I carry just a little bit more than will fit in a tiny saddle pack or in my jersey pockets. That’s one reason why I installed a front randonneur rack and bag. Thought I would share all the stuff I take along on my rides. Some of this may seem to be overkill, and on a ride in the city you would be right. But my rides have been increasingly out in the “country,” away from the convenience of modern urban life, and my Boy Scout and Marine training has kicked in. For me, some of the items are a good compromise between preparedness and weight. With this stuff I could quite literally survive for an extended period of time if needed.
- Notebook and pen
- Cable lock
- Headlamp and spare batteries
- Plastic grocery bag (saddle cover)
- Pump
- Small camp towel
- Safety vest
- First aid kit
- Neosporin
- Liquid bandage
- Water purification tablets
- Tylenol/advil
- Disposable tooth brushes
- Chapstick
- Survival pack (fire starter, whistle, signal mirror)
- Swiss Army knife
- Cord
- Space blanket
- Spare tubes (x2)
- Patch kit
- Tire boots
- Chain tool
- Spoke wrench
- Valve adapter
- Spare cables
- Tire levers
- Gloves
- Multi-tools
And on longer trips I carry a spare fold up tire.
This stuff does not take up very much space and the bag loaded weighs about 3 pounds. There is enough space in the bag to carry enough food and snacks for a long ride.
What’s in your wallet?
Add in a bus schedule and 2 dollars in a ziplock bag. That way you can get home on the bus or train if you need to. I also keep spare reading glasses in my pannier bag. And one of those one-time-use small tubes of chamois butter. And a couple of zip ties.
zip ties…need to work on that