What precautions do you take?
 

Okay lets start out with the i knows
I know i should carry a patch kit
I know i should carry a multi-tool
I know i should carry a pump
and I know i should watch were im going :lol:

But i got a flat :cry:

I went out for a little ride and didnt bring anything but me and the bike for i knew if said event happend i wouldnt be stranded and i got home just fine... but it got me thinking,

What kinds of Precautions do you MTB'ers take when you go out riding? from the most obvious, helmet, to the more specific make and model of the patch kit you carry :lol:

Thank You! :love:

Plenty of water.
Power bar(s) or similiar food
Three tire mounting tools
Topeak multi tool including chain breaker and numerous hex wrenches
Spare tube
CO2 cartridge adaptor, with two cartridges
Pocket knife with 3.5 inch blade
Pepper spray
EDIT: Incidently, of this list the only items I've ever used while mountain biking were the water and power bars (duh), the Topeak wrenches and the pepper spray (works on stray dogs in the wild too)

hand pump
spare tube
cell phone
allen keys
chain tool
taser incase sex crazed dude talks me up on trail

I recently heard about a liner that you can put inbatween the tube and the tire... good idea? also what is the overall view on goo like SLiME for a tire?

The liners will cause more flats than they will prevent. Between the liner and slime, I'd put the sealant in the tubes.

sealant as in the SLiME ???

Also i read your signature and IM SO PUTTING THE FIRST OF THAT ON A SHIRT ONE DAY I <3 THAT QUOTE.....as well as Megadeth in general :D

IMHO slime makes a mess. I've never used it but have bought bikes that have. Yeah, it worked but it sticks to the rim, the rim tape and glues the tube to both. The two times I've run into it, I tossed the tube and tape and used solvent to clean the rim. It's a pay me now, pay me later type of stuff. Slime is easier to use at the moment out in the woods, but you pay later cleaning up the mess. Also, if it doesn't work in the field, you'll have to clean up the mess in the field.

i was starting to get that feeling reading reviews, and a lot of people were saying that it adds like 5-10 pounds to the wheels :(. Any ways to fight thorns other then patching on the field i get the feeling that all the trails in my area are going to carry them?

Always wear a condom.

Thorns will go right though on of those - trust me.

What if you get a really thick "Thorn Proof" one?

Carry a spare tube and some first aid stuff. I pack 3 of the 3" square pads and some duct tape. Duct tape can be used to patch a tire if it gets slashed by rocks or glass and attaches to hairy legs really well. I pack a spare master link for the chain as well.

Other options-eye rinse, golf towel, don't laugh, great sweat rag, wipes the blood and sand out of a scrape, keeps parts off the dirt in a rebuild situation, the size folds up nice into a bottle holder now that I have a Camelback. Allergy pills, motrin, depends on where you are going and how far you might be from help.

YUP, thats me showing off my new toys.

Be aware that they weigh almost as much as some tires do.

^^ Dminor - pay attention, we drifted from tubes for a moment.

^^ Doh. What I get for drifting in and out of a conversation while working.

I think I stand by my statement anyway :D.

^^ I guess then the one you are referring to would defiantly be "for her pleasure".

Don't forget to pack a camera! Spring is around the corner and them nude chicks will be lounging on the rocks.

For her pleasure indeed... hell if it was that thick your probably wouldn't even need to be there.

^^ ....this makes me wonder were you ride.... and how long would it take me to get there :D

I carry
2-3 liters of water
I have several nutrigrain bars and those chewey bar things. Everynow and then a few power bars.
I have a bell micro patch kit (im cheap)
a bell mini pump (sucks)
presta adapters.
Topeak multi tool with chainbreaker, many tools and a mini knife.
Letherman tool with changable screwdriver bits, with a straight blade knife, serrated edge knife, and a saw, amoung other tools.
and I usually carry my 4'' folding knife with me everywhere I go, so that comes to.
Cell phone, wallet, camera*sometimes*
and now I carry my 10 dollar pricepoint vinyl jacket.

I'm amazed no-ones mentioned a first aid kit yet.

I personally don't carry one, but I don't carry anything apart from a water bottle and a phone.

I mentioned a few first aid items I take with me. Duct Tape can be used for lots of things. It and super glue are great for torn anything.

Combination will keep almost any patient on the backboard for the gnarliest high-angle rescue.

I don't carry them, but a few times other riders have given me pre-moistened hand wipes after getting my hands greasy by fixing their bikes. I usually make a mental note to buy a pack to carry with me, but of course I always forget to do it. I realize this suggestion is probably following too closely on the heels of the condom and nude sunbather comments, but whatever...

I run slime in my tubes but not much and have for years with great results. Too much causes the tire to get out of balance and in all honesty a little bit goes a long way. I put the slime in the tube when the tube is off the bike. I then work the slime thru the tube with the valve core out and then slowly and lightly squeeze out most of the slime. This is why I say a little goes a long way. You want just enough to do the job but not 3oz of the stuff throwing the tires balance off. I've gotten 1 flat in the last 3 years using this technique and it was an actual blowout from landing a jump on an off camber. I still carry a tube with me at all times.

Spare tube
Patch kit
Pump
Tire levers
Multitool
Water
Energy bar or granola bar
Cell phone
One of those lightweight jackets that squishes into a tiny ball
Wallet with some cash, ID, and insurance card
Small knife

I've used every one of these things at one point except for the knife, but seeing as it's attached to my car keys, it comes along too (plus it just seems like a good thing to have).