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Mountain Biking Essentials: What to Wear & Pack

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Whether you're hitting local singletrack or heading into the mountains for a full-day ride, this list covers everything I actually wear or carry on the trail. From breathable layers and protective gear to hydration solutions and tech tools, every ite...
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🧢 What to Wear on the Trail

From breathable jerseys to padded shorts and gloves that actually grip — this section covers what I always wear when riding. These pieces strike the balance between comfort, performance, and durability — because a long ride in the wrong gear is not t...

 
Heather  Hughes Page profile picture
Saddle comfort is non-negotiable. These are my go-to for reducing fatigue and avoiding the dreaded "why can’t I sit down tomorrow" problem. I really like the dark violet color and the waist is easy. Size up -- I usually would get a small but like t...
Women's Bike Shorts with Liner
 
Heather  Hughes Page profile picture
I love adding color to my ride-- these jerseys are so much fun. Any lightweight, breathable, and quick-drying top is basically the holy trinity of bike shirts. Oh and yes I like sleeveless but ... not always a great choice if you are hitting mount...
Women's Long Sleeve MTB Jersey
 
Heather  Hughes Page profile picture
I love these gloves…. breathable and stretchy.  Great for hot days and you can still access all the gear buttons on your bike, helmet, watch etc. Better grip, less hand fatigue, and protection if you take a spill. I switch depending on weather and terrain.
Bike Gloves Anti-Slip 5mm Padded Biking Cycling Gloves Shock-Absorbing Breathable
 
Heather  Hughes Page profile picture
OK you might not need a helmet like this but if you ride with someone this is a game changer.  Rides are more fun when we can talk to each other — even on single track rides!  Oh yeah and safety is important too.  I may have rolled down a hill or two and this helmet was key.  And we added a mount to both of our helmets to capture the excitement!
Sena M1 / M1 EVO Bluetooth and Mesh Intercom Smart Communications Mountain Bike Helmets
 
Heather  Hughes Page profile picture
I always wear a shoe with a good tread. Still looking for the one shoe I love the most but find something you like and works for your pedals.
Women's MTB Shoes
 
Heather  Hughes Page profile picture
For sun protection or that chill morning ride. Packable and trail-tested. And of course they are pretty bad a** so you will look cool too!
Men & Women's Lightweight Cycling Sun Sleeves
 
Heather  Hughes Page profile picture
If rains in the forcast and you are still hitting the trail … pack a jacket that fits easily into your backpack when it clears.
The best packable rain jackets for cycling 2025
 
Heather  Hughes Page profile picture
Keeps bugs, dust, and wind out of your eyes. Polarized lenses are a must for sun glare. I've biked without glasses before and don't recommend it. These may not be stylish but the coverage is amazing and even on wooded trails you'll be riding in com...
Polarized Sport Sunglasses Lightweight TR90 UV

🎒 What to Pack in Your Backpack

This is my trail-day toolkit. Everything from hydration to emergency tools fits here — lightweight, efficient, and ready for any “uh-oh” moment. Whether you're riding solo or with a crew, this pack list keeps you prepared without weighing you down.

 
Heather  Hughes Page profile picture
Well first you need a great pack – and this is my favorite.  So many compartments and the Raven is made for women so it fits comfortably on your back.  I have the 14L bladder which is great for 2-3 hours of riding.  If you ride shorter the 10L might be good.  I also love the “secret” compartment on the bottom for all the bike tools or first aid kit!   I ride with a hydration pack over bottles. Hands-free sipping = more ride, less fuss.  (see whats in my car for after the ride)
Osprey Raven 14 Women's Bike Hydration Pack
 
Heather  Hughes Page profile picture
Because tubeless miracles still need air sometimes.  And these are so easy and fast to use!
CO2 INFLATORS
 
Heather  Hughes Page profile picture
This one tool can save your whole ride. Don't leave home without it.  Oh and by the way did I mention that we are big believers in redundancy “just in case”. so we have two of almost everything!
Bike Multi Tool 16-in-1 Bicycle Repair Kit
 
Heather  Hughes Page profile picture
A few bandages, wipes, and ibuprofen go a long way when the trail bites back.
276PCS First Aid Kit for Home Car Camping
 
Heather  Hughes Page profile picture
Trail fuel! I always stash a couple even on short rides — hanger is real. Even if you think you don't need it pack it anyway. We went out for a "short" ride a few weeks ago. I threw these in last minute -- 95 degrees and 7 miles later ... we neede...
Perfect Bar Mini Peanut Butter Protein Bar 24ct

🚗 What Lives in My Car (Just in Case)

Call it the mobile base camp — these are the extras I keep in the truck for pre-ride setup or post-ride cleanup. Think sunscreen, snacks, extra tools, and a change of clothes (because mud happens). You'll thank yourself later.

 
Heather  Hughes Page profile picture
Muddy shoes, greasy hands, spilled coffee... it's a multi-use MVP. AND sweaty bodies … these are a life saver in my car!
Paper Towels
 
Heather  Hughes Page profile picture
No one wants to ride home soggy and stinky. Plus … we've been known to stop and grab a quick bite and beer on the way home if we are lucky enough to find a good local place!
Change of clothes and slides
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Heather  Hughes Page profile picture
This might be overkill but... we have it in the jeep for off roading it also works great for the bikes.
VIAIR 400P Portable Tire Inflator Kit
 
Heather  Hughes Page profile picture
We check the air in our tires almost every time we ride and just top them off before we head out. We'll do this either before we leave the house or at the trail head.
Schwinn Floor Bike Pump, 120 PSI, Dual Head
 
Heather  Hughes Page profile picture
Everything lives in this -- hiking boots, socks, helmets, gloves, paper towels, zip ties, spare tubes, chain lube, duct tape. The MacGyver kit.
CX CRAFTSMAN 10-Gal Durable Storage Bin
 
Heather  Hughes Page profile picture
YES we really have this in the Jeep all the time. Because you earned that fizzy drink and beef jerky. But we also keep water bottles in here for after our rides and refresh with an electrolyte mix.
YETI Tundra 35 Cooler
 
Heather  Hughes Page profile picture
Because after a long sweaty ride -- I need to rehydrate fast. Easy single serve pouches and great flavor.
DripDrop Hydration Packets - Bold Variety - 32 Sticks