Sort out your pack 'cause it's a long hike back...

What happens when an Osprey Escapist pack throws up...

It's time for our regular blog post (yeah right, that'll be once or twice a year then!) so after running through a regular guiding pack check earlier today and offering advice recently to some local bikers we thought we'd post a pic and a list of what we carry so that it might inspire you to sort out your pack and prevent that long hike back...

Obviously a well prepared and qualified guide will take out a lot more than your average weekend trail shredder but it's worth having a good old think about the 'what if' scenarios so you can plan for those epic rides. 

If you have any questions you can contact us via our Gone Mountain Biking website here or like our Facebook page here and post other questions or even good ideas from your own personal experiences. So here's the list of the standard kit we carry...

• A quality pack - We use Osprey Escapist 30's - a big well built pack, reasonably light with loads of storage sections, great secure fit and handy waist pockets. We should do a blog on the pack alone!
• Rain cover - there's no use carrying spare kit if it gets soaking wet! 
• Plastic bags - reuse them and save the planet!  Pack your kit in bags just in case.
• 3 litre bladder - long rides mean lots of fluid. The average rider won't manage with just a water bottle. Fill it with more than water! At least squash or a good isotonic energy drink.
• Whistle - the ones built in to packs are ok but you can't beat a proper whistle for attracting attention and ruining your hearing!
• Emergency shelter - like a big parachute, big enough for the group you're with (the green one shown is a 10-12 person). Great for remote lunch stops too!
• First aid kit - keep it checked and stocked - 3 year old plasters don't work too well!
• First aid training! - ok so it's not in your pack but if you ride a lot, get some training!
• Spare buffs - great for first aid injury support - use the free ones given out by the mags. They keep your hear warm too!
• Spare layers - at least a base layer and shell for you or a friend if they need to keep warm.
• Space blanket - you'll be amazed how quickly you can cool if you're injured or in shock.
• Waterproof phone case - if you have a signal you need to be able to use it with no shelter in the rain!
• A working pump with presta and schraeder attachments.
• Spare tubes, quick patches and back up puncture repair kit.
• Tyre levers - if you know your stuff on tyre removal you shouldn't need these!
• Tyre boots - for emergency fixing of split tyres.
• A working shock pump.
• Multi tool - make sure it has all the tools for your bike with chain splitter and take a spare!
• Chainring bolts, chain/power link, spare cleat/bolts, crank bolts, rotor bolts, bar ends, cable ties, velcro straps, fabric tape, mech hanger, spare brake pads.
• Download one of the great phone apps that use GPS to give you a grid reference without a mobile signal.
• Map and compass back up (with emergency contacts and noddy guide for others taking a grid reference).
• Waterproof paper and pencil.
• Spare dry socks and gloves - it could feel like they are saving your life!
• Bug repellent - Avon blue Skin So Soft is great. No horrible chemicals and you smell real nice!
• Sunblock - it ain't no fun getting burnt!
• Torch - you never know how long you'll be out there. Helps you signal and get home!
• Snacks - take more than you think you'll need. Sharing helps you make friends!
• And a partridge in a pear tree.

For longer rides we'll take a few extra bits and make sure any special bikes are catered for, like a spanner for wheel bolts and split links for single speed chains etc. 

As mentioned above if you have some trail wisdom from a personal mishap then feel free to share it! Happy riding people and be prepared...