Hi everyone. I'm pretty new to the on/off-road scene, although I have ridden street bikes for a long time. I am wondering what type of gear/tools people pack when they go for a ride in the boonies. Due to family commitments (i.e., small kids) I won't be going for long rides anytime soon. I'm thinking I'll be doing 1/2 day to day long rides in the mountains around here (Calgary), mainly logging roads/trails but nothing too intense, at least at first. I know some people are minimalists and pack next to nothing and others pack everything but the kitchen sink. I'd welcome any input on this. Thanks.

 

The factory tool kit, a front tube, patch kit, hand pump, clutch and brake levers and a shifter. Since I switched to the Tubliss conversion I have a couple of plugs too.

 

Some people pack tire repair kits, but I'm bold and don't do that. Maybe stupid is the better word.

What area of Calgary are you in? Ever been to Maclean?

 

local rides, tool pack with most tools for the bike. longer rides, tube and tools for changing it. nice avator by the way, that shows freaking great.

 

I'm just putting my kit together too. So far:

• Front tube
• Skabs (tube patches with adhesive already on them)
• Tube rasp (thumb size to scuff up the tube around the hole so the skabs stick properly)
• CO2 re-inflater with 3 refills to put enough air back in the tube
• 3 tyre levers (Ballards levers double up as wheel nut spanners)
• 8mm spanner in case I need to replace the gear shifter (I have the MSR one for an XR)
• Spare gear shifter
• Selleys Knead It Steel (fast setting epoxy repair system that can be used for repairing ferrous and aluminium metal items - and hope to hell you never need it!)
• Multitool with pliers and nice sharp blade
• Stock tool kit

Also carry:

• UHF radio
• Small roll of insulation tape
• Nylon cord
• Panadol and Neurofen
• Small thermal blanket

Any idea's on top of that are welcome.

 

Thanks for the replies guys. I'll have to start putting some things together. I'm thinking tire repair stuff as a minimum to start.

Stellar: I'm in the far NW. Never been to MacLean but I'd appreciate any input on areas I should hit up. My plan is just to head out and explore, see what I can find. (which leads to another issue: fuel capacity on this bike!) I'm going to (try to) go easy at first since I feel my offroad skills are weak to non-existent. I bought this thing as a weekend/evening toy although I have been commuting with it, which has been a blast in itself.

Punk: Yeah, TPB is awesome. I'm originally from that area of Canada so it is super funny to me.

 

I always have extra fuses, bulbs and a spare new master link for the chain.

 

I think what you carry depends on how screwed you'll be if something breaks. If your out there by yourself and 30-70 miles back in from the nearest road you'll carry more stuff than if your 3-10 miles from home and riding with your buddies. How rugged the terrain is, how experienced a rider you are, and cell phone coverage factor in as well.

 

Whats a mater link? like tow mater from Cars?

 

In addition to the stock tool kit (which is weak IMHO) I usually carry:

8mm socket, for taking off side panels/seat, and same size for battery connections if a jump is needed.
Extra tube
Extra spark plug
Roll of electrical tape and duct tape
Rope for pullin me outta those muddy situations
Set of channel locks, adjustable wrench, razor knife.
Extra gas if I'm going on a longer ride.