Bikepacking typically involves packing your kit into bags that can be attached to any bike frame without requiring the use of a rack. These are used to load up everything you need to bring with you: overnight gear, food, clothing and spares.<\/p>\n
Bikepacking vs cycle touring<\/h2>\n ![\"""\"]( "\\"\"\"\\"\/")
<\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture><\/div> Bikepacking places an emphasis on travelling light.<\/span><\/figcaption><\/div>\nThe classic way to head out for multi-day adventures on your bike used to be on a cycle touring trip and it\u2019s still practised today, even if bikepacking has become its trendier cousin.<\/p>\n
Predominantly an on-road experience, cycle touring involves loading up your bike with pannier bags, which sit on a rack at the rear of the bike. These are sometimes joined by another set of bags attached to a rack on the forks.<\/p>\n
There\u2019s a specific category of touring bikes<\/a> designed for cycle touring, usually made from steel for durability, with generous gearing for fully-loaded climbing, mudguard eyelets and lights (sometimes a dynamo light<\/a>).<\/p>\n ![\"""\"]( "\\"\"\"\\"\/")
<\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture><\/div> Cycle touring traditionally involves packing your belongings into pannier bags mounted to a rack.<\/span><\/figcaption> Ortlieb<\/i><\/span><\/div>\nIn contrast, bikepacking uses bags designed to lash to your bike, which might be a mountain bike or a gravel bike, opening up off-road adventures rather than having to stick to tarmac, although you can also bikepack on a standard road bike.<\/p>\n
Often, bikepackers will be aiming to travel as light as possible: think bivvy bag and wild camping in place of the tourer\u2019s tent on a campsite or \u2018credit card touring\u2019 between B&Bs (although there\u2019s nothing to stop you from carrying a tent and using a campsite, or staying in B&Bs, while bikepacking).<\/p>\n
What to take on a bikepacking trip<\/h2>\n
What to take on a bikepacking trip depends on where you\u2019re riding (how far you\u2019ll be from civilisation), for how long (an overnighter or round-the-world trip?) and your personal inclination to rough it (can you take the bare minimum or do you need a few luxuries?).<\/p>\n
While compiling the ultimate bikepacking kit list often comes with experience, if you\u2019re preparing for an overnighter \u2013 perhaps your first introduction to bikepacking \u2013 here are the essentials.<\/p>\n
1. Your bike<\/h3>\n ![\"""\"]( "\\"\"\"\\"\/")
<\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture><\/div> Any bike can be a bikepacking bike.<\/span><\/figcaption> Rapha<\/i><\/span><\/div>\nIt\u2019s true what they say: any bike is a bikepacking bike. In fact, that\u2019s one of the joys of bikepacking.<\/p>\n
Don\u2019t wait until you can fork out for the ultimate long-distance touring bike<\/a> \u2013 simply plan a route based on the type of terrain your current bike can best handle, whether that\u2019s sticking to road, easy gravel trails or singletrack.<\/p>\nAs some bikepacking routes<\/a> take you to more remote places, it\u2019s a good idea to make sure you\u2019re as self-sufficient as you can be, not only when it comes to looking after yourself, but your bike too.<\/p>\nAs with any ride, make sure you pack spares and tools to fix common mechanicals, such as flat tyres or chain issues:<\/p>\n
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n- Inner tube(s)<\/a><\/li>\n
- Puncture repair kit or tubeless plugs<\/li>\n
- Pump<\/a> and\/or CO2 inflator<\/li>\n
- Tyre levers<\/a><\/li>\n
- Multi-tool<\/a> with chain tool<\/li>\n
- Chain quick link<\/li>\n<\/ul>
The further you\u2019re riding, or the further you\u2019ll be from civilisation, the more you\u2019ll need to take with you, to ensure you are self-sufficient in the event of more serious mechanicals. This may include a spare derailleur hanger, brake pads or gear cable.<\/p>\n
It\u2019s also worth stashing a handful of spare bolts in case a bottle cage or any luggage rattles loose. The same applies for cleat bolts if you expect to do lots of hike-a-biking.<\/p>\n
If you\u2019re not very confident in your own bike mechanic skills, why not invite a friend along who can help you?<\/p>\n
You\u2019ll also need a GPS bike computer<\/a> or map for navigation. Remember, if you\u2019re using a bike computer, you\u2019ll need the means to charge it, too.<\/p>\nA lightweight bike lock<\/a> is also a sensible addition, to secure your bike at a campsite or if popping into a shop.<\/p>\n2. Bikepacking bags, panniers or a rucksack<\/h3>\n ![\"""\"]( "\\"\"\"\\"\/")
<\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture><\/div> Bikepacking bags are commonly strapped to the seatpost, handlebar and inside the main triangle. Some bikes offer specific mounting points on the top of the top tube, underside of the down tube and on the fork legs.<\/span><\/figcaption> Trek<\/i><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\nIn order to carry what you need with you for your overnighter, you\u2019ll need some luggage, either on the bike, or carried on your person.<\/p>\n
Although a rucksack will suffice for shorter trips, it\u2019ll certainly be less comfortable than bags strapped onto your bike, and limited in terms of capacity, too.<\/p>\n
Bikepacking bags<\/a> are designed to be strapped to your bike and, unlike most pannier racks, don\u2019t require specific mounting points on your frame, so can be used with just about any bike.<\/p>\nBikepacking bags are most commonly mounted to the seatpost\/saddle rails, the front of the handlebar and inside the main triangle.<\/p>\n
![\"""\"]( "\\"\"\"\\"\/")
