This Kit List is intended as a simple aide memoire to assist you when you’re packing for your holiday. When packing, please be mindful of the baggage allowance that is applicable with your chosen airline. However, we believe that it is always better to have gear with you and not need it than the other way round – this applies especially to wet / cold weather gear, which is very likely to be required in Iceland.
Please note that your bike should be both serviced and cleaned prior to packing.
Riding WearHeadHelmet – mandatory when riding HandsTrack Mitts FeetCycling Shoes – SPD We’ve found that Waterproof / Winter SPD boots (e.g. Northwave Raptor GTX or similar) are ideal for Summer trips in the Icelandic Highlands and negate the need for Overshoes Upper BodyWicking base layer (x 2) Lower BodyQuality Cycling Shorts (x 2) *Longs or Leg Warmers with zips allow them to be rolled up for shallower river crossings and may save having to remove a layer Riding KitIn order to carry your “to hand” kit during the day when riding – in case the support vehicle has gone ahead to set up lunch, etc. – we suggest you use either a Camelbak type cycling back pack and/or Bike Packing Bag/s for our Icelandic trips. Choose a sack or a bag / combination of bags of around 10L total capacity that is comfortable for you, fits your bike and allows you to carry the following items: Hydration Bladder or 2 Bottle Cages & 2 Large Bottles |
Off Bike WearHeadWarm Hat HandsLong Fingered Gloves FeetTraining Shoes or Robust Sandals (for river crossings, so will get wet) Upper BodyT Shirts (x 3) including 1 long sleeved Lower BodyCasual Trousers (e.g. Walking/Mountaineering Trousers) Main Bag ContentsCompression bags are useful to separate clean and dirty clothes. Your main bag will be used to carry whatever kit you’re not using plus: Sleeping / Overnight Kit Sleeping / Overnight KitWe use a variety of accommodation types in Iceland including Hotel, Guest House and Mountain Huts. Please bring a quality 1-2 season sleeping bag with you as this will be required on some nights. Quality 1-2 Season Sleeping Bag with Liner if desired |
**Bike Spares & Tools – A lot of cycling equipment requires spare parts and tools that are specific to a model, year or type. Please bring the following spares with you that are compatible with your equipment and any necessary tools required to fit them.
Iceland can be a challenging environment for a bike. Lots of fine dust & grit and multiple river crossings make for harsh operating conditions, especially for bearings and chains. Pre trip make sure your bike is running on good hub & bottom bracket bearings (and apply some additional water-resistant marine grease around bearing seals to help keep the water out), good pedals and on a chain & cassette that has plenty of wear left.
We’ve found a dry wax chain lube, such as Squirt, works well in Iceland as it does not attract dirt, dust or grit.
- Bike Specific Multi Tool
- Spare, New Cycling Shoe Cleats & Fixing Bolts
- Spare Tyres Suitable for Gravel Roads (x 2)
- Spare Tubeless Valves (x 2)
- A Small Bottle of compatible Tubeless Sealant
- Tubeless Rim Sealing Tape – if required for your rim type/model
- Pump, Tyre Levers, Puncture Repair Kit & Tyre Boots
- Spare Gear Hanger
- Spare Spokes, Spoke Nipples & Compatible Spoke Key
- Chain Powerlink & Chain Tool
- Inner Tubes (x 4)
- Spare Rear Gear Cable Inner (x 1) – if using mechanical gears
- Spare Gear Battery/s – if using electronic gears
- Spare Rear Brake Cable Inner (x 1) – if using cable brakes
- Spare Brake Pads (x 2 Pairs)
- Spare Chainring Bolts (x 4)
- Chain Lube & Chain Cleaning Rags
- Any tools that are specific to your bike