What to take for a full day gravel ride ?

Gravel riding is having a boom moment, with more and more cyclists enjoying the adventure of getting out exploring. Whether it’s for a quick spin, day ride or longer adventure, gravel gets you off the beaten track, away from the dreaded traffic and into nature.

To make the most of every one of your rides we’ve put together a checklist of essentials for you to take with you, no matter how far you are planning to go.

1. Tool kit

You’re more likely to have some minor running repairs to deal with when riding off road like a puncture or a dropped chain. To deal with these you’ll need a basic repair kit. Remember - even if you don’t know how to do it someone else will!

• Puncture repair kit - comprising a spare inner tube, tyre levers and a pump.

• Multitool - with a variety of Allen keys, a screwdriver and a chain breaker tool.

• Patches - either instant adhesive patches or patches and glue to repair an inner tube to get you home.

2. The right kit for the weather

Being comfy is priceless, especially on a longer ride. Depending on the season here’s your clothing list to wear and/or take with you:

• Bike top - thin and breathable

• Padded shorts - to be comfortable over any distance.

• Jacket - either a thin packable windshell or a full on waterproof depending on the forecast.

• Bike gloves - for better grip, to protect any pressure points and warmth if needed.

Don’t forget an extra layer if the weather’s unpredictable, like a base layer or wind gilet that can be easily carried/worn as necessary.

For more specific how to dress for cooler temps and winter riding advice, have a read of our dedicated winter riding article.

3. Food and drink

Staying fuelled and hydrated is crucial on any ride, and even more so when riding gravel, as you can quickly find yourself far from any resupply points. So it’s a good idea to take with you:

• Water bottles (plural) or a hydration system (camelback style water bladder)

• Snacks (also plural!) - energy bars, trail mix, fruit puree pouches etc to keep you fuelled all day long. Don’t forget some savoury options if you are heading on a longer ride.

Drinking and eating regularly will help you stay well fuelled and avoid the dreaded bonk. Think little and often.

4. Some kind of mapping and a way to navigate

One the best things about gravel is the endless options for exploring new terrain and places. To avoid getting totally lost you’ll need a way to navigate and to have planned a route beforehand. For this you’ll need:

• A bike computer with gps so you can navigate and follow your route.

• A map - either on paper or an app on your phone (like komoot) to be able to check your whole route and the area you’re in.

We’ve put together all our mapping and navigation tips and tricks in our How to create a great bike route article, to help you plan routes like a pro.

Top Tip - remember to charge everything before setting off!

5. First Aid kit and sun protection

No matter how long your ride, safety and security is always important. So don’t forget:

• Sun cream - with good UV protection whether the sun is out or not!

• First Aid kit - plasters, antiseptic, sterile water and a few bandages to cover the most like eventualities.

• Sunglasses - to protect your eyes not only from the sun but the wind and any mud/grit/dust etc.

6. Bike bags

You’ll need an efficient practical and comfortable way to carry your tools, first aid kit, snacks and layers etc. There’s plenty of types of bags available, from large saddle bags to frame packs, top tube and handlebar bags to mention a few, as well as traditional panniers of course. Make sure whichever bag you choose is sturdy and waterproof.

Restrap have a really good range of models, so have a look and see just how many places you can attach kit to your bike!

GravelUp - for stress-free rides!

Here at GravelUp we are specialists in gravel trips in Europe, and we take pride in ensuring that every adventure is awesome experience without stress! All our trips are led by a professional and experienced guide, and there’s always a Destination Manager and support van on hand if needed. So you can relax and enjoy the journey.

Whether its for a well needed snack, technical help or well timed encouragement, we are there every pedal stroke of the way to support you, so that you can concentrate on the most important job - making the most of your trip.

Join a trip with GravelUp and let us take care of the rest!