Saddle Pack Essentials...

This is quite a common question, and it's something we should all put some thought into. So what goes into your saddle pack? We all have different requirements.

Some people are happy to go with the "Seat of the Pants" approach which means they leave the house with nothing. That's fine, but don't expect any sympathy if you end up walking 20 miles home. Oh, and your better half won't be happy if they have to come pick you up for something as simple as a puncture.

Personally, I favour the "Kitchen Sink" approach. Every rider has a different pack, so here's a rough guide.

First off, you need to choose your saddle pack. They come in all shapes and sizes, but I'd always go for one that is a little bigger than you need so you can add to it in the future. I use the Topeak quick release saddle packs on my bikes which are excellent as they just unclip and slot straight onto another bike. 

So what do you put in the pack? Here are some options.

Option 1 - The Essentials

Contents: Tyre levers, multi-tool, spare tube, puncture repair kit.

Light weight, fairly cheap to buy and will get you out of most situations. Strictly speaking, you don't "need" the puncture repair kit if you're going to carry a spare tube. Two punctures on a ride is not unheard of though, so it's up to you.

Option 2 - Optional Extras

Contents:

1. Quick Link
   
2. Spare Cleat
   
3. Cleat Bolts/Mounting Plate
   
4. Random Bolts
   
5. Emergency Tyre Boot
6. Spare Chain Links
7. Cash
8. Elastic Bands/Cable Ties

I'll admit, you won't necessarily need everything in that list, but it weighs virtually nothing, so why not.

Option 3 - The Kitchen Sink

You blatantly don't "need" anything in this picture, but they're there to make your life easier.

1. First Aid Kit
2. Spare Contact Lenses (if you wear them of course)
3. Sun Block (for those rare sunny days in the UK)

Of course you can buy pretty much all of these items from these fine retailers listed below. Perhaps you'd like to support this site by clicking on them?