To be safe and comfortable when riding over multiple days you will need gear with you. There are a lot of options that include attaching bags to your frame, towing gear trailers and wearing backpacks…
Supporting you and your family to SMILE when you ride.
How much gear should I carry?
When you choose to ride away from support services you need to be self reliant and independent when managing yourself and your bike. All the gear you take should have been tested out on practice rides before you go. Don’t take anything you don’t know how to use or won’t need, space and weight is really critical for you to enjoy your adventure.  All potential weather conditions need to be covered. You need to be hydrated and fuelled for the complete length of the ride.
Total Amount of Gear Depends On:
- season/weather
- number of days to complete your ride
- how isolated it is
- accomodation options/facilities along the way
- number of people in your group
You will need quick and easy access to some things like water, a jacket, your tools and first aid, food for that section of the ride. Coordinate with the group so you don’t double up on things – for example will one pump, one first aid kit be enough for the whole group? You will also need the ability to keep all your gear dry.  So where you can choose waterproof bags or put the gear that needs to remain dry inside waterproof dry bags then into your bag. We have written Gear Lists for specific types of riding to help with what and how much you should take.
Carrying Gear on Your Body
Back Packs/Hydration Packs:
For multi day riding, each day can bring different distances or time on the bike. We recommend keeping your bag option to the medium size, somewhere from 12 to 20L. You will be able to carry water – a large 3L bladder – along with important extra items that you want quick access to. This could include a waterproof jacket, your snacks and lunch, extra clothing for warmth. Anything you want to keep dry needs to go in a dry bag or the bag needs to be waterproof.
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 up their back and great for warm weather riding as a back pack will make you sweat. Hip packs can hold a water bottle, sometimes 2 or a small hydration bladder, 1.5L. Choosing a large size hip bag will increase your gear carrying potential. You can decide whether the focus is water or gear and get a hip bag that matches. If you need to, how will you keep the gear in your bag dry?
Why we like Hip Packs… it’s all there in a small, easily accessed, well designed bag. The position this bag sits in is great for distance and time on a bike. Carrying weight across the top of your hips is comfortable and will keep you very balanced on the bike.
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 or get a rain cover. Great place to carry any valuable items like your phone, wallet or a camera. They are a good option for quick access and 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 your essentials, keeping them easily accessible.
Panniers:
Panniers attach to rear carriers on one or both sides of your rear wheel. They provide a large capacity for carrying and can be made from waterproof fabric with welded seams. Keeping weight off your body is always a positive thing and for multiple day rides this can keep your body much more comfortable. Distribute what ever you pack evenly so you stay well balanced. Panniers don’t suit all types of multi day rides, they make your bike wide & heavy so are much more popular for on road or wide trail riding.
Why we like panniers… Â they give you options and for multi day riding could be all you need in terms of bags.
Frame Bags:
There are different sizes to match to your frame shape so you can get one that fills all the space. You should also choose waterproof if you can, the closer to ground position tends to get a bit dirty in anything but perfect dry weather. They are a good option for quick access to the stuff on the top so think about this when packing.
Why we like Frame Bags… the position is great for loading gear, it is low and will keep you balanced.
Handlebar Dry Bags:
The larger dry bag options can be more difficult to access once done up and strapped into place. So if this is an issue choose one that has a side opening. Good for clothing and great sleeping bag option – things that you want to keep dry but are lightweight, you don’t want weight here as it will effect your ability to steer.
Why we like Handlebar Dry Bags… they keep your stuff dry! Perfect size for a sleeping bag.
Top Tube Bags:
A really convenient and easy to access place for your essentials. They come in a range of sizes so you can find the perfect solution to what you want to have available. Great option for screen display of maps on your phone.
Why we like Top Tube Bags… they keep your keys, wallet, phone, and tools or snacks in a safe well organised place. Easy to attach, easy to access.
The challenges… Small and lightweight gear only. You will need a top tube (which most bikes have but just watch out if your top tube is really wide or doesn’t split off from your down tube where you would attach the bag).
Towing Gear Behind Your Bike
Gear Trailer
Great if the track is relatively smooth and easy going, can take a lot of gear. Not compatible with rear suspension mountain bikes. Adds a lot of weight to your riding so you need to be fit and strong, great if you have an E-Bike.
Why we like Gear Trailers… perfect option for families or if you have slower riders in your group. Taking some of their load or all of it helps them to keep up with the pace. Trailers are awesome for long term tour riding that doesn’t involve rugged off road single tracks.
Kids Bike Trailer
Great if the track is relatively smooth and easy going. Obviously a great way to take your child with you but usually these off road bike trailers have good gear carrying capability as well. Obviously there will be lots of space if you have a double trailer but only one child. Adds a lot of weight to your riding so you need to be fit and strong, great if you have an E-Bike.
Why we like Kids Bike Trailers… best solution for taking young kids and their gear with you.Â
Small Bag Options
Water bottle cages will carry a drink bottle or a tool bottle.  Some frames have multiple places to mount a cage meaning you can have two with two water bottles. You need to understand what size drink bottle will fit within your frame shape to determine if you will have enough water before you get to your next water supply.
Larger flat cages take small dry bags and can be attached to different parts of your frame or front forks. The 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 some of your extra gear for use when you get to your destination.
Lightweight carriers & dry bags are a great combination. These carriers or racks can be attached to the front or back of your bike and are compatible with full suspension mountain bikes. With these types of bikes it is a popular choice to use two, one on the front, one on the back. Â
Saddle Bags come in various sizes. A 1L tour size tool bag is great for adding extra tools and some food. There are even bigger options 10-15L that are gear bags, if waterproof they are essentially dry bags designed to attach to your bike from your seat post & under your saddle.
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