Mountain Biking - What Do You Carry In Your CamelBak/BackPack??

Hanging around here it has come to my attention that most MTB'ers no longer carry their water bottles in bottle cages on their frames, rather they carry the water in a hydration system such as a Camelbak or similar. Given this is true, I suppose you carry most of your tools and support equipment in the Camelbak/pack as well.

Now I have been away from MTB'ing for a while, however it seems today's MTB's can be more complex, especially if you are riding a Full Suspension rig, thus the requirement for more tools.. If you are riding a Hard Tail then probably a seat wedge full of essential tools will do....


This leads to my questions of, what do you carry along for a FS rig?

Do you ride with a Camelbak, or just Seat Wedge?

This is what I'm thinking I should have as a minimum with a FS bike.

Patch Kit
Levers
Tube
Multi Tool (Allen, Drivers, Chain Breaker..etc)
Pump
Shock Pump ???? (do you even need this or carry something that does double duty?) This is really what I'm wondering about.... Is this necessary?


Oh and Water too ;)

Anything else?

Although I have some small packs and Playtapus hydration systems that could be used, I think I'll look into a dedicated Camelbak. I will still probably mount a Bottle cage on the frame for days when I'm just tooling around with out a pack.... Unless that is not recommended.


Thanks :)

I carry an extra rear wheel, two turkey sandwiches and a hooker.

2 tubes
Set of allen wrenches
mini pump
co2 carts. and co2 dispencer
tire levers
phone

I carry an extra rear wheel, two turkey sandwiches and a hooker.

But do you carry 2 pumps?

Don't forget Cliff Bars, Goo and cash.

Maybe a firearm depending where in the country you live.

Oldie but goodie.

Mine:

1 bag of H2O
1 tube
1 CO2 cartridge with adaptor
1 health insurance card
1 park tool kit
6 Vicodin
12 pack condoms
.40 cal Glock

Oh and Water too

What? I put chocolate pudding in mine.. mmm.. mmm.

Seriously though, I am looking at getting a bigger camelbak to carry more stuff, including a camera.. Then I don't need that seat bag I've been using for 10+ years.

Oldie but goodie.

Mine:

1 bag of H2O
1 tube
1 CO2 cartridge with adaptor
1 health insurance card
1 park tool kit
6 Vicodin
12 pack condoms
.40 cal Glock


Now thats doube duty equipment... Condom for the barrel of the Glok, and you never know when the opportunity to "Hit'it" may come along

Oldie but goodie.

Mine:

1 bag of H2O
1 tube
1 CO2 cartridge with adaptor
1 health insurance card
1 park tool kit
6 Vicodin
12 pack condoms
.40 cal Glock

You need the glock to scare off potential vicodin theives?

Basic load:

Foodstuffs
Fluid
Tube (or tubes if I'm going to be riding with anyone running Stan's NoTubes)
Patch kit
Propane
Cool Tool
Metal Tire levers
Derailleur hanger
Sidewall patch
Pump

Depending on the ride, I will supplement with combinations of:

Clothing
matches
leatherman
trail saw
flask
beer
second helmet
Sony DCR-PC1000
Sony DCR-PC350
Manfroto Superclamp
Monopod
Nikon D2x
Nikon 16 mm 2.8 fisheye
Nikon 17-55 2.8
Nikon 28-70 2.8
Nikon 70-200 2.8
Nikon SB-800 (x2)

Basic load:

Foodstuffs
Fluid
Tube (or tubes if I'm going to be riding with anyone running Stan's NoTubes)
Patch kit
Propane
Cool Tool
Metal Tire levers
Derailleur hanger
Sidewall patch
Pump

Depending on the ride, I will supplement with combinations of:

Clothing
matches
leatherman
trail saw
flask
beer
second helmet
Sony DCR-PC1000
Sony DCR-PC350
Manfroto Superclamp
Monopod
Nikon D2x
Nikon 16 mm 2.8 fisheye
Nikon 17-55 2.8
Nikon 28-70 2.8
Nikon 70-200 2.8
Nikon SB-800 (x2)


Wow, now that's a comprehensive tool, Photo studio kit!


Nobody carries a Shock pump for trail tweaking (or if the shocks are too soft)? Is this not a common issue, and you set and forget before each ride?

You need the glock to scare off potential vicodin theives?
It appears that the Yeti are territorial.

Edit:

Forgot to answer Killer Hanson's question.

