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Road-tripping by bike can be a breathtaking adventure. Packing, on the other hand, can be torture. Do you really need to pack spare brake cables? How many shirts are too many shirts? Should you just ship everything to your destination and call it a day? Here are six tips for taking the pain out of packing.

Invest in Panniers

Assuming this trip goes well, there will likely be more long-distance rides in your future. As such, buying panniers seems like a no-brainer.

Panniers are durable, waterproof bags that you hang over front and/or rear racks on your bike for storage. Most models are easy to clip and unclip, as they attach to your ride using bungee cords or hooks, and you can find them at many shops that offer women’s and mens bikes for sale.

Pack Your Personal Essentials

It doesn’t matter if you’re taking a long weekend trip or blogging your way through a popular destination on city bicycles: You’re going to want to feel — and look — fresh. Be sure to pack the following:

  • A comb or brush
  • Toothpaste
  • Toothbrush
  • Deodorant
  • Shampoo and conditioner
  • Soap
  • Toilet paper
  • A towel
  • Glasses and/or contact lenses
  • Cosmetics (optional)

Be Prepared To Battle the Elements

More important than looking good, of course, is staying safe in the great outdoors. Bring the following to protect yourself from the sun, the bugs and the occasional spill.

  • Bottled water (at least two litres)
  • Food
  • Sunglasses
  • Sunscreen
  • Bug spray
  • First-aid kit
  • Hand sanitiser
  • Lip balm
  • Lighter
  • A reflective vest for night rides

Look After Your Bike Too

So far, this list has only covered the things most riders need to feel personally comfortable for the long haul. From mountain bikes to hybrid bicycles, it’s important to pack for your bike’s well-being too. Your bag should also include the following:

  • Multi-function bike-repair tool
  • Lock
  • Chain oil
  • Spare chain links
  • Patch kit
  • Tire pump
  • Spare inner tube
  • Electrical tape

While you may choose to bring even more replacement parts, such as backup brake pads, that really depends on your level of repair skills. For most riders, the above supplies should suffice.

Don’t Bring Your Entire Closet

The temptation to overpack is very real when it comes to clothing. Aside from must-haves like your helmet and gloves, how deeply you need to raid your closet depends on a variety of factors:

  • Are you touring a city or sticking to trails and roadside stops?
  • Are you camping or staying indoors?
  • For how long will you be gone?
  • What’s the weather forecast?

While there’s no catch-all list for clothing essentials, you should abide by one general rule: Wear layers. Packing layers can ensure that you have the proper gear for the widest range of climates.

Don’t Forget Your Phone

From GPS to taking photos, your mobile phone will likely play a huge role in your ride. Remember to bring a portable battery, too, especially if you’re camping.

Don’t let the stress of packing take the air out of your tires. Use this list as a guide and focus on bringing the gear that will make your next long-distance bike adventure a comfortable ride to remember.

This is a collaborative post.