A bike trip packing list for your next vacation.
Are you ready for your trip? We can’t wait for you to join us. We want you to be prepared and as comfortable as possible throughout each day of your vacation. To help, we have put together a bike trip packing list with all the essentials for your trip, from what to wear on the bike to what to bring to explore your destination by foot. Let the journey begin, and let us know how else we can help.
What to Pack for a Bike Tour | Print Your Bike Trip Packing List
Print Your Packing List
Choose the style of trip you will be traveling on to download your printable bike trip packing list.
Cycling Clothing and Gear
- Bike shorts
- Cycling jerseys
- Helmet (or use ours)
- Bike Saddle (or use ours)
- Pedals (clip-in, flat, caged, or use ours)
- Cycling or athletic shoes (to clip in or for flat pedals)
- Active socks
- Biking gloves
- Lightweight Jacket
- Arm/Leg Warmers
- Wind/Rain Jacket
- Lightweight headband, hat or Buff
- Bike mirror (helmet or bar-mounted)
- Sunglasses
- Chamois Cream
Pack for the Weather
We recommend being prepared for all weather conditions to stay warm and keep cool. This includes bringing lots of layers! Start with a breathable synthetic shirt to layer under a vest, windbreaker, or jacket and avoid cotton fabrics while exercising – the absorbent qualities prevent wicking and insulate poorly when wet. To shop for these items, visit Trekbikes.com or visit your nearest Trek dealer.
Do I need gloves and special shoes?
Many people wonder if they should bring things like cycling gloves and cycling shoes. Gloves provide much-needed padding for your hands and will prevent them from getting sore and tired as the day goes on. Cycling shoes that come with cleats and special pedals can be great for comfort and performance. We encourage you to take the time to learn how to ride with them before using them on your bike vacation.
Off-the-Bike Clothing and Gear
- Walking shoes
- Sun hat
- Swimsuit
- Camera and charger
- Rain gear
- Sweater/jacket for cool evenings
- Dinner Attire: Casual Elegance*
(Reserve as well as luxury-level Signature and Pro Race Trips in Europe)
*What is Casual Elegance?
On Reserve trips and select Signature and Pro Race trips, women can bring skirts, dresses or dress pants and elegant or patterned tops. For men, khaki or dress pants and collared shirts or polo shirts are acceptable. Please do not wear shorts or athletic attire for social hours and dinners.
For most Signature and Discover trips, Ride Camp, and most of our avid-category trips, your dinner attire is casual. Please keep in mind that “casual” attire in Europe can be more formal than in the United States. Please dress according to your destination, dining, and activities.
Please check your trip itinerary to bring extra gear or clothing for any non-riding activities that are planned, such as hiking, sea kayaking, or sailing.
Travel Essentials
- Luggage: 1 suitcase, 1 carry on
- Airline tickets/e-tickets
- Trek Travel meeting and departing details
- Important contact information
- Necessary medications
- Toiletries and personal items
- Hand sanitizer
- Personal identification
- Credit/debit cards
- Cash for incidentals and guide gratuities
- Travel Protection confirmation (if purchased)
- Cell phone and charger
- Passport (international travel)
- Photocopy of passport (international travel)
- Power adapters (international travel)
- Power converter (international travel)
Packing Tips
As a general guideline on what to pack for a bike tour, we suggest separating your first day’s cycling clothes and riding gear in your carry-on bag so your gear is easily accessible should there be any complications with your luggage. We recommend traveling light and limiting your luggage to one carry-on and one checked bag. You also may want to leave extra space in your luggage for any items you may want to bring home from your destination. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) website at www.tsa.gov is a great resource for a list of permitted and prohibited items, and tips for packing and travel. Let us help with your travel planning with our services and tips. Learn More»
Laundry
Although laundry services are available for a fee (not included in your trip price) at many of the properties on our trips, we recommend confirming with your Trip Consultant on which amenities are available for your specific trip. It’s also a great idea to pack a small amount of soap or detergent to do a quick kit wash in your room halfway through the trip or bring enough kits for the whole trip.
Passport Requirements
As a general rule, passports should have at least six months of validity when traveling internationally. This means that your passport’s expiration date should be at least six months after your final day of travel. If you have any questions or concerns, please talk with your Trip Consultant.
What We Provide
- Your choice of Trek Bikes
- Helmet: Bontrager Wavecel
- Saddle: Bontrager men’s and women’s specific models
- Trek Travel water bottles
- Spare parts and flat pack
- Trek Travel day bag
- Luggage tags
- Garmin Edge 1030 GPS Computer
- Shimano SPD, Shimano SPD-SL, flat or caged pedals
- Front and rear Flare R daytime lights
- Snacks and nutrition throughout each ride
- Sunscreen
- Bike fit parts
Preparing for Weather
Rain or Shine
Weather is extremely important to consider when deciding what to pack for a bike tour. We want you to have the right gear when you need it most. Whether you’re riding through the Alps, on a bike tour in France, or exploring the canyons of Utah, you never know what Mother Nature might bring.
Please check the weather of your destination before you leave and be sure to be prepared for all possible conditions with the right gear – this includes bringing removable layers, long-fingered gloves, tights/leg warmers, shoe/toe covers, arm warmers, rain gear, vest, wind jacket, and ear covers. We include a weather summary on each trip page, or you can also check the weather of your destination online.
Check the Weather»
