Mountain Bike Gear Checklist
the best MTB Accessories and Mountain bike clothing for trail, downhill, and enduro riding
July 6th, 2023
When you’re headed out to mountain bike, having all the right gear is ideal for ensuring your ride is fun and flowy. The trail can throw all sorts of surprises, from flat tires and loose parts to minor injuries, and though hopefully not full-on emergencies, it’s good to be prepared for all of it. Here’s our comprehensive mountain bike gear checklist of what you should pack when you hit the trails.
See all our Mountain Bike Gear guides in our Bike section.
Related: How to get started mountain biking
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Mountain Biking Gear Checklist
| GEAR ITEM | PRODUCTS WE LIKE |
|---|---|
| Mountain Bike Helmet | |
| Fox Speedframe Pro | |
| Mountain Bike Gloves | |
| Dakine Cross X (Men's) | |
| Dakine Cross X (Women's) |
Safety Gear
Mountain Bike Helmet
WHY YOU NEED IT:
No matter what kind of biking you’re doing, a helmet should be the first gear you reach for. But that’s especially true on a mountain bike. Even if you only go for a short ride, you should wear a helmet. If you’re looking for a good helmet for mountain biking, consider something with top-notch safety features like high-density foam, rotational impact protection (like MIPS), and an adjustable system that allows you to get a proper fit. Other features that are great to have for mountain biking are a visor and ample vents for breathability.
For more recommendations on what to look for in a mountain bike helmet, see our guide to Best Mountain Bike Helmets.
Our choice: Fox Speedframe Pro
WHY WE LIKE IT:
Our top choice for an all-around mountain bike helmet is the Fox Speedframe Pro. It has the ideal combination of safety features, comfort, breathability, and style at a price point that we think is reasonable.
COMPARE PRICES OF THE FOX SPEEDFRAME PRO
WHY YOU NEED IT:
Gloves are great to have on any ride for comfort and protection. Good gloves help you grip the handlebars better and often have padding in the palms for added comfort. They're also a form of protective gear you'll want for all kinds of rides, since they protect your skin from getting beaten up by tree branches or torn up from a crash.
Our choice: Dakine Cross X
WHY WE LIKE IT:
Our go-to for everyday riding is the Dakine Cross X. These gloves balance comfort, breathability, and protection well for trail riding.
For more mountain bike glove recommendations, see our MTB Gloves Guide.
COMPARE PRICES OF THE DAKINE CROSS X
MEN'S
WOMEN'S
WHY YOU NEED IT:
Knee pads aren’t necessary for every single ride, but if you like to bike on rugged, technical terrain or love fast downhill riding, kneepads are a protective gear that can be essential in preventing injury on the trail. Even if you’re not an expert rider, folks new to mountain biking may find knee pads helpful as they get the hang of things on the bike, especially if you aren't sure of the trail condition.
Our choice: Leatt Knee Guard Airflex Pro
WHY WE LIKE IT:
Our go-to knee pads are the Leatt Knee Guard Airflex Pro. These knee pads are comfortable, breathable, and offer protection on the front, top, and sides of the knees. See our Best MTB Knee Pads story to learn more about other great knee pads.
COMPARE PRICES OF THE LEATT KNEE GUARD AIRFLEX PRO
WHY YOU NEED IT:
Like knee pads, elbow pads aren’t essential for every ride, but for fast downhill riding, it’s best to cover all your bases since crashes with this type of intense riding are more likely to end with an injury.
Our choice: Fox Enduro D30
WHY WE LIKE IT:
An excellent all-around option for elbow pads are the Fox Enduro D30, which have ample coverage and protection while remaining comfortable and breathable. The D30 material in the pads is one of the best on the market for impact protection.
See our Best MTB elbow pads story for more great recommendations.
COMPARE PRICES OF THE FOX ENDURO D30
Protective eyewear
WHY YOU NEED IT:
Protecting your eyes from sun, wind, dirt, and more when riding is important. A good pair of biking glasses will offer more coverage than regular sunglasses, though any pair you have will work.
Our choice: Smith Wildcat
WHY WE LIKE IT:
If you’re looking for a good pair of mountain biking glasses that will also be versatile for other outdoor adventures (like ski touring when the bike is stowed away for winter), consider the Smith Wildcat. These are pricey but incredibly comfortable and functional for the time spent on the trail. They offer good coverage (like something in between regular sunglasses and a pair of goggles), quality lenses that can be easily swapped out, and the arms are incredibly comfortable.
COMPARE PRICES OF THE SMITH WILDCAT
Body armor (optional but recommended for more aggressive riding)
If you’re an aggressive downhill rider or like to play on jumps, body armor will help keep you from getting injured when riding. Most cross-country and trail riders will not need this because it’s excessively bulky and heavy when pedaling and not necessary for this type of riding. But you shouldn't skip this one if you’re riding at top speeds down rough terrain.
