Pinkbike Poll: What Supplies Do You Bring With You on a Ride?

Mar 12, 2018 at 0:36
by Mike Levy  
We're supposed to be a self-sufficient, hardy bunch who are prepared for anything that might arise while we ply our craft out in the forest. Flat tire? No problem. Broken doohicky? I've got a zip-tie for that. Attacked by a bear? Kill it with your Leatherman and use its hide to make yourself an endur-bro butt bag. At least, I think that's how a lot of us see ourselves. But I've noticed myself trending the opposite direction lately... ''Oh, I'm only going out for five hours, so I probably don't need an extra tube,'' which is a surefire way to find yourself doing the walk of shame home in the dead of night. It's like I'm playing a game with myself sometimes to see just how little I can get away with carrying, and I'm getting closer and closer to turning into RC's much-maligned parasite.

I wasn't always an idiot, though. There was a time when I didn't leave for a ride without my massive, army-themed CamelBak that was home to everything from spare shift cables and a derailleur hanger, to a roll of Gorilla Tape, a box of Pop-Tarts, and a few cans of Coke. Diet, of course. I probably went overboard back then, surely because I didn't want to be 'that guy' who needed to beg and borrow his way off the mountain.


High Above Lookout pack


All this came flooding back to me a few nights ago when I was talking about how I carry my essentials with me during a ride, which is now an approach that only involves a small seat bag and, if I'm really getting out there, some bits and bobs tucked into the pockets on the back of my bib shorts. No backpack, no asspack, and usually nothing in the pockets of my shorts, either. Mind you, my pump and multi-tool have a home on my bike, as does at least one large-sized bottle, and my ratty ol' seat bag is responsible for a tube, tire lever, tire boot, spare valve, and a few links of 11 or 12-speed chain. Maybe I'm not as unprepared as I thought I was?

What do you carry with you when you head out for a ride? Are you a light packer, or are you ready to kill and skin that bear?


What sort of supplies do you bring with you on your rides? Check all that apply.



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305 Comments

  • 423 25
 weed always
  • 108 22
 Beer always
  • 161 9
 COCAINEEEEE HOW ELSE ARE WE GETTING THEM KOMS
  • 41 3
 @Mieszko42: The beers are waiting in the cooler back at the car Wink
  • 27 3
 @adrennan: DEPENDS ON YOUR LINE CHOICES. MOAR STRAIGHT LINES, MOAR KOMS
  • 214 8
 My supplies: Two bags of grass, seventy-five pellets of mescaline, five sheets of high powered blotter acid, a salt shaker half full of cocaine, and a whole galaxy of multi-colored uppers, downers, screamers, laughers... and also a quart of tequila, a quart of rum, a case of Budweiser, a pint of raw ether and two dozen amyls.
Not that we needed all that for the trip, but once you get locked into a serious drug collection, the tendency is to push it as far as you can. And thats just the front pouch.
  • 13 23
flag bblaney372 (Mar 16, 2018 at 13:13) (Below Threshold)
 @Mieszko42: who the f*ck is downvoting this??
  • 49 7
 @bblaney372: vegans
  • 1 4
 Phethammetamine
  • 11 10
 @Boardlife69: American Budweiser or original?
  • 65 103
flag WAKIdesigns (Mar 16, 2018 at 13:44) (Below Threshold)
 @makripper: bringing beer for a ride? Who in their right mind takes a beer for a ride? Why would you do that? Shake the sht out of it only to make it explode in your face while left overs will taste like warm piss. I give you an advice, go for a beer in town after the ride is over... you may eat something with it as well. You may not seem as cool to some Joeys but trust me, you'll have a better ride and better beer.
  • 30 3
 @WAKIdesigns: who does? Me! Don’t worry about me Waki, on a familiar trail, it’s before during and after. Nothing wrong with a partially shaken beer. When you ride at night in the spring and fall and winter, it usually stays pretty cold.
  • 25 2
 @Mieszko42: @WAKIdesigns

Let you guys in on a secret... Liquor!
  • 9 10
 @XCMark: mhy man!
  • 14 55
flag makripper (Mar 16, 2018 at 14:14) (Below Threshold)
 @WAKIdesigns: beer is for queers. Hard stuff only. Give me some of that fentanyl before sending it on the Whistler valley trails
  • 20 11
 @makripper: I can see how this conversation can go places... ostrich sodomy and donkey fisting included.
  • 1 3
 @XCMark: Word!
  • 10 2
 Wheres the box for “40oz of Old English” Always malt liquor before the kicker!
  • 5 1
 @Boardlife69: Fear and Loathing on the trail. I like it.
  • 14 0
 @Boardlife69: You must be riding in bat country!
  • 9 4
 @WAKIdesigns: we don't want to hear about your other hobbies. This site is for biking.
  • 31 2
 @Boardlife69: Fear and Loaming?
  • 8 1
 Deez NUTZ..brah!
  • 5 0
 @Mieszko42: Pretty sure beer is vegan.
  • 3 1
 @ashlemon: most, but not Guinness apparently. Filtered through fish something or other.
  • 2 1
 @WAKIdesigns: how did u know my wekend plans?
  • 3 0
 @alexhyland: sulphites. Like Aussie wine. Same thing. May contain fish
  • 6 0
 This turned into a DrunkCyclist post real quick.
  • 6 0
 @Boardlife69: "we were somewhere near the single track when the ether began to take hold."
  • 9 0
 And a lighter. Stopping at the mid way viewpoint for a toke turns depressing very quick without fire.
  • 2 0
 @Dethphist: keep 4 in my back pack, with one in every pocket
  • 1 0
 @adrennan: uh-hum, I think you mean a packet of sugar
  • 2 0
 @makripper: I upvoted just so you know
  • 2 0
 @gclarida: appreciated. It's at -15 now so there's 14 butt hurt kids out there sulking as we speak
  • 9 4
 @Dethphist: sick bicycles make their own lighter. If someone made a lighter integrated in the stem cap, activated with a bar mounted lever, I’d take cigars on the ride. People would have nothing on me, enve, Di2, Tune, Unno, whatever, I laugh at your bling bling while I just light my cigar with my Enduro Zippo
  • 14 0
 @Boardlife69: is the bud to wash your bike off afterwards?
  • 1 0
 @bblaney372: haters!
  • 3 0
 @David84: Who are all you goddamn animals?
  • 3 1
 @Mieszko42: f*ck RIGHT OFF I'D NEVER DOWNVOTE BEER
  • 1 0
 keeping a “just right” balance between thc and cbd
  • 3 0
 @WAKIdesigns: in response to, also to point out a large hole in the available choices of the poll...

