We never want anything to go wrong when we’re out riding, but unfortunately sometimes the unexpected does happen.  Being properly prepared is arguably much more important when you’re out bikepacking, as you may be quite a bit further away from help and in significantly less accessible areas. This article covers the things we carry in our first-aid and repair kits and why we think you should, too.

What you take depends on the length of the ride and where you are going. Shorter expeditions, and excursions closer to society require less equipment. It’s also important to note that you’re never going to be equipped for every eventuality and there will sometimes be improvisation involved.

The bare bones kit is still larger than you would take on a day ride but should cover you for most eventualities. The most likely issue tends to be punctures, so there’s a focus on that. For longer trips you may want to expand the toolkit slightly.

These are the essentials that should cover 90% of the problems you encounter, and more critically should let you at least hobble back to civilisation if things go wrong.

I carry everything in an old puncture repair kit case that I had. It fits the items rather neatly.

The longer and more remote your trips become, the more you might want to consider taking with you. The list below is roughly in the order that I am likely to start carrying items, from most frequent to least frequent. 

I do a lot of mountaineering and my first-aid kit is fairly minimal. The key is versatility and being able to improvise. What I take with me doesn’t really change all that much, though the amounts of individual items vary depending on the length of the trip.

I’ve been told before that if you can’t remedy an injury with duct tape then you’re in a bad place. A little extreme perhaps, but outdoor first aid is about being able to treat minor injuries, or preventing major trauma from killing you before you get proper help.

Please note that having a first aid kit is not a replacement for doing a comprehensive first aid course. Having the right equipment is absolutely no use if you don’t know how to use it properly. Do an outdoor first-aid course and make sure you have the necessary training. Most of the time nothing will go wrong, but for that one time it does it pays to be prepared. I highly recommend that you do a first-aid course.

It is possible to buy pre-made first aid kits but they generally contain lots of unnecessary items and are over-priced. I prefer to make up my own kit which means I also have spares if I need to replenish any items

My basic kit weighs 175 grams and could be lightened even further. This covers most common complaints and will also help in the event of major injuries. I try to put everything in zip-lock bags to keep things dry. This also helps separate items so that I can find them more easily. Keep everything in a simple bag - I'm currently using an Outdoor Research Backcountry Organizer which also fits most of my tools.

Most of this is what I would carry if travelling further afield where access to reliable medical supplies or help is less certain. If on an expedition, I will also carry more of the items listed in the basic kit. Again they are roughly in the order I am likely to take them.

You will know whether you require any specific items such as an EpiPen. Discuss with your GP any vaccinations or medication (e.g. malaria prevention) you may require for travelling abroad.

I keep everything in a simple pouch and make sure I know what I've stored where. The size of the pouch varies depending on what I'm taking, the trip length and what storage options I have for it on my bike. The key is versatility and adapting the kit to your anticipated needs.

On extended tours keeping things clean down there can be a challenge. Use chamois crème when you’re riding and baby wipes or sanitizer for cleaning yourself up. Try and swap out shorts regularly and wash them when you can. Consider carrying some ointments if you do start to develop irritation or saddle sores.

Please note: my recommended kit may not cover all eventualities. I’ve put it together based on my own experience and research but I am not a medical professional. Your needs may vary so use common sense. Most important of all, make sure you do an emergency first aid course!

If the rules in the UK forbid a knife of any useful size take a small camping hatchet instead, it will do all that a knife will do and more. I bought a real cheap one that had a hammer on the opposite side of the axe blade, so now I don't need a tent stake hammer, and some goofy simple tools.  This axe I bought was only $10, but due to it's cheap price I noticed the head was fastened to the handle by just 3 rivets, fine I'm not chopping down trees with it but it concerned me, so I took some JB Weld steel glue (the kind you have to mix two elements together) and I put a fairly thick coating on the outside and on the inside to give it some additional support.  I have used it with no problems yet, but it does work great for thinly slicing some wood for kindling, it will chop limbs too big to break with your hands, it pounds my tent stakes in, so it's been quite handy.  Obvously you can buy better axes than the one I got, but I'm doing eveything as cheaply as I can and if works great, if not I'll buy a better axe, but so far it's holding up great.  No matter what axe/hatchet you get you need to sharpen it before every outing.

You would be surprise though at how much inexpensive small camping stuff stuff you can get at Walmart that is exactly the same as the more expensive brands for a lot less money, and they work great and last a long time.  They even have stoves on Amazon now that only cost $13 or so, I got one of those and it works just as good as my friends $75 dollar one!  There are YouTube videos that show you stuff you can buy for cheap that works just great touring or backpacking.

Knives with pliers are very useful but we beware the rules in the UK.

If you have a blade larger than 3" and/or it has a safety lock then then unless you have a good reason for having it on you that could be a mandatory prison sentence.

Now if you're camping you can probably justify having a lock knife on on you... unless you pop to the shops and still have in a jersey pocket then you could get into trouble if you're stopped.

It's much, much easier to go with something with a sub-3" friction folding blade like a Victorinox Swisschamp.  Still has pliers and blades but you can take it almost anywhere without the need for a prior justification.

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