Packing list for bike packing

Bike

• Tyre width: At least 35 mm, recommended 40-50 mm for Tyrolean gravel paths. Recommendation: Tubeless tyres: Protects against punctures on sharp gravel and saves weight / otherwise use a puncture repair kit and spare tube
• Gearing: 1x drivetrain or 2x with sufficiently small climbing cog (at least 34/32 for alpine passes)
• Lights: mandatory according to StVO - also useful during the day on unlit tunnels and in forests
• Mudguards: Weather-related wetness is common in Tyrol - mudguards protect rider and luggage
• Luggage rack: Bikepacking bags or lowrider luggage racks for longer tours

Clothing

• Layering principle: weather changes quickly in the Tyrolean mountains - always pack a rain cape and warm layer
• Padding: Gravel-specific bib shorts or padded pants for long gravel stages
• Sun protection: UV protection is essential on exposed pass roads
• Rain trousers: Indispensable in Tyrolean mountain weather - easily packed in the jersey or jersey pocket, but worth their weight in gold in an emergency
• Shoe covers (neoprene overshoes): Keep your feet dry and warm in the rain and on wet gravel sections
• Tube scarf: Versatile all-rounder - as a neck warmer, headband, mouth guard for gravel dust or light cap under the helmet
• Headband: Protects ears and forehead on cool descents over mountain passes - even in summer when descending from 2,000 metres into the valley
• Change of clothing: At least one set of cycling clothing plus leisure clothing for the evenings (light, quick-drying)

Protective equipment

• Helmet: mandatory - in Tyrol, a gravel or MTB helmet with more protection in the neck area is recommended
• Gloves: Protect against falls on gravel and improve grip
• Sports goggles: Protects against falling rocks, dust, flies and UV radiation at altitude

Navigation & Communication

• GPS device or smartphone with offline map (e.g. Komoot, Ride with GPS)
• External power bank for long tours

Tools & puncture repair kit

• Spare inner tube or puncture repair kit + tubeless sealant
• Mini pump or CO₂ cartridge
• Multitool (incl. chain tool)
• Chain lock and chain oil
• Cable ties and adhesive tape
• Pocket knife: Practical all-rounder for repairs, food and small emergencies on the go
• Headlamp
• For very bumpy routes: tension straps to additionally secure the saddlebags to the pannier rack and protect the rack hooks

Safety & first aid

• Small first aid kit (plasters, bandages, rescue blanket)
• Sun and lip protection (SPF 30+)
• Rain cape or waterproof jacket
• Warm layer (even in summer - it can get cold on passes over 2,000 metres)
• Cash and health insurance card (e-card)
• Fully charged mobile phone

Food and drink

• Water: At least 1.5 litres - there are hardly any springs or huts at high altitudes (depending on the route, spring water is drinkable almost everywhere)
• Energy reserve: Bars, gels or sandwiches for at least 2 hours of additional needs
• Electrolytes: Important for long tours or high temperatures

Important for multi-day tours

• Book accommodation in advance: Huts, guesthouses and campsites in Tyrol are often fully booked in the high season - book early
• Sleeping bag liner or light sleeping bag: Only relevant for tours with sleeping place bookings at Alpine Club huts - self-equipment is often a prerequisite there
• Increase your cash reserve: Not all huts and small guesthouses in Tyrol accept card payment
• Plan more food reserves: On remote stages, there can easily be 60-80 kilometres between two shopping opportunities
• Powerbank (larger): GPS, smartphone and light batteries must work reliably for several days