Yes, use a Camelbak. I use the Mule, comes with a 3L bladder and I fill it.
Energy Bars/Granola Bars
Pump
2 Tubes
Patch Kit
Sidewall Patch Kit
Derailleur Hanger
Tire Levers
Multi-Tool
GMRS for my club rides since we can be a big group.
Cell phone
SRAM PowerLink
Small First Aid Kit
Space Blanket
Spare Camelbak Bite Valve. I once endo'ed and managed to rip off the valve. I didn't notice until a few hundred meters later when I started wondering why I was all wet and it wasn't raining.

I leave the shock pump in the trunk of the car along with a foot pump.

R. Danneskjöld - What is a Cool Tool? The term is too generic and I can't find anything conclusive using Google.

But do you carry 2 pumps?

Not unless the hooker's packin'.

I usually carry:

tube
pump
patch kit
tire levers
der hanger
quick link
allen wrenches
water
food
camera
money
id

http://i144.photobucket.com/albums/r181/cyccommute/IMG_0114.jpg

Starting in the upper left:

Allen wrench set from 6 to 2 mm
Toe strap
5/6mm allen wrench
26" tube
700C tube (I use my Camelbak on both road and mountain bike)
Pack for holding tools
14" zip ties
shock pump
Tire gauge
LED light
duct tape
rubber shim
extra power links
extra allen screws
plier multitool
spoke wrench
leatherman micra
hypercracker cassette removal tool
(back over to the shock pump)
Tire lever (mostly for the road bike tires but it works for ATB)
Patch kit
4" zip ties
16 penny nail (it can be used as a punch)
Velco strip
Cool Tool multitool.

Since this picture was taken and since I got stuck out on a trail at night, I've added a small first aid kit, a windproof lighter and a helmet lamp. I also carry a sharp knife and food, of course.

Depending on the ride:

Knife.
Tube.
Pump.
Two steel tire levers.
Care card.
A bit of cash.
spoke tool and a few allen keys.
And usually half a roll of duct tape on my seatpost.

If I'm at the Skatepark I just bring my toolbox.

Starting in the upper left:


The International Redundancy Committee just called. They want to make sure that you're going to be at the Spring picnic.

You need the glock to scare off potential vicodin theives?

No, I actually use the gun to get the pills.

In my saddle pack:

tube
patch kit
tire levers
zip ties
Crank bros m-17 multi tool
mini leatherman tool
extra chain links/power link
mini-first aid kit
I.D.


In my hydration pack:

tube
mtn morph pump
bandana used as a rag

Starting in the upper left:

Allen wrench set from 6 to 2 mm
Toe strap
5/6mm allen wrench
26" tube
700C tube (I use my Camelbak on both road and mountain bike)
Pack for holding tools
14" zip ties
shock pump
Tire gauge
LED light
duct tape
rubber shim
extra power links
extra allen screws
plier multitool
spoke wrench
leatherman micra
hypercracker cassette removal tool
(back over to the shock pump)
Tire lever (mostly for the road bike tires but it works for ATB)
Patch kit
4" zip ties
16 penny nail (it can be used as a punch)
Velco strip
Cool Tool multitool.

Since this picture was taken and since I got stuck out on a trail at night, I've added a small first aid kit, a windproof lighter and a helmet lamp. I also carry a sharp knife and food, of course.


OK, Now I'm sort of getting somewhere... Do you use the Shock pump as a tire pump as well? If you do you must use schrader tubes or have a Schrader to Presta adapter? How well does the Shock pump work as a tire pump?

folding knife
leatherman
crank bros multi tool
spare tube (x2)
hand pump
lube
tire levers
I.D.
sometimes food

i don't think i'd be able to keep six pain killers in my pack. they would get eaten sometime or another. i also hope i would never be in a situation where i would need six pain killers on a ride... but that's really smart to be prepared!

Maybe a firearm depending where in the country you live.

a firearm wont do you a darn in your backpack. if you ever needed to use one (like when your being mauled by a bear) how are you ganna get to it? plus, its not a good idea to be packing when the ranger comes around.

It appears that the Yeti are territorial.

Edit:

Forgot to answer Killer Hanson's question.

Yes, use a Camelbak. I use the Mule, comes with a 3L bladder and I fill it.
Energy Bars/Granola Bars
Pump
2 Tubes
Patch Kit
Sidewall Patch Kit
Derailleur Hanger
Tire Levers
Multi-Tool
GMRS for my club rides since we can be a big group.
Cell phone
SRAM PowerLink
Small First Aid Kit
Space Blanket
Spare Camelbak Bite Valve. I once endo'ed and managed to rip off the valve. I didn't notice until a few hundred meters later when I started wondering why I was all wet and it wasn't raining.

Who's Killer Hanson?? http://www.htguide.com/forum/images/smilies/icon_scratchhead.gif


I leave the shock pump in the trunk of the car along with a foot pump.

