It's all about the pockets these days. A gravel ride requires a lot of space for stuff for two reasons: 1. gravel rides by definition happen on surfaces that increase the possibility for flats and thus the very real need for self roadside solutions, and 2. gravel rides tend to go further away from places that we usually rely on for refueling like general stores and the like. Thus, carrying space is paramount.
Let's talk specifics. There's the gear: tubes, CO2 cartridge(s), pump. tire irons, plugs, patch kit, tool kit. Some riders take sealant and a valve remover tool. There's the food: Gels, bars, real food; and a place to put the wrappers once we've eaten these items. There's clothing: rain jacket, gloves, warmers. More: Keys; a credit card; and a phone. That is a lot of stuff!
To help carry all this Stuff, there are a couple of solutions: add a bag or bags to your bike; and/or add more pockets on your kit.
Let's talk bags. Bags on handlebars, Bags on top tubes, between tubes, under the seat, on the back, anywhere and everywhere. You don't need to have them all like the case with this Bike Packing set up, but you can pick and choose based on your ride and your route.
Let's talk about pockets. Cycling has been a pioneer when it comes to pockets. Back in the day (a really long time ago) cycling jerseys had pockets on the front. This was great for quick access, but not so good for aerodynamics. Thus, the pockets moved to the back. This is still the case today and helps carry a lot of the Stuff one needs on a Gravel ride.
Today, bib shorts have evolved to help carry more Stuff as well. By adding cargo pockets on the outer leg, and, as in the case with the Panache Growdy Bib Short, built on our best selling Pro Bib Short chassis, two more pockets on the lower back, bib shorts now help carry the load as well. This is also a great solution for those that like to roll in a T-shirt and/or Tech T.
If you don't have a pair, you should! And, as a way to help you get into a sweet pair of Panache Growdy Bib Shorts with 2 cargo pockets and 2 extra pockets on the lower back, here is a 25% code to use at checkout: GrowdyCargoPocketBib25 (good thru May 22nd, 2022).
Whether you ride near or far, on chunky dirt or smooth gravel, it's a great idea to carry what you (may) need so that you are well provisioned and can fix things if they break so you don't get stuck far from home. Bags and pockets make this easier, but just in case... bring a phone at the very least. There's always a friend, spouse, or Uber!