As a big adventure cyclist, bikepacker, and ultra cyclist, I always think about preparing for every eventuality if I’m out cycling and need to repair my bike or fix any problems. Bikepacking multi tools must do everything as they are a full tool kit for you.

One mistake I have seen so much in the past, not only from others but also me, is taking a multi tool on an adventure that does not have all the functions it needs for the trip you are embarking on. In this article, we will be discussing:

• What Is A Bikepacking Multi Tool?
• What Functions Does A Bikepacking Multi Tool Need To Have?
• Add On Multi Tool Options 
• A Final Note: Bikepacking Multi Tools

What Is A Bikepacking Multi Tool?

A multi tool is a small piece of equipment you take out to do basic repairs on your bike. It can help adjust parts on the bike and fix repairs such as loose bolts or even punctures. It often consists of Allen keys, screwdrivers, spoke keys, and more.

When it comes to bikepacking, I have always felt that the rules are a little different from those for general cycling. You need to carry much more stuff. Logistics can be more challenging, and quite often, you don’t know where you’re sleeping that night. 

I strongly believe a multi tool for bikepacking has to be much more than your standard cycling multi tool. Not only does your bike have more chances of breaking, but you can be in very remote places, and you’re generally not near home to call for help.

It needs to have a lot more functions than just an Allen key set. You may need a bulkier, heavier multi tool, but it pays off in the long run. So, let’s speak about what functions they need to have.

If you want to learn the repairs you need for a bikepacking adventure, check out Bikepacking Repairs You Must Learn!

What Functions Does A Bikepacking Multi Tool Need To Have?

Regarding bikepacking, it’s important to think about what might happen while on an adventure. Here’s what I recommend every bikepacking multi tool you might use has as far as functions go.

I have put them down into two different sections. Essential for every multi tool to have, and optional which you can often get away without needing. Here’s what you need to know.

The Essential Bikepacking Multi Tool Functions

These are the functions you can’t leave the house without. If you don’t have these, you will struggle with all repairs. 

Allen Keys

Allen keys are what all multi tools have and it’s essential that they work and work well. Cheap multi tools can often round their Allen keys. You want to ensure you also have the small options and, if possible, an 8 mm for removing and adding pedals. 

Screwdrivers 

Manufacturers in recent years seem to neglect screw driver function on multi tools over space and weight saving. I think this is absolutely crazy because they are so useful. You need them for brake pad removal, and they come in handy for rounded bolts and multiple other jobs.

Chain Breaker

For years, I used a multi tool without a chain breaker. This wasn’t an issue until I had a problem with my chain and couldn’t take it off. Unfortunately, I didn’t even have a master link. If you are bikepacking, you need one, especially if you’re servicing your bike on the road.

Spoke Keys

Modern wheels are incredibly strong, and it’s rare for you to need to adjust spokes. The risk is higher with bikepacking because of more miles and heavier loads. Take a spoke key and learn how to true a wheel.

Torx Keys

Many modern bikes now come with Torx key bolts. These have much less chance of rounding, and I believe I will be very common on bikes in the future. Most multi tools come with one or two and typically they are the common sizes you need.

Valve Core Removal Tool

A valve core removal tool is a small square notch that gives you the ability to remove valve cores. When using a tubeless system on an ultra race, I didn’t have one of these once and had to remove the whole tire and put a tube in. 

Open End Wrenches

It is only essential if your bike uses bolts with hex ends. This would be a fixed or single speed bike more than anything. It would be nearly impossible to remove a wheel like this without them. A lot of riders take a small adjustable wrench instead.

The Optional Bikepacking Multi Tool Functions

Having certain optional functions goes a long way to make your life easier when on the roads or the trails. Here’s what you might like but don’t need.

Chain Hook

Used to help you reattach the chain after it has broken and you need to install a link. It’s a small piece of metal that clips in between the links. I don’t use one, to be honest, but if you have never repaired a chain, it does make it much easier.

Tire Levers

Some multi tools come with tire levers and that’s great, but I have always found they are small and hard to use, break easily and hard to replace. They are a great backup but separate tire levers are so much better. 

C02 Booster

Many multi tools come with a CO2 booster meaning you can use it to pump your tires up with CO2 cartridges. I have had a multi tool like this, and the function broke very quickly. In my opinion, when it comes to bikepacking, just use a decent pump.

Chain Link Removal Tool

Although incredibly handy, a chain link removal tool takes up a lot of space and adds a lot of weight. You can wiggle a chain link free much easier on the incredibly rare occasion that it needs removing. 

Add On Multi Tool Options 

Multi tools don’t often come with everything you need and it’s important to understand in this case it’s good to buy a separate tool to cover. A good example is my multi tool, which didn’t have a spoke key or a valve core remover. I just bought each for a total of $10 instead of upgrading my multi tool.

Tools People Take But Are Not Always Useful

I feel I will get some backlash for this section, but it’s important to discuss. After over a decade of bikepacking and ultra racing, I have come up with what I believe to be what you need. At the start line of many races, I see riders with tools I don’t have, like these. 

• Cassette Removal Tool
• Chain Whip
• Quick Link Pliers
• Pedal Wrench (8 or 6 mm Allen Key Works Better)
• Cone Wrenches
• Bottom Bracket Tool

These tools are vital to have in a workshop, but on a bikepacking trip, they shouldn’t be needed. Providing your bike has been regularly serviced, and you or the mechanic has used the correct torque settings, these are just a waste of space and weigh you down heavily. 

If you are running tubeless, I highly recommend taking a tubeless repair kit with you! For a full list of everything you need for an adventure, check out The Ultimate Bikepacking Kit List!

A Final Note: Bikepacking Multi Tools

Having the right multi tool for bikepacking is really important. Not only is it your only lifeline in remote locations, but you also need it to work properly to ensure that you protect your bike. Having the wrong tool will eventually catch you up. 

Some brands I really like when it comes to bikepacking multi tools are Topeak and Crank Brothers. They are just great tools with a very high quality level. 

Thanks for taking the time to read this article. If you enjoyed this, you might like Aero Bars For Bikepacking: Do You Need Them?10 Things Every Bikepacker Needs To Know, and First Bikepacking Trip: What To Expect!