Packing for the rockies

The mountains in June can serve up all four seasons — from 3°C sleet to 25°C sunshine. This list is here to help everyone feel ready for whatever the Rockies decide to throw at us.

Think of it like insurance: better to have it and not need it than need it and not have it.

Below is the full packing list, including ride-day essentials and bike setup tips from the one and only Rob Britton.

Trip & Suitcase Packing

Ride Clothing

Jerseys & Base Layers

  • 2 short-sleeve jerseys

  • 1 long-sleeve jersey

  • 2 mesh/lightweight base layers

  • 1 merino/thermal base layer

Bibs

  • 2 bib shorts

  • 1 thermal bib tight or knicker

Warmers

  • Arm warmers

  • Leg or knee warmers

Outer Layers

  • Packable wind vest

  • Lightweight wind jacket

  • Waterproof rain shell

  • Thermal jacket/softshell

Gloves

  • Summer gloves

  • Full-finger gloves

  • Waterproof/insulated gloves

Head & Neck

  • Helmet

  • Sunglasses with dark and clear lens options

  • Cycling cap

  • Buff/neck gaiter

  • Skull cap/helmet liner

Feet

  • 2–3 pairs of cycling socks

  • Warm merino socks

  • Toe covers

  • Shoe covers

Off-Bike Clothing

  • Hoodie/fleece

  • Lightweight insulated jacket

  • Rain jacket

  • Casual pants/shorts

  • Underwear/socks

  • Sleepwear

  • Casual shoes/sandals

  • Swimsuit

Ride Prep & Recovery

  • Chamois cream

  • Sunscreen

  • Lip balm

  • Electrolyte tabs

Ride Day Clothing Guide

Warm Conditions

  • Short-sleeve jersey

  • Bib shorts

  • Summer gloves

  • Lightweight socks

  • Vest in pocket

Mixed Conditions

  • Mesh base layer

  • Short-sleeve jersey

  • Arm warmers

  • Bib shorts

  • Knee/leg warmers

  • Vest

  • Full-finger gloves

Cold / Wet Conditions

  • Thermal base layer

  • Long-sleeve jersey

  • Rain shell

  • Thermal tights or leg warmers

  • Waterproof gloves

  • Shoe covers

  • Buff/cap

On-Bike Kit

Hydration

  • 2 × 750 mL bottles

Suggested setup: Bottle 1 — electrolyte/carb mix · Bottle 2 — water

Nutrition

Aim for roughly 60–90 g of carbs per hour through a combination of:

  • 4–5 gels

  • 3–4 bars

  • 2 real-food items — rice cakes, PB&J, banana, dates, etc.

  • 1 emergency snack — approximately 200–300 calories

Flat Repair & Tools

  • 1 spare tube

  • Tire plug kit

  • Tire boot

  • Mini pump

  • CO₂ inflator

  • 1–2 CO₂ cartridges

  • Multi-tool with chain breaker

  • Quick link/master link

  • Derailleur hanger (if applicable)

  • 2–3 zip ties

  • Small tape wrap on pump

Ride Essentials

  • Phone

  • ID

  • Credit card/cash

  • Front light

  • Rear light

Final Roll-Out Check

  • Weather checked

  • Route downloaded offline

  • Tire pressure set

  • Computer charged

  • Lights charged

  • Phone charged

  • Bottles filled

  • Nutrition packed

Please also bring a small drop bag with dry layers to change into post-ride. We'll be waiting at the finish for every rider to complete the day, and something warm and dry will make a big difference.

Bike Setup Checklist

Bike

  • Gravel bike

  • Bike fully serviced before the trip

  • Brake pads checked

  • Rotors checked

  • Chain wear checked

  • Drivetrain cleaned/lubed

  • Shifting checked

  • Wheels inspected

  • Bolts torqued — stem, bars, seatpost, cages

Gearing

For long gravel climbs and variable surfaces, we strongly recommend a low climbing gear — approximately 1:1 or easier.

Examples:

  • 40T × 42–52T

  • 46T × 46–52T

  • 48/31 × 34T

Avoid road-style gearing that leaves you grinding on long climbs.

Tires

  • Tubeless setup preferred

  • Fresh sealant installed

  • Tire condition checked for cuts/wear

Suggested width: 40–45 mm for mixed gravel and comfort (short course) · 45–50 mm if routes are rough or loose (long course)

Suggested tread: Fast-rolling center tread · Moderate side knobs for cornering grip

Tire Pressure

Starting point, adjust for rider weight and conditions:

  • Dry conditions — approximately 25–32 psi

  • Wet/rough conditions — approximately 20–30 psi