20 REALLY USEFUL BIKEPACKING THINGS YOU NEED

I've done a LOT of bikepacking trips over the years. So, I thought it would be useful to go through the top 20 things you NEED for your next bikepacking trip.
1- Tailfin straps: www.tailfin.cc/product/cargo-...
2- Emergency Bivy: amzn.to/3jj8W6u
3- Fold up Shoes: amzn.to/3Rqt435
4- Tracker: amzn.to/3wO2Myk
5- Water Filter: amzn.to/3WUdAoX
6- Down Jacket: amzn.to/3Dx97BL
7- Bicycle Computer: amzn.to/3HtqCo1
8- Attacus Bib Shorts: attacus.cc
9- Dynamo Lights: www.klite.com.au
10- Spork: amzn.to/3HPVuR1
11- Bag: www.apidura.com/shop/packable...
12- Power Bank: amzn.to/3WUdSwm
13- Top Tube Bag: keep an eye out on ‪@TailfinCycling‬
14- Spare Lights I Use: amzn.to/3l40yYL
15- Spare Tools: I use a mix of stuff from different brands as explained in the video
16- Sunglasses: www.sungod.co/en-gb/
17- Spares: as explained in the video from various brands
18- First Aid Kit: amzn.to/3XTvJVf
19- Cafe Lock: amzn.to/3HP4JAM
20- Multi Charging DooDa Box: amzn.to/3XWIsqb
I've set up a Patreon if you'd like to help support the channel for less than the price of a fancy London coffee and croissant: / chrishallrides
SUPPORT ME THROUGH ZERO LEMON: www.zero-lemon.com​​​​
25% off your first purchase of STYRKR Carbs and Gels: styrkr.avln.me/c/wUtbjXKYaGGj use code 'CHRISHALL25'
Get the bags I use for my kit at races. You can get 20% off your order with the code 'CHRISHALL20' here: kitbrix.avln.me/c/SKCBRYwxmgIV
20% off Luchos Dilitos with code 'CHRISHALL20' : luchos.avln.me/c/TfFQnuZfhgVi
Purchase some nice new bits for your bike from South Downs Bikes: southdownsbikes.avln.me/c/wLC...
GET SOME BEER: luckysaint.avln.me/c/flvQzzWY...
Want some Jar-Jar Binks Valve Caps: brickcaps.avln.me/c/MIlWhrjUQjvD
I also got chatting with Organibox recently. They send out green, ethical and organic fruit and veg boxes. They also donate 50p from every box you purchase to help the Trussell Trust in their mission to end hunger across the UK. You can check them out here: organibox.avln.me/c/vfcdutWbkCum
The following companies (that you'll see in my content) support me either financially or with free stuff, so huge thanks to these guys for helping me with the challenges I take on:
Attacus Cycling, Cervélo, Lazer Helmets, Shimano, Schwalbe Tires, Reserve Wheels, Sungod Eyewear, Tailfin Cycling, Komoot, Styrkr

[@Steven-Sea_gull]

Only thing you didn't mention was spare mech hanger 🫶

[@dsb181]

This comment should be pinned. Not having a spare mech hanger is the silent killer of bikepacking trips!

[@ChrisHallRides]

Completely agree! I don’t actually know why I didn’t include it in the ‘spares’ section! But yes! I always travel with one too

[@ChrisHallRides]

Completely agree, Daniel! It’s pinned!

[@Steven-Sea_gull]

@@ChrisHallRides you left out the obvious 1 to see who's paying attention 🤔

[@ChrisHallRides]

@@Steven-Sea_gull maybe 😉

[@yankohristov2361]

The casual way of "throwing" things into the camera was like "yeah, that too, and that too, this thing as well..." Very nice video!

[@ChrisHallRides]

Thanks I appreciate it!

[@thebikepackingadventurer]

I always carry a spare mech hanger and a couple of spokes as well just in case. Quick switch out job too. I like the glasses attachment as I hang them off my chest and the lenses end up all sweaty. I always have electrical tape, thin zip ties etc on me to at least be able to bodge a job.

