Building Your Bikepacking Tool Kit: Weekend to Expedition Setups
20+ years testing gear in Colorado backcountry
The Right Tools for Your Journey
Too few tools leaves you stranded. Too many adds unnecessary weight. The perfect kit matches your trip length, remoteness, and self-sufficiency goals.
Your tool kit is your mechanical insurance policy. It sits in your bag, hopefully unused, but absolutely critical when needed. The challenge is carrying enough to handle problems without hauling a shop's worth of weight.
This guide presents tiered tool kits from minimal weekend setups to comprehensive expedition kits. Choose based on your trip profile, modify based on experience, and know exactly what you're carrying and why.
For specific repair techniques, see our Complete Bikepacking Maintenance Guide.
Tool Kit Philosophy
The Core Trade-offs
Weight vs. Capability: Every gram matters on long climbs. But walking out because you couldn't repair a simple problem costs far more energy than the tools would have.
Coverage vs. Specialization: A multi-tool covers many functions adequately. Dedicated tools do individual jobs better. Choose based on expected repairs.
Self-Sufficiency vs. Bailout Options: On routes with frequent towns, you can ride to repair. Remote routes require carrying solutions.
Building Your Kit
Start minimal, add based on experience. After each trip, ask:
- What did I use?
- What did I wish I had?
- What did I carry but never need?
Tier 1: The Minimalist Kit (Weekend Warriors)
For overnight trips on well-traveled routes with easy bailout options.
Contents
| Item | Purpose | Weight |
|---|---|---|
| Multi-tool with chain breaker | Core repairs | 175g |
| Tire levers (2) | Flat repair | 30g |
| Patch kit | Tube repair | 20g |
| Spare tube | Flat backup | 130g |
| Mini pump | Inflation | 90g |
| Quick links (2) | Chain repair | 10g |
Total Weight: ~455g
What This Kit Handles
- Flat tires (tube replacement or patching)
- Basic adjustments (brakes, derailleur)
- Chain repair (broken links)
- Loose bolts
What This Kit Doesn't Handle
- Tubeless punctures beyond sealant
- Wheel truing
- Cable replacement
- Major component failure
Who This Kit Is For
- Weekend overnighters
- Rides where help is accessible
- Experienced riders who know their bikes
- Minimalist philosophy
Tier 2: The Standard Kit (Multi-Day Adventures)
For trips up to a week on routes mixing remote sections with occasional resupply.
Contents (Adds to Tier 1)
| Item | Purpose | Weight |
|---|---|---|
| Tier 1 base | See above | 455g |
| Tubeless plugs | Puncture repair | 25g |
| Spare derailleur hanger | Critical part | 20g |
| Zip ties (assorted) | Emergency fixes | 15g |
| Electrical tape | Multi-purpose | 10g |
| Chain lube (small) | Maintenance | 25g |
| Rag or cloth | Cleaning | 15g |
| Spoke wrench | Wheel truing | 15g |
Total Weight: ~580g
What This Kit Adds
- Tubeless repair capability
- Minor wheel truing
- Derailleur hanger replacement
- Basic improvisation materials
Who This Kit Is For
- Multi-day trips (3-7 days)
- Mix of remote and accessible routes
- Riders comfortable with basic repairs
- Most bikepackers, most of the time
Tier 3: The Extended Kit (Remote Expeditions)
For multi-week trips in truly remote areas where self-sufficiency is essential.
Contents (Adds to Tier 2)
| Item | Purpose | Weight |
|---|---|---|
| Tier 2 base | See above | 580g |
| Spare spokes (2-4) | Wheel repair | 25g |
| Shift cable | Cable replacement | 20g |
| Brake cable | Cable replacement | 25g |
| Spare brake pads | Brake service | 45g |
| Valve cores (2) | Tubeless backup | 5g |
| Sealant (2oz) | Tubeless refresh | 60g |
| Wire | Emergency repair | 15g |
| Gorilla tape (small) | Emergency repair | 25g |
| Presta adapter | Gas station inflation | 5g |
| Fiber emergency spoke | Spoke backup | 10g |
Total Weight: ~815g
What This Kit Adds
- Complete cable replacement
- Spoke replacement
- Brake pad replacement
- Extended tubeless maintenance
- Major improvisation capability
Who This Kit Is For
- Multi-week expeditions
- Very remote routes
- Solo riders without backup
- Maximum self-sufficiency goals
Weight Comparison
| Kit Level | Total Weight | Trip Type |
|---|---|---|
| Tier 1 Minimal | 455g | Weekends |
| Tier 2 Standard | 580g | Multi-day |
| Tier 3 Extended | 815g | Expedition |
The difference between minimal and comprehensive: 360g (less than a water bottle)
Featured Products
Crankbrothers M19
The M19 has earned its reputation through years of reliable service. All the tools you actually need: hex wrenches 2-8mm, Torx T25, Phillips, chain tool compatible with modern drivetrains, spoke wrenches in four sizes. The high-tensile steel bits don't strip or round—a problem that plagues cheaper tools. The 6061-T6 aluminum body handles abuse. At 209g, it's heavier than minimalist options, but for a tool you depend on, that weight is reliability. Lifetime warranty backs it up.
- High-tensile steel bits
- 8-12 speed chain tool
- Four spoke wrench sizes
- 6061-T6 aluminum body
- Lifetime warranty
Lezyne Micro Floor Drive HP
The Lezyne Micro Floor Drive bridges the gap between mini pump convenience and floor pump efficiency. The fold-out foot peg provides stability for higher-pressure pumping—reaching 160 PSI where most mini pumps struggle past 60. The integrated hose reduces valve stress. At 150g, it's heavier than basic mini pumps, but the pumping efficiency means fewer strokes to full pressure. Our go-to for any trip where we might need to fully inflate from flat.
