Many people experience this before their first cycling holiday: that moment where anxiety rises, somewhere between the excitement of booking their tour and actually getting down to packing their bags – am I bringing too much? Or little? Will I need this or that? What if I wish I’d brought this? etc.
And the list goes on.
Packing is a tricky business, especially when you’re thinking of multi-day biking tours. But fortunately, after decades of cycling tours across the world, we’re pretty sure we have a good idea of what definitely earns a place in your bag.
Cycling naturally takes us through a wide range of conditions and environments compared to other styles of travel. You might start a morning riding through cool mist but end the day dripping in sweat under a blazing afternoon sun.
Undoubtedly it depends on where you’re riding and rest assured that you can always get more specifics from us on what you should bring for your specific tour – but what follows in this blog should point you in the right direction for your packing.
Let’s get started!
CYCLING MUST-HAVES
• Cycling Helmet
Provided by us and mandatory on all our tours but you're welcome to bring your own if you prefer.• Padded Cycling Shorts
These make a real difference over longer days in the bike saddle. The soft chamois will keep you going longer and protect against dreaded saddle sores from biking.• Cycling Tops
Everyone gets a SpiceRoads cycling jersey on every tour they book but you might want extras, ideally in both long and short sleeve versions.• Cycling Gloves
Good for grip and protection in case of a fall – your palms will thank you!• Cycling Eyewear
To protect our eyes from sun, wind, and dust. Trust us, getting dust in your eyes is both more harmful than many think.• Lightweight Waterproof Jacket
These can be pricey but well worth it. Rain happens and when it does these can make all the difference between a miserable ride and a tolerable one.• Lightweight Fleece Top
For those cooler mornings or evening meals when things get a tad chilly.NICE-TO-HAVES
• Bandana or Sweat Rag
Cycling specific ones are made to fit comfortably under a helmet.• Stiff-soled Sneakers
Running shoes are comfy when running but a bit too squishy on the pedals of a bike.• Clipless Cycling Shoes
If you’re an experienced cyclist, cycling specific shoes with cleats that clip into the pedals is probably a non-negotiable for you.• Casual Sunglasses
For the off-the-bike leisure and exploration when you need a break from the divisive looks of most cycling eyewear.• Buff or similar neck gaiter
One of the most versatile pieces of kit you can carry on any adventure travel style trip.• Baggy Overshorts or Trousers
Useful for propriety when visiting temples, markets, or local communities.• Cap or sun hat
For leisure and exploring on foot off the bike and also great when you need a break from sweaty helmets and bandanas.• Sarong
Endlessly versatile for beach destinations, temples, and impromptu picnic blankets.
Keep in mind though, that on most riding days, your main luggage travels ahead in our support vehicle — so you really only need a small day bag, rucksack, or dedicated bike bags for the things you'll want within reach.
DON’T LEAVE HOME WITHOUT
• High-factor sun cream and SPF lip balm
Burnt lips are common and genuinely painful.• Mosquito repellent
Especially relevant for Southeast Asia and Africa itineraries.• Ear plugs
Useful in a range of accommodation settings.• Basic toiletries kit
Toothbrush, toothpaste, dental floss, moisturiser, razor, and any personal hygiene items (don't rely on finding these in rural areas).• Personal first aid supplies
See our Health Page for detailed guidance on what to bring.WHEN BRINGING YOUR OWN BIKE
For riders who prefer riding their own personal bikes, we recommend packing a basic toolkit just in case of emergencies. However, it’s good to know that our support vehicle is never far and also carries a full set of tools.
• Mini pump
• Allen keys
• Chain lube
• Inner tubes (at least two)
• Tyre levers and puncture repair kit
• Spare tyres
Important Note: if you're riding a higher-spec bike with full suspension, disc brakes, or hydraulic components, our guides and support vehicles don't carry the specialist tools or parts needed to service these systems.
We recommend bringing any special components you might need, or considering hiring one of our bikes at each destination.
PACKING FOR DIFFERENT CLIMATES
While our general packing list covers what to bring on most adventures, certain destinations demand a few more specialised items of gear. For example, take our tours in Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan – these are pretty remote regions of Central Asia – some parts of a vast wilderness – you’ll need to prepare for the unique requirements of camping.
We highly recommend packing the following essentials for an expedition style cycling adventure:
• Sleeping bag
Rated for 0°C / 32°F or lower. Insulated camping mattress – A high-quality model (such as a Therm-a-Rest) with a good insulation R-value.• Sleeping bag liner
For added warmth on cooler nights.• Travel pillow
For better sleep in the outdoors.• Towel
Ideally a quick-drying travel towel.• Head torch
Highly recommended for nighttime trips to leave your hands free (a handheld flashlight is a suitable alternative).• Biodegradable shampoo/conditioner
If you can choose environmentally friendly options, we’d really appreciate that.• Wet wipes and sanitary products
For personal hygiene in remote settings.• Personal routine items
Anything else you require as part of your regular daily care. But not to worry, our team is here to advise you on everything you need to know (or pack) from the time you book online to when we meet you in person at the destination.RENTING A BIKE FROM US?
Renting through SpiceRoads is simply more convenient — no lugging big bike boxes at the airport or any anxiety about your beloved bike in transit. And every rental bike comes equipped with a helmet, water bottle cage, and a standard saddle. But there are a few things worth knowing if you want to personalise your setup:
Pedals:
You're welcome to bring your own clipless pedals — our team will fit them for you. Just make sure you also pack your cycling shoes too.Saddle:
If you prefer riding on your own saddle, bring it along (the saddle only, not the seat post). For women on longer tours, a women-specific saddle is strongly recommended — comfort over multi-day rides makes an enormous difference to how much you enjoy the experience.A FINAL WORLD ON PACKING
Every kilogram you don't bring is a kilogram you don't have to worry about. Our pro tip is simple, lay everything out before you pack and ask yourself honestly how often you'll use each item. We’ve seen that the tours that tend to surprise people most are the ones where they've left behind the unnecessary stuff and arrived feeling more open to the experience — not weighed down by unnecessary items or contingency plans for every possible scenario.
Another important thing to remember is that in all likelihood, you’ll probably buy a few souvenirs or even some local clothing – so leave some space for these future items in your bag. And lastly, a few weeks before every tour we share a Pre-Departure Sheet that is your quick reference guide to anything and everything you need to know before your trip.
If you’ve already booked a tour with us, email the team at sales@spiceroads.com anytime with all your concerns and questions. We love cycling and we want to make the experience the best it can be, especially for those new to this incredible style of travel. Happy packing!
