Participant Packing List

April 1–4, 2027 | Patagonia, Arizona

Ruta del Jefe takes place in the beautiful and rugged Arizona–Sonora borderlands. In early April, expect a wide range of conditions, including warm, sunny afternoons; chilly nights and mornings; strong winds; and the possibility of rain.

You'll be spending four days at our basecamp at Borderlands Restoration Network's Native Plant Nursery & Seed Lab, with opportunities for group rides, workshops, educational activities, shared meals, and evening gatherings. The Nursery is located at 4,100 ft, and rides travel up to 6,000 ft.

We've put together this packing list to help you prepare for a comfortable, safe, and enjoyable experience.

Camping & Basecamp Essentials

  • Tent, stakes, and guylines

  • Sleeping bag or quilt appropriate for cold nights

  • Sleeping pad

  • Pillow

  • Headlamp or flashlight with spare batteries

  • Camp chair

  • Reusable water bottle or mug

  • Personal toiletries and medications

  • Sunscreen and lip balm with SPF

  • Personal towel and biodegradable soap

  • Earplugs and eye mask

  • Portable power bank and charging cables

  • Small bag for trash and personal belongings

  • ID, health insurance information, and emergency contacts

Basecamp notes: Camping is included with registration. Portable toilets and handwashing stations will be provided, but there are no showers. Electricity and charging opportunities are limited. Cell service may be unreliable.

Riding Essentials

  • Bike appropriate for your selected route

  • Helmet (required for all rides)

  • Front and rear bike lights

  • GPS device or phone with downloaded routes

  • Charging cables and backup power

  • Water-carrying capacity appropriate for your route

  • Electrolytes

  • Ride snacks and supplemental nutrition

  • Flat repair supplies (tubes, plugs, patch kit)

  • Tire pump or CO₂ inflator

  • Multitool with chain tool

  • Spare chain quick link

  • Spare derailleur hanger, if applicable

  • Chain lubricant

  • Bike bags to carry supplies

  • Sunglasses or protective eyewear

  • Cycling gloves

  • Emergency contact information

Important: Routes travel through remote areas with limited services, variable cell coverage, and rugged terrain. Participants should be prepared to navigate independently and handle common mechanical issues. Review your route description, terrain requirements, and aid station information before arriving.

Clothing

For Riding

  • Cycling shorts or bibs

  • Jerseys or comfortable riding shirts

  • Cycling shoes and socks

  • Lightweight wind jacket

  • Rain jacket

  • Warm layers for cold morning starts

  • Lightweight gloves

  • Buff, neck gaiter, or sun protection

  • Extra socks

For Basecamp & Activities

  • Cycling shorts or bibs

  • Jerseys or comfortable riding shirts

  • Cycling shoes and socks

  • Lightweight wind jacket

  • Rain jacket

  • Warm layers for cold morning starts

  • Lightweight gloves

  • Buff, neck gaiter, or sun protection

  • Extra socks

Packing tip: Expect significant temperature changes between daytime and nighttime. Bring layers you can easily add or remove.

Food & Hydration

Your registration includes three breakfasts and three dinners. Participants are responsible for bringing their own lunches, snacks, ride nutrition, and any additional food they'd like throughout the event.

All participants must bring their own reusable dishes and utensils for meals.

  • Reusable plate

  • Reusable bowl

  • Reusable coffee mug or cup

  • Reusable fork, spoon, and knife

  • Lunches for the days you'll be onsite

  • Snacks for between meals

  • Ride nutrition for Friday and Saturday activities

  • Electrolytes or hydration mixes

  • Cooler and ice, if bringing perishable food

  • Any specialty foods required for dietary needs

Food notes: Vegan meal options will be available. No ice will be available for purchase at basecamp, so plan accordingly.

Riding Essentials

  • Bike appropriate for your selected route

  • Helmet (required for all rides)

  • Front and rear bike lights

  • GPS device or phone with downloaded routes

  • Charging cables and backup power

  • Water bottles or hydration pack with 2–3 liters of carrying capacity

  • Electrolytes and ride nutrition

  • Flat repair supplies (tubes, plugs, patch kit)

  • Tire pump or CO₂ inflator

  • Multitool with chain tool

  • Spare chain quick link

  • Spare derailleur hanger, if applicable

  • Chain lubricant

  • Bike bags to carry supplies

  • Sunglasses or protective eyewear

  • Cycling gloves

  • Emergency contact information

Important: Plan to carry 2–3 liters of water while riding. Water needs will vary depending on your route, weather conditions, and individual hydration needs. Review the aid station locations and water availability for your selected route before departing. Longer routes or hotter conditions may require additional water capacity.

All routes travel through remote areas with limited services, variable cell coverage, and potentially rugged terrain. Participants should be prepared to navigate independently and handle common mechanical issues.

Optional Items

  • Binoculars for birdwatching and wildlife observation

  • Camera

  • Field notebook or journal

  • Small daypack for workshops or walking activities

  • Yoga mat

  • Bike lock

  • Portable solar charger

  • Personal first-aid kit

  • Cash for local businesses or vendors

  • Favorite camp games or activities

What Not to Bring

  • Campfire equipment or firewood. Campfires are not permitted.

  • Single-use water bottles when reusable containers will work.

  • Unnecessary electronics that require frequent charging.

  • Drones without prior authorization.

  • Pets, unless specifically approved under event policies.

A Few Final Reminders

Prepare for remote riding. Even though aid stations and medical support will be available, you are responsible for carrying adequate water, food, navigation tools, and supplies for your selected route.

Respect the land and communities. Follow Leave No Trace principles, stay on designated routes, respect private property, and follow event guidance when visiting communities and sensitive areas.

Be ready for changing weather. Conditions in the Sky Islands can change quickly. Check the forecast before departing and adjust your gear accordingly.

Pack for connection. Bring your curiosity, an openness to learning, and a willingness to meet new people. Ruta del Jefe is about much more than the miles we ride.

We look forward to welcoming you to the borderlands!