I’m heading out on a dreamy route: a 5-day, 4-night guided bikepacking trip with Western Spirit, riding from Telluride to Durango. This rugged stretch of Colorado backcountry is packed with high-alpine climbs, wildflower-filled meadows, ripping descents, and long, quiet stretches of singletrack. It also happens to be in a region I call home and I have never been able to link all of these trails at once! It’s remote, it’s beautiful, and it demands gear that’s up for anything.

Since Western Spirit takes care of the food and logistics (seriously, does it get any better?), I get to focus on the fun stuff, like what to bring for five days of riding, camping, and soaking in the magic of the San Juans. Here’s a look at what I’m packing.

On-the-Bike Clothing

1. Savvy Shorts
I swear by the Savvy Shorts for long days in the saddle. They’re lightweight, stretchy, and quick-drying which means I can rinse them in a river and have them ready to go by morning. I’ll be bringing one black pair and one fun color to mix things up.

2. Eden Shorts
For those hot sunny days, I’m bringing my Eden Shorts. The fit is perfect for pedaling, and they still look like “normal” shorts when I’m off the bike, hanging around camp or on a side hike.

3. Bandara Shirt
My all-time favorite riding shirt. The Bandara’s lightweight, breathable fabric keeps me cool in the heat, and the snap buttons make it easy to layer or adjust as the temperature changes.

4. Spire Short Sleeve
The Spire is a new staple in my riding rotation. With its newly redone fabric making it the most breathable lightweight fabric I have ever ridden in, it is my go to when the weather is over 80 degrees. It’s soft, super breathable, and has that perfect fit.

Camp + Off-Bike Layers

5. Liv’n Flannel
Even in summer, mountain nights can get chilly. The Liv’n Flannel is my warm solution. It’s cozy enough to curl up in by the fire but has sun protection for early morning starts.

6. Element Pant
For cooler evenings and mornings, I’ll throw on the Element Pant. They’re stretchy, breathable, and the perfect camp pant.

7. Sola Sun Shirt
This is my secret weapon for bug protection at camp, long sleeves without the overheating. It’s also a great layer for high-altitude sun exposure.

Other Essentials

Socks for every day (because nothing feels better than fresh socks on day three)

X-Wind Lightweight jacket for unexpected storms

Gloves + helmet for comfort and safety

Flip flops for around camp

Small toiletry kit (sunscreen, toothbrush, baby wipes, and lip balm are my MVPs)

Natural/herbal bug spray

Why Club Ride Works for Bike + Camp

Every single piece I’m bringing works double duty, on the bike and at camp. Typically you don’t have the luxury of packing “just in case” outfits on a bike trip, so my clothing needs to handle miles of riding, unexpected weather, and downtime around camp. Club Ride’s performance fabrics wick sweat, resist odor, and pack small, meaning I can bring less without sacrificing comfort.

Final Thoughts

 Packing for a multi-day bike adventure is all about balance, just enough to stay comfortable, but light enough to keep the miles rolling smoothly. 

Now all that’s left is to load up, hop on the bike, and hope my legs can hang on for a week of riding.