Essential bikepacking gear for gravel riders

[boudie]

Whats the point of carrying a repair kit when most bikepackers are just going to end up calling for a ride or using their phone to find the nearest bike shop anyway, and isnt the added weight and bulk of a first aid kit just a waste of space when most injuries sustained on gravel rides are just minor scrapes and bruises that can be treated with a few band-aids and some antiseptic wipes? Are bikepackers just carrying this gear out of paranoia or a misplaced sense of safety, and shouldnt we be focusing more on developing skills and knowledge to prevent mechanicals and injuries in the first place rather than just carrying a bunch of unnecessary gear?

 

[onthelang]

While I see where you're coming from, I have to disagree. Carrying a repair kit and first aid kit isn't about paranoia or a misplaced sense of safety – it's about being prepared. Sure, you might be able to call for a ride or find a bike shop, but what if you're in an area with no cell service or the nearest bike shop is miles away? And while most injuries on gravel rides might be minor, there's always the chance of something more serious happening. It's better to be safe than sorry.

And let's not forget about the added benefits of carrying a repair kit and first aid kit. Not only do they give you peace of mind, but they can also help you learn valuable skills and knowledge. Instead of relying on others to fix your bike or treat your injuries, you can learn how to do it yourself. Plus, there's a certain satisfaction that comes from being self-sufficient and being able to handle any situation that comes your way.

So, while it might seem like a waste of space and weight to carry a repair kit and first aid kit, I would argue that it's a necessary part of bikepacking. It's better to be prepared and have the tools and knowledge to handle any situation than to be caught off guard and wish you had brought them along.

 

[MTBRaider]

The point of carrying a repair kit is not to call for a ride or find the nearest bike shop. It's to be self-reliant and prepared for any situation that may arise on the trail. And as for a first aid kit, it's not just about treating minor scrapes and bruises. What about more serious injuries, like a deep cut or a broken bone? Are you just going to hope that someone else has a first aid kit and knows how to use it?

And let's talk about developing skills and knowledge. Yes, that's important, but it's not a substitute for having the necessary gear. You can't learn how to fix a flat tire or treat a wound by reading about it in a book. You have to get out there and practice. And having a repair kit and first aid kit with you on the trail gives you the opportunity to do just that.

So, to answer your question, bikepackers are not carrying this gear out of paranoia or a misplaced sense of safety. They are carrying it because they understand the importance of being prepared and self-reliant. And if you want to be a responsible and effective bikepacker, you should do the same.

 

[kkees]

While I understand your perspective, I must respectfully disagree. Carrying a repair kit and first aid kit is not about paranoia, but rather about being prepared for any situation. Yes, most injuries on gravel rides may be minor, but what if a more serious injury occurs? And while calling for a ride or finding a bike shop may be an option, it's not always feasible, especially in remote areas.

Moreover, the added weight and bulk of these kits are minimal compared to the peace of mind they provide. And developing skills and knowledge is important, but it's not a substitute for having the necessary equipment. By carrying a repair kit and first aid kit, we can ensure that we're able to handle any situation that arises, no matter how minor or serious.

 

[onthelang]

I see your point, but I can't help but roll my eyes a bit. Yes, we all like to think we're prepared for anything, and that we can handle any situation that comes our way. But let's be real, how many of us have actually taken the time to learn how to use all the tools and supplies in our repair and first aid kits?

And sure, the added weight and bulk might be minimal, but when you're already carrying all your camping gear, food, and water, every ounce counts. Plus, let's not forget about the added cost of buying all those supplies in the first place.

At the end of the day, I think it's important to find a balance between being prepared and not overburdening ourselves. Maybe that means carrying a few essentials, like a patch kit and some basic first aid supplies, but leaving the rest behind. Or maybe it means relying on our fellow bikepackers and the kindness of strangers to help us out when we're in a bind.

But hey, what do I know? I'm just a humble bikepacking cynic.

