Minimum useful kit for half day ride

[phutureproof]

What do you typically take with you on a half day ride? Nothing crazy - just normal trail riding. And if you run tubeless, what do you take?

 

[Gary]

You're joking. Right?

Absolutely nothing other than myself a bike and the clothes I'm wearing (obviously)

 

[Gyre]

Not sure how you define "half day", but for normal local trail riding, say up to 2-3 hours max, I'll use a hip pack.
Stuff to deal with flats: tire levers, small pump, spare tube, tubeless plugs, glueless patches
Misc trailside fix stuff: Topeak NTX+ tool kit, Leatherman PS mini tool
Sun protection: a few oz. of sunscreen, lip balm.

 

[RustyIron]

I suppose it depends on what "normal trail riding" means.

My bike is always rockin' a saddle bag that contains a multitool, plug kit, two CO2 cartridges, and a master link. I always ride with a tiny knife in one pocket and lip balm in the other.

For an easy ride, I'll throw a water bottle onto the bike and hit the trails.

For an intermediate ride, I'll bring a Camelbak with a 1-1.5 liters of water, a couple extra CO2 cartridges, Gu Gel, Gu Chews, maybe a Clif Bar, and a couple paper towels.

For when I'm soloing a bigger ride that has the potential to turn epic, I'll bring all of the above, a tube, tire pump, levers, bright flashlight, emergency bivy sack, first aid pouch, and a small pistol. I add a water bottle with nutrition drink if it's going to be hot or unusually strenuous.

If I'm riding with others, the amount of gear decreases. Every ride doesn't need everyone carrying a half dozen tubes, pumps, first aid kits, etc.

 

[KenX]

A small pistol

 

[flash]

You're joking. Right?

Absolutely nothing other than myself a bike and the clothes I'm wearing (obviously)

Clothes? Well, that explains a few of the weird looks......

*********************

For me, I carry a spare tube, multitool, quick link, CO2, tyre boot and some cable ties on the bike. I'd probably just carry more water until around the 40km mark.

Gordon

 

[DtEW]

I'll take the extreme end.

• CO2 inflator + 2 cartridges
• Pump
• Shock pump
• Tube
• 110mL sealant (in a LDPE bottle)
• Maximalist multi-tool (Topeak Alien) + Torx key (the multi-tool is ancient; this I do need to update)
• Tire levers (3)
• Zip ties + small wad of Gorilla tape
• PLB
• Headlamp
• First aid kit + space blanket + tubes of assorted trail medicine (ibuprofen, Benadryl, Zrytec, Pepto Bismol)
• Insect repellent
• COVID masks
• Energy bar + meat jerky stick
• Windbreaker + hard-faced fleece
• Folding knife

That's just my default kit. I might add clothing, more food, a Jetboil (and whatever I mean to rehydrate with it), or a pack chair (or two; they're only ~1.75lbs/800g each) if it suits the ride. Obviously luxuries, but why not?

I obviously could take less, but I've always regretted not having what was needed/wanted, and have never regretted taking more. The wants are whims I can manage, the others arose from hard lessons learned in the Southern Californian desert, some stories downright fantastical.

 

[The Hodge]

The same as I would for a full day ride ..just less food & water ( in my camelbak ) ..because you never know ..
The list would be pretty similar to the one above ..minus the meat jerky !
After 20 odd years of carrying the equivalent of a small human on my back the weight doesn't bother me ..and gives more of a workout ??..

 

[Binhill1]

Flask of tea and something to eat if I am out over lunch time. Tin of Mackerel always in rucksack for emergency. Toolkit pump tube , a must for me is tool for splitting chain link I can't seem to remove the Sram link in 11 speed . First aid kit , camelback waterbag . Jacket of some sort , two carrier bags ìf I am crossing deep burns . Phone aftershox headphones.

 

[JoeBlow]

What I carry is not dictated by the amount of time I will be riding but rather the distance I am likely to have to walk if I get a puncture or develop a fault on the bike. Usually as a minimum I always carry a multi tool (this includes a quick link), pump, tubeless repair kit, a water bottle and a mobile phone.

Al

 

[The Hodge]

What I carry is not dictated by the amount of time I will be riding but rather the distance I am likely to have to walk if I get a puncture or develop a fault on the bike. Usually as a minimum I always carry a multi tool (this includes a quick link), pump, tubeless repair kit, a water bottle and a mobile phone.

Al

No tube ?
Im running tubeless ..but always carry a spare tube ..sometimes sealant & plugs just dont work..

 

[JoeBlow]

I would carry a tube on longer, more remote rides but I do most of my riding at the Forest of Dean so I'm never far from the car. But on longer rides I would also carry food and a waterproof top etc., etc. I have not had a flat ever since I went tubeless which is almost 2 years so I'm fairly relaxed about it.

 

[The Hodge]

Well thats the kiss of death ..?

 

[JoeBlow]

Yes I've tempted providence there. If I get one now I will hold you responsible.

 

[phutureproof]

I've now built a mini kit that is strapped to the bike. A Dakine valcro attatched under the top tube in front of the shock, a couple of CO2 cartridges, a Lezyne CO2 pump, noodles with needle/punch thing and a mini bike tool. Reasonably neat. Will need to try it out on a trail to see if it stays in place.

 

[JoeBlow]

I've got one of these: Syncros Matchbox Tailor Cage HV1.5 Integrated Bottle Cage - Right

Very neat and unobtrusive. I don't carry anything on my back for most rides but still have everything I'm likely to need. If I do carry an inner tube it's one of those light and compact Tubolito's which fits into a very narrow waist belt that only cost me £3.00.

 

[B1rdie]

For a half a day ride, I will take my tool kit and half of the weed I would take on a full day ride. ?

 

[Binhill1]

For a half a day ride, I will take my tool kit and half of the weed I would take on a full day ride. ?

Brilliant stopped taking the whisky now , I fall asleep when I stop and wake in the dark scary.