I just got stranded while mountain biking in the Black Forest because I didn't have a proper repair kit with me. I don't want to look like an idiot again. What should I definitely have in my backpack for longer rides?
Definitely bring a patch kit with glue and sandpaper, plus one or two spare tubes in case the tire can't be saved. A hand pump is essential - without it you're stuck, even if you've patched the flat. Add tire levers for mounting and a small multitool or pliers to adjust things if needed. Sounds like a lot, but trust me, when you're three hours away from the nearest car, you'll be able to use every single item - and then grateful you had them with you.
A patch kit with several patches in different sizes, tire levers, and a small hand pump are absolute essentials - you'll get through most flats with those. Add a spare tube (if you're running tubeless) or at least a larger patch for bigger holes, and you're well equipped for longer rides 🚴♀️
Based on your experience, I'd recommend taking a **spare tube** above all else - honestly, that's your best insurance! The others have a point, but I wouldn't put too much stock in a patch kit. Sure, in theory patching sounds great, but when you're out on the road and panicking, the chances are pretty high you won't get it right anyway. With a new tube you skip all the stress and get back on the bike way faster!
What else should be in there: a decent mini pump (those foldable things are pretty useless, get one with real pressure instead!), tire levers to remove the tire, and maybe a few spare patches in case your tube gets a flat too. A multitool with hex keys is handy too, in case something on the frame needs adjusting. As for the patch kit itself: the sandpaper dries out over time and the glue hardens - if you're not checking it regularly, you won't be able to use it in an emergency anyway!
Honestly, the best strategy is to do a quick check before you ride: check tire pressure, look for thorns or splinters stuck in the tire. Then the odds of a flat are pretty low, and even if it happens, you'll get home no problem with a spare tube!
The basics are clear, but I'd always take two spare tubes instead of just one - in the Black Forest you're quickly far from civilization, and if the second tube also goes bad or you realize your patch isn't holding, you're stuck. The patch kit with sandpaper is good, but realistically: under stress out in nature it often doesn't work as reliably as you'd hope. The hand pump is actually essential, I'll give the others that. On top of that, I'd also bring a multitool and at least two tire levers - those things get lost easily or break, and with just one lever you're really limited when changing a tire.
How long are your tours usually - more day trips or multi-day rides?
For me in the Black Forest, it's proven worthwhile not just to stick with the basics, but to always take a complete spare tube with you. I once set out with a patched tube and after 10 km it ripped again - since then I'd rather take two tubes than rely on every patch holding. Plus for longer tours I also bring a small chain whip and a multitool with hex keys - not for punctures, but if something else breaks on the road, you're glad to have it along. The hand pump is actually essential - you can't manage without it.
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