Packing list for a week-long cycling holiday

Short answer: A week on the bike calls for a little clothing that can be worn again and again, dries quickly and does not take up much room in the bag. Pack a few soft layers you can combine, and bring enough socks and underwear to change, so you can wash along the way.

Start with a few layers, not many items

Bike bags have limited space, so think in layers that can be combined instead of one item for every situation. A couple of T-shirts, a thin jumper and something warm for the evening cover most things. Lay everything out on the bed before you leave, and take a third of it away, since you rarely need it all.

Clothes for the ride itself

On the bike, clothing should be soft, should not rub and should let air reach your back. Pack two or three tops so you can rotate and always have a dry one while the other hangs. Many choose soft models from the range for women, where you can find combinations that go together and last several days.

Underwear and socks to change into

What sits closest to the skin matters most for comfort in the saddle. Bring underwear without coarse seams and enough pairs to change every day, or to wash every other evening. Socks should be changed too, so your feet do not get clammy, and they take up almost no space in the bags.

For the evening and rest days

When the bike is parked, you want to wear something other than sweaty cycling clothes. Pack a few calm, soft pieces that work for dinner, walks and as sleepwear, so they pull double duty. You can see what others choose among the bestsellers for women if you want inspiration for a simple, soft combination.

Layers for the weather

The weather can change over a week, so bring a thin, warm jumper you can wear under a rain jacket. It is better to have layers you can put on and take off than one thick jumper that is either too warm or too cold. Also pack a light rain jacket, which takes little room at the bottom of the bag.

Washing along the way

You can wash clothes in the sink in the evening and let them dry overnight. Choose fabrics that dry quickly, and bring a small bag of detergent or a bar of soap. Wring the clothes out in a towel so they dry faster, and hang them somewhere with air, not directly on a radiator.

T-shirts for the days in between

A T-shirt is the piece that gets worn most on a cycling holiday, so choose them with care. Soft models that sit comfortably and do not cling make a long day easier. You can find them among the bamboo T-shirts for women, and bring at least one that you only wear in the evening.

The final check before you leave

Go through the list the day before, and check the weather forecast for the destination. Make sure you have enough changes of underwear and socks and that everything fits, so you do not discover rubbing on the first day. Try a short ride in the clothes you have packed, and find out what you can leave behind.

Frequently asked questions

How many T-shirts should I pack for a week on the bike?

Two to three for the riding and one extra for the evening is often enough. You can wash along the way, so there is no need to bring one for every day.

Should I bring a change of clothes for the evening?

Yes, it feels good to get out of sweaty clothes when the day's ride is over. Choose something soft and simple that also works as sleepwear, so it takes up less room in the bag.

What is the fastest way to dry clothes when I wash by hand?

Wring them out in a towel after washing, and hang them somewhere with airflow. Do not lay them directly on a hot radiator, since that can wear the fabric.

You can find the full range at Copenhagen Bamboo.