Packing for Adventure with Mike Hopkins

Mike Hopkins

Shots like this one don’t usually come easy, so it’s a good thing Diamondback’s Mike Hopkins embraces adventure. If you’re going deep into the wilderness in search of that perfect zone, you’ll need not only dedication and perseverance, but the right gear.

We recently caught up with Mike in New Zealand, where he gave us a peek at what he brings on overnight bike outings:

packing essentials

Since arriving in New Zealand I have spent the majority of my days rolling the open road finding excursions that fall under the category of “less traveled”. As many of you may have experienced, life on the move only has one consistency… the “?”. Where are we going? What are we doing? How did you get down there? What have I gotten us into? Why are elephants so wise? …you know, the real questions of everyday life. My goal for this third venture to the Southern Hemisphere was simple, explore the tracks deep in the Jungle. Dive into fern gully and don’t look back. Multi-day rides, huts, campfires, trails clinging to cliffs and others that disappear through gateway of green. On these voyages everything you need is carried on your back. Food, tools, sleeping gear, layers… you are your own pack horse. Here is a little insight to what I take bring for a day on the trail and night in the bush.

Pack List:

  • Bag – Camelback Fourteener: 24L Volume Storage / 3L Hydration
  • Helmet – Smith Forefront
  • Jersey – Mons Royale: Merino Wool, Sweat Wicking, Fast Drying, Odorless
  • Long Sleeve Shirt – Mons Royale: Merino Wool, Sweat Wicking, Fast Drying, Odorless
  • Riding Shorts
  • Knee Protection – IXS: Keeps the knees protected while riding and shooting photos.
  • Socks – Dissent Labs Compression socks
  • Shoes – 510 Impact Vxi Stealth: Ideal for traction on slippery wood/bridges, Rock, and Pedals.
  • Glasses: Smith Pivlock Arena
  • Headlamp
  • Multi-tool
  • Lighter
  • Handlebar Light (removable)
  • Mountain Money A.K.A. Tissues: For when nature calls.
  • Lightweight Sleeping Bag
  • Waterproof Jacket
  • Gloves
  • Fruit
  • Clif Bar Shots/Blocks: “Bonk” Protection
  • Chocolate
  • Trail Mix
  • High Energy Dinner
  • Spork: Best of Both Worlds
  • Granola: I usually put it in a water bottle, easy to carry, add hot water and there’s breakfast
  • Tube
  • Lube

Essentials not shown:

  • Weatherman Multi-tool (must have)
  • Packable First Aid Kit
  • Chain Pins
  • Canon 60D (photo workhorse)