What to Pack for a Mountain Biking Excursion and Why

When it comes to mountain biking, safety is always priority number one. As one of the most extreme recreational sports available, there are countless things that can go wrong while on the trail. For a detailed look at six important safety tips on mountain biking, check out my article "Mountain Biking Safety Tips." But what about packing? Before you embark on your next or first mountain biking adventure this summer, there are several things you should considering bringing along.

1. A Compass and/or Map of the Area

This should be a no-brainer for any extreme terrain adventurer. Getting lost deep in the woods of a local state park or high a top of a rocky cliff is no fun. For this reason, you should always remember to toss a quality, working compass into your fanny pack or backpack. You should additionally acquire a map of the area, particularly if you will be biking at or near a local state park. The park's main entrance and/or welcoming center should be able to provide one.

2. First Aid Kit

As is the case with any outdoor recreational activity, there is always a risk of injury. A first aid kit is a must for any and every mountain biker, particularly if you will be cruising over rocky, dangerous terrain where falls are common. Here are a few things a biker's first aid kit should include:

• Band-Aids, knuckle bandages, fingertip bandages and butterfly wound closures

• Neosporin

• Gauze bandages and prep pads for deeper cuts, gashes and/or wounds

• Small bottle of hydrogen peroxide

• Pain killer medications: Advil, Tylenol and/or Ibuprofen

• Chloride towelettes for wound cleaning

• Self-adhering plastic wrap: useful for holding a wound dressing in place. It is nearly weightless and sticks to itself so as to keep a wound bandage snug and secure.

• Safety pins for securing wound dressings if necessary

• Matches

• Vaseline

3. Proper Bike Repair Gear

As any longtime mountain biker knows, there's nothing more frustrating than having a bike breakdown while on the trail. And while it can be difficult to anticipate exactly what tools you may need in such an incident, or pack and tote them for that matter, it never hurts to be as prepared as possible. Here are a few items you should consider for such an emergency.

• Small air pump for flat tires

• Spoke wrench for any minor repairs

• Tire patch kit and extra inner tubes

• Allen wrench, screwdrivers and any other tools used specifically on your name brand and model bicycle.

• Chain lubricant and/or bottle of WD-40

• Roll of duct tape

4. Water Bottles and Healthy Snacks

An all-day outdoor excursion will leave any mountain biker tired, thirsty and famished. If you and/or your biking group plan to be active on the trail for the better part of the day, be certain you pack and ample supply of purified drinking water and some healthy snacks. Hydration should be your number one physical concern, followed closely by food sustenance. Here are a few healthy snack options:

• Granola bars

• Trail mix

• Assorted fruits: apples, oranges, bananas, pears, etc.

• Crackers

• Gatorade® and/or Powerade®

• Healthy juices

Be sure to avoid the temptation of consuming sugary soft drinks and/or sweet and starchy foods during your ride. These will only lead to further dehydration.

5. Proper Apparel

Depending on the time of year you will be biking, you should be certain to dress properly. Cold-weather shirts, toboggans, gloves, etc. are a must for late fall and winter-time bikers. Do not make the mistake of thinking you will work up enough of a sweat to avoid dressing in warm clothes. Countless bikers have suffered the symptoms of hypothermia because they failed to wear and pack the proper clothing. Here are a few other apparel items and accessories you might consider:

• Padded biking gloves for better handlebar gripping

• Sunglasses (and sun block)

• Sweat bands

• Cargo shorts, t-shirts, ankle socks (for summertime bikers)

• Quality tennis shoes and/or hiking boots

• Digital sports watch for keeping up with the time

• Flip flops for any downtime at the campsite (for summertime bikers)

• Rain poncho

• Nylon jacket and/or pants

6. Digital Camera and Cell Phone

These days bikers are utilizing modern technology to document their excursions like never before. Why enjoy the beauty of nature if you can't share it with others? If you own a quality digital camera, be certain you pack it and snap a few pictures while on the trail. Photos of unique woodland animals, beautiful trees and foliage or your trail mates and fellow bikers will all make for great memories.

And although many bikers retreat to rural trails and terrains to escape the busyness of everyday life, it never hurts to tote your cell phone or at least set it on silent mode and shove it in your bag. In the case of a physical emergency or finding yourself stranded alone, you will need to be able to call someone for help.

So before you go racing down the trails of your favorite state park or start cruising the rocky terrain of your favorite mountain, be certain you have packed the proper biking equipment and necessities. After all, there's no worse feeling than finding yourself deep in the woods completely unprepared for an emergency.

**Note: the following advice, tips and suggestions come from the writer's personal mountain biking experience.