What you wear
- A certified helmet, jacket, trousers, gloves and boots, ideally with armour.
- Layers that you can add or remove, plus a waterproof outer layer.
- Earplugs: wind noise is tiring on a long day.
On the bike: tools and spares
- The tool kit that came with the bike, and any extra tools your manual says you need.
- A tyre repair kit with a small compressor or CO₂ cartridges, and a tyre pressure gauge.
- Chain lubricant, cable ties, tape and a few spare bulbs or fuses if your bike uses them.
- A headlamp or small torch, and straps or bungee cords.
Papers and money
- Driving licence, vehicle registration and insurance documents.
- Some cash and a card, and a note with an emergency contact.
- If you cross a border, check the extra papers you need before you go.
Phone and navigation
- A secure phone mount, a charging cable and a power bank.
- Offline maps and the route as a GPX file, in case there is no signal.
- Share your route and expected arrival time with someone who is not riding with you.
First aid and comfort
- A small first-aid kit, and any personal medication.
- Water or a hydration pack, and a snack for the gap between stops.
- Sunscreen, lip balm and a visor cleaner with a soft cloth.
How to load the bike
- Keep the weight low and close to the middle of the bike, and the heaviest items nearest the rear axle line.
- Balance the weight left and right, so the bike does not pull to one side.
- Do not go over the maximum load in the owner’s manual, and adjust the tyre pressure and rear suspension for the load if the manual says so.
- Secure everything, and check the straps after the first few kilometres.
- Keep rain gear, the tyre kit and your documents where you can reach them without unpacking.
Weights, pressures and tool lists depend on your bike. The owner’s manual is the final word for your model.