I take my bike, a shovel, a rogue hoe and or some combo of the three including a rake, beer, food, dog.
  • 2 1
 @rarrity: do you also sprinkle chamois of your tights with cayenne peppar?
  • 3 0
 420 4 life
  • 3 0
 The one thing most of us agree on.
  • 4 0
 @Flowcheckers: Just like earth's curvature...
  • 1 0
 @Boardlife69: Do you even trip balls, bro?
  • 1 0
 @SacAssassin: 'Olde'
  • 1 0
 Thank you
  • 2 0
 @Mieszko42: I’m pretty much a vegan and I got hops growing up the side of my house, wort boiling in the kettle, and brew in the bottles. I spend more on mountain bikes than I do on cars. What you got against guys like me?
  • 7 1
 @fattyheadshok: How do you know if someone is a vegan?

Don't worry, they'll tell you.
  • 2 1
 @Dethphist: hahahahaaa truth
@fattyheadshok you’re ok in my books... I’ve met vegans that’ll insult my beers for their veganist views... they deserve no mercy
  • 4 1
 @Dethphist: if you meet a vegan who is also a crossfitter, which thing will he tell you about first? Nah kidding. I don’t know how could anyone not appreciate veganism. The more of these folks the better. Also I think most vegan jokes are like jokes about dentists when it comes to expensive carbon bijes. There are reasons to understand and love each other guys. I want to love your girlfriend too
  • 1 0
 @adrennan: I thought e-bikes were made for those uphill KOMs.. especially on wide, non-technical fire roads !
  • 2 3
 @Dethphist: How do you know someone eats meat? -- They'll make *that* joke.

How many meat eaters do you need to switch out a light bulb? -- None, they'd rather stay in the dark about things.

How many Vegans does it take to switch out a light bulb? --
I don't know, but where do you get your protein!?

"I'm at the top of the food chain!" -- Buys bacon at the supermarket.



I could go on but I have an animal rights march coming up!
  • 4 0
 @scary1: I never bring my balls which is why I always do the ride around
  • 1 0
 @Boardlife69: Don't forget the fear and loathing.
  • 1 0
 @Boardlife69: Watch out for the BATS!
  • 1 0
 @WAKIdesigns: A non denominational amen to that. I'm not a vegan, but I know I should be. So I just have to be at home with my hypocrisy.

A life without milk would be no life at all.
  • 1 0
 @Dethphist:

....same with straight-edge.
  • 1 0
 @alexhyland: I have honstly, actually, really met two evangelical vegans so far. And only one was looking forward to running inquisition and meat eaters holocaust in the future. The rest is cool. I did meet some paleos too and they are weirder. While vegans seem high on estrogen and low on testosterone, mostly come as girls, the paleos are weirdest I have seen of all dietary sects. Both groups are just low on carbs, their stomachs are either occupied processing kilos of vegetables or protein. I get veganism, I’ll never get paleo. That’s fricking insane.
  • 1 0
 @robdpzero: yes man
  • 1 0
 @WAKIdesigns: Sorry to tell you but I don't think you know what vegan means if you think they are a dietary section. You're talking about plant based eating which is mostly a choice for health.

This is the definition most people go by: www.vegansociety.com/go-vegan/definition-veganism.

I have no idea wher you came up with that carb thing. Most vegans I've seen live on carbs that's why they're skinny. Starchy food, vegetables and fruits are high in volume low in calories.
Btw I've estimated my macro split before it's fairly normal at C55F25P20.
  • 3 0
 @colincolin: thank you for educating me but it’s a bummer that you are proving the point of people making vegan jokes... what you describe is a dietary choice. I eat this to achieve that: diet.
  • 1 0
 @colincolin: it is extremely easy to eat fats. It is hard not to eat them. Quite a big portion of sweets contain as much or more fat than sugars, like ice cream and snack bars. Once you cut off sugars you are going to have a hard time eating more carbs than fats. When I am having my vegan days I am full as fk from amount of food I am eating, yet caloric uptake is low if I try to keep fats low.

