Gift Ideas for Adventure Cyclists and Bikepacking 2023

Christmas and birthday gift ideas for cyclists can be tricky, especially when the two-wheeled fanatic in your life seems to have a wardrobe packed full of cycling kit and more bikes and bike parts than you could possibly imagine necessary.

In this post, I look at some alternative gift ideas for cyclists, focussing on the adventure cycling and bikepacking niche. All these products are gadgets and accessories that I have tried and tested on recent adventures, and that I believe would make great gifts for the bike rider in your life.

LifeSaver Wayfarer Water Purifier

Earlier this year I visited Sri Lanka – a country where even many locals choose not to drink the tap water for fear of contaminants. Purchasing and carrying bottled mineral water with you can be difficult and tiresome though, so a high quality water filter is the easiest (and most environmentally friendly) solution.

The Lifesaver Wayfarer Water Purifier is made in Britain and claims to be 'the world's safest hiking water purifier'; allowing you to purify 5000 litres of water on one filter cartridge. The LifeSaver® Wayfarer™ is the only hiking water purifier that has been fully tested to exceed NSF/ANSI P231 standards, delivering highly purified drinking water over the entire lifecycle of the cartridge.

This compact water filter allows you to 'pump, fill and drink' from mountain streams, taps, rivers and lakes – giving you a supply of fresh water, without the need for a corner shop. An invaluable asset for bikepacking anywhere in the world.

>> Shop the LifeSaver Wayfarer Portable Water Purifier

Rite in the Rain Waterproof Paper Notepad

The range of waterproof paper notepads and journals from 'Rite in the Rain' are fantastic for any adventure; allowing you to make notes, write a journal, plot a route or make calculations, without the fear that the notepad will become a soggy mess the next time you remove it from your jersey pocket or pannier.

Personally, I really like the small No.135 3 x 5" Top Bound Notepad for making route notes and key details on a multi-day trip.

>> Shop the Rite in the Rain Waterproof Notebook Collection

Muc-Off AirMach Mini Pump

The AirMach Mini bike pump is a pocket-sized pump designed to get you out of trouble when a flat tyre strikes. Made with a durable machined aluminium barrel and a precision-crafted piston, it swiftly inflates tyres to the desired pressure – maxing out at 110 PSI. The pull-out flexible hose ensures ease of use, and the reversible CNC machined valve head ensures compatibility with both Presta and Schrader valves.

The AirMach is feather weight at just 80 grams, so is no burden in your bar bag, saddlebag or pocket.

>> Shop the Muc-Off AirMach Mini Bike Pump

NiteIze RunOff Waterproof Packing Cubes and Pouches

These waterproof packing cubes and pouches from NiteIze are a superb solution to separate out your kit and keep everything safe and dry.

The medium sized waterproof packing cube is the ideal size for a summer weight sleeping bag, while the small one is great for a down jacket or casual evening clothing when bikepacking; they all slot easily into bicycle touring panniers or bikepacking seat packs. The Waterproof 3-1-1 Pouch is what I use for toiletries, and it also complies with airline liquid rules, so it is a great way to do away with the disposable zip lock bags in airports.

>> Shop the NiteIze RunOff Waterproof range

Humangear GoTubb

One of the best snacks for expeditions and adventures is trail mix; the nuts contains protein and good fats, while the fruit contains slow release fructose sugars and fibre. Trail mix is best made up in bulk, and not bought in tiny takeaway plastic packets from cafés or convenience stores.

Humangear's GoTubb is a great solution to transporting your home-made trail mix from home; and when it is empty, it can be filled up in shops with self-service refill stations for nuts and fruit (such as Lidl, in the UK). The large GoTubb is 170cc, and comes in a two pack; they are food-safe, completely recyclable, and 100% BPA-free. Yes, it is plastic; but that results in a lightweight and exceptionally durable container that is easy to clean and re-use. These are a great way to transport your trail nutrition.

>> Shop the GoTubb Storage Containers here

Adventure Medical Kits Ultralight Watertight First Aid Kit

A proper athlete-focussed first aid kit is mandatory on any long distance adventure ride that I undertake; it could save your life if the worst happens.

The Ultralight Watertight range from Adventure Medical Kits is my preferred option; as it not only contains the standard dressings, bandages and tapes, but also features the superb Moleskin blister plasters from Adventure Medical Kits, as well as special tweezers for tick removal. The entire kit is compact, lightweight and waterproof. Never be without one when venturing out into the wilderness.

>> Shop the Adventure Medical Kit range

Boot Bananas Footwear Drier and Deodorizers

Keeping your footwear fresh and dry is not only better for your (and your companions') mental state, but it can also make the difference between comfort and discomfort on a long ride. Boot Bananas are made from naturally absorbent salts, minerals, and plant extracts from lavender, lemon, patchouli and tea-tree; all wrapped in a cotton banana skin. The active ingredients are odour neutralising, moisture absorbing, and have natural antimicrobial properties.

Stuffing a pair of Boot Bananas into your cycling shoes after each sweaty or damp ride will help to keep them dry and smelling fresh. Your garage will smell more like the hills of Provence, and less like a Scottish bog.

>> Shop Boot Bananas at bootbananas.com

K-Edge Hammerhead CNC Machined Computer Mounts

Regular readers of the blog will know that I am a convert to the Hammerhead Karoo 2 cycling computer (read my Hammerhead Karoo 2 review here). The new selection of mounts from K-Edge is an upgrade well worth making; with the CNC machined computer mounts delivering a more solid mount than the original plastic out-front mount. 

There is also a top cap mount, so your computer can be mounted over the stem. The slightly longer reach of the Max out-front mount enables you to plug a charging cable into the unit to power it whilst on the go – a useful feature. I also really like the out-front integrated mount, which allows you to fit a GoPro or light underneath the computer for a sleek cockpit set-up.

>> Shop the K-Edge HMS Hammerhead Computer Mounts

Weleda Skin Food Face and Body Moisturiser

Weleda Skin Food is perhaps the most famous product in Weleda's extensive skincare range. This is more than just a moisturiser: it a rich intensive balm that treats, heals and protects dry and damaged skin.

The ultimate soothing cream to treat windburn, chapped skin and eczema; Skin Food provides long lasting moisturisation that will keep your skin smooth, soft and flexible – functioning as the protective barrier that it is intended to be. The ultimate skincare for those that are tough on the hands, face and body.

>> Shop the Weleda Skin Food range (Use the code TIM24 to get 30% off Weleda at the checkout)

Muc-Off 17-in-1 Cycling Multitool

In addition to the AirMach Mini, Muc-Off have also launched their new 17-in-1 Multi Tool. Fitted with lightweight aluminium sidebars and fortified with Chromium-Vanadium tool bits, this is a small but mighty ride-saver.

At just 112g it is super compact, so it will fit snugly in your pocket or saddlebag. This tool has everything from hex wrenches to screwdrivers, Torx tools to spoke wrenches, as well as a chain breaker and a nifty bottle opener for cracking post-ride beers. The 17-in-1 Multi Tool is the ultimate tool to see riders prepped and ready for any trail or roadside mechanical.

>> Shop the Muc-Off 17-in-1 Mini Multitool

Disclaimer: The above products were provided by the partner brands for test and review