Mountain Bike Clothing
MTB jersey
There are many great options for shirts to wear when you’re mountain biking. And while there are plenty of MTB-specific jerseys, they can get expensive. The truth is… any tech tee or jersey you’d wear for hiking, running, or other outdoor sports will work just fine on most mountain bike rides.
If you want a jersey specific to mountain biking, look for a semi-loose-fitting jersey. Long or three-quarter sleeves are great for extra protection from the sun and in the event of a crash. Many MTB jerseys also have pockets for extra storage.
COMPARE PRICES OF THE MONS ROYALE REDWOOD MERINO AIR CON VT
MEN'S
WOMEN'S
Mountain biking chamois
Unlike mountain bike jerseys, where any tech tee will do a fine job, it's best to wear cycling shorts specifically designed for mountain biking. It’s best to first layer with a pair of liner shorts with a built-in pad called a chamois. This pad helps protect and keep your bottom comfortable in the saddle, especially if you are out for a long ride. While some people do ride without them, we think they’re essential for most rides when you’ll be sitting down and pedaling.
Our choice: Women's Shredly Yogacham AND MEN's Patagonia Dirt Roamer Liner)
WHY WE LIKE IT:
There are a lot of personal preferences that go into picking a good chamois liner. Still, our favorite women’s version is the Shredly Yogacham and the Patagonia Dirt Roamer Liner for men.
See our guides to the Best Women's MTB shorts and Best Men's MTB Shorts for more recommendations, including options for different lengths and sizes for plus size riders.
COMPARE PRICES OF THE PATAGONIA DIRT ROAMER AND Shredly YOGACHAM
MEN'S PATAGONIA
WOMEN'S YOGACHAM
Mountain biking shorts
On top of your chamois liner, you’ll want to layer a pair of overshorts, commonly called baggies. These are designed for durability, functionality, and movement on the bike. Most baggy shorts also have good pockets for storing snacks, a phone, or other essentials.
We love the Patagonia Dirt Roamer shorts in men’s and women’s for everyday mountain bike rides. They’re comfortable, breathable, durable, and have good pockets.
See our guides to the Best Women's MTB shorts and Best Men's MTB Shorts for more recommendations on what to look for in mountain biking shorts.
COMPARE PRICES OF THE PATAGONIA DIRT ROAMER SHORTS
MEN'S
WOMEN'S
Lightweight jacket
Like many outdoor adventures, it’s a good idea to carry emergency rain gear or wind shell when you’re out on the trail; the same is true for mountain biking. Whether it’s a surprise storm that rolls in or a chilly and windy downhill, it’s good to have a lightweight shell on hand to help keep you dry and warm.
We like the Patagonia Houdini jacket for mountain biking (and for many other adventures, like running and hiking, too).
The Houdini is a winner in our Best Men's Windbreakers guide and Best Women's Windbreakers guide.
COMPARE PRICES OF THE PATAGONIA HOUDINI JACKET
MEN'S
WOMEN'S
Cycling socks
It’s important to have a comfortable pair of socks for your rides. We like one’s made of natural wicking materials like merino wool, though synthetic athletic socks work too. While your sock choice comes down to personal preference, many mountain bikers wear crew-length socks for comfort and functionality (they keep grease, chain marks, and pedal bites off your ankles).
MTB shoes
Mountain biking will be much more fun if you’ve got the right shoes (and pedals). If you ride flat pedals (which don’t have a clip mechanism), look for a pair of flat-style shoes with stiff soles and sticky rubber that will help you grip the pedals. For flat shoes, our go-to is the FiveTen Freerider.
If you ride with clipless pedals (confusingly, this is what pedals you clip into are called), you’ll need more specific shoes compatible with your specific pedals and the cleats to go with them so you can clip in and out. Different systems don’t all work together, so ensure that your clip-in shoes and pedals are the right type to be compatible.
For more recommendations on what to look for in mountain biking shoes, see our guide to the Best MTB Shoes here.
COMPARE PRICES OF THE FIVETEN FREERIDER
MEN'S
WOMEN'S
Bike Essentials
Mountain bike (appropriate for your skill level and riding style)
Many mountain bike options are on the market today with different types of materials, components, suspension, and frame geometry. Select a bike with the right specs for the type of riding you do the most. If you like long, cross-country pedals, a hardtail or low-travel full-suspension mountain bike is probably the best choice. If you’re a trail rider, look for a mid-travel, versatile, full-suspension bike. And if you’re a downhill rider, look for a bike with a lot of travel in the suspension and a frame geometry designed for fast downhill riding.