- 160 PSI capability
- Fold-out foot peg
- Integrated hose
- ABS floor pump efficiency
- 150g portable
Pedro's Tire Levers
Pedro's levers have a well-deserved reputation for strength without tube-pinching sharpness. The core shape pries tight beads easily, the hooked end locks onto spokes for hands-free leverage, and the smooth edges won't damage tubes during reinstallation. At 40g for three, the weight penalty over minimalist levers is justified by reliability. Bright colors are easy to find when dropped in grass. We've used the same set for years.
- Strong without being sharp
- Hooks onto spokes
- Won't damage tubes
- Bright, easy to find
- Set of 3 for backup
Park Tool VP-1 Patch Kit
Vulcanizing patches create permanent repairs that last the life of the tube. The VP-1 includes six quality patches with tapered edges that won't catch, vulcanizing fluid that creates a true chemical bond, and sandpaper for proper surface prep. Yes, glueless patches are faster, but vulcanizing patches actually work permanently. We carry glueless for quick trailside fixes and VP-1 for proper repairs at camp.
- Permanent vulcanized bond
- Six patches with tapered edges
- Includes fluid and sandpaper
- Industry-standard reliability
- Compact case
Dynaplug Racer Pro
For tubeless riders, the Dynaplug is the fastest, most reliable plug system available. The machined aluminum body holds five pre-loaded plugs and includes a brass insertion tip that slides through punctures without tearing. Just push through, pull out, and ride. No messy bacon strips to fumble with. The soft compound plugs seal immediately when combined with sealant. We've used the same Dynaplug for years—dozens of punctures, zero failures.
- Pre-loaded—no fumbling
- Brass insertion tip
- 5 plugs included
- Made in USA
- Lifetime warranty
Park Tool SW-2 Spoke Wrench
The SW-2 fits the most common spoke nipple size (3.45mm) on modern wheels. Stamped steel provides positive grip without rounding nipples. The compact size disappears in any kit. If you carry one spoke wrench, this is probably the size you need—check your wheels to confirm. Combined with basic truing knowledge, you can fix wheel wobbles that would otherwise end a trip. Essential for any Tier 2+ kit.
- Fits most modern wheels
- Won't round nipples
- Compact for any kit
- Steel construction
- Industry standard
Tool Kit Organization
Where to Store
Frame bag (most accessible):
- Multi-tool
- Tire levers
- Quick links
- Items you might need quickly
Seat bag or handlebar roll:
- Spare tube
- Patch kit
- Less frequently needed items
Jersey pocket:
- Mini pump (if small enough)
- Quick-access items
Organization Tips
- Use small zip bags to keep items grouped
- Label bags if contents aren't obvious
- Pack most-likely-needed items most accessible
- Protect sharp items from bag puncture
Common Mistakes
Carrying But Not Knowing
Tools are useless without skills. Practice before you need them:
- Use your chain tool at home
- Patch a tube before trail repair
- True a wheel with your spoke wrench
- Know your multi-tool's functions
Overlooking Bike-Specific Items
Check before every trip:
- Derailleur hanger fits your bike (model-specific)
- Quick links match your chain (speed-specific)
- Spare spokes are correct length
- Tire boots fit your tire size
Ignoring Expiration
Items that degrade:
- Patch kit glue dries out
- Tubeless sealant clumps
- Rubber items degrade in heat
- Batteries discharge
Check your kit annually. Replace questionable items.
Building Your Perfect Kit
Start with Tier 1
Everyone needs the basics. Build from there.
Add Based on Experience
After your first trips, you'll know:
- What problems actually occurred
- What you wished you had
- What you never touched
Adjust for Route
More remote = more tools:
- Add cable/housing for week+ trips
- Add spare spokes for remote areas
- Add sealant for long tubeless tours
More supported = fewer tools:
- Near towns? Tier 1 may suffice
- Group trip? Share specialized items
Modify for Bike Type
Suspension bikes: May need shock pump Electronic shifting: Battery charger matters Belt drive: Different tools entirely Unique components: Bike-specific items
FAQ
Should I carry a chain tool if my multi-tool has one?
Usually the multi-tool's chain tool is sufficient. Dedicated chain tools offer better leverage but rarely justify the weight unless you have specific needs.
Is CO2 better than a mini pump?
CO2 is faster but finite. Mini pumps are unlimited but slower. Many bikepackers carry both: pump for normal inflation, CO2 for stubborn tubeless bead seating.
How many spare tubes should I carry?
One tube is usually sufficient for tubeless riders. Tube users might carry two for longer trips. More than two is rarely justified—patch your tubes.
What if my bike uses unusual bolts?
Verify your multi-tool covers your bike's bolts before a trip. Some bikes use Torx T10, T30, or other sizes not included in standard multi-tools.
Can I share tools with a riding partner?
Yes, for group-specific items (spare spokes, specialized tools). But everyone should carry personal basics (multi-tool, tube, pump) in case of separation.
What's the one tool I shouldn't skip?
Multi-tool with chain breaker. It solves more problems than any other single item.
Related Guides
- Complete Bikepacking Maintenance Guide - Use your tools effectively
- Multi-Tool Guide - Multi-tool deep dive
- Patch Kit Guide - Tube and tubeless repair
- Emergency Field Repairs - When standard tools aren't enough
- Pre-Trip Inspection Checklist - What to check before rides
The right tool kit balances capability against weight, preparation against probability. Start conservative, learn from experience, and build the kit that matches your riding.
Carry what you need. Know how to use it. Trust your preparation.
The trail rewards the prepared.
