Bexx is our Canmore, AB based field service rep and has a rich background in Mountain biking; from DH to XC, she’s dug herself deep into the dirt a few-too-many times…
No matter what type of rider you are, finding comfort and efficiency while we ride is achievable. Who wants to be uncomfortable while enjoying the great outdoors? Not me (not for long anyway…).
When we take a look at the mountain bike attire we wear, we see the spectrum is quite large. It can range from loose-fitting DH steez and full-face helmets, to tight next-to-skin spandex and tear-drop helmets. Heck, some folks feel just fine in their flannel button ups and Oakley Sutro’s. You’ll find a helluva lot of different tastes and styles, depending on the rider, the terrain and the location.
I’d say my style has been across the board. In my past, I’ve been a pure downhill-bum, wearing loose-fitting jersey’s and afraid (not in shape) to get on my bike to pedal up-hill. I’ve also been a spandex wearing Tri-Athlete, who counts seconds, wearing no more than a sports-bra and shammies. Lately, I find myself mixed between the cross-country and enduro world. I’ve learned that what I wear MUST work with me, breathe with me, and move with me (and also look RAD).
No matter what you choose to throw-on before your ride, make sure it’s working with you, not against you. Here are a few of my favourites…
Bexx’s favourite gear for rad day mountain biking:
1. Nine Trails Waist Pack 8L by Patagonia
Features: Lightweight, comfortable and super-durable, this waist pack is perfect for folks who hate wearing a backpack biking (aka me!). Lots of space to hold all your essentials; the main compartment has ample room for extra layers of insulation or spare tubes and the two external stretch pockets let you carry additional water bottles; cinch straps allow you to secure any extra gear you want to keep handy. This pack also comes with a 1.5L HydraPak® reservoir. What more do you really need?!
2. Capilene Air by Patagonia
Features: The most comfortable AND breathable base-layer I’ve ever worm. This layer is absolutely perfect for those cooler spring and fall bike days. The capilene air is a 49% / 51% merino-polyester blend, combining the benefits of both materials into the perfect top. Put this peice on and keep it on because it’s a perfect all-in-one.
3. Houdini Air by Patagonia
Features: Made for those longer missions; when breathability and a little bit of weather-resistance is essential. This jacket goes EVERYWHERE with me. Its’ perfect for use over tech-tees and baselayers, when you want more protection but you also want added breathability. To makes things even more awesome, the Houdini air packs within it’s chest pocket, to make a small package easy to stuff anywhere for storage! It’s also made from recycled materials AND Fair Trade Sewn, which are added bonuses.
4. Dirt Craft Bike Shorts by Patagonia
Features: Pushing hard on the up, fast and flowy on the down, smoothy or sketchy; these shorts will be there for you. Extremely comfortable with a stretchy nylon/elastane plain weave, allows for free-flowing movement, moving WITH you. The Dirt Craft shorts have two drop-in front pockets and one secure zipper pocket at left hip. These shorts are treated with a DWR (durable water repellent) finish too! Get outside and get rowdy!
5. e+LITE Headlamp 30-lumen by Petzl
Features: This ultra-lightweight and highly compact headlamp is a MUST for any outdoor adventure. I use it for a back-up headlamp and store it in my first aid kit. It comes with its’ own carry case (and can be stored with its batteries for ten years). There is a cute little whistle integrated in the elastic headband, plus, it weighs only 26 grams, so why wouldn’t you carry it with you on a ride?!
5. Emergency Bivvy by SOL (Survive the Outdoors Longer)
Features: Bottom line; you need to be prepared. This SOL Emergency Bivvy is built to keep you warm and dry. Ultralight and very compact, it’s an essential life-saving addition to your mountain bike first aid kit. Bring it everywhere you go, especially for those longer dirt-shredding-days out in the mountains!
Whether you shred the dirt-pow on the downhill, throw on your spandex and push for your best STRAVA time or just love the free-flow-feeling of the freeride-ride; grab your favourite gear and get outside. Why? Because it’s all about enjoying your backyard, feeling the fresh-air on your face and having a good time on the trails!!