[@ChrisHallRides]

Yeah I always carry one too. Should have probably added that to the list too. Electrical tape, bolts and zip ties are essentials

[@Busfullofclowns]

Depending where you ride, a tick remover is a good addition, cheap, small and lightweight

[@ChrisHallRides]

Fantastic shout that!

[@bruce.KAY-bike-drifter]

Thank you. This is the BEST KZbin video I've seen telling us what to bring along when Bikepacking. Every one of the 20 items you mentioned is useful and well worth carrying on our bikes.

[@ChrisHallRides]

Thanks so much I’m glad to hear it was useful for you!

[@smellyelle8422]

Wishing you all the very best for Atlas Chris! You have the right state of mind for the race - to chill and not put any pressure on yourself. I know you're very nervous right now, but once you get rolling, you'll forget about the nerves, settle in and thoroughly enjoy the whole experience, because being in the saddle it what you love to do :-)

[@ChrisHallRides]

Thank you so much. I really appreciate you taking the time to write that. I think a huge amount of the nerves comes from crashing out last time to be honest.

[@Ok_rouleur]

I considered myself an experienced bikepacker and yet I still learn with these videos (plug-USB thingy…), thanks

[@ChrisHallRides]

Great to hear!

[@neusprach]

Useful tips, thanks for sharing!

[@ChrisHallRides]

Thanks for watching!

[@nklin6]

it always surprises me people reccomend the multi tool allen keys. They are so bad, there are so many screws you cant reach because of the size of the tool, and the ones it does, most of the time theyre a pain in the ass. get a mini ratchet wrench with a set of allen key attachments. they are a 1000 times better in my experience

[@adrianbeacon6421]

1000 times better, wow? Which ratchet do you use - I hope it's not 1000x more expensive.

[@ashgryph]

I totally agree. I just carry the like 4 allen keys I need and a torx or 2

[@MrRay645]

the emergency bivy (or even just an emergency blanket) is something every hiker caries but you are the first I have seen mention it for bike packing. wild considering even the perfect temp for sleeping on a nice Spring early Fall night can be a real bad situation if you/your gear is wet. Not always going to make it to shelters, even a really short day on a bike is a probably farther than you can walk especially pushing a bike with a mechanical.

[@ChrisHallRides]

Exactly! They’re so small and weigh nothing

[@rodneycaldwell5559]

Thanks for your help this makes my job easier to figure out what i need

[@ChrisHallRides]

Glad to help

[@CaptainChromaKey]

You are such a great guy Chris! Thank you such much for you videos and everything else you do :)

[@ChrisHallRides]

I appreciate that! Thank you for the kind words

[@_________4292]

Hellooo, nice video. I see You start strong 2023 with video keep up. Love Your attitude and sense of humor.

[@ChrisHallRides]

Thanks so much! The aim this year is at least once a week!

[@PumpkinVillage]

All good kit to bring along. Thanks for the video. Time to start getting things together so I'm ready to go come spring. -15F here right now. Bike trainer weather. Take care, Al

[@ChrisHallRides]

-15!? Yeah that’s not a fun temperature at all! Definitely indoors weather for sure! Thanks for watching!

[@andrewbulloch]

Brilliant Chris, good luck for the Atlas Race. Looking forward to seeing videos soon 👍

[@ChrisHallRides]

Thank you!

[@redauwg911]

great video Chris thanks

[@ChrisHallRides]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@FollowThomas]

Lot of useful things which can be lifesavers and won't take much space. I carry most of those on my bikepacking trips. 👍

[@ChrisHallRides]

Definitely!

[@ianboylan91]

Cracking video Chris. Focussed on bikepacking, but lots of good stuff in here for ‘the road less travelled’.

[@ChrisHallRides]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@pedallingsquaresNZ]

I once forgot a micro fibre towel and not being able to go to camp showers was very annoying! Recommend if you are planning on campsites!

[@ChrisHallRides]

Yeah that’s a fantastic shout!

