BobbyG

Last weekend I re-discovered the joy of keeping things light by ditching my backpack and riding with the bare minimum of gear for the first time in a couple of years.

This morning I thought about the confidence that being prepared for rain, darkness or disaster brings.

As a commuter it makes more sense to be prepared.

On a weekend ride with favorable weather, it is more fun to ride light.

Both are good...the common factor is riding.

Riding is good.

srestrepo

Preparedness and bare minimums that are relative to the rider. You don't even know what you don't even know yet and all of that.

What do you normally ride with versus what did you leave without.

Personally, if I'm commuting I might as well throw a loaded station wagon in my burley trailer and how that to work - I feel like I carry too much but it's all mostly justified.

Two panniers - I keep a u lock, rain jacket, wind jacket, multitool, tube, pump, water bottle and a set of keys before I start to pack my work clothes and shoes, laptop, papers, pen and lunch...

Admittedly, the weekend bike is kitted with only a pump, a tube, and water bottles so it feels like I'm flying on it but I still think about if I should have brought my wind jacket at least for a just in case moment.

P.s. I like your avatar picture the best.

mcours2006

I'm the same way. I have a backpack with some tools, couple of extra tubes, pump, and whatever else that might come in handy just in case.

Weekend rides I've got my phone, wallet, pump, and a small under-the-seat bag with a tube and small repair kit.