If you’re planning your first bikepacking adventure, then you need to make sure you bring the right gear.
You’ve hardly got any space available when riding your bike on long trips. This is a blessing because it lets you travel more freely and be more connected with your environment. The downside is that it can be really tricky to decide on what you need to bring.
Rule number one with packing for a bikepacking trip is don’t bring too much stuff. Pack light, and you’ll have a far more comfortable time – especially when you pedal the uphills!
However, leave behind an essential item, and it could seriously impact the comfort, enjoyment, or even safety of your trip.
To help you out, we’ve put together a complete bikepacking checklist for you to follow.
What is Bikepacking?
Bikepacking is a form of cycling that involves traveling long distances with all of your gear strapped to your bike. Unlike traditional cycling trips, where you might stay in hotels or hostels along the way, bikepackers camp out in the wilderness or other outdoor settings.
The idea is to use your bike as a means of transportation and to explore the world around you. With everything you need on your bike, you can go off the beaten path and experience nature in a unique and immersive way.
Bikepacking has become increasingly popular in recent years as more people seek out outdoor adventures and look for sustainable ways to travel. It’s a great way to combine exercise, exploration, and camping all in one trip.
What to Take on a Bikepacking Trip: The Essentials
You can skip straight down to our complete bike-packing gear checklist below if you want.
But before we get into each individual item, let’s just first cover the five essential items you need to cover when you pack for an adventure.
Bike
Duh, no bikepacking trip is complete without a bicycle. Make sure you choose a reliable, sturdy bicycle that you know how to fix. This means you also need to bring along any repair kits and bits that you need.
Always try to choose a simple, but sturdy bike. A fancy model may look great, but when you have to make repairs to it in the middle of the desert, you’ll probably be rethinking your decision.
Knowing how to choose the right bicycle is the most important place to start.
Shelter
You need somewhere to sleep. Half the fun of a bikepacking adventure is pulling off the track and finding the perfect place to set up camp.
Bring along a compact tent, sleeping bag, sleeping mat, and any other accommodation equipment you need.
Food
You eat what you carry! Bring along all of the food you need, plus any equipment to cook it. Oh, and don’t forget the water.
Always try to bring along high-energy foods that don’t require refrigeration. Bonus points if they cook quickly.
Safety
Staying safe is critical while you’re out on any kind of adventure. Wear a helmet. Bring a first aid kit. Make sure you know where you are and where you’re going.
Be prepared for safety, and your trip will be a lot more fun.
Bags
Finally, you need to have the right storage equipment to fit everything in. Luckily, there are plenty of great panniers out there designed for long-distance cycling journeys.
These are really the main things you need to get right. Although, your complete bikepacking checklist will probably look a bit longer. Keep reading for a full breakdown.
Complete Bikepacking Checklist
Getting ready to hop on your bicycle and explore the world with nothing but your two wheels?
Before you hit the pedals, you’ll need to make sure you’re properly geared up.
Here’s our essential bikepacking checklist with everything you’ll need for your adventure.
Bike: Obviously, the most important piece of gear you’ll need is a sturdy bike that can handle rough terrain. Look for a bike with wide tires and a strong frame.
Bikepacking Bags: These specialized bags are designed to fit onto your bike and hold all of your gear. You’ll need a handlebar bag, frame bag, seat bag, and possibly a top tube bag, depending on how much gear you have.
Tent: You’ll need a lightweight tent that’s easy to set up and pack down. Look for one that’s durable and weather-resistant.
Sleeping Bag: Choose a sleeping bag that’s appropriate for the temperature you’ll be camping in. Look for one that’s lightweight and compressible.
Sleeping Pad: This is important for comfort and insulation. Look for one that’s lightweight and packs down small.
Stove and Fuel: You’ll need a lightweight stove and fuel to cook your meals. Look for one that’s compact and efficient.
Cookware: You’ll need a pot, pan, and utensils to cook your meals. Look for ones that are lightweight and durable.
Water Filter: This is important for staying hydrated on your trip. Look for one that’s easy to use and filters out bacteria and viruses.
Water Bottles: You’ll need a way to carry water with you on your trip. Look for lightweight, durable water bottles.
Headlamp: This is important for navigating at night or early in the morning. Look for one that’s lightweight and has a long battery life.
First Aid Kit: It’s always a good idea to bring a basic first aid kit with you on your trip in case of injuries or emergencies.
Clothing: Pack appropriate clothing for the weather conditions you’ll be camping in. Look for lightweight, moisture-wicking fabrics.
Repair Kit: You’ll need a basic bike repair kit in case of mechanical issues. Pack extra tubes, a multi-tool, tire levers, and a patch kit.
Navigation Tools: Bring a map, compass, or GPS device to help you navigate on your trip.
Cycling shorts: When you’re on a long-distance bike adventure, there are very few things you’ll worry about as much as the comfort of your bum! Investing in good quality cycling shorts will make a huge difference to your comfort.
Personal Items: Don’t forget to pack any personal items you’ll need, such as sunscreen, insect repellent, and toiletries.
That’s a basic bikepacking gear checklist to get you started.
Of course, the exact items you’ll need will depend on your specific trip and personal preferences, but this list should give you a good starting point.
Happy trails!
Extra Bikepacking Items
Here are a few extra items to consider if you want to make your bike[packing trip even more comfortable:
Bike phone holder: You’re probably navigating with your phone – right? Having a great phone holder on your bike will make your trip infinitely easier. It will also ensure you don’t veer off course! Try to get a phone holder that protects your phone and offers a waterproof screen over the cover. Bonus points if you can still use the touchscreen while the phone is in the holder.
Power bank: If you’re out in the wilderness using your phone and torches you’ll need power! Make sure to invest in a really solid power bank before you hit the road. Losing power on your phone’s map system while in the middle of nowhere is not fun…
Bike tent: This certainly isn’t necessary, but it can be a great idea if you’re riding through a rainy area and want to keep your bike dry and protected overnight. You can use a simple bike cover to keep things protected.
Wrapping Up
These are the basic essentials for any bikepacking adventure. Although, as soon as you get out there you’ll realize exactly what gear you need and don’t need. The more you cycle and camp, the better you’ll get at packing.
Our advice? Get out there are face the open road! The more you cycle and explore, the more refined your gear list will become.
Check out our complete guide on what to bring on a backpacking trip for more adventure gear lists!