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When packing your equipment for your mountain bike adventure across the Alps, the motto is: as little as possible, as much as necessary. So here's our first tip for luggage on a MTB transalp: to prevent your rucksack from weighing you down and pushing your bum deeper into the saddle, you shouldn't exceed the 7-kilo limit. Essential items, on the other hand, should not be missing under any circumstances.
Priority 1: Save weight
Weight should only be saved where it really makes sense. For example, you've made the wrong decision if you leave your warm jumper at home. Even if it's 30 degrees or more in the valley on the start day, wind, rain and a breakdown on the mountain can quickly lead to hypothermia. Nevertheless, it is smart to pack things that can be used in several ways. For example, a long-sleeved vest that keeps you warm during a cold stage but also looks good as a shirt for dinner. Mini-tools and spare inner tubes can also be taped to the bike frame (tape is a must anyway!), which can take some of the weight off your back.
How to pack your rucksack for your multi-day tour
Definitely not like a shopping bag, where the heavy, robust items go at the bottom. A rucksack is all about avoiding back pain, being as agile as possible in your movements and having important things (e.g. a first aid kit) within easy reach. A Transalp pro like Peter Brodschelm from Fahrtwind, who has crossed the Alps hundreds of times, advises this packing order:
- Heavy objects at shoulder height, where they are as close to the body as possible
- At the bottom: lightweight items such as textiles, down jackets
- Top and/or side: medium-weight items that you need quick access to (tools, first aid kit, but also your rain jacket!)
Tip: The packing size of textiles (shirts, towels, trousers, etc.) can be minimised by rolling them up tightly. A nice side effect: this also minimises creasing.
Here is the ideal packing list for a Transalp. It applies to a tour of 2 to 8 days:
The professional packing list for your Transalp
Clothing
Clothing to take with you in your rucksack
Equipment for the Transalp rucksack
- Backpack 25 - 30 litres
- 2 drinking bottles
- Mobile phone
- Charging cable
- First aid kit
- Personal first-aid kit for travelling
- Hut sleeping bag (optional)
- Headlamp
- Bicycle lock
- Bars and gels for daily requirements
- Plastic bags (for clothes)
- Maps, road book
- GPS/batteries
- Cash, EC card, ID card
Body care
Tool
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Gitta Beimfohr
Editor
