DIRT BIKE · Foundations

PACKING FOR A MULTI-DAY REMOTE RIDE

7 min · Free lesson · written lesson, video in production

The point

After this lesson you can pack a bike for days out where weight, balance and access decide both comfort and safety.

The Technique

  1. Weight low and central. Heavy items - tools, water, fuel - sit as low and as close to the middle of the bike as luggage allows.
  2. The bike carries the load, not your back. Beyond a hydration pack, weight on your body is fatigue and spinal risk in a crash.
  3. Access tiers: tyre kit and tools reachable without unpacking camp. The thing you need on the track cannot live under the tent.
  4. Water is your heaviest cargo. Size capacity for the driest leg - in hot country you can need five litres or more per riding day. Confirm the daily figure with the reviewing pro.
  5. Soft luggage over hard for tight tracks: it survives drops and doesn't break legs against trees.
  6. Balance side to side, then the shake test: nothing moves, nothing rubs.
  7. The tarp cull: everything laid out, then remove a third. You will still have too much.
  8. Comms and first aid go on your body, not the bike. If you and the bike separate - a river is how that happens - the PLB stays with you.

Common Mistakes

Heavy backpack. Fix: bike carries it, body carries comms, water and first aid only.

The Drill

Full pack, then 20 minutes of rough local track. Note everything that moved, rubbed or was unreachable. Repack. Repeat until nothing moves.

Non-negotiables

PLB or satellite communicator on your person, always. A first aid kit you have actually opened. Never plan a remote multi-day ride solo.

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