Trail ride pack list
minimal things you want to bring with you on a dirt bike trail ride
minimal things you want to bring with you on a dirt bike trail ride
These are the absolute minimal things I recommend having with you on any trail ride. Some of this is bike specific, so your buddy having a spare won’t help you.
NOTE: If tools or repairs are a foreign concept for you - just bring the toolkit that came with your bike.
Most of these will have the correct tools you (or someone in your riding group) will need to do trail side repairs on your specific motorcycle. KTM/Husqvarna/GasGas toolkits are especially good, with high quality tools that are as good as most you can buy.
Spare clutch lever (for your bike) and any tools needed to swap it.
Tools to fix your bark busters. This is the most common repair item.
Tools to adjust your levers.
Tools that will loosen or tighten most bolts on your bike. You may need to straighten your bars... or pull your seat... or tighten your shifter. This usually just means a multitool and t-handle socket set. Most bikes are pretty covered with a 6, 8, 10, and 12 or 13. Some use torx and hex heads. See note about just bringing the tools that came with the bike above if in doubt about what sizes you need.
Screwdrivers and pliers.
Spark plug wrench... in case you drown/flood your bike.
Chain master link and clip for your specific bike/chain.
Way to take the rear wheel nut off and back off adjusters if needed (wrenches on most enduro bikes). If your chain breaks it might be shorter after you fix it.
Way to loosen the bleeder screw or banjo bolts on both brakes in case they boil/lock up.
2-3 spare bolts of different sizes.
Zip ties.
Ductape.
Pro tip: download your bike manual to your phone.
You can put together a toolkit from your existing toolbox, or take a look at these to get you started. I recommend leaving it always packed to avoid forgetting tools.
https://www.rockymountainatvmc.com/parts/bike-master-multi-function-pocket-tool-p
https://www.rockymountainatvmc.com/parts/tusk-folding-mini-t-handle-set-p
https://www.rockymountainatvmc.com/parts/tusk-cache-tool-roll-p
Keep in mind that if something stops you or your bike, you're looking at a minimum of 2-6 hours in the woods, and should be prepared to spend the night.
More water than you think you’ll need. 1L per hour of riding is typically the minimum.
Lighter.
Knife.
Basic first aid kit (gauze and a lot of tape or flexible bandage).
Any medicine that you cannot survive without for a few hours (asthma, severe allergies, diabetes, severe anxiety, heart related...etc.).
Especially in the winter - a jacket, emergency blanket, or some way to keep you from freezing to death if you have to chill in the woods for 2-6 hours.
Small rag or cloth to clean your goggles with.
Good map (on a device that’s pretty well charged).
Drivers license, credit card, health insurance and some cash.
A way to call for help if something happens as trails often see very little traffic. This can be a phone (make sure you have signal), an inReach, or some riding buddies.
Spare plug.
Spare brake lever.
Jump pack if your bike doesn't have a kickstart and/or is fuel injected.
Tire tools (2 spoons, lug wrenches, way to loosen the rim lock, pump).
Patch kit.
Spare front tube (works in the rear in a pinch).
JB-quick.
Piece of an aluminum can or some similar small sheet of metal.
Some oil (quart is good, especially if everyone carries one).
Tow strap.
Spot or InReach device.
More comprehensive first aid kit including a splint.
Spare key if your bike has keyed ignition.
A way to secure the bike if you plan to leave it unattended for a while.
If the lists above are too specific for you...
This is a general section is a general list of what I've seen go wrong with dirt bikes on the trail in my few hundred hours of trail riding, which can give you an idea of what is useful to bring.
Bark busters / hand guards. This is probably the number one thing we have to fix/adjust as they are the first thing to hit the ground in a fall. Especially for newer bikes and riders where they might not be tightened all the way.
Controls - levers, pedals, cables, hydraulics. These are pretty commonly damaged because they stick out and aren't very durable. We also often need to adjust them on newer bikes and/or for newer riders, because it's not clear that something might be wrong until you actually ride the bike.
Electrical/starting issues. Loose connectors, battery terminals, failing buttons/sensors, blown fuses. Both carb and FI.
Random loose bolts. Especially on 2-strokes because they vibrate so much, but not limited to them either.