5 essentials to pack for your next cycling adventure

​If you’re planning your next big day out on your bike, you’ll need to be just as sure about the kit that you are taking along with you as you are of the route that you’ve spent time working on and mapping out. Making sure that you have wisely chosen your touring kit is one of the most important parts of preparing for your big cycling adventure, so everything goes smoothly. Since you’re going to be carrying whatever you choose to pack, picking lightweight and easily portable items is one of the most important parts of making sure that you are prepared. Here are some of our must-haves to consider packing when you’re preparing for a cycling adventure. 

Riding after dark Image source: https://www.olightstore.uk/rn1500-bikeheadlight.html

Water and Food
You can’t assume that shops are going to be open everywhere that you go, or even that you are going to be near one when you need to eat or drink, so making sure that water and food are high up on your packing list is a priority. It’s a good idea to invest in bottle cages that can be mounted on your bike’s seat tube or downtube, so that you can take plenty of water. If you’re planning to cycle on a hot day, consider chilled water bottles to keep your water cool. When it comes to food, snacks that are high in protein and energy are a good idea since they are typically easy to carry around.

Puncture Repair Kit and Spare Inner Tubes
You never know when a puncture might hit when you’re cycling. Make sure that you are prepared with everything that you need to deal with this problem, including a puncture repair kit and some spare inner tubes. It’s never fun to have to push a bike with a puncture home or to somewhere you are staying, so make sure that you take at least a pump, puncture patches, tyre levers, and a multi-tool with a chainbreaker. A couple of spare inner tubes are also useful. That way, if you get a bad puncture, you don’t have to rely on simply patching it up and can completely swap it out.

Lights
​If you’re planning to be cycling all day and after dark, then you’ll need to make sure that you are well-lit. Even if you’re not planning to cycle on the roads, good lighting will make it easier for you to see around you and for you to be found easily if you need assistance at any point. This 1500 lumen front cycling light is designed for outdoor activities and a great choice for cycling tours. You may also want to consider using a headlight and definitely get bike lights. 

RN 1500 can be tightly installed on the out front bike mount. It is a powerful, reliable companion in the dark.

Phone and Portable Charger
Most of us wouldn’t think about going anywhere without taking our phone these days. When you’re planning a cycling adventure, it’s important to consider where you’re going to safely store your phone. An arm phone band or sleeve can be a useful piece of kit to have, allowing you to keep your phone hands-free but easy to reach at any time. Along with that, if you’re planning to cycle for a long time, the last thing that you want is for your phone to run out of battery, leaving you unable to check the maps or call for help if you need it. This is where a portable charger can come in handy. You can get a charging case for some extra juice or even consider a solar-powered phone charger that will use the sun to keep your phone’s battery filled up.

Rain Protection
If you’re cycling anywhere in the UK, you will know just how unpredictable the weather can be. Even on a warm day, it’s a good idea to be prepared for any eventuality. A lightweight rain jacket is a good idea since this can easily be carried around when not needed and will keep you dry if the heavens do open. A jacket that is thin and lightweight enough to be rolled into a pouch that can hang on your bike or bag is a good choice, as it isn’t bulky and won’t take up a lot of room.

Wherever your next cycle adventure takes you, don’t leave without these essentials.