- how isolated it is
- facilities along the way (access to water, places to buy food)
Will you need quick and easy access to some things like water, a jacket or top, your tools and first aid, snacks or lunch? What type of carrying system you choose needs to take this type of thing into account. What is easier for you?
We have written Gear Lists for specific types of riding to help with what and how much you should take. If your day ride is part of a supported tour, the tour company will have most things covered you just need your personnel gear… Gear List for Bike Path, Trail, Supported Day Riding
Carrying Gear on Your Body
Back Packs/Hydration Packs:
For relaxed day riding under 2-3 hours we recommend keeping your bag option small. Choose 10L or under and you will be able to carry water along with a few extra items. If your riding is further or you are anticipating bad weather and this is your only carrying option, the bag should be bigger, 14L, giving you all the space you need. You should not need anything heavy for day rides.
Why we like Back Packs… they give you options and, the bigger the bag, the more flexibility you will have to take more gear as the need arises. You can easily add a tool roll, first aid, extra clothing/jackets.
Hip Packs:
A popular option for those not wanting anything on their back and great for warm weather riding as a back pack will make you sweat a lot. Hip packs can hold a water bottle, sometimes 2 or a small hydration bladder, 1.5L. Depending on the size of the bag (3L to 1L options) there will be multiple small pockets with secure closures but your gear carrying potential is minimal. Keeping weight fairly light and in a great spot at the back of your hips.
Why we like Hip Packs… forces you to keep your gear simple, it’s all there in a small, easily accessed, well designed bag and it’s positioned really well keeping you very balanced on the bike. This type of pack is a great choice for short to mid distance day riding.
Carrying Gear on Your Bike
What you can choose in this section may be limited by the type of bike you are riding and the size or shape of the frame. Remember whatever is attached to your bike can be removed by a thief so if you are leaving your bike unattended you will need to lock it or take it with you.
Handlebar Bags:
Different style options and sizes to match what you think you need to carry in it. You can also choose waterproof if you ever think you may get caught in the rain which can be a good idea if this is where you plan to carry any valuable items like your phone or a camera. They are a good option for quick access and can be removed from your handlebars if you don’t want the bag every time you ride. Some come with a clear top pouch for a map or to place your phone with a map showing on it.
Why we like Handlebar Bags… the size is a great match to simple day trips and it keeps your extra gear to a minimum.
Panniers:
Panniers attach to rear carriers on one or both sides of your rear wheel. They provide a large capacity for carrying. Keeping weight off your body is always a positive thing and for simple bike path and trail riding they will not be overloaded. Distribute what ever you pack evenly so you stay well balanced. There will be no need for any other type of bag but if this is where your water is carried you will need to stop regularly to access it. Panniers will make your bike wider and heavier in the rear.
Why we like panniers… panniers are a great investment to expand your riding. They give you options and for bike path/trail riding let you take more along for the day – you could take a full picnic lunch with you including the blanket to sit on!
Small Bag Options
These small bag options can be used in combination with each other, or a mid to large capacity bag. By themselves they are best for quick, local rides where you only need the basics in terms of tools and water.
Top Tube Bags
Our favourite small bag option, top tube bags allow you to take the essentials, some tools and some snacks, depending on the size you choose. Placed right in front of you with the added feature of cell phone display in the larger sizes. This is great for map display if you’re not familiar with the trail you are riding.
Saddle Bags
Great for quick easy access and popular place to carry your tools but where will your pump go or any other gear? A tour size (larger) option will fit a bit more in… snack bar, phone. Alone it is really just an option for short rides or in places that help is easily found. For any other riding it should be used with another gear carrying solution.
Cages, Water Bottles & Dry Bags
Water bottle cages will carry a drink bottle or a tool bottle. You need to understand what size drink bottle will fit within your frame shape to determine if you will have enough water for the ride you are about to take on.
Larger flat cages take small dry bags and can be attached to different parts of your frame or front forks. They are often called Cargo Cages. Access to the dry bags is not quick but as the name suggests it will keep whatever is in it dry! The size of these bags will comfortably hold all you would need on a day ride.
Medium size Top Tube Bag
Large Saddle Bag
Cage & water bottle
Cargo Cage & Dry Bag
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