What to Pack for a Day on the Trails

Wrench & Roll
Jun 2
3 min read

(Without Overpacking Like I Did)

So, you're planning a bike day. A real one. Not just riding to the store and calling it exercise. We're talking trails, sweat, maybe a hill that humbles you, and hopefully a good meal afterward.

But now you're staring at your gear wondering if you really need all this stuff. What if you forget something? What even goes in that little bag under the seat?

You're not alone. We’ve all packed like we’re heading out for a week in the wilderness, only to end up five miles from home with aching shoulders. So here’s a trail-tested checklist from folks who actually ride La Crosse trails, fix bikes every day, and know what makes a ride better instead of harder.

You Don’t Need to Bring Everything

We get it. No one wants to be unprepared. But if your pack weighs more than your bike, the fun part disappears pretty quickly.

Start with the essentials:

Water bottle (or two if it’s hot out)
Snacks that won’t melt or crush
Basic bike tool or multitool
Spare tube and tire levers
Small hand pump or CO₂ inflator
Travel-sized chain lube
Sunscreen and lip balm
A few band-aids or painkillers

That’s really it. Keep it simple. Most of this fits in a small backpack or saddle bag.

Tools That Are Actually Useful

You don’t need a mobile repair kit, especially if you’re riding trails like Hixon Forest or the La Crosse River Trail. But it’s worth bringing a multitool that fits your bike. A loose seatpost or squeaky derailleur mid-ride can kill your vibe fast.

And if you’re wondering what kind of tool you need, you’re not alone there either. Our service crew can help you figure it out based on your setup.

Quick tip from experience — throw in a small rag or even a glove. Chains get messy, and no one wants grease on their burrito after the ride.

Wear What Feels Right

You don’t need fancy gear to enjoy your ride. Just wear what’s comfortable and won’t rub or overheat. If your clothes breathe well and move with you, that’s what matters.

Think about things like:

Lightweight top and bottoms that dry fast
Padded shorts if you’re riding longer
Gloves for grip and protection
Sunglasses to block glare or dust

We’ve seen people ride in everything from gym clothes to jeans. Spoiler alert — the jeans usually don’t make it very far.

Know Where You’re Going

La Crosse has incredible trails, but some can get confusing if you haven’t ridden them before. Plan your route in advance and let someone know where you’ll be. It’s always good to have a general idea of how long your loop will take and what to expect.

If you’re not sure where to start, Bike La Crosse is a great resource for maps, trail tips, and route suggestions.

Don’t Forget the Reward

Nothing beats a solid meal after a good ride. So pick a route that ends near your favorite café, taco truck or wherever you like to refuel. Trust us — knowing there's good food waiting makes the last few miles a lot easier.

And if you need a tune-up before heading out, check out what we offer. Our team makes sure your ride is ready, no matter how long it’s been sitting.

Make It Yours

You don’t need to ride far or fast to have a good time. You just need to feel ready, ride something that fits, and carry what keeps you comfortable. That’s it.

If you’re unsure about bike fit, gear setup, or even what kind of ride suits you best, come talk to us. We're a small local shop with a big heart. Learn more about who we are and why we care so much about making riding accessible to everyone.