The minimalist biker: Packing light for better endurance
by: Steve Thompson
Posted on: Wednesday, January 2nd, 2008 at 8:17 pm by: Steve Thompson
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Carrying a pack full of heavy equipment or stowing too many gadgets on your bike rack might not matter for short distances, but when you start hitting the long and rugged trails, you’re going to realize what it means to pack light. The minimalist biker needs only the essentials and modern technology has produced a slew of light-weight, practical equipment from which you can choose.
Your backpack
The size and weight of your backpack will depend on whether you are looking for a hydration system or not. My pick for the best hydration system goes to the CamelBak M.U.L.E., which weighs only 100 ounces when filled to capacity. It’s sleek, aerodynamic design helps to decrease chest pull when you’re riding against the wind and comes with an air director panel along the back for increased ventilation.
If, however, you’re looking for something to hold your water bottle, first aid kit and tools for the trail, a simpler design is far more practical. The Spiral backpack from Ameribag, for example, weighs only 15 ounces when empty and lacks the bells and whistles of some of its heavier brethren.
When choosing a backpack for your mountain biking adventures, remember that size and durability are equally important. You want a lightweight pack that isn’t going to slow you down on the trail, but you certainly don’t want your personal belongings littered all over the woods because the bottom fell out. (Don’t laugh it happened to my brother.) Look for solid stitching, heavy fabric and well-designed zippers.
Your First aid kit
This is another area where mountain biking can become an exercise in weight. First aid kits are extremely important on the trail, but they don’t have to be heavy to serve their purpose. Some bikers prefer to create their own kits so they aren’t saddled with superfluous gear, but you can find some ready-made kits that are just as handy.
The lightweight MedEx 01 First Aid Kit is my personal favorite. Just $20 buys you a kit with all of the essentials stored in a small, compact case for easy retrieval from your backpack. If you decide to pack your own, however, make sure you find a list of the essentials on the Internet so you don’t forget anything.
Your other equipment
The minimalist biker, as mentioned above, needs only the essentials to make it with the best. You don’t need heavy jackets or expensive music systems to enjoy your ride, and remember that everything you add to your pack will decrease your endurance, even if only by a small margin.
When shopping for your mountain biking equipment, check the weight on each product before carrying it to the cash register. All of your clothing combined, for example, shouldn’t weigh more than four pounds, including good shoes (35 ounces max).
Your tool kit (7 ounces), patch kit (2 ounces), air pump (4 ounces) and spare tube (6 ounces) should get you where you need to go safely and securely. Look for equipment made specifically for long-distance bikers, and you can always talk to an expert in the store to get his or her recommendations.
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