Skis? Check! Boots? Check! Poles? Check!
When it comes to skiing, I know my gear checklist like the back of my hand. I never fail to go through my mental checklist before leaving the house, and it has proven true time and time again. The checklist keeps me from forgetting any items and accidentally going from first chair on a bluebird powder day to scrambling through the ski resort's gift shop for the cheapest poles/goggles/neck gaiter/etc. (If you need help refining your ski trip checklist, go here for help!)
For some reason, I’ve always found my mountain biking gear checklist to be a bit more elusive. Whether this is due to the fact that I started mountain biking much later in life, or because it requires me to think not only about clothing but also repair kit, nutrition, and those “just in case” items if the weather unexpectedly changes.
I’ve compiled a little checklist to help you organize your thoughts and your gear to make the most of a bike trip to Utah. Hopefully, this list helps you feel confident and prepared for your ride without fear of having a mechanical, a surprise storm, or a nutrition mishap to ruin your ride.
What to Pack For Resort Rides:
One of the best things about biking at Utah’s ski resorts is the convenience. At places like Deer Valley Resort, Brian Head Mountain Biking, Snowbasin Mountain Biking, Brighton and Solitude Mountain Resort, you’ve got chairlift access, on-site dining, and bike shops close by, which means you can pack a little lighter and your post-ride milkshake is never far away.
For resort riding, I always wear my Stio OPR Pants. When it comes to the bike park, I have always felt more confident wearing long pants with Fox Enduro Knee Sleeves underneath them. Not only does this help protect my legs from the sun on the chairlift, but it also helps me have peace of mind that if I do crash, my knees and lower legs will be safe. To keep my ankles protected from any errant rocks, I favor Smartwool Bike Crew Socks.
As for the top, I wear the Stio Crester Tee LS for the same reasons that I wear long pants, the long sleeves help protect me from the sun on long days and also be really nice in the event of possibly snagging a tree with your arm or sliding out, the little extra layer of protection goes a long way.
Add the Smith Optics Forefront 2 helmet, Smith Bobcat sunglasses, a pair of Hestra Ventair gloves, and toss a Stio Second Light Windshell in my Dakine Hot Laps Hip Pack and I’m ready to roll.
Even when the amenities are close, I still carry a small pack with the essentials: a multi-tool, CO2 cartridge, a small bottle of Stans, KOM tubeless tire repair tool, lip balm, and snacks. As far as snacks go, my current go-tos are Noogs gummies and the GoMacro LemonLemon bars. I eat half of a bar before I start riding and store the other half in my pack to munch on later in the day. The GoMacro Bars offer a good balance of carbohydrates and plant-based protein, which my body appreciates on longer days out on the trail. For more information on biking nutrition, check out my collaboration blog with Lucy Mower, RD and University of Utah Health. I have the unfortunate disposition of sweating a lot while exercising, and I never leave the house without electrolytes in my water bottle. My favorite electrolyte mix of the moment is ProMix Grapefruit Electrolyte Drink Mix. Not only is it super tasty without being too sweet, but you can also purchase it in either an environmentally friendly glass bottle or travel-ready sticks for when you’re on the go. Either way, making sure that I have both snacks and hydration on hand for chairlift breaks is key to a successful day on the trails.
Resort Ride Check List
Screenshot this list for your next ride!
What to wear:
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Bike shorts or pants
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Knee pads
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Long or short-sleeved top
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Lightweight wind layer or packable jacket
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Helmet (full-face optional for downhill)
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Sunglasses or riding goggles
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Gloves
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Sunscreen
What to bring/pack:
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Small hip pack
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Multi-tool
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CO₂ cartridge + inflator or mini pump
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Spare tube or tire plugs
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Water Bottle with Electrolytes
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Snacks (bars, chews, gels, etc.)
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Lip Balm + sunscreen
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ID and credit card (for post-ride treats!)