Thanks!


R. Danneskjöld - What is a Cool Tool? The term is too generic and I can't find anything conclusive using Google.

Look at cyccommute's picture, I was wondering the same thing, until he called it out http://www.htguide.com/forum/images/smilies/icon_thumb.gif Looks like a must have!



Great stuff so far!

OK, Now I'm sort of getting somewhere... Do you use the Shock pump as a tire pump as well? If you do you must use schrader tubes or have a Schrader to Presta adapter? How well does the Shock pump work as a tire pump?

No. I don't use the shock pump as a tire pump. For that I have a Topeak Mtn Morph. I use presta on everything.

I had a shock pump/tire pump combo from Specialized but it was such a marginal pump for both, that I ditched. The shock pump that I have has a really small volume and would take forever to pump up a tire.

Tube
Tire Levers
Patch Kit
Extra Chain Links
Arm Warmers
Leg Warmers
First Aid Kit
Compass
Tire Pressure Gauge
Pump for Tires
Food/Drink
Multi tool
Wallet
Mobile Phone
Keys
Eye Glasses (in case my contacts pop out)
Flashlight

I've been doing more DH shuttle runs lately, and in my pak I have:

2 tubes (I run presta, if someone i ride w/ is running schraeder, ill throw one in)
Few tire levers
Mini Pump
Multitool
Folding knife

Thats about it. I'll keep more tubes, shock pump, floor pump, and more tools down in the car.

What is a Cool Tool? The term is too generic and I can't find anything conclusive using Google.


This is a Gerber Cool Tool

http://i144.photobucket.com/albums/r181/cyccommute/IMG_0110.jpg

http://i144.photobucket.com/albums/r181/cyccommute/IMG_0107.jpg
http://i144.photobucket.com/albums/r181/cyccommute/IMG_0108.jpg

It was one of the first multitools around for bicycles and, in my opinion, still one of the best.

Whos' Killer Hanson??

Pick a Hanson, any Hanson. I just couldn't remember any of their first names.
http://www.stevecarlsonhockey.com/ProShop/images_PS/A678BHo.jpg

W.r.t. to the shock pump. They are meant for low volume applications. You would not be able to pump a tire in a reasonable amount of time. It could be done but you're looking at an unnecessary hardship.

That being said, I'm sure a dual shock/tire pump must exist out there if you want to carry a shock pump with you.

BTW, you can't use a regular tire pump on the shock pump because you really need to dial in the correct pressure. A shock pump has a release mechanism that doesn't let you lose any significant amount of air. A regular tire pump would be useless in this application.

Looks like a must have!


Looks really heavy to me. And it does look like he has three of all those tools in there.

I carry one of these:

http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f392/mcoine/mgcbikes/IMG_0774.jpg

Typically:
Water
Tire Levers
Multi tool
Cliff bar(s)
Tire pump
Spare tube
Toothbrush with one sharpened end

Depending on time of year, I might also include:
Warmer gloves
Skull cap

Look at cyccommute's picture, I was wondering the same thing, until he called it out Looks like a must have!

cyccommute has the widely available, overweight, steel version. I have a Ti version which is less shiny and lightens my pack by precious grams.

It is:

spoke wrench
4,5,6,8,10 mm allen
phillips head screw driver
flat head screw driver
chain tool
crescent wrench
self defense tool

cyccommute has the widely available, overweight, steel version. I have a Ti version which is less shiny and lightens my pack by precious grams.

It is:

spoke wrench
4,5,6,8,10 mm allen
phillips head screw driver
flat head screw driver
chain tool
crescent wrench
self defense tool

Gotta have the Ti :D

Thats the same reason I bought the Ti Leatherman for backpacking. And a Titanium spoon, that doubles as a stove tool ;)

http://img236.imageshack.us/img236/1842/titanium6oo.jpg

No. I don't use the shock pump as a tire pump. For that I have a Topeak Mtn Morph. I use presta on everything.

I had a shock pump/tire pump combo from Specialized but it was such a marginal pump for both, that I ditched. The shock pump that I have has a really small volume and would take forever to pump up a tire.

Thanks, I have the same pump by Rock Shox, and I was thinking it was not enough to pump the tires, so I would have to carry a tire pump as well.

I typically ride to the trail head so I don't have the luxury of carrying my floor pump and other support stuff in the car.

I was thinking I would just carry the shock pump unless it's not required, or somebody shows me a pump that does double duty. I suppose a Dual head pump may work, something like a Road Morph, only thing it is only reaches 160 psi. Aren't rear shocks pumped from 30 to 300 psi?