If you're interested in bikepacking, check out our guide to the Bikepacking Style Bike.
Mountain biking pedals
Pedals are an important piece of mountain bike gear that can make or break a ride. Ensure that your pedals and shoes are compatible and appropriate for the style of riding you want to do and your skill level.
Our choice flat pedals: OneUp Components Composite
Flat pedals do not have a clip-in mechanism and instead use metal grips and the sticky rubber of your flat pedal-designed mountain bike shoes to keep your feet on the pedals.
Our choice clipless: Shimano XTR pedals
Clipless pedals (or clip-in pedals) use a clip mechanism that secures your foot to the pedal while still being able to clip in and out easily.
Flat pedals are not for beginners only; whether you ride clipless or flat pedals will come down to your riding style and preference. But, if you are a beginner mountain biker, you should start with flat pedals and mountain bike shoes to get used to riding the trails before trying clipless pedals. Another advantage to flat pedals and shoes is that they are usually (but not always) more affordable than clipless ones.
For more on what to look for in mountain biking pedals, see our Best MTB Pedals guide.
Bike lock (for securing your bike when necessary)
Sadly, bikes are stolen everywhere, from big cities to tiny mountain towns. If you’ve invested in a nice bike, storing it safely is imperative (but you should do this with any bike). If your mountain bike ride starts and ends at home or wherever you store your bike, you don’t necessarily need a lock on hand. But if you plan to pedal into town after some time on the trail, have a high-quality, secure lock on hand for when you leave your bike. Note that some locks designed for road bikes are not big enough to fit mountain bike tires, so test your lock on your bike before you head out.
Water bottle holder
Most mountain bikers prefer to have at least one (sometimes two) bottle holders mounted to their bike frames. This method is the simplest and easiest way to carry water on your ride.
For more water bottle holder tips and recommendations, see our best bike water bottle holder story.
Water bottle or hydration pack
Even on short rides, it’s good to have at least a small bottle of water on hand, and much more for big, long rides. The best way to carry water while riding your bike is either in a squeeze bottle on your bike or in a pack, or with a hydration bladder in a backpack or a hip pack.
Mountain bike backpack or mountain bike hip pack
For longer rides (and even shorter ones), it’s great to have a pack to carry essentials like water, snacks, and your bike repair kit.
There are backpacks and hip packs made specifically for mountain biking, and they come in various sizes depending on what or how much you need to carry.
It’s ultimately personal preference regarding backpack versus hip pack and there are excellent options for both.
Our choice mountain bike backpack: EVOC HIP PACK PRO + 1.5L BLADDER
See our Best Mountain Bike Backpack guide or Best Mountain Bike Hip Pack guide for more information.
MTB lights for low-light conditions or night riding
While lights aren’t necessary for all rides, they can be helpful and even essential for safety if you’re riding in low-light conditions or at night, especially if you’ll be on the street at any point in your ride. They're especially helpful in the fall, where days are shorter.
See our story on the Best Mountain Bike Lights for more on what to look for in mountain biking lights.
Bike Repair and maintenance
Chain lubricant
Lubing your chain is like lacing up your shoes: You should do it anytime you head out for a ride. If you lube your chain at the start of the ride, you may not need more, but it’s always good to have chain lube on hand, especially if you’re riding particularly dusty or muddy and wet trails.
Spare tube and tubeless tire repair kit
Flats can happen anytime, and if you don’t have the tools necessary for a quick fix on the trail, they can easily ruin a ride and make for a long walk with your bike. A patch kit or tubeless repair kit are quick ways to repair a flat tire on the trail. Whether you run tubes or tubeless tires, a spare tube is always handy. Sometimes even flats with tubeless tires can be bad enough that a bit of sealant and some air is not enough to get you home, but you can always pop a tube into the tire to get you back for a full repair.
Tire pump or Co2 inflator kit
A spare tube or repair kit won’t do you much good if you don’t have any way to re-inflate your tires or tubes after a flat. Carry a small hand pump or Co2 cartridges with an inflator kit for this purpose. Generally, if you carry a small pump, you can measure the pressure in the tire and get it to an exact level. Co2 canisters just give one burst of air and are less precise, but this quick burst is often ideal for resealing the rims on tubeless tires after a flat.
For more on mountain biking tire pumps, see our guide to Best Bike Tire Pumps.
Multi-tool
A bike-specific multi-tool is essential to keep in your pack or on your bike anytime you go out for a ride. Most bike-specific multi-tools have Allen Wrenches. It’s useful for loose bolts and quick repairs, and some even have tire levers that can be used to repair flats.