And by the way every single diet claims their are the healthiest, paleo included. The only value I see you n veganism and that is a huge one is the environmental aspect.
  • 1 0
 @WAKIdesigns: People make these jokes because their habits get questioned and they try to ridicule it. Nobody in the world likes his way of doing things to be questioned. Trust me Ive been there and I got angry for being denounced.
  • 1 0
 @colincolin: i appreciate humour. It’s a way for me to distance myself from things, and come up with more humour.
  • 103 2
 If I can't fix it with a multitool and some ducttape, that's natures way of telling me it's time for a beer.
  • 70 3
 sometimes that mechanical can mean walking 6 miles to your beer versus riding 6 miles to your beer.
  • 16 2
 @adrennan: Good way to put it.
  • 15 1
 @mikelevy: I don't carry much, but one thing missing on that list is a chain link/quick link. Usually easier than trying to piece a chain back together.
  • 93 0
 Yup, around here getting home is mostly coasting downhill. There was one time my free hub exploded though. I was 9km from home when it went. It would not pedal, but I could coast? I took the pedals off, slammed the saddle, and stridered my Warden home. Pretty flat, extremely hard work, and a whole new respect for the 3 year old next door.
  • 8 0
 @batts65: Dang it. Added Smile
  • 4 0
 @adrennan: 6 miles I would be ok with, but being stopped by a mechanical 25 miles into my 50 mile weekend loop, that would be a real bugger. However there is a pub at about mile 27, so maybe not so bad.
  • 1 0
 @Legbacon: Strider level effort = Pro! Kudos sir! Big Grin
  • 3 0
 @adrennan: not if you bring a beer
  • 5 0
 @mikelevy: you need to split the cash and cell phone. Depends on the ride for cash but almost never on a phone.
  • 1 0
 @batts65: Yeah quick link secured to a shift/brake cable somewhere out of the way with a micro zip tie that you could just twist off if your in need. That's how I roll at least... don't ever notice it until you need it.
  • 1 0
 @batts65: A bit of bent wire/spoke to hold the chain is also invaluable for me, plus some string or cable to pull the quick links off
  • 1 0
 @danfromme: With 1x drivetrains you can just lift the chain off the outside of the chainring and then there'll be plenty of slack in it, though a chain holder is a GREAT workshop tool
  • 2 1
 @batts65: it's on the list... quick link. I carry eight, ten and eleven speed links
  • 3 0
 @oneplanka: no 9 spd?
  • 4 0
 @Legbacon: I once broke my freehub and the springs inside hot stuck so it was always engaged. Had always to pedal otherwise the chain tension would have ripped off the deraileur, even on the downhills when breaking I had to pedal like a mad man. Longest 25km back home ever
  • 2 0
 @SleepingAwake: FixieSmile
  • 2 0
 @weebleswobbles: the eight will work on the ninespeed chain.. don't carry 12 though
  • 3 0
 @oneplanka: that's the missing link!
  • 1 0
 @dglass: nah, chuck your quick link under the stem cap, you'll need to put one half on each side of the screw, and might need to hammer the star nut in a little further. Add some rag so it doesn't rattle.
It's the poor man's EDC
  • 1 0
 @andrew9: Meh. It's not in dnager where it is now, and I'd rather not need a tool to get to it. I like that idea though! Now I'll have to look for something to put in there...
  • 50 0
 Crushing despair and anxiety. never leave the house without it.
  • 21 0
 Nice. I carry a bit of crippling depression, and nostalgic regret too just incase.
  • 39 6
 Fuckin weed man!!!
  • 10 0
 Us Canucks and our kush...
  • 6 0
 Us rednecks will burn some dry ass outdoor with no conviction
  • 1 0
 @NebulousNate: Maybe in the south, but the northwest has the world's best. Are you guys still getting the Mexican stuff with the seeds in it? I lived down there for a couple years and that's allI saw.
  • 1 1
 @Flowcheckers: maybe the Mexicans were trying help others be entrepreneurs? You know, give a man a fish he'll eat for a day, teach him how to fish...
  • 31 0
 Nothing more than a water bottle, if something happens (rarely), I walk back down crying.
  • 32 0
 I ride naked.
  • 17 1
 What a dick Wink
  • 9 0
 barefoot or what?
  • 9 0
 @b1rdie: ya you wouldnt believe the grip and feeling of connection when your grub screw impale your bare soles. Flesh > Five ten stealth rubber
  • 25 0
 Bowling Ball Grand Piano Blow up Sheep and a dozen eggs usually sees me right
  • 4 0
 Don’t forget the spare kickstand!
  • 19 0
 It always amazes me how that even though I only carry the basics and some of my riding buddies carry a whole workshop, whenever something breaks on any of our bikes I'm the only one who has the correct part or tool to get us rolling again!!
  • 15 0
 No light source option? Yeah, I get that most folks could just use their cell phone but a compact headlamp is far superior. I go on a lot of evening rides during the week and always keep a Petzl eLite in either my High Above pack or my full on Camelbak.
  • 3 0
 Yeah, I've got a little blinky headlight and taillight and some spare AAAs in my High Above all the time. The headlight wouldn't get you down the trail at any kind of "fun" speed, but it's still better than getting hit by a car between there and home.
  • 8 1
 Yeah a light source is overlooked. And an emergency blanket, a mylar space blanket can take up nearly no space in a pack but could come in handy if s*** hit the fan
  • 18 0
 Just realised I'm riding round with co2, pump and tyre levers but no tube or repair kit.......
  • 2 0
 You're not the only one carrying stuff needlessly; I found out the hard way today that the cash I had in my camelback was no longer in circulation.
I guess I need to clear through my bag more frequently!
  • 4 0
 @gibbon-on-an-orange:

Shillings?
  • 1 0
 @Linkpin: Might as well have been. It was a load of the old pound coins.
  • 1 0
 @gibbon-on-an-orange:

That is hilarious. How long has it been out of circulation?
  • 2 0
 @BlackVR: October. Clearly I need to factor more rides past a pub in order to improve the coin cycle time.
  • 1 0
 @gibbon-on-an-orange: terrible cash value to weight ratio on coins! Although the old £5 and £10 notes would have had the same effect
  • 14 1
 Most spares are really not all that heavy or bulky so its not that hard. I ride a lot of backcountry, and have a lot of little things that weigh nothing like chainring bolts, spare pedal cleat and screws, valve stem, shift cable, and of course a derailleur hangar. Always extra bars even when I'm bringing a whole lunch.

I'm also not a fan of larding the bike down with lots of junk - I know the arguments but prefer to keep it as sprung not un-sprung weight even if its higher cog. Also we carry and lift our bikes a lot in the back country and that's no fun with a heavy bike.

I totally get wanting to ride light if you are "local" or only out for 3 hours, but always amazed by these people who say they go out on 5 hour rides with no pack at all. I couldn't stuff enough food in a jersy for 5 hours, much less water and a jacket.