When you’re spinning hot laps, a little preparation goes a long way in making your bike park day more enjoyable. With easy access to food, water, and bike tools, you don’t need to pack much, but having the right layers, tools, snacks, and hydration on hand makes the difference between a good day and a great one. Resort riding in Utah blends convenience with high-alpine adventure, and with the right kit, you’ll be ready to ride longer, recover faster, and maybe even treat yourself to that post-ride milkshake!
Trail Rides Beyond the Resort: Self-Supported & Scenic
When I’m heading out on a self-supported trail ride like Armstrong, Flying Dog or Slate Creek, I pack with more intention. Without the comfort of in-resort amenities, I need to be fully prepared for potential weather shifts, mechanicals, injuries, or sugar crashes.
For clothes, I stick with what’s comfortable, breathable, and functional. I wear my Stio Women’s Team Bib underneath the Stio OPR Shorts and I never forget to wear chamois cream to help reduce the risk of saddle sores on longer climbs. On top, I opt for the Stio Lucent Tee SS and throw either the Second Light Shell or the Ender Hooded Jacket in my pack, depending on the forecast.
When it comes to protection, I stick with the same gloves and helmet that I wear when riding the bike park. For glasses, I switch it up to the Smith Optics Mag XL Photochromic lenses to keep my visual field clear throughout the changing terrain of potentially open areas, trees, clouds, or whatever we might go through.
Depending on the length of the ride, I’ll either keep with a small hip pack with an extra water bottle or two on the side or swap it out for a larger version with a hydration bladder to accommodate more emergency gear and water. If I’m going to be out for >2 hours or going for an exploratory mission, I like to pack a small bladder and filter as well, like the Lifestraw Peak Series, in case of emergencies. I still will always have one bottle with electrolytes and one with water. I pack a variety of snacks and possibly a lunch with a tortilla PB&J, sports gels and chicken or beef jerky.
I keep with the same basic tools but add a hand pump and a pocket knife just in case. I will also never leave the house for a longer ride without a first aid kit. Mine includes: a triangle bandage, a small ace bandage, tape, gauze, a couple of butterfly wound closures, and some alcohol prep pads. If riding in the fall or later season, don’t forget to throw a headlamp or bike light into your pack just in case you’re having so much fun enjoying the sunset over the Wasatch Ridgelines that you forget how quickly it can get dark.
Whenever exploring new zones, I always make sure to have a map pre-downloaded onto my phone. You can download maps from TrailForks, Strava, Gaia GPS, or MTB Project. One of the best things about riding in Utah is that most of the trails are very well marked and even better connected making it easy to fix any mistakes if you do happen to get a bit lost.
Self Supported Mountain Bike Day Trip Check List
Ideal for longer, self-supported rides like the Wasatch Crest or Park City’s big loops.
What to wear:
- Bike shorts
- Chamois + Chamois Cream
- T-shirt or sun hoodie
- Lightweight wind or rain jacket
- Helmet
- Sunglasses with Photochromic lenses
- Gloves
- Sunscreen & Lip Balm
What to bring/pack:
- 2–3L hydration bladder or multiple bottles
- Electrolyte mix or salt tabs
- Real food (sandwich, bars, fruit, jerkey, etc)
- Extra snacks for backup
- Multi-tool
- Tire plus
- Sealant
- Pump or CO2 cartridge
- First aid kit
- Small water filter
- Sunscreen & Lip balm
- Phone (offline laps loaded)
- Wind or rain layers
- Headlamp or small light
Big trail days require a little more preparation, but that extra effort is always worth it. When you’re far from trailheads or lift access, being self-sufficient with the right gear, food, and layers helps keep you safe, comfortable, and ready for whatever the ride throws at you. Always pack smart, ride aware, and don’t skimp on snacks.
From lift-served flow trails to high-alpine epics, Utah’s mountain biking terrain offers a ride for every kind of rider, and packing the right gear is the first step toward an unforgettable day in the mountains. Whether you're keeping it light for a few laps at Solitude or loading up for a big push across the Wasatch, preparation is what turns good rides into great ones. And let’s be honest: few things beat that post-ride feeling of being dusty, tired, and happy when your bag was packed just right and the trails delivered. See you out there!
