The Katy Trail and Rock Island Trail

switch to Rock Island map

Reply to I just need to know what to bring....

Scroll down to see the discussion

All submissions are reviewed for appropriateness. We reserve the right to remove or edit any comment that we consider incorrect, misleading, or inappropriate, at our sole discretion. Please remember that this is a family-friendly website.

Subject:

Reply to I just need to know what to bring....

Your Name:

This does not have to be your real name. It could be a "screen name", your initials, or just leave blank.

Your Hometown:

Optional - it's just interesting to know where people are from

Comment:

So we know you are a human, please answer this easy math quiz:

1 + 1 =

Kevin from Kansas City on 3/9/2010 1:41:06 PM:

I plan on doing the entire Katy from west to east this September. I have been making a list of things to bring on the trip.

Can you help me out. What are some of the essentials to bring that maybe I would not think about.

Thanks

Anonymous on 3/9/2010 2:53:33 PM:

A guessing game, eh? What have you already thought of?

Anonymous on 3/9/2010 6:02:46 PM:

Bug Spray
Pepper Spray
Food / Water
Extra tube and repair kit
Important telephone numbers in case of an emergency
Money
Credit Cards
Cell Phone
Clothes
Sun screen
Hat
Helmet
Water purification tablets
Extra cell phone battery
air pump
small flashlight
Amtrak tickets to get back
Insurance cards
Sports flavoring drink mixes
Case of beer (kidding)

Anonymous on 3/9/2010 7:33:58 PM:

The bike

Cvrz from St Peters on 3/9/2010 7:50:30 PM:

Something I always have along in my pack is a spare chain link and chain tool. Especially on a lengthy trip! A roll of toilet paper is nice also. Just in case! I've gone into privys and found them either out of paper, or the paper ruined by some numbskull. You mention a repair kit. Does that include a couple wrenches? Yeah I know, before long you're taking everything but the kitchen sink!

Trek on 3/9/2010 8:07:36 PM:

Search on crazyguyonabike.com for "equipment list" and your some rather lengthy lists.....some good ideas, others maybe overkill for a 4-5 day ride. Less is more.

Doug from Bluffton on 3/9/2010 8:38:08 PM:

This is to four posts back. A case of beer would be too much. There are bars along the way and it would get hot. A six pack should be plenty. One change of clothes and a tool kit and you're set. Unless you're camping and then all bets are off. One truism here, Trek is right. Less is more. After years of touring I now take a collapsible trunk rack and STILL find I take things I don't use. Just remember "If you're not having fun, lower your standards"

Paulie from knoxville on 3/9/2010 9:44:15 PM:

Baby wipes, trust me on this one.

Paulie

Two wheels now from Centennial, Colorado on 3/10/2010 7:50:48 AM:

Extra wheel spokes – store them in your seat tube on the frame
Plastic bags adequate for everything, plus one for your seat to keep dry in case of rain
Water repellant on your panniers/backpack
Liquid Hand Soap
Two Tubes and repair kit. (Few people know how to use repair kit)
Rag/Latex gloves (for when you have to touch your chain for rear flat)
Extra chain link - w/o your drive train is down
Extra water container/bottle for pack

brad wilson from st louis on 3/10/2010 9:19:26 AM:

Spare tire - not just tubes - but a tire. And also some way of booting a damaged tire.

On one Katy trip the front tire blew out straight through the tread and it couldn't be fixed with a boot. Fortunately it was a group ride and there was another rider with a spare, but even that tire was close to total failure after 30 miles!

In the past I carried a spare tire but thought I'd be safe on this trip.

MAH from Blue Springs, MO on 3/10/2010 1:55:05 PM:

A camera is a must! In addition to all mentioned above....Duct tape can come in handy (I make a small 'roll' of my own of about 20 ft.), Benadryl for those nights when strange sounds/enviroment keep you from sleeping well (just don't take after midnight or you'll risk being tired in the morning), Small first aid kit with bandaids/ointment/large pad/ace wrap/advil etc, a bandana (has multiple uses), small notepad and pen, hat for off bike wear if you're camping.
Have fun!

Anonymous on 3/10/2010 3:21:33 PM:

Yes, a camera. Good to document all the stuff you sent home from the UPS store in Sedalia.

The Old Geezer Scout from Jeff City Mo on 3/10/2010 6:08:07 PM:

Lots of good advice here. Also, you may want to read what you can on ultralite hiking and camping, even if you are staying at B&B's it will help with what your personal needs may be during the ride. It worked out very well for me the first time and still does. I'm looking forward to a late April end to end, yaw come join me.

Good luck Kevin, enjoy the trip.

DougK from Troy on 3/16/2010 9:27:02 PM:

Don't forget Brett Dufur's book.

cunninghamair from O''Fallon, MO on 3/29/2010 8:08:28 PM:

Bag of quarters. Some small towns and restaurants may be "closed" but there is always a
soda machine! My husband laughed, but we used them. I also second the tire--zip tie to
your frame--my husband doesn't just have flats, he has blowouts.

Trek on 3/30/2010 8:13:40 AM:

Thats a good one. A few dollars in quarters will buy lunch for two in a pinch.

EB from Greenwood on 3/31/2010 2:39:58 AM:

If you plan on staying in hotels or B&Bs then bring minimal clothing, you can wash your clothes and they will be dry the next morning. Instead of beer pack whiskey, it's lighter and temperature tolerent.

Kevin on 4/23/2010 2:53:33 PM:

Many thanks for the help.

FEEDBACK! - Please let us know if you have suggestions, corrections, complaints, or ideas. Your input is valued and appreciated - thanks in advance!

More info: KT Home Katy Trail Map Trip Planner Travel Timeline Forum Towns & Services Mileage Chart Events Trail Merchandise Search Advertise Contact Us

By using this website, you agree to the Terms and Conditions.
how this website uses cookies
This information may not be copied or reproduced in any way.
© Copyright 2025 BikeKatyTrail. All rights reserved.
BikeKatyTrail and BikeKatyTrail.com are registered trademarks.