[@omare_biketonature]

Well you’re right! Really useful items 😎

[@ChrisHallRides]

Thank you! Of course there’s more you can add to that list but hopefully it’s a good list for some who need some help

[@neilt7191]

100% , particularly the first aid kit Chris .

[@ChrisHallRides]

Thank you!

[@heidijarvis777]

Great vlog. Love the glug glug jug in the background being used as a vase 😅❤

[@ChrisHallRides]

That jug belonged to my Nan and it’s one of the things she left to me when she passed away. We regularly put daffodils in it when we can get them as they were her favourite flower too 💛

[@global_nomad.]

great list....

[@ImranShaikh-gh2wd]

Nice list :) I can't think of anything useful to add

[@ChrisHallRides]

Perfect! Thank you!

[@andrewbannister5456]

Also been well impressed with the Magicshine 3300 back charging lightpack 👍

[@ChrisHallRides]

Nice!

[@grahambell9831]

Hi Chris, a complete range of must haves (born out from many experiences) for adventure / distance bike rides. My mini leatherman is 17 years young!💙 The top tube tailfin bag could be a future purchase for me👌. Never go anywhere without a few zip ties👍depending on geographical location, a good water resistant high spf sun cream (ISDN or Ultrasun👍). Roll on Atlas videos ! Have a great weekend Chris 👋

[@ChrisHallRides]

Heya Graham, thanks for watching! Yeah I completely agree with sun screen too, I always make sure I have that and lip balm as well. As my lips always dry out a lot. Atlas videos will come when I’m back home I think but I have some to come out whilst I’m away like this one so hopefully they’re still entertaining

[@grahambell9831]

@@ChrisHallRides evening Chris 👋 100% agree with the lip balm...my lips dry out so quickly : a must have 👍. Best of British for the Atlas challenge ! Your suscribers I'm certain will really appreciate your vlogs. So sad to hear of Francis & Daisy going their separate ways. Both genuinely lovely people. I hope they will continue to lead, happy, contented and fulfiling lives 🙏. Safe travels Chris......dont forget your toothbrush ( a folding one!).

[@nealhooker]

Great job

[@ChrisHallRides]

Thank you!

[@MrClimberdave]

Great ideas! One thing. The company Jeffe makes a Garmin mount for the iReach Mini 2 that uses the existing adapter screw mount on the Mini (no glue required). FYI - I too glued a Gramin mount to my Mini then discovered this less permanent solution. :-)

[@ChrisHallRides]

Ahh that’s great to know thank you for sharing!

[@grumpy-dad3701]

The 2 most important things are. To have fun Expect adventure I had my whole drivetrain caked in sand. Issues with my peddles.2 punctures. And I took the wrong valve type inner. Covered in nettle stings and bramble thorn scratches. Loved every mile.

[@ChrisHallRides]

That’s the most important thing that you loved it!

[@grumpy-dad3701]

@@ChrisHallRides 100% I did. Can't wait to get a few more under my belt.

[@derekcravenPT]

All the best for the Atlas adventure 👍

[@ChrisHallRides]

Thanks so much!

[@GeneVilleneuve]

Great video! I have most of what you list except for a Dynamo hub and a gps tracker. Always love your videos. Some people would add another tire and extra chain links. Which I also bring. ❤

[@ChrisHallRides]

Thank you so much! Yeah the wolf tooth thing has a spot to hold chain links in it too. Always take them. A spare tyre I’ve taken on some adventures. I took one for Kyrgystan and in Australia we ended up replacing our tyres about halfway across

[@GeneVilleneuve]

@@ChrisHallRides agree. I have the wolf tooth tool too. I also bring extra regular links in addition to the quick links.

[@kevinlyon9501]

Some really good ones there, all I could think to add some other spares and toothpaste tube and gaff tape for repairing tyre side walls though I expect these days there's repair patches for those. Hope the sniffles have gone, good luck for Friday have fun.

[@ChrisHallRides]

Great tips! Thank you

[@JeanFrancoisDesrosiers]

There's about 5k$ of gear in there. I allow myself to go out with a bellow 1k$ budget, including the bike!

