I’m Matt Fairbrother—a chocolate milk enthusiast and full-time mountain biker. If there’s one thing I know, it’s how to pack for a long ride. Whether it’s a quick afternoon loop or a multi-day mission, I’ve dialed in a system that keeps me light, fast, and ready for whatever comes my way. Here’s how I pack, and what I bring for different types of longer rides.
My packing philosophy
Packing for bikepacking is about balance—keeping things light while still being prepared. Every extra gram matters when you're climbing a thousand meters or riding 200km in a day. My approach is simple: bring only what you’ll use, pack smart, and layer up with versatile gear that works in all conditions.
Essentials I always carry
No matter the mission, I always have:
- Water – A bottle for short rides, a bladder for longer ones. I refill from streams whenever possible
- Basic repair kit – Tubeless tire plugs, CO2, and a multi-tool
- Snacks – A mix of bars, lollies, and whatever’s easy to eat on the move
- Layers – Because conditions always change. That’s where Mons Royale comes in.
Packing for Different Distances
Short to Medium (4 - 6 hours)
For a half-day ride, I keep things minimal:
- Clothing: Mons Royale Icon Tee or Temple Long Sleeve for breathability and temperature regulation
- Extras: The Diversion Wind Vest in case it cools off
- Food & Water: 1.5-2L in a hydration pack + a couple of bars
- Tools: A multi-tool and spare chain links.
Overnight Missions
When I’m out for the night, I add:
- Sleeping setup: A bivy bag, sleeping mat, and a small inflatable pillow
- Extra Layers: A rain jacket that packs up small, the Diversion Merino Wind Jacket for warmth and Cascade Merino Leggings for sleeping
- Food: Extra snacks—no cooking gear, I keep it simple.
Multi-Day (5+ Nights)
For long-haul adventures, the key is durability:
- Bike Setup: Heavier-duty tires and a burlier drivetrain
- Gear: A basic medical kit (band-aids, painkillers), and a personal locator beacon (PLB) if heading into the mountains. Dry bags!
- Extra Clothes: An emergency set of Merino base layers—because you can never be too sure of the weather, especially in New Zealand.
Why I ride in Mons Royale
The Power of Wool:
- It doesn’t stink – I’ve worn the same Merino T-shirt for a week straight. No complaints (from me, anyway)
- Regulates temperature – Keeps you warm when it’s cold, cool when it’s hot
- Durable – Survives crashes, branches, and whatever else the trail throws at me.
Kit Breakdown
- Short Rides: Icon Tee – A great loose fit and all-rounder for on the bike, and off it too
- Long Days: Diversion Tee – A slimmer fit than the Icon Tee, more ventilated, perfect for all-day missions
- Cooler Weather: Diversion Wind Vest – Keeps the core warm while staying breathable
- Multi-Day Adventures: Diversion Merino Wind Jacket – Lightweight and windproof that packs small and Cascade Merino Leggings
- Merino socks; Atlas for the bike and a spare pair of Signature Crew’s.
Final thoughts
Bikepacking is about finding a system that works for you, so it will always take a bit of trial and error. Pack smart, stay light, and don’t overcomplicate things. With the right gear and a little bit of stubbornness—you can ride further than you think. See you out there.
