Packing List for Your UK Cycling Holiday

Taking part in a self-guided cycling holiday in the UK is an exciting prospect; especially if you’ve just booked a bespoke multi-day cycling tour designed specifically for you and your biking friends by the cycling tour experts at Trailbrakes Biking Holidays! Knowing what to pack will help you stay comfortable, confident and free to enjoy every mile of your cycling adventure. There are a lot of aspects to consider after you've booked your cycling holiday, for example changing weather, long days in the saddle, and the joy of finishing each ride ready to explore your destination. The key to packing for an adventurous cycling tour is remembering key essential items, without overpacking.

Here are some recommendations from our team, who've cycled their fair share of long-distance, multi-day biking routes throughout some of the most remote areas of the UK:

Essential Cycling Kit for a Biking Tour in the UK

• 2–3 pairs of padded cycling shorts or bib shorts
• Breathable cycling jerseys
• Lightweight base layers
• A windproof and waterproof cycling jacket (essential for UK cycling holidays)
• Arm and leg warmers for changeable conditions

Off-the-Bike Clothing for Cycling Holidays

• Comfortable casual clothes for evenings
• One smarter outfit for dining out
• Lightweight jumper or fleece
• Comfortable shoes or sandals

Safety and Daily Essentials for Self-Guided Cycling Tours

• Cycling helmet
• Sunglasses with UV protection
• Reusable water bottles
• Sunscreen and lip balm
• Cycling gloves
• Insect repellent, especially important for biking tours in the west of Scotland

Tools and Mechanical Biking Kit to Bring on a Biking Tour

• Small saddle bag or handlebar bag
• Multi-tool
• Spare inner tube
• Mini pump or CO₂ inflator
• Mobile phone with navigation app
• Power bank (particularly useful on longer UK cycling routes)
• Rear derailleur hanger specific to the make and model of your bike
• Spare bike brake pads specific to the make and model of your brakes

Personal Care and Health Items for Cycling Holidays

• Personal medication
• Small first-aid kit
• Anti-chafing cream
• Muscle balm or recovery gel
• Travel-size toiletries

More information on this topic can be found on the Kit List page of our website. If you still haven't chosen which cycling holiday tour you'd like to take part in yet, have a look at our cycle touring routes across the UK here. If you're thinking of a self-guided off-road mountain biking tour, we have a biking route in every corner of the UK and you can see the full list of MTB tours across the UK here. If you haven't taken part in a multi-day cycling holiday or mountain biking tour before, we've selected a few of the routes below that we think would be perfect for new-comers to the cycling holiday scene. Get in touch with us to find out more about what we can provide for you and your cycling holiday group. All of our cycling holiday tours and mountain biking routes can be tailored to your group's requirements.