[@WhatxKeepsxUsxHere]

I also carry Surgical Sutures. They cost nothing, weight nothing, strong as designed to hold well and in side wall cuts can save you. Just one side note - Nylon sutures / stitches - not dissolve/absorbable ones :) Since you carry Leatherman - stitching tyre won't be a problem. PS - Good luck on Atlas.

[@ChrisHallRides]

Good shout too. Thanks for the additional tip!

[@kuba54]

If I'm out for more than 30km. I do not, I repeat, I do not go without a toilet paper. Learned it the hard way...

[@ChrisHallRides]

😦😦

[@arcoulant87]

Great video, Spare spokes store in seat tube.

[@ChrisHallRides]

Great tip!

[@Lizardforce]

Thanks nice video

[@ChrisHallRides]

Thank you!

[@Lizardforce]

@@ChrisHallRides keep these videos coming! Good content 💪🏼

[@BikepackingAdventures]

The mesh pocket on the top tube bag has come with the last couple RockBros top tube bags I have bought; buy you know what? I don't see a use for them, I just see stuff falling out or knocking shit with your knees. And if your wearing bibs with pockets your already got space for overflow, oh great reminder on the pocket in the bibs at the back - they got them in blue Attacus bib shorts. Can't think what to put in there because of course the bib shorts lie underneath your jersey pockets. Btw love the colour way on those bib shorts, there seems to be a trend right now for "fisherman" green! I love pockets for everything, but sometimes we forget about those simple pockets in our jerseys - I really use to have a problem cramming stuff in them and have discomfort but now I'll cram anything in their tubes or pringles, litre bottles of OJ!

[@ChrisHallRides]

I’m a big believer in having more pockets and not needing them as opposed to not having them

[@BikepackingAdventures]

@@ChrisHallRides you can never have too many!

[@markjthomson]

Straps = baguette holders! 2 types of navigation, yes! Pocket at the back of the bib is awesome, I don't use the leg ones much but great to have a phone/card holder when I go into stores. How do you get a Komoot spork...? My spork has a serrated edge, don't like that... and listed below, spare mech hanger, and I would add for those who use cables, one spare brake and gear cable.

[@ChrisHallRides]

Honestly I’m not sure where to get the Komoot ones. They gave me one years back but I found one very similar on Amazon.

[@vincentcomerford5376]

If I'm not mistaken the Patagonia MicroPuff is not Down but synthetic. Down IS warmer than synthetic but down's mortal enemy is water, the synthetic filling of the MicroPuff allows for warmth even if wet (according to Patagonia).

[@ChrisHallRides]

You’re correct! Yes! I’ve found that the synthetic down is more than good enough generally

[@grahamriley8124]

Problem with the micro puff though is it mimics down with plumes. Get them soaked and they behave like down and clump - total failure! A synthetic ‘sheet’ insulator can wrung by hand to get rid of most of the water and then keeps you warm when wet.

[@connormcc]

Ah... super helpful!! I have a list to start making for a trip at the end of May! I can't see the straps on the Tailfin site (am about to spend a shocking amount with them very soon, lol - planning to buy Aeropack, panniers, and top tube bag)

[@ChrisHallRides]

I’m glad it was helpful! You won’t regret the tailfin equipment, it really is the best. Straps can be found in the accessories and spares bits on the site I think. Here’s a link www.tailfin.cc/product/spares/spares-spares/v-mount-straps/?wccps_c0=130754&wccpm0=1654781467&wccpl=7 www.tailfin.cc/product/spares/spares-spares/v-mount-straps/?wccps_c0=130755&wccpm0=1654781467&wccpl=7

[@connormcc]

@@ChrisHallRides ahh amazing, thanks! I was looking in the wrong place!

