Weather is difficult to predict and we recommend checking the weather for your destination prior to your departure so you are aware of last minute conditions. Each tour page has a link to that area's weather forecast. Please follow the list below to ensure your comfort. You will have a better vacation if you are prepared.

The items you will want to pack no matter what time of year are warm clothes for cooler evenings, good rain gear that you can ride in, and sunscreen. Avoid cotton clothing while riding. To stay comfortable, layering different weights of polypropylene, fleece, or wool works well. We love our Ibex wool clothing for the wide range of temperatures you are comfortable in.

IMPORTANT PACKING TIPS

We provide waterproof bas (dry bags) for your gear.

Most soft shell duffel bags fit right into these 12 1/2" x 18 1/2" x 30" bags. It is best to divide your gear and pack into several small to medium sized duffel bags. Please do not bring hard shell suitcases. These will not fit into the dry bags, and the dry bags are much easier to pack on our support vehicles.

Altitude

Your best prevention against altitude sickness, which can get very serious, is to keep your body well fed and hydrated before arriving. Arriving to a higher altitude a couple days before the trip can help you acclimatize. Take it easy and don't wear yourself out before your tour.  Temperatures are cooler at higher elevations so even summer trips can get cold and you'll need warm clothing for both riding and at camp.

STANDARD PACKING LIST

Items to bring no matter what tour you are on

Bike Gear

• Mountain bike & helmet - may be rented.
  Note: If renting bike and you use clipless pedals, please bring your pedals and shoes!
• Riding shoes - athletic shoes, lightweight hiking shoes, or trail running shoes with a sturdy sole work well.
• Socks - enough for each day's ride
• Biking tights/equivalent - wool or polypropylene.
• Biking shorts - for comfortable riding.
• Riding gloves - bring long fingered gloves for cooler weather.
• Riding jerseys/T-shirts.
• Windbreaker/light jacket - for riding.
• Hydration pack - recommended for all tours, with room to carry food and some gear.
• Bike repair tools including spare tubes, patch kit and small set of Allen wrenches.

Camping and other gear

• Tent with good rain-fly - may be rented. Make sure tent and rain-fly are seam sealed.
• Warm Sleeping bag and Sleeping pad - may be rented.
• Pillow - not included in rental gear.
• Towel, biodegradable soap, toothbrush, toothpaste, contact solution, personal medications,etc.
• Head lamp, small lamps like the Petzel brand work well, &/or flashlight & spare batteries.
• Daypack - if you don't have a hydration pack, for hiking and extra storage.
• Water bottles - at least 1 for around camp.

Other clothing

• Extra pair of shoes - for hiking &/or if others get wet, etc.
• Sandals - comfortable for around camp.
• Rain Coat & Pants - should be waterproof. No ponchos.
• Warm jacket - for camp.
• Long pants/sweatpants.
• Long underwear - great to sleep in on cold nights!
• T-shirts - long and short sleeved.
• Shorts - for relaxing around camp.
• Warm hat.
• Long finger gloves/mittens.
• Visor/wide brimmed hat - for sun protection.
• Underwear, socks, & extra clothes - as needed.
• Swimsuit - optional, some trips have opportunities for swimming &/or for using the solar shower.

Miscellaneous

• Camera - don't forget extra batteries.
• Power stick - For recharging devices.
• Insect repellent.
• Binoculars - optional.
• Cash - if you like your ride, tip your guide.
• Libations - your favorite beer or wine. We'll have plenty of non-alcoholic beverages.
• Ear Plugs - optional, can be useful for light sleepers and on breezy nights.
• Sunglasses
• Sunscreen and Chap stick
• Wet wipes

For desert tours

The lack of shade makes sun protection more important!

• Lightweight, long sleeve shirt for riding, hiking and camp

For mountain tours

Higher elevations can mean cold temperatures so plenty of layers are important for riding and in camp

• A larger riding pack may be necessary to carry extra clothing and rain gear each day.
• Rain pants can be a good idea to supplement a rain coat that you can ride in.
• Extra set of riding gloves in case one gets wet
• Wool socks and other clothing
• Down or puffy coat for cool evenings and mornings

For singletrack tours

You may be carrying everything you need for a whole day's ride so a pack of sufficient size is essential with 100 oz water carrying capacity as well.

Are you bringing your own bike?

If you are bringing your own bike it should be tuned and in good working condition before the start of the tour. We strongly recommend you have your bike checked out by a reputable bike shop prior to departure. Have your bike tuned up and any worn-out parts replaced. A mountain bike of good quality and in good operating condition is essential.

Our guides carry tools and a supply of spare parts suitable for use on most bikes. If your bike has special features or specifications, then you must supply your own parts and tools. We strongly suggest bringing a spare derailleur hanger that fits your bike.

We carry a spare bike on most tours to provide replacement parts but we cannot guarantee that what we have will be compatible with your bike.

You may ship your bike ahead of time to Rim Tours. Please make these arrangements with our office before you arrive. Make sure your name and the tour that you are scheduled for are written clearly on the label along with "Please Build" or "Please Hold".

Rim Tours can also do the tune-up. The charge will depend on the amount of work needed. Our assembly fee is $50 or $100 if we disassemble and box it up at the end of the trip as well. The shipping fees will be your responsibility.