Mountain Bike Checklist

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The following mountain biker's checklist will help to plan your next mountain biking adventure. Not all items listed will be needed on every trip. Pack only what you need and leave the rest at home. Remember, you've got to carry what you pack.

Bicycle Gear

Mountain Bike - obviously!
Two water bottles and carriers
Small tool bag mounted under seat
Security lock (if you plan to leave your bike for a mid-ride latte, blended juice, or snack)
Pump

Tools

Compact screwdrivers to fit bike
Allen wrenches to fit bike parts ( typically 3, 4, 5, and 6 mm)
Tire irons
Spoke wrench
Freewheel tool (be sure it fits your freewheel)
Six-inch crescent wrench
Spare tire
Spare tube
Tube patch kit
Chain rivet tool
Spare chain link

First Aid

Antibiotics
Antiseptics
Tylenol
Benadryl
Tincture of Benzoin
Sterile gauze pads
Nonadherent dressing
One-inch adhesive tape
Steristrips
Ace wrap
Moleskin
Second Skin
Tweezers
Bandage scissors
Irrigation syringe
Talcum powder for saddle sores and for flat tires -- dusting the tube before placing it
Pencil and emergency report form
Emergency Phone Numbers and money for a phone call

Clothing

Bike helmet -- if you have a brain, protect it!
Cycling shorts -- I prefer the baggie outers with pockets to the tight Lycra geek look
Cycling socks
T-shirt (cotton / synthetic blend such as those made by Sierra Designs or Patagonia or synthetic such as Tekware by The North Face)
OR, instead of a T-shirt, opt for a high-tech cycling jersey with the pockets behind for snacks and other misc. odds and ends...you'll look cool so you had better cycle cool!)
Fleece, Polartec or wool sweater
Cycling gloves
Rain jacket - lightweight for windbreaker and just-in-case sprinkles
Cycling shoes (be sure you can walk / hike comfortably in these too, because you will at some point!)

Miscellaneous

Wrap-style sunglasses
Compass ( a mini one that mounts on the handlebars works just fine)
Heart-rate monitor and altimeter mounted on the handlebars, too
Sunscreen
Insect repellent
Bandana
High energy snacks
Camera and film
Small hydration pack with room for packing snacks