Preparing for a multi-day cycling trip is all about finding the right balance: you want to have everything you need without carrying things you will never use.
Whether you are cycling along Portugal’s Atlantic coast, through the vineyards of the Douro Valley or between historic cities, this bicycle touring kit list will help you prepare for the journey ahead.
What should you pack for a bicycle tour?
Your exact packing list will depend on the destination, season and length of your trip. However, a few essentials belong in almost every cycling suitcase.
Cycling clothes
Comfort matters when you are spending several hours a day on a bike. Pack:
- 2 or 3 cycling jerseys or breathable T-shirts;
- 2 pairs of padded cycling shorts;
- Lightweight cycling trousers or leggings, if needed;
- Cycling gloves;
- Comfortable cycling socks;
- A lightweight windproof or waterproof jacket;
- An extra layer for cooler mornings and evenings.
Choose quick drying clothes whenever possible, especially on longer tours.
Helmet and cycling accessories
A helmet should always be part of your cycling equipment. Depending on your tour, some equipment may already be provided, so check exactly what is included before travelling.
Other useful items include:
- Sunglasses;
- Reusable water bottle;
- Small backpack or waist bag;
- Sunscreen;
- Lip balm with SPF;
- Reflective accessories;
- Phone holder, if you like having navigation visible while riding.
Clothes for after cycling
A bicycle holiday is not only about cycling. There will also be plenty of time to explore villages and cities, enjoy local food or relax at your accommodation.
Keep your off bike clothing simple:
- Comfortable shoes;
- Lightweight trousers or shorts;
- A few casual tops;
- Underwear and socks;
- A warmer layer for the evening;
- Swimwear if your itinerary includes beaches or a hotel pool.
One or two smart-casual outfits are usually more than enough.
Personal essentials
Remember to include the everyday items that are easy to forget when focusing on cycling equipment:
- Passport or ID;
- Travel insurance details;
- Bank card and some cash;
- Personal medication;
- Toiletries;
- Smartphone and charger;
- Power bank;
- Travel adapter, if required.
It can also be useful to keep digital copies of important documents on your phone or in cloud storage.
Do you need to bring tools and bike equipment?
Before adding pumps, repair kits and other cycling equipment to your suitcase, check what your tour operator already provides.
On an organised cycling holiday, many of the practical details may already be taken care of. Authentic Trails, for example, offers bikes and cycling equipment according to the selected itinerary, as well as route information and support during the journey.
This means you can focus more on your personal equipment and less on carrying a complete bicycle workshop with you.
Bicycle touring kit list: the final check
Before leaving home, run through this quick checklist:
- Cycling clothes;
- Helmet;
- Cycling gloves;
- Sunglasses;
- Waterproof jacket;
- Sunscreen;
- Water bottle;
- Comfortable clothes and shoes for the evening;
- Toiletries and medication;
- Passport or ID;
- Smartphone, charger and power bank.
And remember: packing light is part of travelling well by bike. Bring what will keep you comfortable and prepared, but leave some space in your suitcase for the journey - and perhaps a few souvenirs along the way.
Ready to put your bicycle touring kit list to good use? Discover the biking tours in Portugal with Authentic Trails and experience the country one pedal stroke at a time.
