We all do it, even subconsciously at times. There are certain things that we have lying about the house that have ended up in our kit, in the toolbox, in the van or in the bike bag.. household items that you wouldn’t think twice about, but they are now an essential in day to day MTB.

1. Bin Bags –

These useful buggers have may uses, waterproofing (if you’ve been caught out) it makes a rather ‘good looking’ emergency poncho/bag cover. Also useful for camping and catching condensation/rain water for drinking. As well as being great for intended use of throwing away rubbish, bin bags are great for sticking wet kit in at the end of a ride.

2. Cable/Zip Ties –

Zip Ties are a must! for bodging your bike together (very useful) and also useful if you don’t have a belt or need to make quick fixes to kit!

3. Latex Gloves

Great for cold, wet rides when worn under your gloves to keep your hands that little bit warmer, as well as using them for messy repair jobs on the bike.

4. IKEA Bags

These gems are useful for just about everything, waterproof and easy to keep clean as well as being cheap as chips! The IKEA blue bag range come in different sizes and are are great for all sorts if you don’t have the money to spend on kit bags, grab one of these and you can’t go wrong!

5. Ziplock Bags

Great for keeping the essentials dry in your bag, just pop your phone or wallet in before putting it away. Also great for keeping smaller tools in one place if you’re out all day on the bike.

6. Tin Foil Carrier Bags & Clingfilm

Three super useful kitchen items you can use if you’re caught short, or don’t have that extra cash to spend on decent winter socks. Just wrap a layer of foil around your feet followed by clingfilm before putting on socks to help keep your feet warm on winter rides (not too tightly, allow room for toes to move!) Carrier bags can also work for more than just feet.

7. Plastic Folders

You may have one laying about the house, it may be pretty muddy on the trails, the bike shop is closed and you really need a mudguard.. what do you do? You make a plastic mud guard to tide you over of course (sticker optional, but varied colours available based on whatever folder you have hanging about)

8. Brasso

100 years old and still going, Brasso is a fantastic metal polish perfect for raw frames and making your slightly tired looking bike look epic again. A bit like T-cut, but for bikes.. can work out cheaper than other metal polish too!

What household items have found their way into your kit? Do you use any of the above for something different? Let us know!