| Heading out for a couple of hours in your local | | | | - Riding glasses |
| mountain bike park? What do you need to take to | | | | - Enough water and/or sports drink |
| ensure you are covered if things go wrong on the | | | | - An energy bar or two |
| trail. This handy checklist covers off the main tools | | | | - Very basic first aid kit |
| and other items I would carry on a two to three | | | | - Trail map if the signposting isn't great |
| hour ride that's not taking me too far from civilization. | | | | - Cellphone - it may not work in all areas but worth |
| On a short ride you don't want to be weighed down | | | | carrying one |
| with too much gear but at the same time you need | | | | - Sunscreen ideally containing insect repellant |
| the minimum to cover the potential for gear failure | | | | |
| and inclement weather. | | | | Tools |
| Clothing | | | | You may want to carry an array of tools and spare |
| - Bike shorts | | | | parts to cover every possible situation but this is not |
| - Suitable cycling top made from quick drying | | | | practical or necessary on a short ride. If you have |
| breathable material - not a t-shirt | | | | major gear failure the walk to the car isn't going to |
| - Ideally proper cycling socks | | | | be too far. So here is the bare minimum to have on |
| - Cycling shoes | | | | board: |
| - Gloves to reduce pressure on hands and save them | | | | - Pump |
| in a crash | | | | - Multi-tool that includes a chain breaker and all the |
| Depending on the season and the altitude you are | | | | necessary allen keys |
| riding in also consider carrying: | | | | - Spare tube with the right valve connection for your |
| - Waterproof jacket | | | | bike and pump |
| - Leg and arm warmers | | | | - Tyre levers - the ones on the multi-tools I have |
| | | | used just don't seem to cut it. |
| Personal items | | | | |