Introduction to your Cycle Touring Packing List
Wondering what to pack for your next bicycle tour?
You’ve certainly come to the right place because, after numerous cycle tours over the years, I have been able to pare down to the essentials. Unlike on my first tour, when I had to throw out numerous items after the second day.
Having a lightweight bicycle touring packing list of your own ensures that important items are not forgotten. This bicycle touring packing list allows you to efficiently consider the weight-reducing heavy loads and space challenges while planning your trip.
The picture below is of a packed bike box of a cycling friend just before heading to the airport for our flight to Vienna for a 3-week-long journey on the Danube Bike Route. Many cyclists overpack, particularly on their first trip, and this person ended up with too much stuff and was able to mail a box to our final destination after only 3 days on the 21-day journey (Fortunately, it was a loop trip starting and ending at the same hotel).
So, what to include on a lightweight bicycle touring pack list?
Use this suggested gear list and revise it after each bike trip to ensure it is current. The items on your cycle touring list may vary depending on your personal needs, destination, weather conditions, and whether a short tour or a long tour.
Lightweight Bicycle Touring Packing List – Bicycle Clothing
Your cycle clothing must be lightweight, wick moisture, plus be quick-wash and dry. Whether it be in interesting designs and colors is up to you. I find groups often have a common jersey. Of course, some of the clothing items will depend on the time of year you are riding.
- 2 sets of cycling gloves, to provide a little bit of grip
- 1 pair of cycling shoes or sandals
- 1 set of booties or shoe covers (optional)
- 2 pairs of cycling shorts
- 2 pairs of cycling pants or tights
- 2 cycling shirts – long or short sleeve, depending on the season
- Base layer as you require lots of layers in cold weather
- 1 set of arm warmers and/or leg warmers (especially in cold climates)
- 3 pairs of cycling or waterproof socks (often take an extra pair of socks)
- 1 women’s cycling waterproof jacket or Gore-Tex jacket, and perhaps a vest
- Rain poncho or rain jacket and pants
- 1 bike helmet (some also use a helmet cover)
- Bug net or bug jacket
Lightweight Bicycle Touring Packing List – Equipment
- 1 lightweight bike (take touring road bikes, mountain bikes), with a pannier rack – or use a rental bike
- Bike box or case if traveling on an airline or train that requires it
- 1 set of rear panniers (rear bags), such as Ortlieb Ultimate with pannier covers on your rear bicycle racks
- Front panniers, if you use them
- Handlebar bag or frame bag
- 1 spare inner tube and a patch kit (on a long trip, you are certain to get a flat tire)
- 1 set of basic bicycle tools, including spare spokes, screwdriver, and many other spare parts. On a longer tour, you are almost sure to have mechanical issues with no local bike shop handy. Many cyclists use a multi-tool
- 2 water bottles and/or water bladder
- 1 bike lock with an extra key (many have combination locks)
- 1 high-pressure bike pump
- 1 bike computer and/or GPS, bell, and light
- 1 pedal wrench – if an international flight is involved, may be required
- Bell, light, or reflectors (recommended, may be required by local laws)
Lightweight Bicycle Touring Packing List – Camping Gear
- Lightweight tent, bivy tent, bivy shelter, or camping hammock
- Lightweight sleeping bag
- Inflatable pillow (personal preferences)
- Sleeping pad
- Camp stove and liquid fuels
- Lightweight packable cooking gear, including a pot set, pot holders, dishes, dish cleaning soap
- Small axe, camping saw, and matches, or lighter
- Tarp for covering a bicycle or firewood (usually on a car camping trip)
Bicycle Touring Packing List – Off-Bike Clothing
You require quick wash and dry clothing for sightseeing and in the evenings, although based on your itinerary, you may skip these items.
- 1 jacket or windbreaker with hood (should be waterproof)
- 1 sweater or lightweight fleece
- 1 pair of walking shoes
- 2 pairs of long pants or shorts – can use zip-off pants
- 2 shirts
- underwear and socks
- bathing suit (optional)
- Warm hat or cap (optional)
Bicycle Touring Packing List – Miscellaneous Items
- Toiletries in travel size in a clear bag
- Any prescriptions and medicines in original containers
- Eco-friendly sunscreen, sunglasses, and insect repellent
- Laundry soap (depends on laundry facilities along the journey)
- First aid kit – one per group
- Camera with spare batteries and memory card (optional, as many use their phone)
- Day pack for use when sightseeing; some handlebar bags have carry straps
- Cell phone and battery charger (+ eSIM card, depending on destination)
- Travel alarm (optional, as most people use cell phones)
- Headlamp
- Energy bars
- Swiss Army knife
- Duct tape, zip ties
Bicycle Touring Packing List – Documents
- Airline e-tickets and/or train tickets (can be loaded on your phone)
- Passport and any visas (if required)
- Credit card and cash in local currency
- Travel insurance and record contact and policy number
- Emergency phone list of family, copy of prescriptions
- GPS and/or Cycling route maps, travel guides, and language phrasebooks
- Notebook, pen, and reading material
- A photocopy of all important documents in case of loss
- Permit as required (i.e., Wisconsin required a state travel permit on many trails)
Great idea: only one or two people in a group need to carry a pedal wrench, first aid kit, and bike tools. I have seen a group of four where everyone carried these seldom-used items.
Packing your Bike Bags
Take your bike touring packing list and place the above items in plastic waterproof bags or a stuff sack, and place them in your panniers in approximately equal weight. Heavier items should be at the bottom of the pannier, with things like raincoats at the top.
Your handlebar bag is for essential items you need to grab quickly, such as a camera, lunch, and route maps.
Bicycle Rentals for International Destinations
For International destinations, it is sometimes easier to rent a touring bicycle rather than carry it on the flight.
FAQs: Lightweight Cycle Touring Packing List
What to pack on a touring bike?
Basically, only cycling clothing and a helmet (depending on the weather), bike, panniers, tools, bell, light, first aid kit, and toiletries. Depending on the tour, you might require camping gear and, subject to stores along the way, food.
How to pack for a bike trip?
Place items in your waterproof panniers of approximately equal weight. Heavier items should be at the bottom of the panniers. Essential things you might need quickly, like raincoats, maps, and some tools at the top, or in a handlebar bag.
Wrap-up: Lightweight Bicycle Touring Packing List
See the Cycle Tour Clothing post for detailed information about good-quality gear. And also check out my post on the key steps to planning a bike tour.
Having a lightweight bike touring packing list with the above items should help you avoid the extra weight and have an enjoyable and comfortable cycling tour!
