Living on the road during the cold winter months is certainly possible, as I've been doing so for many years. However, doing so requires knowledge of a few guidelines and tips that will make the experience a much more pleasant one. Taking your bike out on the road during the winter can make for a freeing and adventurous experience, which is why it's essential that you're prepared for what the winter temperatures bring. Here's an in-depth guide on essential items to pack for bike trips and what you need to be aware of when living on the road in winter.

Having gone on many extended bike trips during the cold winter months, the key towards ensuring that you stay safe and don't have to cut your trip short is to follow a number of useful tips. For one, I recommend that you equip your bike with wide tires. The reason for this is that roads during the winter months are particularly prone to suffering from wet roads, due to ice and snow. Even small amounts of rain can quickly put a slippery glaze of ice over the roads, making it very difficult to ride comfortably.

During these instances, I've taken to off-road trails and even fields, but this can become muddy as well, which is why wider tires are so important, as they provide better grip. Before beginning your trip, it's wise to check the forecast. While it's not impossible to ride in bad weather, the beginnings of a trip go much smoother on a day without this issue.

I've delayed a trip for a couple of days before, and so can you. It's also essential that your budget for food is slightly higher than you think you will need. The reason for this is that calories burn more quickly when riding a bike in the winter, which means that you need to eat more food than you typically would in order to ensure you have enough energy to keep your body warm and continue the trip.

When going on a long road trip, there are a few essential items that I always pack, all of which you should pack as well. While there are a lot of items you can pack, there are three essential ones that are always necessary. The first of these is a combination of ski gloves and ski goggles. Standard gloves aren't enough to keep your hands warm during the cold winter months while extra layers of fleece fabric are essential when it's raining or snowing. They will also help to keep your face warm. The second item that you should pack for your bike trip is a high-quality thermos.

I've found that the most frustrating part of riding during the winter is the moment that you actually stop riding. When this occurs, your body will cool down substantially. While you could heat water on a portable stove every few hours, it's much easier to carry a hot beverage in a thermos. This has always been enough to last me the entire day, as any hot liquid will stay warm for a very lengthy period of time when in a thermos. For food, I'd recommend stocking up on some dried food storage, as it's relatively inexpensive and won't spoil over time.