Time to prep for winter

With proper winter just around the corner it’s probably a good time to revisit Dave’s blog post on what he carries in his backpack to deal with the cold months of riding ahead…

So without further ado, here’s what’s in my sack…

So first off for extended rides in winter I tend to opt for a slightly bigger backpack than normal and I’ve found the Camelbak Charge with 11.5 litres of storage to be pretty much the right size for what I want to carry without tempting me to pack too much. The construction is pretty lightweight too which helps given I usually carry more at this time of year.

In the outer pocket I carry all the fix and feed stuff so it’s easily to hand. This consists of a spare tube, Lezyne HV Drive pump and Pedro’s levers to deal with punctures, I know some people swear by CO2 inflators especially for speed when it’s cold but I figure hand pumping a 29er tyre is going to be worth it for the heat it generates.  A Crankbrothers Multi 10 tool and a small Squirt lube deal with any other emergencies.

Seeing as the cold burns energy quicker I usually pack a selection of energy snacks for quick refuelling Clif Shot Gel and Bloks for bonking scenarios and Torq bars for when I’m after something a bit more chewy.

Lastly as insurance against getting caught out in the dark due to shorter days, a pair of Lezyne Femto Drive LED lights are small enough to keep in the pack just in case.

For food stops, coffee stops and trailside repairs I like to pack an insulating layer to help keep me warm. For small and packable warmth I usually chuck a Patagonia Nano Puff Jacket and a wooly hat in the bag.

For on the bike a Gore Alp-X goretex jacket deals with windchill and hail/sleet/rain. While a Buff gives the option of acting as a neck seal to stop drafts or under the helmet to prevent ice cream  headache.

Lastly I always carry a minimalist first aid kit; a couple of bandages and wipes to deal with bleeds and breaks, a face shield and the knowledge how to use them. I also pack a SOL Emergency Bivvy shelter for casualty insulation where rescue may take some time, much better than a space blanket and not that much bigger or heavier.