What To Pack For Your Next Cycling Holiday

Cycling holidays can be an incredible way to minimise your environmental impact and see the world in an active, leisurely way. But if you haven’t travelled this way before, deciding what to pack can feel a little intimidating. Having the right gear will make your trip all the more enjoyable and comfortable.

The good news is that you don’t have to be a cycle-touring expert to plan an incredible adventure. A Macs Adventure cycling holiday has the advantage of daily luggage transfers for all your overnight bags. All you need to worry about is packing your backpack for a day of cycling.

Remember, your evenings and non-cycling days also require careful packing considerations. For example, you might plan to do some walking, sightseeing, and eating out, so pack some casual clothes and one smart-ish outfit for meals out.

What is a Self-guided Cycling Tour?

Self-guided tours are exactly what they sound like. First, you book a trip through a self-guided tour operator, like Macs Adventure. We provide your itinerary from an array of routes that our team has tried and tested. Then, we book all your accommodation and provide the maps and instructions you need for a seamless trip. You’ll use those resources to start your journey on your own terms. That means moving at your own pace, with your own people—no guide required.

Since cycling trips tend to stick to scenic roads and cycle paths, navigation is relatively straightforward. That makes them the perfect way to try self-guided travel—and travellers are catching on. Cycle trips are already incredibly popular in the U.S., Europe, and beyond.

Interested in giving it a try? Here’s what to wear, what to pack, and how to pull off your first cycling trip.

Travelling with Your Own Bike

The question of whether to bring your own bike is a balance of cost and comfort. It will cost extra to transport the bike on a plane, but knowing that your bike perfectly fits you offers excellent comfort when you'll be riding for hours each day. If you hire a bike, this will also be a cost consideration, but it might work out cheaper than packing and transporting your bike. It is also worth considering the type of cycling holiday that you have booked. A full-on road cycling holiday may better suit your own bike, while bike hire could be a good option for a more leisurely cycle tour. Ask for advice when booking your cycling holiday.

What to Wear While Cycling on Holiday

Some cyclists can get away with wearing everyday clothing, but when you’re spending days in the saddle, fashion often comes at a price. Because cycling involves a lot of time in the same position, it usually pays to wear bike-specific apparel, which can mitigate chafing, soreness, and other issues you might face cycling in regular clothes. A chamois (padded shorts), wind-proof outer layers, gloves, a helmet, and comfortable footwear are all considered on-the-bike essentials for beginners and experts alike.

As with any outdoor activity, you’ll also want to pack plenty of layers. Weather can change fast, especially when you’re out on the trail. Aim to pack a pair of athletic tights, extra socks, an insulated jacket, and a thin hat in case it gets chilly or windy on your ride. 

The Ultimate Cycling Trip Packing List 

Regardless of mileage or challenge level, the basic cycling essentials almost always remain the same. At the very least, you’ll need enough gear to keep you comfortable, fuelled, and prepared in case of emergency. Here are some must-haves and nice-to-haves to consider when packing for your next cycling trip.

Must-Have Cycling Essentials

Whether you’re going on a weekend tour or a multi-week journey, these are the items you should definitely have on your cycle tour packing list:  

• Bicycle or e-bike — Depending on your type of cycling holiday, you can rent a bike through Macs Adventure or bring your own. Speak to your adventure expert when booking your trip.
• Bike helmet — These days, most cyclists know the safety benefits of a helmet, which is why most cycle tour companies insist on customers wearing one. Macs can provide one or bring your own for extra comfort.
• Backpack — A small backpack is a great idea if you want to carry extra clothing, a repair kit, a camera, or if you’re a fan of bringing snacks on your cycle. It's especially useful for itineraries with longer daily distances. Make sure it’s comfortable to ride with. A backpack with a breathable back system will help in countries where you’ll build up a sweat when cycling.
• Phone holder — A phone holder that clips to your handlebars makes it easier for you to keep track of your route. You can also navigate your way with Sat Nav-enabled apps like the Macs Adventure app.
• Repair kit — Including extra tubes, patches, a portable pump, and basic tools.
• Bicycle lock and key — These aren’t always included with rental bikes. It’s handy to bring your own, just in case.
• Front and rear bike lights — Be sure to check these before you set off, and keep spares in your bag. 