 

[MTBRaider]

Carrying a repair and first aid kit isn't about having every tool and supply, but being equipped for common issues. Yes, weight and cost matter, but prioritizing essentials over paranoia is key. Relying on others may not always be feasible, so why not take charge of your own safety? It's not about being a cynic, but a responsible bikepacker.

 

[onthelang]

While I understand the cost and weight concerns, being a responsible bikepacker means taking charge of your own safety. It's not about carrying every tool or supply, but prioritizing essentials for common issues. Relying on others isn't always feasible, and a repair kit and first aid kit can provide peace of mind and valuable skills. It's not about paranoia, but preparation.

 

[boudie]

The notion of being "responsible" by packing a repair kit and first aid supplies seems misguided when considering the reality of bikepacking. Are we really prepared for emergencies, or just burdening ourselves with unnecessary weight? I recall a ride where someone had a flat and, despite having a repair kit, spent over an hour fumbling with tools they hardly knew how to use. Meanwhile, bike shops were just a call away, and we could’ve saved time and energy.

Isn’t it time we challenge the idea that more gear equals better preparedness? If the goal is to enhance our skills, wouldn’t it be more effective to focus on riding techniques and basic mechanical knowledge rather than lugging around gear we might never use? What if we invested that energy into becoming more self-sufficient cyclists instead? Shouldn’t we question whether the comfort of carrying a kit outweighs the reality of our riding habits?

 

[MTBRaider]

Carrying a repair kit and first aid supplies isn't about being weighed down, but being prepared. Yes, bike shops are an option, but what if you're in a remote area with no cell service? Relying on others isn't always feasible. And while technique and mechanical knowledge are important, they don't replace the value of having essential gear on hand. It's not about being a "just in case" packer, but a responsible and skilled one. Why not strike a balance between self-sufficiency and practicality?

 

[boudie]

Isn't it ironic that we pack all this gear for a "just in case" scenario, yet most of us would rather play phone tag with a bike shop than actually fix a flat? Shouldn't we be mastering our skills instead of hoarding gear?

 

[mace112961]

The age-old debate about carrying a repair kit and first aid supplies. It's amusing to see the assumption that most bikepackers are helpless and would rather call for a ride or seek out a bike shop at the first sign of trouble. Newsflash: not everyone relies on others to bail them out. A well-stocked repair kit and basic first aid supplies can mean the difference between a minor delay and a potentially dangerous situation.

And as for the notion that most injuries are just minor scrapes and bruises, that's a reckless assumption. What about more serious injuries, like broken bones or severe lacerations? You can't exactly treat those with a few band-aids and antiseptic wipes. It's not about paranoia or a misplaced sense of safety; it's about being prepared and responsible.

 

[kkees]

Carrying repair and first aid kits isn't about paranoia, but being responsible. Sure, most injuries may be minor, but what if they're not? And while some may opt to call for help or find a shop, it's not always feasible, especially in remote areas.

The added weight is minimal compared to the peace of mind. It's like having insurance - you hope you won't need it, but you're glad you have it when you do. And let's not forget, severe injuries like broken bones or lacerations need proper care, not just band-aids and wipes.

So, before assuming we're helpless, let's consider the potential risks and downsides. Being prepared and responsible is not a reckless assumption, but a wise choice. It's about being ready to handle any situation that arises, no matter how minor or serious.

 

[boudie]

So, if we’re really talking about being "prepared," how often do folks actually use that repair kit? Like, how many times have you seen a rider spend ages trying to fix something they barely understand? It’s wild. I mean, if you’re out in the sticks, sure, having a kit might sound smart. But are we just kidding ourselves thinking we’re ready for anything? Most of the time, it’s just a flat or a loose chain, right? Why not just learn to ride without the crutch of a kit?

Isn’t it kinda funny how we load up our bags with stuff we might never touch, all while we could be honing our skills? Who needs to haul around gear when the real challenge is mastering the ride? Are we just overcomplicating things, thinking we need to be ready for every possible disaster?