Tire levers
Even if you have a tire lever on your multi-tool, carrying a regular one can still be helpful as it can be easier to use. But if you don’t have one on your multi-tool, you should definitely have one in your repair kit. They’re light and small and can save the day if you get a flat.
Chain tool and quick-link
No one wants to pop a chain on a ride, but it happens. Carrying a chain tool and a quick link can fix minor chain issues on the trail. Just be sure you know how to use them before you put them in your pack, or they won’t be as much help on the trail.
Spare derailleur hanger
It’s not uncommon for derailleur hangers to get bent or broken on a ride; it can happen if you take a spill or your bike takes a bit of a beating. If this happens, it can cause significant issues with shifting a drive train. It’s fairly easy to replace a derailleur hanger on the trail, so having a spare on hand can be nice, especially for big rides or multi-day adventures. For some bikes, however, this part can be expensive, so some folks choose not to carry a spare.
Duct tape or electrical tape
Oh, the many uses of duct tape! This tool can be helpful for small repairs, whether it's a brake line, a saddle, or something else. Don’t put any on your frame, especially if it’s carbon, unless you absolutely have to in order to get back to the trailhead. The sticky adhesive can ruin paint and frame materials.
Zip ties
Zip ties are small and useful things to keep in your pack for minor repairs, even for things not on your mountain bike, like backpack straps or saddle bags.
Navigation and Communication
GPS device or smartphone with trail maps
Before you head out for a ride, you should know where you’re headed. Look at trail maps and pay attention to signage when riding. GPS devices can be helpful, but many phone apps have GPS navigation and trail maps built in, so if you’re riding in a new area or just want to get to know the trails well, use one of these on your ride.
For more on GPS devices, see our guides to the Garmin Instinct 2 watch or Garmin fenix 7 watch.
Bike mount for GPS or smartphone
Mounting a GPS or other ride tracker can help if you want to see your mileage, vertical gain, or even heart rate stats on a ride, and a mount will display it on your handlebars, so this is easy to see. While there are mounts available for smartphones, we don’t recommend using them as it becomes very easy to lose or damage your phone on a ride. Instead, keep it in a thigh pocket or your pack, stop riding, and take it out when necessary.
Whistle or signaling device
If you’re riding deep in the backcountry or getting far out, this can be an essential part of your kit in an emergency.
Miscellaneous
Sunscreen for body and Sunscreen for face
Anytime you’re outside, you should be conscious of the sun, and this is especially true if you’re biking in areas without shade or at high altitudes where the sun is stronger. Wear sunscreen on your rides and bring a small stick or bottle to reapply when necessary.
See our articles on the best sunscreen for your body and best sunscreen for your face for more detailed advice on finding the best one for you.
Small first aid kit
No matter what type of outdoor activity you're doing, it’s a good idea to always have a small first aid kit on hand. For biking, consider things that can clean wounds (in case of a fall), like alcohol wipes, triple antibiotic ointment, gauze, and bandaids.
Insect repellent
If you’re riding in a buggy area, having this on hand can be essential, especially for sections of the trail where you may be climbing and moving slower.
Snacks and energy gels
Always consider how long you plan to ride and know how much food and water you need for that ride. Even on short rides, it’s a good idea to keep a spare granola bar or energy gel on hand just in case you find yourself bonking and needing calories.
Cash or credit card for emergencies
As with any outdoor adventure, accidents and emergencies can happen. Having a credit card on hand can be helpful in case you need to call emergency services.
Camera or action cam (optional for capturing your rides)
While we think sometimes having a camera can distract from the fun of the ride and enjoying nature, some riders carry them. See our guide to the Insta360 X3 action camera for more on these types of cameras or our Best Rugged Camera guide for still shot cameras.
Final thoughts
Having the right gear for your mountain bike rides will not only help to keep you safe, but it will make your rides more fun, too. Repair kits can make or break your day, and snacks and water can do the same.
Before you head out for a ride, it’s good practice to give your bike a quick look, lube your chain, and check all your gear before pedaling (and always wash your bike when you’re done riding!). Good bike maintenance and upkeep will make for better rides and lower the likelihood of mechanical problems on the trail.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR: WHY YOU SHOULD TRUST US
A true mountain dweller, Stasia Stockwell feels far more at home on a high alpine ridge than on a busy city street. She writes primarily in the outdoor and adventure travel realm, focusing on destinations content and gear reviews that are intriguing and informative for newcomers and experts alike.
Stasia has worked as a backpacking guide in southeast Alaska and written for BACKPACKER, REI Co-op Journal, The Dyrt, and for Treeline. She’s an avid mountain biker and has been riding on two wheels since she was a kid on the trails of northern Utah. She now spends her summers logging as much pedal time as possible around her home in Breckenridge, Colorado, and beyond.
Read more about Stasia on her website on her author page.
