Gravel rides are the mullets of cycling. Part dirt party, part smooth business, and they never go as expected. A quick “couple-hour ride” can turn into six hours of getting lost, fixing a tire with a zip tie, and having a unique bonding experience with some cows looking on from the other side of a fence.
This checklist? It’s for your day-long gravel adventures, think 25 to 80 miles of mixed terrain, “remote-ish” roads, and very few if any gas stations where you can ask for a helping hand. It’s not bike-packing (leave the stove), but it’s definitely not your usual Sunday casual spin either.
Tobias’ Biking Gravel Day Trip Checklist
As per usual nothing is set in stone. Some things your trail may be doable without, but I leave that up to you.
My goal is to cover everything you might need so that you can pick and choose what’s right for your gravel day trip, because I have no idea what route you’re riding but you hopefully have. Of course you do get some of my unsolicited advice along the list.
Core Ride Gear Must-haves
✅ Helmet — Duh.
✅ Sunglasses — For sun, grit, bugs, and rogue dust devils.
✅ Cycling gloves — For grip, shock absorption, and dramatic tan lines.
✅ Flat kit
- 2x spare tubes (yep, even with tubeless)
- Tire levers
- CO₂ + inflator or mini pump
- Tubeless plugs and sealant (if applicable)
- Patch kit
✅ Multi-tool with chain breaker — Hope not to need it, but if you do you got it.
✅ Quick link — For those “my chain exploded 40 miles from town” days.
✅ Phone with offline maps — Cell signal is a rumor on a lot of gravel roads.
✅ Bike lights — Just in case you roll back later than planned.
✅ GPS device or route printed out — For when your phone dies at 38%.
✅ Bike lock (optional) — Depends if you’re stopping in civilization.
Hydration & Fuel
✅ 2+ water bottles (or hydration pack) — Gravel is thirsty work.
✅ Electrolyte tabs or powder — Especially if it’s hot.
✅ Snacks
- Energy bars or gels
- Trail mix
- PB&J or actual food (ride food regret is real)
✅ Cash/card — In case you find a roadside stand or miracle gas station.
Tools & Spares
✅ Derailleur hanger — Only if you know how to replace it (or ride hard enough to need one).
✅ Extra lube — Dust kills drivetrains.
✅ Small rag or baby wipes — For chain gunk or mystery dirt.
✅ Zip ties + duct tape — Bike band-aids.
✅ Basic first aid kit — Even just a couple band-aids and ibuprofen.
Clothing & Comfort
✅ Padded bibs or shorts — Gravel = bumps.
✅ Breathable jersey or top — Pockets are a win.
✅ Windbreaker or packable jacket — Weather turns quick out there.
✅ Arm/leg warmers — Start cold? Layer up.
✅ Buff or neck gaiter — Dust guard / sun shade / coffee filter.
✅ Chamois cream (highly recommended) — Do your undercarriage a favor.
Optional / Bonus Stuff
☐ GoPro or camera — Gravel pics = instant Instagram clout
☐ Small notebook or route card — Analog backup never dies
☐ Tire pressure gauge — Because “feels squishy” isn’t a number
☐ Bear bell or wildlife whistle — Depending on where you’re riding
☐ Tiny flask — For celebration sips (post-ride only, you animals)
Get the Biking Gravel Day Packing Checklist
For ease of mind you are always free to grab the PDF printable checklist so that you can have it ready when you need it.
Make sure to do your pre-ride checkup on the route to make sure you pack according to your needs. Don’t forget that one extra item or two may add some weight, but standing there without them on a dusty gravel road in the middle of nowhere may be even worse.
For more helpful checklists check out all our bike packing checklists!
Gravel is freedom — but freedom likes you more when you come prepared.
Keep the tires supple and the snacks salty, and have a lot of water at hand! — Tobias