Sorry I haven't set up my suspension sag yet to know how much psi is typical in a shock....

a firearm wont do you a darn in your backpack. if you ever needed to use one (like when your being mauled by a bear) how are you ganna get to it? plus, its not a good idea to be packing when the ranger comes around.

Depending on how your pack is designed, you can get to a firearm about as quick as if it were in a belt holster. My summer pack has an open top pocket that I can quickly access by reaching over my shoulder. I frequently carry a snubnose 38 there. Besides, the gun isn't for the bears, but for the human threats that sometimes exist in the forest. Remote meth labs, pot farms, etc are out there. Stumbling upon one of those when the owners are around is bad for your health.

As for the ranger, if it's legal in your state and you have the applicable license, it's none of his damn business. For example, in the national forests or regional parks in this area, a ranger can go pound sand if he doesn't like my legal CCW.

As for what I carry in my hydration pack:

Spare tube
patch kit
pump
bike multitool
zip ties
pocket knife
chapstick
gun
water
sometimes food
sometimes I take my 2m amateur radio

Back in the days when I had cup/cone wheel bearings, I also carried a set of cone wrenches.

Chris

Whats the difference between a dead baby and a spare tube?

I don't have a spare tube in my Camelbak.

camera, phone, multitool, water, tube, inflator, shock pump (sometimes).

I forgot that I also carry a Howitzer, in case I run into human threats, especially human threats in tanks, APCs, or fortified positions.

You can't be too careful, or fearful.

There's no reason to bring a shock pump along. Once you do the main setup, you shouldn't have to tune the fork/shock air pressure on the trail (unless you're on a shakedown ride). You'll be able to fine tune enough with the other adjustments (i.e., rebound, lockout/motion control, compression).

You can't be too careful, or fearful.

Not fearful, just prepared. Just like I am when I carry bike tools I haven't needed in years...

Chris

You can't be too careful, or fearful.

I agree, which is why I also carry tin foil pieces on my helment. They deflect the government attempts to read my brain waves.

I agree, which is why I also carry tin foil pieces on my helment. They deflect the government attempts to read my brain waves.

Don't forget, shiny side out. If you can find real tin foil, not aluminum, it works that much better.

Chris

yeah. running into a meth lab would be pretty scary. meth. not even once! still, i wouldn't feel comfortable carrying a firearm on me while riding a bike. i don't really feel comfortable firing them all that often either so you know. yeah, you know.

Don't forget, shiny side out. If you can find real tin foil, not aluminum, it works that much better.

Chris

yes. and my computer is covered with duct tape. to keep the hackers out.

yes. and my computer is covered with duct tape. to keep the hackers out.
I'll have to try that. I tried wrapping the processor in foil to keep govt hackers out, but I think I did something wrong because the magic white smoke escaped.

Chris

yes. but first you must pack the empty spaces with gouda. not smoked gouda. regular gouda. then wrap in duct tape. then finish with brown packing tape.

There's no reason to bring a shock pump along. Once you do the main setup, you shouldn't have to tune the fork/shock air pressure on the trail (unless you're on a shakedown ride). You'll be able to fine tune enough with the other adjustments (i.e., rebound, lockout/motion control, compression).


OK, Brass tax answer! Thanks http://www.htguide.com/forum/images/smilies/icon_hail.gif I'll carry it along for the first few shakedowns.... Then pitch it :D


Seeing as carrying a concealed fire arm is illegal in Canada, I think I'll just carry a home made Pipe Bomb (which is probably just as illegal), you can never be too sure based on the gun toter's :lol:

I agree, which is why I also carry tin foil pieces on my helment. They deflect the government attempts to read my brain waves.
Do you cover the vents too?

In my M.U.L.E. [or is it a HAWG?]:

water
a couple of peanut butter granola bars - bears love 'em
first aid kit [has all the usual stuff including some Tylenol and a space blanket]
a goo flask with CarbBoom orange
Topeak Alien XS tool with chain breaker
Zefal tire levers
2 tubes
6+ patches
Planet bike mini-pump
Fox shock pump [at least until I get my fork serviced]
Camera [sometimes]
Bug spray with as much DEET as possible
on rides where it's going to get colder [i.e. night rides] I'll take arm and leg warmers if I'm not already wearing them


I leave my suitcase nuke in the car with the floor pump along with the Risin blowdarts and school of man-eating sharks.

school of man-eating sharks.
Do they have fricken laser-beams on their heads?

Chris

Do they have fricken laser-beams on their heads?

Chris
Why yes, how did you know?

Drinks, snacks, phone.

am i the only one who carries a spare bike in the camelbak?

allen keys
wallet
phone
pump and tube
lever
chain breaker
zip-ties
and my invisible cloak