When you’re 50 miles from the nearest bike shop and something breaks, the tools in your bag determine whether you ride out or walk out. After years of remote bikepacking trips—including a few memorable breakdowns in Montana wilderness—here’s what actually belongs in your repair kit.
The Core Kit: What You Can’t Skip
Multi-Tool
A quality multi-tool handles 90% of trailside repairs. Look for one that includes:
- 3, 4, 5, and 6mm hex keys (these cover most modern bikes)
- T25 Torx (increasingly common on disc brake rotors)
- Phillips and flathead screwdrivers
- Chain breaker (critical for chain repairs)
The Crankbrothers M19 and Topeak Alien II are both solid choices. Avoid ultralight tools that sacrifice functionality—you’ll regret it when you need that chain breaker 40 miles from pavement.
Tire Repair Essentials
Flats happen. On remote routes, they happen repeatedly. Carry:
- Two spare tubes (minimum)—one flat is normal, two flats possible, three means you’re patching
- Patch kit—glueless patches work well for quick fixes, traditional vulcanizing patches for permanent repairs
- Tire boot (a dollar bill works in emergencies)—for sidewall cuts that would otherwise end your trip
- Tire levers—three is better than two for stubborn tires
- Mini pump or CO2—pumps are more reliable; CO2 is faster but finite
Chain Repair
A broken chain in remote terrain is serious. Carry:
- Quick links (2-3 of the correct size for your chain)
- Chain breaker (built into your multi-tool works fine)
- Small section of chain (4-6 links) for severe damage
The Extended Kit: For True Wilderness
When cell service disappears and help is days away, expand your kit:
Spoke Repair
A broken spoke can destroy a wheel if not addressed. Carry:
- Spoke wrench (correct size for your nipples)
- 2-3 spare spokes taped to your chainstay (measure your wheel—front and rear often differ)
- FiberFix emergency spoke—not a permanent fix, but gets you out
Derailleur Solutions
- Derailleur hanger—bike-specific, often the first casualty in a crash
- Short piece of cable and ferrule—for shifter cable breaks
- Small zip ties—universal problem solvers
Brake Essentials
- Disc brake pads (if running discs)—they wear faster on gritty descents
- Brake cable (if running rim brakes)
- Small Allen keys for pad adjustments
Consumables and Extras
- Chain lube—a small dropper bottle, 1-2oz is plenty
- Electrical tape or duct tape—wrap some around your pump or water bottle
- Zip ties (assorted sizes)
- Small scissors or knife
- Nitrile gloves—because chain grease in your gorp gets old
The Weight Question
A complete remote kit adds 300-500 grams. That’s nothing compared to the weight of walking your bike for two days. Pack smart, but pack complete.
Organization Matters
Keep your tools accessible. A dedicated tool roll or small pouch that fits in a jersey pocket or frame bag means you’ll actually use what you carry. Dumping your entire kit to find a hex key is miserable in rain, wind, or fading light.
Know Your Bike
The best tool kit means nothing if you can’t use it. Before any remote trip:
- Practice changing a tube with cold hands
- Learn to break and rejoin your chain
- Understand how to true a wheel enough to clear the brake
- Know your derailleur limits—can you make it single-speed if needed?
Mechanical failures are inevitable. Whether they end your trip or become a story depends entirely on what’s in your bag and whether you know how to use it.
