If you love exploring and enjoy riding a bike, then bikepacking is the ultimate adventure.
Yup, you guessed it, bikepacking is backpacking but on a bicycle. It’s a simple concept, but there’s a lot to consider when planning a bikepacking trip.
We’ll break down everything you need to know to get started in the guide below.
What is Bikepacking?
Bikepacking is like a fusion of mountain biking and backpacking. It’s about exploring remote areas and rugged terrain while riding a bike loaded with the essential gear you need for camping out on your journey.
Whether it’s for a night or several days, bikepackers carry just what they need, from camping gear to minimal supplies for linking shelters or hotels. It’s all about the thrill of traveling off the beaten path, connecting with nature, and discovering new places on two wheels.
Bikepacking vs. Bicyle Touring
Bikepacking and bicycle touring may seem like the same thing, but they have some key differences – particularly in the kind of routes you ride.
Bikepacking is about multi-day cycling primarily on off-pavement terrain like dirt roads, trails, and gravel. This emphasis on off-road riding lets cyclists immerse themselves fully in the experience and surroundings.
Routes often include a mix of surfaces, from smooth gravel to rugged singletrack, connected by paved backroads, towns, and rail trails. You also mainly go wild camping when bikepacking.
In contrast, bicycle touring typically involves riding on paved roads and paths, focusing more on covering long distances and visiting towns and cities along the way. Bike touring is also mainly focused on staying in accommodations like hotels and BnBs – which often require less gear.
How to Get Started With Bikepacking
Bikepacking is simple really – all you need to do is pack your gear, hop on your bike, and head out on an adventure.
To help you plan the best bikepacking trip, here are the steps you should follow.
Get the Right Bike
Choosing the right bike is important for bikepacking, but you don’t need a specialized bike to start. Use whatever bike you have available, whether it’s a mountain bike, gravel bike, or even an old hardtail. While purpose-built bikepacking bikes offer advantages, especially for longer trips, using what you have is perfectly fine for getting started.
Gear and Equipment
Starting with the camping gear you already own is a smart move. Avoid feeling pressured to buy expensive, ultralight gear right away.
Instead, focus on essentials and consider borrowing from friends or renting equipment if needed. It’s better to invest in gear gradually as you gain experience and understand your specific needs.
Packing
You don’t need fancy bikepacking bags to get started.
Simple DIY options or using a small backpack can suffice for your first trips. Experiment with strapping gear to your handlebars for easy access while riding.
The key is to keep things organized and secure, ensuring a comfortable and efficient ride.
Route Planning
Choosing the right route for your bikepacking adventure is crucial.
Opt for a short loop, roughly 10 to 20 miles (15 to 30 kilometers), that’s close to home for your first trip.
Stick to familiar trails or roads to minimize the risk of getting lost or encountering unexpected challenges. As you gain experience, you can gradually explore more adventurous routes.
Meals and Food
Keeping meals simple is key when bikepacking. Pack easy-to-carry food items like pre-prepared sandwiches or energy bars.
Skip the cooking kit for your first trip and opt for no-cook meals to minimize weight and complexity. Remember to pack enough water and stay hydrated throughout your journey.
Safety and Planning
Safety should always be a priority when bikepacking. Have a backup plan in case things don’t go as expected, such as bad weather or equipment malfunctions.
Stay within your comfort zone for the first trip and be prepared to adjust your plans if necessary. Familiarize yourself with basic bike maintenance and repair skills to handle common issues on the trail.
Post-Trip Evaluation
After completing your bikepacking trip, take some time to reflect on your experience.
Identify what gear worked well and what didn’t, noting any adjustments or improvements for future trips.
What Bikes are Best for Bikepacking?
When it comes to bikepacking, your most important consideration is your bike. And when it comes to choosing a bike, some are better suited for the adventure than others.
Here are two top choices that we recommend for bikepacking adventures.
Hardtail Mountain Bikes
Hardtail mountain bikes are a popular choice for bikepacking, especially on off-road routes with rough terrain.
These bikes feature wide tire clearance, providing plenty of grip and comfort during the ride. Their sturdy frames can endure punishment from the trail and offer multiple attachment points for bikepacking bags.
Many hardtails also come with front suspension, enhancing the overall smoothness of the ride and allowing for easier exploration off the beaten track.
Gravel Bikes
Gravel bikes are another excellent option for bikepacking adventures.
These bikes excel on mixed terrain, including gravel roads and some tarmac sections. While they may have slightly less tire clearance compared to hardtail mountain bikes, their frame geometry is closer to that of road bikes, offering versatility for various routes.
Gravel bikes often come equipped with flared handlebars, providing stability, especially when riding off-road.
Choosing between a hardtail mountain bike and a gravel bike depends on the type of routes you plan to tackle and your personal preferences. Both options offer unique advantages, so it’s essential to consider your intended terrain and riding style before making a decision.
If you want more insights, check out our complete guide on how to choose a mountain bike.
What are Bikepacking Bags?
Bikepacking bags are essential for carrying all your gear when embarking on a bikepacking adventure. They come in various shapes and sizes and attach to different parts of your bike.
Image source: REI
Here’s what you need to know about each type of bikepacking bag.
Frame Packs
Frame packs fit within the bike’s triangle formed by the top tube, seat tube, and downtube. They typically attach using velcro straps and are available for various types of bikes, including full suspension, hardtail, and rigid bikes.