Even in the hot summer I bring a wool hat and windbreaker I don't care how hot it is in the parking lot if you get stuck in the mountains at night you've got problems. Plus, I'm old, and get cold easily ha ha.
  • 5 0
 Carrying things on your bike doesn't add to the unsprung mass. Only if your fixing it to your wheels, lowers or rear triangle, which would be fairly impressive...
  • 5 1
 @mikeyax: I am using the term loosely - there is the sprung/unsprung mass of the bike, but I am referring to my body and gear as "sprung" weight because your legs and arms are also very much a type of suspension.Another way of putting it is keeping the weight off the bike makes it more nimble and playful, even if that weight is still on your body, and even if that weight is now higher up.
  • 6 0
 Having come extremely close to needing to spending the night in the mountains on a couple occasions, I also carry some survival items on rides that take me significantly away from the car (jacket, hat, extra food/water or purifier, 4oz Mylar emergency bivy, disposable lighter, small knife/whistle combo, headlamp and small first aid kit). One time was due to a crash resulting in the need to walk out several miles and another was due to taking a wrong turn and having to do substantial backtracking to resume the correct route. On both rides I arrived back to the car just prior to complete darkness. Now I also do my best to budget plenty of extra time. Better to play it safe than spend a dangerously cold night in the woods.
  • 12 1
 I'm lucky enough to live in a town where I can ride miles and miles of great singletrack without ever being more than a mile or two from my door and I'm obsessive about repair and maintenance, so often all I take is weed, a lighter, a bottle of water, and a pump.
  • 2 0
 Same here. My regular trails crisscross frequently used roads and bridleways too so there's always an easy escape route to civilisation/home if you get too big a mechanical that you cant bodge trailside.
The worst I had was a seized freehub at the halfway point of a loop, but there's a main road right through the middle so I was able to cruise back along the level ground to the car.
  • 12 0
 Officially jealous of anyone who doesn't need a car to get to singletrack.
  • 2 6
flag aljoburr Plus (Mar 16, 2018 at 19:39) (Below Threshold)
 @Adamrideshisbike: Could you get there on a e bike?
  • 1 0
 ..
  • 14 1
 Full set of cone wrenches, a truing stand, set of Allen keys, a compressor, you know because enduro.
  • 10 1
 Quickclot, or an actual hemostat. Quickclot is a chemical hemostat for "you're going to bleed out" situations. Arterial bleeding. The stuff will cause permanent tissue damage, but will stop full on arterial bleeding. They make a sports version, and a "I just chainsawed off my leg" size. Another option is a small micro hemostat (metal clamping pliers).

Quickclot is just another piece of personal protective equipment. I carry it every time, center jersey pocket. Helmet, knee pads, gloves, Quickclot.
  • 2 0
 That's a a great idea, i'm going to add this to my kit.
  • 2 0
 A pack of Quickclot and a pair of rubber gloves are pretty much my first aid kit. If you're not going to bleed out you can suck it up and keep going IMO.
  • 4 0
 We have that stuff in our chainsaw first aid kits. Just in case we fancy trying to hack out limbs off.
  • 10 2
 One beer in my pack, the rest in the cooler or fridge back home. If I'll be riding where I might run into meth-head territory, a gun. I've ridden up on a meth lab before with some hostile looking fellows and a half dozen super angry pit bulls. Luckily that time, I was on my motorized two-wheeler, not the self-propelled one.
  • 6 0
 Sounds like Bull Mtn GA or Dawsonville trails.
  • 7 0
 "bears are scary yes, but crackheads... let me just say there is no crackhead spray"
  • 1 0
 Dude, where the hell do you ride? Meth labs and killer pit bulls? Wtf? I do a lot of my riding on trails that are actually within the city limits of Philadelphia. I’ve never run across anything like what you’re describing. Never remotely felt the need to carry a weapon while out riding. Come ride “The Wiss” sometime. Good trails and pretty chill people you run into for the most part. IPA on tap at the Valley Green Inn.
  • 1 0
 @fattyheadshok: Lol this was southern Missouri. We have some property that borders the Mark Twain National Forest, so there's plenty of weird stuff to run across out there. I haven't seen anything like that in years, and most of the time the locals are alright. If I ever make it out to Philly, hopefully I'll have my bike with me! We've got Charleville Brewery that's at the end of a good gravel road climb, perfect way to end a big ride.
  • 8 0
 I don't carry bear spray although i should, being in the Alberta rockies. But i do always make sure i'm not the slowest one in the group
  • 11 1
 Kinda surprised to not see some form of toilet paper...
  • 3 0
 TP! needing it once is enough to get it in your pack in saran wrap or ziplock
  • 1 0
 Hell yeah
  • 5 0
 This question has a different answer depending on the ride: am I racing? At I going for a ride where I’m pretty close to home or the trailhead the whole time (2 hour walk max?) or am I gonna be 60km and 2000m of vert from the car at the midpoint of the ride?
  • 10 2
 I did not see beer. So add that. Please and thank you
  • 4 0
 Amateur tip: strong tape around your pump. One weekend we went for a marathon. First day we spent riding in the area, next day was the race. One guy came along for the first time and I adviced him to wrap duct tape around his pump, just in case. So he did. During the race I crashed and broke the clamp of the front brake. If used the tape I had to tape it back on. The I overtook the other guy and used his tape too. This allowed me to finish the event, pretty happy. Would have been a shame to cut that ride short.
  • 5 0
 Heeelll yeah. Learned this from my dad, who always had a little bit of duct tape wrapped around each of his ski poles. The ultimate bailout gear. Tire boot, zip tie, splint closure, spare bolt and frame protector all in one.
  • 4 0
 I'm kind of torn. On one hand I've been riding long enough that habits formed when gear wasn't so reliable are ingrained hard.

