Keep it small, but not empty
On a short ride it is tempting to take nothing at all. Most of the time that works out. The trouble is that a puncture, a sudden change in weather or a minor fall can turn a quick loop into a long walk home. A small, well-chosen kit costs very little in weight and can make a problem manageable.
This article suggests general ideas, not a fixed list. What you need depends on how far you go, where you ride, the weather and your own experience. It does not recommend particular brands or products.
The core items
Water
Even on a short ride, a drink can be welcome, especially in warm conditions. A bottle in a cage is easy to reach without stopping. How much you need depends on the weather, the length of the ride and how hard you work, so there is no single right amount. Our notes on riding in hot weather cover the wider picture.
A phone
A phone lets you call for help, check a map or contact someone if plans change. Keep it somewhere secure, such as a zipped pocket or a bag, rather than loose. A phone mount can be useful, but make sure it holds firmly; see our topic on phone mount use. If you use your phone for navigation, remember that battery life drops with use and cold, so think about how you would get home if it died.
Identification and contact details
Carry some form of ID, and details of who to call in an emergency. It does not need to be elaborate. A card in a pocket is often enough. It is information you hope never to need, but it can make a difference if someone needs to help you.
A little money or a payment card
A small amount can buy a drink, pay for transport home or cover a repair. Keep it dry and secure.
Basic repair items
Whether you carry repair items is up to you, but a puncture is the most common problem on a ride. A sensible minimal set might include:
- A spare inner tube suited to your tyre size, or a puncture repair kit.
- Tyre levers.
- A pump or a means of inflating the tyre.
- A multi-tool with the sizes your bike needs.
Only carry what you know how to use. If you have never changed a tube, practise at home first; our guide to fixing a flat is a good start. A multi-tool kit can handle many small adjustments, and basic bike tools explains what is worth knowing. Carrying a pump on the frame is covered in our topic on carrying a bike pump. For roadside repairs, remember that you can always walk or call for help if a problem is beyond you.
Do not attempt to repair brakes, steering or other safety-critical parts at the roadside unless you are trained; walk the bike or get a lift.
Weather and visibility
If there is a chance of rain or a drop in temperature, a thin waterproof layer packs small. If daylight may fade before you finish, bring lights even if you expect to be home early; plans change. Our look at riding after dark covers the topic. Make sure lights are charged and mounted firmly.
Sun protection and sunglasses help on bright days. A light layer can make a difference if you stop for a while and cool down.
Food
For short rides you may not need any. If you are out for more than a little while, or you tend to feel low on energy, a small snack can help. Choose something you are used to, and be mindful of any dietary needs or allergies.
First aid
A very small first aid kit with a few plasters can be useful, though most people skip it on short outings. If you have a medical condition that might need attention, carry the relevant medication and tell someone. For specific medical advice, ask a doctor.
How to carry it
Keep the weight low and close to the bike where possible. A small saddle bag, frame bag or hip pack can hold most of the basics. Backpacks are fine for many riders, though they can make you sweat and change how the bike feels; see our topic on riding with a backpack. Whichever you choose, make sure straps and zips are secure and nothing can dangle into the wheels.
Check that your bag does not rattle during a bounce test, and that it does not hide lights or reflectors.
Before you leave
Pack the night before if you can, so you are not rushing. Run through your pre-ride bike check, put on your helmet, and let someone know roughly where you are going and when you plan to return.
Over time, you will learn what you use and what you never touch. Adjust the kit accordingly, but keep the essentials. A short ride goes best when you are prepared for small things going wrong.