Frame packs are ideal for storing heavier items as they maintain a low center of gravity, but their capacity may be limited on smaller frames or full-suspension bikes.
Seat Packs
Seat packs are wedged under the saddle rails and strapped to the seat post. They come in various volumes, ranging from 5 to 14 liters, and offer benefits such as wind resistance and reduced noise during off-road riding.
Seat packs are lighter than traditional rack and pannier setups and make hike-a-bikes more manageable.
Handlebar Packs
Handlebar packs attach to the handlebars and provide storage space for gear. They feature rugged connections, anti-abrasion patches, and additional accessory pockets.
It’s essential to keep the front load relatively light to maintain the bike’s handling.
Accessories and Peripheral Bags
Accessory bags, such as stem bags and top tube bags, add extra packing space to your kit.
Stem bags are small can-shaped bags that fit at the stem and handlebars, perfect for storing snacks. Top tube bags mount to the steerer tube and top tube, offering quick access to small items. There are numerous other accessory bags available for storing various items.
What About Bikepacking With a Backpack?
While it’s possible to bikepack with a backpack, we don’t recommend it. The essence of bikepacking is having your bike carry your gear, freeing you from the weight and discomfort of a backpack.
If you find yourself needing to use a backpack in addition to your bikepacking bags, it might indicate that you’ve overpacked. The goal is to pack efficiently and prioritize essentials, utilizing the storage space on your bike to distribute weight evenly and maintain balance while riding.
While cycling backpacks are available, they’re often better suited for commuting or shorter rides where carrying capacity is limited on the bike itself.
What Gear You Need for Bikepacking
When packing for a bikepacking trip, it’s crucial to keep your load as light as possible and only pack essential items that you’ll use daily.
Consider the following essentials:
- Shelter: Choose a shelter suitable for the weather conditions you’ll encounter, such as a lightweight tent or a bivvy bag.
- Sleeping Gear: Pack a sleeping mat and a 3-season sleeping bag to stay warm and comfortable at night.
- Clothing: Bring spare clothes, a waterproof jacket, and an insulated jacket, stored in separate dry bags.
- Footwear: Opt for comfortable cycling shoes suitable for both on and off the bike, considering factors like walking comfort and pedalling efficiency.
- Food and Water: Carry enough food and water to stay fueled and hydrated during your trip, along with a small camping stove and cooking pot if cooking food on the go.
- First Aid and Spares: Pack a first aid kit and essential bike spares to handle emergencies and mechanical issues.
By packing wisely and efficiently, you can enjoy a comfortable and enjoyable bikepacking adventure while exploring the great outdoors.
Check out our complete bikepacking gear list for a more detailed breakdown of everything you need to bring.
The Bikepacking Ethos
The bikepacking ethos is about more than just riding – it’s a mindset that promotes stewardship, appreciation, and respect for the land and its inhabitants.
Unlike traditional mountain biking, which often emphasizes speed and aggression, bikepacking encourages a slower, more intentional approach to travel by bicycle. At its core, bikepacking is about savoring the journey, connecting with nature, and embracing the diversity of landscapes and cultures encountered along the way.
By promoting conservation, inclusivity, and respect for all people and places, bikepacking has the power to foster a sense of community and environmental responsibility.
10 Tips for Bikepacking
Ready to head out on your bikepacking adventure? Here are a few tips to help you have the best time.
1. Travel Light
Ruthless packing is key to happy bikepacking. Off-road riding can be energy-sapping, so keep your bike as light as possible by avoiding unnecessary items.
2. Cut Redundancies
Evaluate your gear and eliminate any redundant items. Do you really need that extra jacket or sleeping bag? Opt for versatile gear that serves multiple purposes to save space and weight.
3. Stay Organized
Keep essential items easily accessible throughout the day. Arrange your gear so that frequently used items like food, water, and tools are readily available. Pack items you won’t need until later at the bottom of your bags.
4. Balance the Load
Experiment with different weight distributions to find the optimal balance for your bike. Pack heavy items close to the bike’s center of gravity to maintain stability and handling.
5. Test Your Setup
Before embarking on a long journey, take your bikepacking setup for a test ride on a short overnight trip. This allows you to ensure you have all the necessary gear and identify any unnecessary items.
6. Carry Essentials
Always bring spare straps, duct tape, and cable ties. Rough terrain can strain your bags, so having backups for securing gear is essential. It’s better to be prepared for any mishaps than to be stranded without a solution.
7. Prioritize Comfort
Invest in quality gear that prioritizes comfort and durability. A well-fitted saddle, supportive shoes, and breathable clothing can make a significant difference during long rides.
8. Plan Your Route
Research your route thoroughly and plan for contingencies. Be aware of potential water sources, camping spots, and bailout options in case of emergencies.
9. Stay Hydrated and Fueled
Maintain proper hydration and nutrition throughout your ride. Carry enough water and snacks to sustain your energy levels, especially during strenuous sections of the journey.
10. Enjoy the Journey
Lastly, remember to enjoy the ride! Embrace the adventure, appreciate the scenery, and savour the moments of solitude and connection with nature. After all, bikepacking is as much about the journey as it is about the destination.
Conclusion
Ultimately, bikepacking is all about simplicity and enjoying the ride. Travel light, focus on your surroundings, and have fun. Over time, you’ll be able to build up an ultimate bikepacking gear list. But, if all you’ve got is a simple bicycle and a backpack, then that works too! As long as you get out there and enjoy the adventure.