Over time, I’ve realized that what I carry on a run or a ride says a lot about how I approach it. Somewhere between “just heading out for a quick loop” and “this could turn into a small adventure,” there’s a threshold where pockets just aren’t enough anymore.

That’s the point where the running vest or the MTB backpack comes into play.

The Truly Minimal Setup

For short runs or rides close to home, I go as minimal as it gets:

  • Garmin watch
  • Keys

And that’s basically it.

If I’m in the mood:

  • Headphones, with music directly from the watch

No phone, no food, nothing else. Just out the door and go.

The Threshold

Everything beyond that depends on a mix of:

  • time out there
  • how far I am from home
  • weather uncertainty
  • how annoying it would be if something goes wrong

Once things move beyond “I can be back quickly if needed,” I switch modes:

  • Running → vest
  • MTB → backpack

And if I decide to take a vest or backpack, there’s one rule that always applies:

👉 First thing I pack: a small first aid kit. No exceptions.

Running Vest Setup

The running vest is about staying light while still being reasonably prepared.

Essentials

  • First aid kit (always first in)
  • Water / soft flasks
  • Phone
  • ID + some cash
  • Nutrition
    • energy bar
    • gel
    • salt pills

Depending on the situation

  • Light jacket (weather dependent)
  • Gloves / buff
  • Sunglasses
  • GoPro + spare batteries (if I feel like filming something)

The goal is simple: carry enough to feel safe, but not so much that it starts to annoy me after a few kilometers.

MTB Backpack Setup

The backpack is a different story. Once you’re on the bike, being unprepared can quickly turn into a problem. Mechanical issues are just part of the game.

Essentials

  • First aid kit (first thing in, again)
  • Water
  • Phone
  • ID + cash
  • Nutrition
    • energy bar
    • gel
    • salt pills

Bike-specific gear

  • Electric mini pump
  • Emergency tire fix foam
  • Spare tube
  • Spare valve
  • Tube patches / stickers
  • Chain lock
    (only if I plan to stop somewhere for a while)

This is the stuff that turns a potential long walk home into a quick fix and continuing the ride.

Optional extras

  • GoPro + spare batteries
  • Jacket (often, especially with elevation)
  • Gloves
  • Sunglasses

The Common Ground

No matter if it’s running or riding, once I go beyond the minimalist setup, a few things are always there:

  • First aid kit
  • Water
  • Phone
  • ID + money
  • Basic nutrition

Final Thoughts

I’ve definitely gone out too light before and felt it. And I’ve also carried too much and ended up annoyed the whole time.

So this is where I’ve landed:

  • Minimal = watch, keys (maybe music), nothing else
  • Running → vest when needed
  • MTB → backpack with tools

Not optimized, not perfect — but it works.

And yes… the first thing that goes in is still the first aid kit. Every time.