Must-Have Cycling Holiday Clothing

• Padded bike shorts — Tight-fitting or loose-style are a must. Ideally, you want two pairs so you can wash one each night. Other options include three-quarter-length cycling tights, bibbed shorts, or waist shorts. Remember that bibbed shorts will require you to strip off your top if you need to use the toilet! Good bike retailers will sell a range of styles to fit adults of all sizes.
• Cycling tops — Depending on your type of cycling holiday, you may want short or long-sleeve t-shirts, warm baselayers, or a mix. Choose sweat-wicking sports t-shirts or cycling-specific jerseys that are loose enough to allow your arms and shoulders freedom of movement but not so baggy that the top is annoyingly flappy when cycling. Your cycle top should be long enough to cover your lower back, and jerseys with pockets are always a bonus!
• Cycling sunglasses — Sunglasses help keep your line of sight clear, keeping you safe on the track. You can invest in prescription sunglasses to make checking the app and viewing those epic views much easier. Polarised sunglasses also help block reflective light that can bounce off the path and block the beautiful view.
• Cycling jacket — Whether it’s a wind jacket, waterproof jacket, insulated jacket, or extra outer layers, these will keep you warm and dry if the weather takes a turn. Lightweight jackets are usually small enough to fit in a pocket or backpack, so you can easily stop and pull them on without delaying your ride too much.
• Bike shoes — Sturdy, grippy, closed-toe shoes work best for cycling footwear. For longer distances, cycling shoes that clip into pedals will make a massive difference to your pedalling power. It’s a good idea to practise cycling with cleats and pedals before your holiday. If you’re hiring a bike, you could bring your own pedals and bike shoes so you’re confident and comfortable with the set-up. Shoe covers can also be a great shout for chilly or windy rides.
• Cycling gloves — Sweaty hands and holding on to the handlebars for days of cycling mean your hands may become sore and raw. Cycling gloves offer protection against the hot sun or strong winds. Look for waterproof and/or windproof gloves, taking a couple of pairs with you for the trip.
• Buff — This useful item can be worn to protect your neck or head from sunburn or to keep your ears warm when starting out on a chillier morning. It fits comfortably under your helmet or is small enough to put in your backpack.
• Arm and leg warmers - These are great for early morning rides when the temperature is lower. They’re also extremely useful for cycling trips that take you into the mountains. Many people are surprised by how cold the mountain tops and descents can be, and a pair of arm or leg warmers popped into your jersey pockets, and then worn when you feel the chill, can make a huge difference to comfort levels.

Cycling Essentials for Your Daily Backpack

• High-visibility safety vest
• Energy gels or snacks
• Water-to-Go bottle —  These bottles both purify and store water, and they’re designed to fit in your bike’s on-frame bottle cage.
• Small first aid kit
• Suncream
• Mobile phone — To access your mapping app and itinerary.

Some extras to include in your cycle touring kit 

• Along with the above cycling gear essentials, consider packing a few of these nice-to-haves to enhance your comfort on and off the bike.
• Rearview mirror
• Chamois cream to prevent chafing and sores
• Bike bell
• An on-bike computer or watch to track your speed, pace, and mileage
• Clipless pedals and cleats
• Sandals or other comfortable shoes for hanging out off the bike
• Baby wipes or a shower kit to tidy up after the ride
• Lightweight camp towel
• Toiletries
• Lip balm
• Insect repellent
• Pocket knife or multitool
• Extra water bottle
• Camera
• Panniers or bike-touring bags (Note: if you book a trip through Macs Adventure, Macs will transfer your luggage between accommodations for you. For that reason, panniers typically aren’t required for self-guided cycle trips).

How to Book a Self-guided Cycling Trip

Planning a cycling holiday doesn’t have to be stressful. You likely have most of the gear you need at home already, and much of the rest can be purchased or rented at your destination. Whether cycling alone or in a group, you can rely on us to take the headache out of route planning. With dozens of self-guided options to choose from, Macs Adventure makes it easy: simply confirm your booking, download your maps, and hit the trail. Browse our cycling destinations to start planning your dream trip today.