Whether day trip or multi-week bike ride – with the right Packing list for the bicycle tour You are prepared for all situations. Finding the balance between necessary equipment and unnecessary ballast is the biggest challenge. Too much luggage makes cycling exhausting, while lack of equipment on the go can cause problems.
This is why we have these for you. Packing list It helps you not forget anything important and at the same time keep the weight within limits. From the right clothes to repair tools to special tips for tours with children – here’s everything you need for your next trip. Bicycle tour needed.
Table of contents
Packing list Bicycle tour: PDF download now
Here is the bicycle tour packing list
Money and Finance
- EC card and credit card
- Cash (for small purchases and emergencies)
- Small change for public toilets
- Emergency reserve in separate hiding place
Hygiene
- Toothbrush and toothpaste
- Towel (microfiber saves space)
- Soap/shower gel (small travel size)
- Sunscreen with high sun protection factor
- Lip care pen with UV protection
- Deodorant, hairbrush
- Wet wipes, handkerchiefs
- Razors
- Hand disinfectants
- Menstrual products (if necessary)
Clothing
- Bicycle shorts with padding
- Functional T-shirts
- Long-sleeve shirt/light pullover
- Rain jackets and trousers
- Wind jacket
- Bicycle gloves
- Underwear and Socks for Every Day
- Legs/arms for cooler weather
- Everyday clothing for breaks and evenings
- Swimming (if swimming is planned)
Food / Drink
- Drinking bottles (minimum 2x 750ml)
- Energy bar or gel
- Muesli bars and dried fruit
- Nuts
- Salt bars (against convulsions)
- Water filter (for tours away from civilization)
- Folding water canister
Medications / Pharmacy
- Personal medications
- Pain medication
- Plasters of different sizes
- Dressing material
- Disinfectants
- Tick forceps
- Sunburnt gel
- Ointment against sore muscles
- Magnesium tablets (against convulsions)
- Electrolyte powder
Papers and documents
- Identity card/passport
- Health insurance card
- Vaccination certificate (for international travel)
- Emergency contacts
- Bicycle insurance documents
- Accommodation booking confirmations
- Copies of important documents (digital and physical)
Backpacks and bags
- Bicycle bags (waterproof)
- Frame pocket
- Handbag for valuables and mobile phones
- Small daypack
- Package bag for organizing luggage
Footwear
- Bicycle shoes (with stiff sole)
- Light casual shoes for breaks and evenings
- Rain shoes or swabs
- Flip flops
Other
- Sun hat/cap
- Sunglasses
- Multifunctional shawl/buff
- Headlamp
- Pocket knives
- Travel towels
- Bungee ropes or tension belts
- Rain coating for helmet and bags
- Laundry line and travel detergents
- Travel guides or printed information
- Small castle for helmet and accessories
Technical equipment
- Smartphone
- Powerbank
- Charging cables
- Camera
- Headlamp or flashlight
- Replacement batteries
- Weather-resistant envelope for electronic devices
Orientation and Navigation
- GPS device or smartphone with navigation app
- Offline maps on the smartphone
- Physical cards as backup
- Compass
- Bicycle computer
Equipment for your bicycle
- Bicycle helmet
- Bicycle lock (robust and hard to crack)
- Bicycle lighting (front and rear)
- replacement hoses
- Flickers
- Mini air pump
- Multitool for bicycle repairs
- Chain fat
- Replacement spokes
- Spoke keys
- Cable tie
- Spare brake linings
- Chain rivets
- Bicycle bell
If you also want to do hikes in between, the following article could be a good addition: Packing List Hiking Holidays: Printing Checklist.
Packing list for the bicycle tour: 3 days
- Bicycle bags or luggage carriers for the transport of luggage
- Weatherproof clothing (rain jacket, rainpants)
- Changing clothes (shirts, trousers, underwear, socks)
- Light sleeping equipment (isomat, sleeping bag)
- Camping cookers and dishes for hot meals
- Water filter or water treatment tablets
- First aid kit and personal medication
- Tools for minor repairs on the go
- Energy-rich snacks and enough drinking water
- Bicycle lighting and reflectors for visibility
Packing list for the bicycle tour: 7 days
- Additional change clothes for one week
- Camping equipment (tent, isomat, sleeping bag)
- Camping cookers, fuel and dishes
- Waterproof bags for clothing and equipment
- Spare parts such as brake linings, spokes, shift trains
- Power bank and electronic device chargers
- Sunscreen (sunscreen, headgear, sunglasses)
- Insect protection (mosquito protection, tick forceps)
- Hygiene articles (towel, toilet paper, wet wipes)
- Maps or GPS equipment for navigation
Jakobsweg by bicycle? Also a good idea! Here you will definitely find a supplementary packing list: Jakobsweg Packing List 2025 | The Best Tips for Women.
Packing list for the bicycle tour: 14 days
- Sufficient change clothes for two weeks
- Robust camping equipment for changeable weather
- Additional spare parts and tools
- Sufficient provisions and food procurement opportunities
- Water filters or larger water supplies
- Laundry utensils for cleaning clothes on the road
- Camping furniture such as chair and table for more comfort
- Entertainment such as books, games or music
- Sufficient cash and payment
- Travel documents and insurance documents
Packing list for the bicycle tour with tent
If you stay in the tent on your bike tour, you will need additional equipment:
- Tent with sufficient space for people and luggage
- Isomat or air mattress for sleeping comfort
- Sleeping bag suitable for the season and temperature
- Camping cookers, fuel and dishes for hot meals
- Waterproof packing bags or tarpaulins to protect equipment
- Headlamp or flashlight for activities in the dark
- Herrings, herings and tension cords for safe tent construction
- Repair kit for tent and isomat
- Camping toilet accessories (folders, toilet paper, wet wipes)
- Waste disposal facilities (waste bags, waste containers)
If you want to camp during your bike ride, you will find a detailed packing list here: Camping Packing List: Checklist for Tent, Caravan & Bicycle Travel.
Packing list for the bicycle tour with children
- Bicycle trailer or child seat
- Age-appropriate bicycle helmet
- Child-friendly sunscreen
- Favorite toy or stuffed animal
- Children's snacks and drinks
- Changing clothes (more than for adults)
- Diapers and wet wipes (if necessary)
- Paediatric medicines
- Games for rainy days
- Extra blanket for cooler days
- Children's books or audiobooks
- Signal vest for better visibility
- Children's sunglasses
If you are planning a holiday with your children, take a look at our Packing list for holidays with children + checklist for babies for further ideas.
Frequently asked questions about the packing list for the bicycle tour
What should you take on a bicycle tour?
For a successful bicycle tour you should have matched clothes, a reliable map or navigation device, enough water and snacks as well as a small tool set for repairs. Depending on the length of the tour, spare hoses, a power bank and first aid equipment can also be useful.
How many kilometers a day can you do by bicycle?
This depends on your fitness, terrain and type of bike. Recreational riders usually manage 50-80 km a day, while experienced cyclists can easily cover 100 km or more.
How many pounds of luggage do you need for a bicycle tour?
For a multi-day tour with tent and cooker you should expect about 15–20 kg, while for a shorter tour often 5–10 kg is enough. Less is often more – pack only the bare necessities in order not to burden your bike unnecessarily.
What should you always have while cycling?
A replacement hose, a mini pump, a multitool and a first aid kit are part of the basic equipment. In addition, water, snacks and matched clothing are important to stay flexible on the go.