Now I have one kit for average rides: varying quantities of water and science food, tube, pump, tool, tire levers, 1 triangle bandage and my phone/keys.
I also have other stuff that I add in for special occasions: more clothes, first aid kit w/ SAM splint, a small flashlight, folding tree saw, a second tube, real food, etc.

Flat tire aside I haven't done a trailside repair in years. It's been a really long time. Between 1995 and 2005 I probably did a major mechanical trailside repair on every ride. Gear might be expensive now but it's super reliable.
  • 5 0
 Tourniquet and QuikClot dressing... Not really standard fare for a first aid kit but it's a literal life saver if you need it. Worth mentioning since "emergency medical supplies" is a little vague. Wink
  • 2 0
 i just took the backcountry lifeline class and they brought this up as well as reminding me of the cedric gracia video. that video is a nice reminder of first aid supplies.
  • 1 0
 @adrennan:
I also carry Quikclot in my 1st aid pack since a doing backcountry/mountain medical course. I also know some medical staff who actually dislike the use of Quikclot as it is often used in situations where simple pressure would have been the correct measure, causing the actual treatment at the hospital to become problematic.
If people are going to use it then they should definitely understand best treatment options or take a Backcountry/mountain medical course. Better to have a skill and not need it than find yourself in a rapidly deteriorating situation without the required knowledge.
  • 2 0
 @Dropthedebt: good point about the in-hospital care, and it does underscore the importance of direct pressure, but newer generations of quikclot have addressed the previously very exothermic reaction (it could/would actually burn some tissues) and have gone from the old pour-in powder to a nicely packaged dressing.

As a vascular surgeon I will take the slight inconvenience of cutting away a bit of devitalized artery because someone was too vigorous in the field with quikclot over having the patient die in the field and never arrive.
  • 8 0
 I wish I had spare legs.
  • 8 1
 Viagra, some LSD and Mankini, you never know what can happen.
  • 7 0
 No love for tubeless plugs? I’ve salvaged many a ride thanks to them
  • 7 0
 anyone else carry a 2oz bottle of stans?
  • 2 0
 YES! plus a valve core tool (e*thirteen valve stem cap) -- Last 3 out of 4 times me and my buddies had flat issues it was due to low/dry sealant, guess we are maintenance impaired. Pop some fresh in and good to go without resorting to putting a tube in or even popping the bead out.
  • 7 0
 Is it wrong to carry a poster Of David Hasselhoff and an Epipen ?
  • 3 0
 If you need an Epipen then by all means carry it. If you need a poster of David Hasselhoff then err... sure, fine. But please don't litter!
  • 3 1
 Spare gloves is a good one (I've damaged/torn a set and wished I had a back up) and extra bolts will get added to the bag. I thought bear spray might have been a little higher. I sometimes ride the Canmore area so I have it because the Nordic Centre rules say have it. Also, I don't want to be the guy who didn't deploy bear spray because I didn't have any.
  • 5 0
 Bear spray may have been higher if tia wasn’t a multinational website. But there aren’t too many bears around this way!
  • 5 1
 95% of my rides are from my house and I hate carrying a pack, so 1 waterbottle of water, 1 waterbottle of tools and tube. Then stuff £5 in my sock for snacks/chips. Done
  • 2 0
 I must be asking for it, I hardly carry anything aside from the small spesh swat tool attached to my bottle cage and a bottle of water. In the last 5 years I can count the number of times on 1 hand I’ve had to walk back to the truck. Tubeless set up, minimally rocky local trails and average 3 rides a week. #lucky
  • 4 2
 Am I the only one that rarely uses tire levers ?
Maybe at home as its quicker ... but never needed it on the trail... even with dh tires.

firmly lock the wheel verticaly on the gound with your feet, and "stretch" the tire with both your hands toward the top of the wheel=> in a undiscoutinued move "pop" the tire in place
  • 2 1
 I don't think I have used a tire lever in the past ten years. I don't bring them either.
  • 5 1
 Cool, but putting tire on without levers is quite easy. How do you take it off though?
  • 4 0
 @lkubica: Just as easily.

- deflate
- push one tire bead towards the middle of the rim
- start opposite from the valve and push all "excess" tire material towards the valve, using both hands in opposite - directions
- grab tire near the valve and lift it over the rim bead
- work its way around the tire until it is completely over the rim
- the other side is similar and usually goes a bit easier
  • 5 0
 @lkubica: Man hands.
  • 3 0
 @vl95 what is a tire lever? I only know this method, sir.
  • 3 1
 Luckily I have yet to flat on my 27.5+ wheelset but I don't see getting those on and off without a lever or two.
  • 2 1
 Tire levers are for the weak.
  • 1 0
 I don't carry em either. Got caught out once & used the qr as a lever, sweet as. Also $5 notes make a good boot for a cut tyre. And pedals or a spinning wheel make good bottle openers too.
  • 2 0
 ...said the man who never owner a cushcore.
  • 2 1
 Yes, once you puncture and roll your bike to a stop the tyre is going to come off pretty easy, but have you ever tryed taking a tyre off that you just let the air out is so much harder
  • 3 0
 I am the opposite. I never use a lever at home, but I keep one in my pack anyway just in case my (or someone elses) tire decides to be tricky while my hands are cold and my arms are tired. It's gotta be one of the lightest tools in my bag, and is more likely to get used than most of mybother tools.
  • 1 0
 @pacificnorthwet : Indeed as a kid I had steel rims and used steel tire levers. But nowadays I got aluminium rims and I was taught you can only use plastic tire levers as steel levers would damage the rim. But plastic tire levers break. So well, I ended up using just my hands.

