Packing List & Tips: Cycling the Otago Rail Trail in Winter
As they say, preparation is everything. In 2018, I spent 7 days cycling the Otago Rail Trail during the sub-zero temperatures of winter. Here is my packing list and handy hints for cycling the Otago Rail Trail. The list is by no means exhaustive or ideal, so feel free to modify it as you see fit for your own adventure.
Packing List
Main Items
- Giant ATX Mountain Bike
- Helmet
- Pannier rack
- Bottle cage
- Detachable front wire basket
- 2 rear pannier bags
- Backpack
- Small waterproof bag (for cameras & snacks that can fit in the basket)
- Hikers carabiners in a variety of sizes
- Adjustable luggage straps (to secure your load to pannier rack)
- Bike lock
- Gel seat cover
- 2x dry bags for valuables
Bedding & Camping
- Lightweight, one-person tent (not recommended- I’d rather have stayed in hostels due to the cold!)
- Tarpaulin
- Foam sleeping mat
- Sub-zero sleeping bag (I used a synthetic rather than a down one because they tend to dry faster)
- Warm blanket
- Foil emergency blanket
Travel Essentials for the Trail
- Toilet paper! (trailside toilets have none)
- Hand sanitizer
- Camera, phone & chargers
- Cash (eftpos in small towns is not always reliable)
- Head torch (helpful when going through the pitch black tunnels)
- Torch & lantern
- Maps of ORT and surrounds (the ORT map can be found at Otago Information Centres for free)
- ORT ‘passport’ to collect stamps (optional)
- Pens, diaries, a good book
- Tissues
Clothing
- Fluro vest
- Underwear, socks
- Comfortable riding shoes
- Half-finger riding gloves
- Warm winter gloves (that you can wear over the short gloves)
- 2x pants
- 4x Thermal tops and leggings (for both night & day)
- 2x Bed-socks
- Pyjamas
- Shirts
- Woollen jumper
- Woollen scarf
- Neckwarmer
- Jerkin jacket
- Light raincoat
- 2x beanies (I had one that fitted under my helmet and covered my ears, and another possum one that I used when sleeping)
- Jandals (to use in camp showers)
- Toiletries (toothbrush, soap etc.)
- Quick-drying towel
- Bag for dirty clothes
Bike Repair
- A mini pump
- Bike puncture repair kit
- 1x spare tube
- Bike multitool
- Rags and a brush for cleaning
Kitchenware & Food
- Lightweight bowl, mug & cutlery
- 1.5L Thermos
- Paper towels
- Teabags, packet soups, nuts, fruit, chocolate, sardines, crackers
- Fresh veggies and fruit (bought sporadically at dairies)
The Value of Hindsight: things I wish I’d had…
I couldn’t bring the following items because I didn’t have space, or simply never thought they’d be helpful until it was too late.
- A lightweight, hikers gas stove & pot to cook and heat water for camping
- More water bottles (water access was limited on the trail)
- My biggest regret: A more comfortable bike seat!
Cutting your load
If you arranged to stay in hostels rather than camping some nights as I did, you could dramatically cut down on the weight. My load weighed a total of 20kg, and not being very fit, I almost found it unbearable to peddle up hills. It’s better to be over than under-prepared, but if you are not used to cycle-touring, try to aim for a load that’s under 15kg.
Summer cycling
If you are riding the Otago Rail Trail in summer, modify your packing list by swapping winter items with these additions: sunscreen, a broad brim hat, sunglasses, insect repellent, and more water bottles.
Most of all, remember to bring your sense of adventure. Have fun and happy cycling!
Have any questions about cycling the ORT? Read my ORT dairies here, or comment below!
For more info, check out the official Otago Central Rail Trail website.
Interested in what the Middlemarch region has to offer? Check out my post, Best Activities to do near Middlemarch, Otago.
