Colorado Trail Bike Route Gear

Though this was my first bikepacking trip, I was able to use a decent amount of items from my backpacking kit. And although I DNF’ed this trail, my gear held up and I would use it again!

One note on gear: gear is different for everyone, every literal body, and every different type of bikepacking. Though I am sharing my experiences below, do what works for you! I also don’t claim to be Ultralight, though I have a few UL pieces. My goal was to balance weight and comfort.

Big 3 Gear:

Bicycle + Helmet + Seat:
- Ascend Zion Hardtail Mountain Bike from Cabela’s in size Small. At 5’5”, the seat at its lowest setting still felt a bit high for me though they state that it is okay for even 5’3” individuals (which I don’t know about..)
- I changed the pedals to dual pedals; one side is a typical flat and one side has clip ins. I have actually changed my regular use bike to have these pedals as well I liked them so much!
- Wear a helmet.
- Seat: Switched the small slim seat to a wide cushioned on. Great choice.
Quilt:
- Zen Bivy Ultralight Bed 10 degree quilt.
Tent:
- ZPacks Altaplex: This was a great tent, but it added a complication of bringing the pole to set it up that I actually don’t use while cycling. Tied it tightly to the frame of the bike.

Sleep System Extra:

Pillow:
- I used this Sea to Summit pillow and all ultralighters can pry this pillow from my well-rested hands.
Sleeping Pad:
- Nemo Tensor Trail in Regular width.

Bicycle Storage:

Handlebar Harness: I put my sleep system in a compression stuff sack and this harness was able to hold my quilt, pillow, and pad in it.
Frame bag: This was a quiet MVP. This fit my toiletries, my bathroom kit, and my electronics.
Top Tube bag: This held my phone and other items I needed for quick access.
Handlebar Feed bag: These two held my water bottles and other snacks.
Saddle bag: This was an amazing piece of gear that I did not end up using. My bike seat needed to be too low that this bag ran into my back tire. George ended up using this and it worked well for him!
Cargo rack: To replace my lack of saddle bag, I opted for a cargo rack that I stacked my tent and food bag on.

Food + Water System:

Stove + Cook Pot:
- I used this Jetboil Stash system on the PCT and still love it!
Spork:
- Although I lost several sporks on this trail, I kept getting the same Sea to Summit item.
Water Filter:
- I used the Katadyn BeFree and still love it. I had to replace it halfway on the trail but it is still worth it. These have about 1500 miles in their life, based on my experience.
Lighter:
- This Explorer rechargeable lighter still works for me!

Clothes:

Puffy: Not the most ultralight, but I already had a Patagonia Down Sweater and it works great
Hats: I have both a running hat for the sun/warmer days and a Smartwool beanie for chillier ones
Gloves: I have both warm REI gloves for cold mornings
Buff: Classic buff – can be used for so much!
Camp Shoes: Still love my Teva Universal Sandals
Rain Coat: Kept my Patagonia Houdini
Mid Layer: Sambob Biz Alpha 90
Socks:
- Turns out I am allergic to hiking in wool socks day over day. Luckily DarnTough has a synthetic material (CoolMax) that worked for me.
Fanny Pack: This is to add more hip belt space and to have something to carry around town stops!
Bike Shorts: These were comfortable and worked for me
Long Sleeve: Thrifted this, wanted a light color for the sections above treeline
Bicycle Gloves: These gloves were so comfortable, I used them for my regular biking after the trail
Shoes: Shimano SPD SH-M036W. They are discontinued, but I found a steal at a thrift store in Bozeman, Montana.

Electronics:

Battery Pack: 2x Nightcore 10000.
Cords + Charger: Double USB-C wall charger. 2x USB-C to USB-C cords, USB-C to Micro-USB, and USB-C to Garmin.
Headlamp: I wanted something rechargeable and that did not require batteries; I chose the Black Diamond Storm 500-R.
Watch: I have the Garmin Fenix 7S Pro Sapphire Solar and continue to be obsessed with the data.
Satellite Communicator: Garmin InReach Mini 2. This allows me to send messages to my Home Support Person and has SOS capabilities. Stay safe!
Subscriptions: FarOut PCT Map and Spotify Premium

First Aid + Toiletries + Misc:

Multitool: Gerber Stakeout Tool, heavy but thorough
Towel: I have very sensitive acne prone skin so I’ll be carrying a personal towel dedicated to my face cleanliness. I still get acne but hey, better than nothing
Bathroom Kit: UL trowel, Kula cloth, and Portowipe compressed towels.
Trekking Poles: Black Diamond Alpine Carbon Cork – so nice!