I agree that the tools I take along should be of decent proportions so that I can still operate them when cold, wet and stiff. I don't get why they have these tiny chainbreakers and miniscule multi tools. I'd be kicking myself when I can't get the job done trailside whilst getting colder and wetter.
  • 1 0
 had to use a tire lever for the first time in a while today...old intense tires haha theyre a pain forgot about that
  • 1 0
 This. And if not this then get it on as far as you can, hold the wheel in one hand, stand on the tyre with the opposite foot close to the bead where it needs to go over the rim then push the wheel over and down to the ground. Essentially using your foot as a clamp and the wheel as a lever to pull the bead over the rim. Can't guarantee you wont scratch your rim on the ground though, a tree stump would be a good surface to do it on.
  • 4 0
 Never forget the ultimate tool: a cigar case with a built-in flask. Partagas 8-9-8 and 23-years-old Zacapa make every oh-shit-situation much better.
  • 1 0
 What? No link to purchase?!
  • 1 0
 Yeah wheres the link?
  • 1 0
 @brncr6: Amazon has it.
Amazon has it all, anyway.
  • 1 0
 @VincentWilmotte: found one!!!!
  • 2 0
 Jeese guys:

Single Use Mylar emergency blanket. Waterproof and warm and weighs nothing. Save your life. You're stupid not to bring one. It never leaves my pack.

Headlamp if its possible I could get stuck after dark.

For longer more remote rides I bring a baofeng pocket transmitter.
  • 6 0
 Solar panel charger to charge my ebike
  • 4 0
 My gosh, wanted to see what everyone else carried, it has been like reading a Sinaloa bust- federali evidence itemization list.......
  • 2 0
 Used to be all about that packless life. Until I found myself six miles from my car with a six inch cut down to the muscle. Had to wrap my calf with jersey and shoelace and climb downed trees and cross water to get out. I ALWAYS carry a first aid kit now. Wearing a pack is fine just keep it light.
  • 1 0
 might start taking one ot those with me
  • 2 0
 Also wtf did anyone else notice that the very basic survival tool of FLASHLIGHT is not mentioned herein? I can't tell you how many times I've been up on the Shore at dusk and have been saved from utter black doom by my pocket CREE LED. No joke
  • 7 0
 Emergency butt whipe
  • 2 0
 I’m over prepared generally and almost always ride alone. last spring I had a Major mechanical and got hurt 12 miles from the car. I was warm and hydrated and could send my wife my location thanks to trail forks gps. I walked and single speeded to the car. It took hours, I was prepared and it was still stressful. The mountains are unpredictable it can be warm one minute and snowing the next. That’s the fun !
  • 2 0
 I usually carry a mini bong with creek water in it, and a tube and some shit to fix a flat just in case. One time I forgot the mini bong, but we found another mini bong that someone had forgot on a log where they were sitting.
  • 1 0
 Lucky 13, that's how many Boxes I checked.
However!
I only carry Bearspray when cycling Alone @ Night!
(which is once per week; Oct thru March)
I've been carrying most of this Kit for over 30 yrs. Luckily I rarely have to dip into it. BUT, there was one time I ran into a group of riders @ 3Stage and one guy lost a Screw for his SPD cleat. I Saved him!
Back in December while FatBiking my favourite Trail, SCMBC. I broke a (2nd M8000) chain (Never again!)
It was a Solo Night ride, and I had that puppy fixed in 20 mins and was pedaling again.
Better safe than sorry.
  • 1 0
 My home town trails I don't bring anything, it's no more than a 40 minute walk from any point. I've got my cell phone and there are no dead zones. Long rides in new areas, or in more wilderness I've got the usual tube, tools, zip ties, co2, levers, hanger, food and water. I always ride with GPS so I can shortcut out if need be.
  • 4 0
 i have a lighter that is covered on ducked tape, i stole that trick from one of matt hunter videos! always helpful
  • 6 1
 What about the electric chainsaw that runs off your e-bike battery?
  • 1 0
 In town: multi tool, pump, tube, quick link, jacket, tire boot, levers, phone, cash, ID.
Back country: add shift cable, first aid, whistle, derailleur hanger, shock pump, fire-starter, knife, flare pen, food.
Bear country: add bear spray and bear banger.
If you’re lucky: I have a couple beers in a ziplock bag with some ice.
  • 1 0
 EDC in head tube (I already had a pump...), tube and bonus lever zip tied to my frame, Blackburn Airstik 2 with some duct tape wrapped around the shaft on its own bottle cage bolt mount (only thing I use my below-down tube bottle cage mount for). Almost always carry a hip pack just cos 1. no water bottle on the frame and 2. it's nice to have a bit of food, little lights, ultralight wind-vest, and keep my cell/wallet/keys in a spot that zips, doesn't get sweaty and doesn't bounce around as much as cargo pockets. All that stuff pretty much lives in its spot on the frame/in the pack so come ride time it's grab the pack, filll the water bottle and go. Good up to about four or five hours of ride time and/or five miles from help.
  • 1 0
 It really depends on the situation. Now if i'm on my own or riding casually with 1 or 2 others I'll generally not carry anything other than mobile/multitool/car key. However if I'm leading/coaching i'll carry the whole whack spares/tools/co2/safety kit/waterproofs/nav aids etc etc etc, I dont like carrying stuff whilst riding, if i'm on a short ride on my own (3hr or less) i wont even carry fluids.
However where safety and responsibility are concerned you just have to put up with it as its not worth the risk.
  • 5 0
 I just carry another bike on my back, prepared for everything.
  • 4 0
 Geeesh...Pinkbike has got to be the junkiest mountain bike community there is...
  • 4 0
 Where the f is everyone riding to get into the kind of trouble described in the comments here?
  • 4 0
 I fill up the entire SWAT cavity with blow. And always make sure I have a crisp dollar bill in my backpack.
  • 4 0
 My cell phone so I can call my wife and tell her I won’t be home for a while because my bike broke and I’m walking home
  • 3 0
 World's Lightest Sleeping bag. Nuff said.. only for extreme emergencies, of course.. like a pristine alpine meadow under a cotton candy setting sun. Those who know will laff
  • 1 0
 Depends on the rides. Front range short rides I just pack a Co2 & head, and my keys. Bigger high country rides, I carry everything possible. Spare cable, some medical supplies, etc. Just about weighing risk vs reward. I can walk my bike 3 miles out in Golden and knock on a door if need be.
  • 1 0
 The list misses brake pads. A piece of string comes in handy every once in a while as well. Covers some fixes better than zip-ties (try replacing shoelaces with zip-ties) and can be reused over and over.
And a light hat/beanie (I can ride without gloves down to 0 °C but my ears start to hurt when it get's below 10 °C and they aren't covered).
  • 5 0
 Well, I'm Italian ....... wine and sandwich with mortadella!
  • 1 0
 Haven't had to do the walk of shame in 30 years, last time was the day I got a new road bike at age 15 and got a rear flat 12km from home with no tools or spares of any kind. No cell phones in 1988...