[@jonpoon3896]

Wrap electrical tape around your pump. Also, instead of 10k mah powerbank, I use 2 5k power banks. Nitrile gloves, zipper bags are some spares I take

[@ChrisHallRides]

Good additional suggestions there for sure 👌

[@user-sw2mz3bf4m]

Hey Chris, Thanks for your work and your videos. In the top 20, what about a rain jacket for the 21th place ? Which one would you recommend ? Something packable, waterproof (for sure) and breathable

[@ChrisHallRides]

Yes a good rain jacket is a great shout. Gore Tex jackets have always been pretty good I have found. Expensive but they work

[@stevia13]

Hey Chris - thanks for the info; I love watching these kind of videos. Can I ask what K Lite light you run - did you go for the MTB or the gravel version of the light??? Many thanks, Stevie

[@ChrisHallRides]

Thanks so much for watching. That’s a good question actually! I’ve had it for a few years and I can’t quite remember but I think the gravel one

[@user-hn5kh7qt9r]

No mention of a trowel!

[@ChrisHallRides]

I dug myself. hole there

[@ASTHECROWFLIESHIKING]

Great information. Nice video. New follower here. Crow✌️

[@ChrisHallRides]

Welcome aboard and thanks so much!

[@andrewbannister5456]

You gotta get hold of a PedalCell dynamo bro 👍

[@ChrisHallRides]

👌

[@cb6866]

Thanks Chris ...have you seen your pic on their website ? Whoa .......dude !

[@ChrisHallRides]

On who’s website?

[@cb6866]

@@ChrisHallRides Tail fin …. Your in the R&D stuff

[@ChrisHallRides]

@@cb6866 haha yeah I look a bit buggered in it

[@MrCortecciaOutdoorgear]

Sawyer filter is ok , but the waterbag is low quality , much rigid e crack. i think one of the best tool for repair is the unior 1669/4 for spoke, exspecialy for long travel off road . have good trip

[@Xhadp]

I really want Tailfin to release that top tube bag(s) so that I can get it for my regular road bike as well. I know they have been testing both a full size one as well as a smaller one so that you can still step over your bike. Do you know if it will be compatible with top tube bolts? Or do you have to use the straps?

[@ChrisHallRides]

Don’t worry, they’ve thought of everything. 😉

[@dennis_aus_neukoelln]

I am looking into getting an inreach mini as well. I know about the subscription but would like to know what else might be needed if I wanted to bring it to a race for tracking/ dotwatching purposes. Would I need any additional services or just forward a link to the organisers? Thanks.

[@ChrisHallRides]

It really is different depending on the organiser but the best thing to do always is just to check with them firstly. It’s usually things like updating the emergency contact details. Also to note, an Inreach and a Spot use different satellites. So for example the spot trackers don’t work in Kyrgystan.

[@Bikepacking]

Change your sunglasses out with Everysight rapture that way you can replace a few things on your list … you should do a video 20 things what not to bring on Bikepacking adventure .. 1 the wife lol 2 the kids 3 etc

[@ChrisHallRides]

I’m pretty sure those glasses aren’t made any more

[@Bikepacking]

@@ChrisHallRides they have new design coming out soon but server is still available for old pair

[@xavp76]

Hello Chris ! Thanks for this useful AND entertaining video ! Quick question : would u take the Garmin inreach in Europe ? I'm planning an European bikepacking trip next month and I'm not sure I need one... (I was thinking in some "remote" area like the old chalkway 😅) I don't know... I will bring my wahoo computer (which feature live tracking I think, but I never used it) and my phone of course. What's your take on that ? Thanks !

[@ChrisHallRides]

Thanks for watching and for the kind words. Yes I definitely would as there’s some places that you’re still unable to get signal and that are very remote

[@cb6866]

Thanks Chris...nitrile gloves ? Tire boots ...Guup.

[@ChrisHallRides]

I generally never pack gloves but I know people who do. Tire boot is what I’d include in the spares. I always take them and patches

[@lahyessam9725]

I didn't read all the comments but did you bring a bycycles pump or compressed air to fill you tyres if you have a flat. And people may also be need a pill container to carry their medications 👍🚲🇨🇦

[@ChrisHallRides]

Pill container is a great shout. I always take a mini pump, the one I show in the video I’ve had for years and it’s been pretty solid

[@markbell3780]

Hi Chris, was just looking through the comments to see if anyone else asked, but wondering how you have attached the Garmin Mount to the back of your InRech mini? Was this an off the shelf adapter, or "glued" on somehow? Cheers M

[@ChrisHallRides]

It’s a 3d printed mount from 76 projects

[@rynkydynky]

Do you have a video in which you share how you store these items?

