When going on a cycling holiday, it is always a big challenge to bring the right gear. We ourselves at Cyclingreview have been on cycling holidays regularly and every time it is a challenge to gather the right stuff to fit in the limited space on the bike and in your clothes. Below you'll find a packing list of stuff to take with you on cycling holidays, please note this is what we would take ourselves. Everyone has their own wishes and needs for their cycling holiday, so please add to this list in the comments if there is something you miss in the packing list for a cycling holiday. If you see something you don't yet have, click on it and you will be redirected directly to the webshop where they sell the item.
Clothing for cycling
During your cycling holiday, you naturally want to be comfortable on your bike. To ensure that, you need the right clothing. In the list below, we obviously cannot know what the weather is going to be, for example, if you are going on and sunny cycling holiday, the list below can be shortened a little, if you are going on a winter cycling holiday you could add extra socks, underwear, overshoes, earmuffs, etc. For an average cycling holiday you will need:
- Helmet
A helmet is obviously the first thing you grab when cycling. Not only because of the descents, but certainly also because traffic, especially abroad, is not always used to cyclists on the road. An accident is then in and small corner and a helmet could save your life.
- Mountain bike shoes
As cycling shoes, MTB shoes are generally just a bit nicer to have with you on cycling holidays. These have just a bit more grip and do not wear out as quickly.
- Cycling shorts(s)
1 to 3 cycling shorts will always get you through. In any case, make sure you can put on clean cycling shorts every day.
- Socks
2 or 3 pairs of cycling socks are enough. Personally, I am a fan of the socks from Sockeloen.
- A set of leg and arm warmers
When cycling at night or in colder conditions, it's nice to be able to layer up. Leg and arm warmers are ideal for this. You can easily take them on and off as the temperature changes.
- Short-sleeved cycling jerseys
At least 2 short-sleeved shirts. If you are smart, plan your cycling holiday in summer and this will be your outer layer. Make sure you get a good quality shirt that fits you comfortably and looks good, of course.
- A long-sleeved shirt
Should it really cool down, you can put on a thin long-sleeved shirt. In countries where the sun shines terribly hard, many riders wear a long-sleeved shirt as standard as protection from the sun. If you already have arm warmers with you and you cycle in warm weather, this is not necessarily necessary. If you go into the mountains, a long-sleeved shirt comes in very handy, as it can cool down fast there.
- Underwear
At least two pieces of undergarments, recommended three. It is advisable to pack both for cold and warm weather. Therefore, I would definitely pack a thermal undershirt as well.
- Rain jacket
A thin rain jacket can help you on not getting soaked during a heavy downpour. Make sure you have a light rain jacket that you can easily and quickly store.
- Waterproof overshoes
Wet feet do not dry easily and can cause cold feet. Very annoying on the bike. With thin, waterproof overshoes from the brand Velotoze, for example, your feet will stay dry and warm.
- Cap or hat
You naturally assume that your cycling holiday will be completely sunny and you will only encounter good weather, but unfortunately it turns out that somehow there is always a bad day in between. So be prepared for that by being able to keep your head warm. You lose your most body heat through your head, so to keep some of that heat with you, it is good to pack a cap or hat.
- Gloves
A pair of short gloves and a pair of long gloves. At the end of the day, wash your short gloves briefly in the sink and let them dry overnight, so that the next day you have gloves that don't smell so bad.
Clothing for when you are not cycling
When the bike ride is over or you have a rest day, you obviously can't keep walking around in cycling clothes. It is therefore essential to bring extra clothes for different occasions. You may only be going up and down to the supermarket, but if you are also going out to dinner or something else where you need to be somewhat presentable think about how you are going to handle this.
In addition, one of the most important tips (this also applies to your cycling clothes); make sure you have the opportunity to do at least a hand wash once every few (maximum) three days. Stinky clothes are not fun to cycle in and certainly not fun to walk around in. What you should measure at least on your packing list for a cycling holiday is:
- Comfortable (short) trousers
If you spend the night in a hotel, then it does come in handy to put on some trousers. It is really nice to bring a pair of zip-off trousers in a nice, airy material. These can be folded small and you can unzip your legs when it gets cold.
- Underwear
You do want to bring underwear for when you are not cycling, but also not too much. I would recommend bringing a maximum of three pieces of underwear and making sure you can do a (hand) wash at least every three days.
- Slippers
Shoes weigh too much to carry around, so it's best to opt for lightweight slippers. You can use these to wander around a bit, but also, for example, to use under the (not always clean) showers.
- Long-sleeved shirt
Your legs are usually pedalling, so they will stay warm, but your upper body can cool down quickly. In any case, make sure you have clothes with you that can keep you warm in a cold descent. Personally no I always bring my long-sleeved Gabba, which is water-repellent, windproof and nice and warm.
- Swimwear
I personally like to swim when possible. It is not always possible to dive into the water in your cycling shorts and nude swimming is not always an option either. Swimwear always comes in handy and doesn't have to weigh much to carry.
Bicycle accessories and spare parts
Anything can happen during a cycling holiday, and not everywhere is there a good bike shop nearby that can solve your problem. To prepare yourself for all the problems you might encounter on the road, it is useful to carry the following bike accessories and spare parts. By the way, also make sure you know exactly how to use everything, I can tell you from experience that it's not so nice to in the middle of nowhere replace a brake cable for the first time without help. Make sure you pack and bring at least the items below:
- Tyre levers / tyre repair kit
Indispensable in case of a flat tyre!
- Inner tube(s)
Depending on the distance and how much weight you want to carry. At least 1 inner tube, but 2 inner tubes are recommended anyway.
- CO2 cartridges
For instantly re-inflating your flat tyre to the correct pressure. CAUTION, so not a hand pump. CO2 cartridges work much faster, easier and are easier to carry.
- Spoke spanner
To fix a blow in the wheel
- Spare spokes
Should a spoke break, it is handy to be able to replace it immediately.
- Mini-tool
The mini-tool is indispensable during your cycling holiday. Screwdrivers, torx spanners and other commonly used tools to adjust your bike on the go.
- Chain punch
This may also be in your minitool, but don't forget it. If your chain breaks in the middle of nowhere otherwise you'll be stuck with nothing.
- Lights
Front and rear lights for when you unexpectedly find yourself cycling in the dark or in tunnels.
- Spare brake pads
Especially if you cycle in the mountains, your brakes can wear out tremendously during your cycling holiday. So don't forget to add an extra set of brake pads to your packing list.
- Bicycle computer with navigation
By planning your routes in advance and putting them into your cycling computer with GPS and maps, you won't get lost so easily.
- Chain lubricant
Abroad, the roads are not always as good, so sand and dirt may get into your chain. To maintain your chain properly, it is smart to put some lubricant on your chain from time to time.
Other accessories
Besides all the bike parts, you will also need other gear to function normally during the times you are not on the bike. Of course, it depends on what kind of cycling holiday you are going to do what you actually want to bring of the below. If you stay in a hotel every day you won't need to bring shampoo and towels, and if you
- Toiletries
- Towel (compact and quick-drying, such as the PackTowl)
- Pocket knife
- Lightweight lock (no big and heavy padlock)
- 2 large 0.75ltr water bottles
- Basic emergency kit with emergency numbers
- Sunglasses
- Torch
- Insect spray
- Sunburn
- Telephone
- Passport
- Powerbank for charging electronic devices
- Cash money
- Bank cards / credit cards
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