These days on my MTB I carry pump, multitool, quicklinks, spare tube, patches, tyre boot (plastic $5 note), cable ties, whistle built into backpack, knife built into multitool. Jacket if it's a long ride, or looks like rain (or I forget to take it out of my pack). 3L bladder in the pack, but only fill it with what I need for the ride.
  • 1 0
 Coming from an era where one out of three bikes would have a serious mechanical every ride, I tend to be over prepared toolwise. I also like to be comfortable at all times and prepared to spend a few hours or at worst, a night out on the trail. A space blanket, warm hat, lighter, headlamp, first aid kit, and some snacks can make a huge difference.
  • 5 2
 Considering previous discussions we've had here, I'm surprised to see there is no option to mention you carry a rifle.
  • 15 1
 Instead, I use a Giro helmet and a camelback. That's the same thing isn't it?
  • 9 0
 @ianwish: I dunno. I'll try, next time a burglar drops by. Helmet in one hand, half filled Camelbak bladder in the other. "Get off my property!"

I'll inform you how it goes.
  • 3 0
 Stan's Fluid and Valve core remover, nail clippers (because of that one time), and carmex!
  • 2 0
 Add: Bic lighter and a zip bag with cotton balls soaked in Vaseline. Great for starting a fire at night if you're stranded. Don't ask me how I know....
  • 2 0
 Or Doritos...
  • 2 0
 Alternatively, an innertube will light even when wet.
  • 5 0
 My financial burdens
  • 2 0
 Hip flask of single malt. A single pour to ride faster, a double to get back to normal, a triple to be slower but still enjoy it...
  • 4 0
 What nobody carries a gun or toilet paper?
  • 3 0
 Toliet paper for sure. No gun. If I can’t ride faster then need for a gun I’m guna need the toliet paper.
  • 2 0
 I carry both on really long solo rides, plus a needle and thread, antiseptic spray, cotton gauze, tube, shock and roll pump, food, 3l of water, flashlight, multi tool, gorilla tape, rain poncho, mylar blanket, advil tylenol , cell, money , id, lighter, kitchen sink oh and some times remember my car key
  • 3 0
 I suddenly feel over prepared.
  • 1 0
 Ditto, if I'm out and need something more than once, I'll usually add it to my kit. This leads to some odd stuff, and when it weighs next to nothing, like replacement canfield pedal bolts / rebuild kits, X2 saddle replacement bolts, disc brake rotor bolts, may as well have some in the frame bag tool kit.
  • 1 0
 My bike has a holder for spare spokes, doubling as a chainslap guard. Plus a pump peg. Match that, carbon Specialized SWAT hole.
  • 2 0
 you can put your soup in a SWAT hole. Who needs spokes when you can have a baguette-box?!
  • 1 0
 I carry a cable cutter. It might be bulky and really specific, but its worked for a multitude of things that a knife plier such as a Leatherman wouldn't.
  • 1 0
 like?...
  • 1 0
 @sam2222: I use it mostly to cut der cables, but occasionally broken spokes, and screwed up der housing, seat posts especially when the cable needs to be cut to a specific length, once to fix a cable actuated brake. Its amazing how many times i've used it on trail, mostly for other riders I am with. Having a working der when its busted makes life so much easier. Especially on 40+ mile routes it comes in handy. If I am on a 12 mile or less without a pack I don't bring it.
  • 7 5
 Gotta make sure I bring some high-powered firearms, just in case my rights get infringed upon mid-ride!
  • 1 0
 For less than 2h: 1L water bottle, fix it sticks and my cellphone.
For more than 2h: Same thing + 2L of water and 4 chocolate cookies (emergency food) in a Camelback.
  • 6 3
 Only pure awesomeness.... and weed.
  • 2 1
 I had to check bear spray because there's no option for 3 shot rotary soviet air crew signal device preloaded with bear bangers and flares.
  • 3 0
 Very glad i don't have to carry bear spray.
  • 2 1
 HAHAHA I was looking for a check box for nothing. I shuttle or ride bike park so everything i need i keep it my car and then carry nothing on my ride! am I the only one?
  • 4 1
 Beer weed Allen keys. Anything else can be dealt with at the truck.
  • 2 0
 israeli bandage and celox blood clotting agent... for when shit goes really wrong.
  • 2 0
 @mikelevy add pepper spray to that list, and not for the bears either unfortunately...
  • 1 0
 Yeah, it is a good idea for aggressive dogs and sometimes their owners. I'm yet to see a bear on our trails.
  • 1 0
 @Archimonde: I take it because it's not safe, there are often muggings on my local trails, and there have been a string of stabbings recently very close to some trails that I ride very often
  • 2 0
 @GumptionZA: and here I am getting annoyed by people walking their dogs...
  • 1 0
 A space blanket, it cost me 3 bucks at decathlon and take up very little room. Great for warmth, shelter building or signaling.
  • 2 0
 Also elbow pads & knee pads so when you eat shit and are like "i should probably be wearing armour" you can put it on.
  • 1 0
 My pack depends on where I'm riding. Trail centre its just what ever to get me back to the van and out up on the hills I'll throw a bit more survival kit in.
