What Should You Wear & Carry for Your MTB Adventures?
You love the excitement of mountain biking. The rush of wind, the challenge of the trail and the beauty of nature all around you make it exciting. When it comes to clothing, you will want to keep it cool and comfy.
Choose from a variety of breathable, sweat-wicking jerseys or shirts. Wicking moisture off your skin keeps you dry and comfortable as you pedal hard up those hills. Mountain bike outfits are generally roomier than road cycling tops. So, you can have more range of motion over some trails that may be a bit technical. Here are the top mountain bike helmets and accessories one must know.
Bottoms: Shield Your Legs in Style
For your lower half, you’ve got options for protecting your leg area. Pants are perfect for keeping your legs shielded from mud, branches and scratches if you take a fall. Unless it is really hot out you want more flexibility, or it’s the style you prefer, then go with shorts.
Padded bike shorts make all the sense in the world for long-distance comfort, but you can alternatively pick baggy shorts with removable liners for a more casual look—just make sure they’re tough and made from quick-dry material.
Pack an extra pair of pants, even if you’re wearing shorts. Things might turn quickly in the mountains, or you will probably face tougher terrain than you expected.
Jackets: Your Shield Against the Elements
A quality mountain biking jacket will feel like a close friend—there when things get bad. It does more than insulate you to keep warm and dry. A good jacket also guards you against scrapes and lessens the impact in case you go tumbling over the handlebars.
While shopping for that mountain bike jacket, centre on the one made from rigid, durable materials that still afford you some flexibility to move with ease. Water resistance or waterproofing is essential, alongside breathability to prevent overheating.
The reflective elements will be an added advantage for visibility. Adjustable hem and cuff let you fit the jacket perfectly. Remember, layering is key in mountain biking, so your jacket should fit comfortably over your other gear. MTB cycling shoes should also be on your shopping list.
Gloves: Grip and Protect Your Hands
Your hands are your connection to the bike, so treat them well with suitable gloves. In mountain biking, full-finger gloves should be put on. This offers a better grip on the handlebars and protects your hands from branches and rocks.
Look for gloves with padded palms that offer vibration absorption and tough material on the back for protection from scratches. Good ventilation prevents the hands from getting sweaty. Some of them even have touch-screen-compatible fingertips.
Things You Should Carry With You While Cycling
Besides wearing the necessary clothes and accessories, you should also carry a few essentials while cycling off the roads. Here are a few such items which you can easily carry in your backpack while cycling through a forest or riding up a mountain slope.
A Bottle Of Water
When you go biking along the rough roads, you should always carry a bottle of water. Most mountain bikes come with a built-in bottle holder. Keep your water bottle in it. Staying hydrated on the go is critical for enjoying your adventure entirely.
Especially on hot days, carrying a bottle of water is a must. Cycling itself is an intense workout which might drain water and minerals out of your body. So, carry a pouch of glucose powder to stay energetic at all times.
A First-Aid Kit
When you hit the road on your cycle, make sure to carry your first-aid kit. In case of an accident or scratch, you can disinfect the wound instantly and even use sticky bands to cover them up. This is critical for not letting the dust settle on the wounds.
A Camera
Your journey through the rough roads can reveal splendidly beautiful places along the way. This is when you might find a camera useful. If you have a camera with you, you can stop for a while to catch your breath and take a few pictures of the surrounding natural vistas.
Especially when you embark on a journey through the woods or up the mountain, you frequently come across places that get etched on your mind forever for their serenity and beauty. So, keep a camera handy to take pictures along the way.
Conclusion
Gearing upright makes mountain biking more fun and safer. Start with these basics and adjust as you learn what works best for you. Remember, comfort and protection are essential. You don’t need to buy everything at once – build your gear collection as you grow in the sport.
Now, you’re ready to hit the trails with confidence. Feel the rush of the wind, the challenge of the climb and the thrill of the descent. With the right gear, you’re prepared for whatever the mountain throws at you.