A ride into the mountains is one of the most beautiful rides a rider can experience. The winding ghats, deep valleys on one side with high cliffs on the other and so much more. But to enjoy a ride in the mountains to the fullest, a rider needs to be well prepared. Here are a few essentials every rider must have during a ride into the mountains:

Riding jacket with inner thermals

Riding jackets are essential for safety. As you go up high into the mountains, the temperature tends to drop quite a lot. The low temperature coupled with the wind while riding a bike can make it really hard to ride & enjoy. A good riding jacket with a thermal liner will keep you warm and help you manage better.

Proper motorcycle luggage equipment

To stop your bags from falling and to avoid stopping again & again to strap your luggage, always use purpose built motorcycle luggage systems like saddle bags, tail bags, tank bags etc. Avoid bags on either your or your pillions shoulders. Use the right luggage system to enjoy your ride safely. Also carry extra bungee cords.

A tool kit

We’ve often seen riders completely stranded in the middle of nowhere when the bike breaks down. Carry your own toolkit and know how to use it for minor issues & troubles. Choose the tools specific to the bike you ride and carry some regular spares like bearings, fuses, tubes, cables, etc. This will save you a lot of grief in case something happens.

A hydration bag

In the mountains and the cold air, many riders don’t consume enough water as they don’t feel the need due to less perspiration. However, regular and high intake of water is advised to counter the low oxygen levels and thus reduce the chances of Altitude Sickness. A hydration bag is basically a small bag that can hold a 1 or 2 litre pouch of water and has a pipe for drinking water attached to it. It also saves you the trouble of carrying multiple bottles of water and can be used on-the-go as well, thanks to the water pipe.

Proper safety gear

While a helmet is something a rider will always wear, wearing all the other riding gear is essential for your safety and to ensure that the trip goes smoothly. Many riders take a tumble on the off-roads & water crossings in the mountains. Safety gear like riding gloves, boots, knee guards and a riding jacket keep the rider protected and ensure the ride goes on. There are a lot of varieties of riding gears available from a variety of reputed brands. Take the guidance of someone with proper knowledge and choose the ones which offer the best protection but also fit your budget. Safety should never be compromised upon!