[@ChrisHallRides]

I’m lucky to be part of Tailfin’s R&D team so I use their range of bikepacking equipment on my bike. This breakdown from Badlands may help: kzbin.info/www/bejne/aJzOp6mrpd1rhtk

[@jonpoon3896]

I’m surprised you’re not using the K-lite rear light

[@ChrisHallRides]

I’ve got one of their rear lights too. But always take a spare rest too. Better to be lit up like a Christmas tree

[@eigenmeier7763]

what brand is the bib shorts?

[@ChrisHallRides]

Attacus Cycling

[@nendinosaurus]

Do you ride in your down jacket, or is it just for stops?

[@ChrisHallRides]

Yeah I do often ride in it actually

[@hubertschild756]

What do you have inside your first aid kit? Could you share with me/everyone your list? I would like to compare it with my kit which I take to my races :)

[@ChrisHallRides]

Yeah of course it has the following in it: 6 x Safety Pins, 1 x Sun Cream Sachet - Mountain SPF50 Formula, (I always take extra too this is for emergencies) 5 x Sterile Non-Woven Swabs (Gauze swabs), 2 x Alcohol wipes, 1 x Zinc Oxide Tape, 1 x Sterile Adherent Dressing (15cm x 9cm), 1 x Pack of Assorted Plasters, 1 x Sterile Blister Plaster, 1 x Elasticated Cohesive Bandage, Scissors, Sewing kit, Dental Floss, Painkillers, Water Purification Tablets, A variety of tablets to help with flu, cold, stomach upset, Duct Tape, Caffeine Tablets.. I think of the top of my head that’s about it. Probably have missed something though!

[@V124Victor]

Must be easy having this much money... Guess I'm just happy with less, less works just fine :)

[@Kochi306]

Hi Chris, the link from the bag (number 11) doesn't work. Can tell me which one you have? Thx

[@ChrisHallRides]

Sorry about that. I’ve updated the links

[@Kochi306]

@@ChrisHallRides thx mate

[@ChrisHallRides]

@@Kochi306 no problem!

[@shawnbrown1404]

Links?

[@ChrisHallRides]

I’ll whack links in the description to everything this evening

[@shawnbrown1404]

@@ChrisHallRides Awesome, thanks 🍻

[@ChrisHallRides]

@@shawnbrown1404 I’ve added links to pretty much everything in the description ✌️

[@shawnbrown1404]

@@ChrisHallRides You're the man. Thanks!!!

[@pauljenkins2501]

I guess that a lot of people who watch your channel are outdoors orientated. Maybe they already know some first aid. (Quite apart from carrying a first aid kit). But, if you don't know first aid, I would urge you to do a course. It might help you, it might help, or maybe even save, someone else. And, as the bushcraft guru Rays Mears has observed in one of his programmes, knowledge weighs nothing at all........

[@ChrisHallRides]

You are completely right there. This is very important information for sure

[@pilgrimsprogress]

I wanted to hear this but the music made me turn you off

[@ChrisHallRides]

But you have to know them

[@mcWilma]

A bit too much product placement (Sponsored products) hidden in the list for my taste...

[@ChrisHallRides]

Not hidden at all. It’s very well known they support me as you’ll see from the caption and logos at the end. The brands I work with I do so because they’re the brands I would buy and I think they’re the best available. I’m lucky to have worked with them for years now. There are of course other options available on the market too which I mention on many things that other things are available but these are my choices

[@Lonesomeburger]

Between your British accent and the background music, I'm guessing I lose something like 30% of the content of what you're trying to tell us.

[@ChrisHallRides]

Can’t help the accent…

[@OstapKliuchkovskyi]

nothing new, thx tho