  • 1 1
 my local riding spots never take me more than a 30 minute walk to the car so i just usually carry a snack, water, multitool, and my phone. have had great luck with tubeless regarding flats (knocks on wood)
  • 2 0
 Ear buds and loud music. So when some twit has a mechanical and no tools I can ignore him.
  • 2 0
 Always bring a spare shirt. Either swap at the top of the climb or in the parking lot before I drive home.
  • 3 0
 Always tape a raw egg to my downtube for a delicious mid ride snack.
  • 1 0
 Leatherman Charge, Cash, phone, id, 9mm handgun, spare gloves. I swap the gloves mid-ride for dry ones and let the wet ones dry on my pack.
  • 3 0
 A big fat joint and a lighter
  • 3 0
 Condoms !! one of each color !!!
  • 7 0
 You never know when you might encounter a cougar!
  • 3 0
 is this poll for bikes without bottle holders?
  • 2 0
 Bringing nothing makes the ride more exciting. I always take my wit and charm then just use other people stuff!
  • 1 0
 i take my cellphone and a 4mm allen key. My waterbotlle on the bike, i dont need anything elese. I m on tubeless so i cant flat
  • 1 0
 Now that I’ve broken my ankle out of cell range on a solo ride, I will carry a small splint for my “big” rides. Or a spot gps beacon, or both...
  • 3 0
 depends on the ride and how long I plan on going for.
  • 2 0
 I live in Ontario, most of these things don't apply to Onterrible riding.
  • 3 1
 Kitchen sink! You can never be too prepared!
  • 1 0
 I was thinking about this, I need a line in the sand between bringing my whole garage, and bringing nothing. It sucks hard to be half way across the city, and have to carry your bike home, I know from experience.
  • 3 1
 - Light
- Speaker
- Camera/GoPro
  • 2 0
 Cash money, but no mountain money?
  • 2 0
 No option for despair and broken dreams???
  • 1 0
 Generally water, a multitool with a broken 5mm allen bit, car keys and a phone is all I carry. I'm prepared for nothing.
  • 1 0
 I ride predominately in depleting forests in developing countries so bring minor medical supplies and GPS/sat for emergency.
  • 1 0
 A Multitool, no chainbreaker, water, food, cellphone, money and a small cable lock. Enough for me, so far.
  • 1 0
 Handful of norco you never know when you might need some pain killers to help get you home.
  • 2 0
 Can o beer or two. Ganja.
  • 1 0
 I had 16. Plus add spare cleat w screws, advil and benadryl. The clot stuff is an interesting idea.
  • 3 2
 Remarkable that 1200 people carry a phone so they can call their mom and get picked up because they don't have a chain tool.
  • 1 0
 Or maybe because you crash and broke something and cannot ride home? Buddy of mine broke his collarbone so badly he couldn't cycle home, I picked him up by car. When I broke my collarbone I could ride back but I still had a cellphone with me.
  • 1 0
 excuse me. I call my wife. It truly is remarkable that she has never offered to give me a ride.
  • 2 0
 @HaydukeLives: leave your sexlife out of this.
  • 1 0
 I ride a downhill bike. Id be lucky if i have my keys to my truck at the top of the hill.
  • 2 0
 Ride naked. Clothes are for e-bikers.
  • 1 0
 What Supplies Do I Bring With Me on a Ride?..... well......: my dick and my knife, like always :-)
  • 2 0
 No mention of a few squares of TP? I've ALWAYS got TP
  • 3 1
 fuego!
  • 4 1
 And grass!
  • 1 0
 @mikelevy no option for going full Donny Allison?
  • 1 0
 He's crazy
  • 2 0
 4oz flask o' whisky
  • 3 1
 Haribo
  • 1 0
 pure sugar
  • 3 1
 vodka and samogon
  • 1 0
 can't leave home without my thiagra
  • 3 1
 You forgot gun
  • 1 0
 shifter cable x 2. Have saved 6 people in my riding time...so far.
  • 1 0
 I'm guessing most broken on Shimano derailleurs?
  • 1 0
 Sometimes I zip a banana to my water mount Smile
  • 1 0
 Bear banger and spare cartridges, saved my ass a few times.
  • 1 0
 I have a Slash, so now I can carry water. I used to have a Yeti.
  • 1 1
 Shouldn't it be " ... take with you ... " rather than " ... bring with you ... "?
  • 1 0
 @mikelevy What pack is that? I love seeing Made in the USA!
  • 1 0
 extra t-shirts and bandanas because i sweat like a mother trucker
  • 1 0
 A small, weather resistant gun, like a stainless PPK.
  • 1 0
 Just a whistle and reliable bike.
  • 1 0
 I'm a MTB guide, I have to carry tons of stuffs ...
  • 1 0
 Why ain't a nothin' option? Bitches.
  • 3 4
 I know which portables @mikelevy doesn’t carry with him. Pedal cage, MRI scanner manual and a slice of a humble pie
  • 1 2
 Now that I am an older rider I always carry a 5 hour energy on a ride in case I need a mental or physical boost
  • 3 6
 hydration pack and cellphone i dont need cash with contact-less payments everywhere, living in a country with one of the most advanced banking system in the world is pretty cool
  • 3 0
 Sweet, dude.
  • 1 0
 Nothing
  • 1 0
 water bottle only
  • 1 0
 Depends on the ride.
  • 1 0
 Beer and Foaming
  • 1 0
 car keys
  • 1 0
 my OHIP card
  • 1 0
 Beer, duct tape. Duh.
  • 1 0
 I only ride park!
  • 1 0
 My rhum flask!
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