<\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture><\/div> Backpacks may be convenient but, if you\u2019re riding for any significant distance, it\u2019s much more comfortable to mount your luggage on the bike.<\/span><\/figcaption> Campagnolo <\/i><\/span><\/div>\nMany of the the best gravel bikes<\/a> \u2013 often used for bikepacking thanks to their ability to comfortably handle both road and light off-road riding \u2013 have additional mounting points on the fork, the top of the top tube and on the underside of the down tube. This will be particularly useful if you\u2019re going all-out on capacity.<\/p>\nBikepacking bags range greatly in price from entry-level options to premium waterproof, robust and custom designs. Don\u2019t feel you need to invest in the best to get started, nor splash out on a full matching set \u2013 a handlebar bag and saddle bag will likely give you enough capacity for the bikepacking essentials.<\/p>\n
If you\u2019re on a tight budget, a waterproof drybag lashed to the handlebars using bungee cords or voile straps can work well.<\/p>\n
![\"""\"]( "\\"\"\"\\"\/")
<\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture><\/div> Tailfin is among the brands to offer lightweight racks for bikes without eyelets.<\/span><\/figcaption> Tailfin<\/i><\/span><\/div>\nIf you already have a pannier rack and bags for your bike, you can use those to go bikepacking too, although they tend to be most effective on the road rather than on bumpier off-road trails. Most racks require your frame to have eyelets for mounting, too.<\/p>\n
However, some brands, including Tailfin, offer lightweight racks that don\u2019t require specific eyelets, instead using a quick-release mechanism to attach to your frame.<\/p>\n
3. Sleeping kit<\/h3>\n ![\"""\"]( "\\"\"\"\\"\/")
<\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture><\/div> You have two main options when camping on a bikepacking trip: a bivvy bag or lightweight tent (as pictured).<\/span><\/figcaption> Ortlieb<\/i><\/span><\/div>\nHow and where will you stay overnight on your trip?<\/p>\n
Will you camp out in a tent, hang out in a hammock or go minimalist with a bivvy setup? Of course, there\u2019s also nothing wrong with staying in a guesthouse, B&B, hostel, hotel or bothy<\/a>.<\/p>\nIn fact, sometimes it\u2019s essential after a few days to wash your kit and recharge your batteries \u2013 not to mention enjoy a good night\u2019s rest in a proper bed! Plus, if you\u2019re just starting out bikepacking, booking into a B&B or campsite gives you some security in knowing where you\u2019ll sleep at the end of a long day in the saddle.<\/p>\n
![\"""\"]( "\\"\"\"\\"\/")
<\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture><\/div> Riding to stay overnight in a bothy is one of the best ways to get into bikepacking.<\/span><\/figcaption> Katherine Moore<\/i><\/span><\/div>\nThe optimal bikepacking sleep system is light, durable and packs down small, but as you can imagine this comes at a cost.<\/p>\n
If you\u2019re camping, you\u2019ll need:<\/p>\n
- Tent,\u00a0bivvy bag or tarp<\/li>\n
- Sleeping bag<\/li>\n
- Sleeping mat<\/li>\n<\/ul>
When it comes to packing your sleeping kit in your bike bags, it\u2019s a good idea to put it in the least easily accessible bag (typically a handlebar roll), because you\u2019ll only need it once you\u2019re finished for the day. Placing light but bulky items here also has less of an effect on steering.<\/p>\n
As before, if you\u2019re venturing off the beaten track, your kit list will expand significantly beyond these bare essentials, with cooking equipment and so on.<\/p>\n
4. Basic toiletries and electronics<\/h3>\n ![\"""\"]( "\\"\"\"\\"\/")
<\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture><\/div> Sun cream, dental care, bug repellent, contact lenses and feminine hygiene products are all things you may consider taking on your trip.<\/span><\/figcaption> Katherine Moore<\/i><\/span><\/div>\nNever underestimate the importance of basic hygiene \u2013 even on a bikepacking trip. A travel-size tube of toothpaste and small toothbrush will help to keep your teeth happy after the inevitable sugary energy snacks<\/a>.<\/p>\nSunscreen and insect repellent are both small but very important additions to your kit list that you shouldn\u2019t overlook, as well as lip balm (SPF options come in handy) for sunnier, windier conditions.<\/p>\n
It\u2019s also really important to try to keep yourself clean and dry \u2018down there\u2019 to avoid any skin irritation or saddle sores<\/a>. Take off your shorts as soon as you finish riding and switch into clean, casual clothing, then use a clean pair of shorts the next day or clean and dry the original pair if you can.<\/p>\nWithout access to electricity overnight, it\u2019s a good idea to take a fully charged battery pack with you, so you can recharge items such as your phone, GPS device, lights and camera.<\/p>\n
It\u2019s always a good idea to let someone know where you\u2019re heading and when you anticipate being back, especially if you\u2019re riding solo. Some of the best cycling apps<\/a> offer tracking functionality so your loved ones can make sure you\u2019re safe.<\/p>\n5. Warm layers and waterproofs<\/h3>\n
![\"""\"](\""https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2021\/09\/West-Kernow-Way-bikepacking21-a45b679.jpg?quality=90&resize=620%2C413"\" "\\"\"\"\\"\/")
<\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture><\/div>The classic way to head out for multi-day adventures on your bike used to be on a cycle touring trip and it\u2019s still practised today, even if bikepacking has become its trendier cousin.<\/p>\n
Predominantly an on-road experience, cycle touring involves loading up your bike with pannier bags, which sit on a rack at the rear of the bike. These are sometimes joined by another set of bags attached to a rack on the forks.<\/p>\n
There\u2019s a specific category of touring bikes<\/a> designed for cycle touring, usually made from steel for durability, with generous gearing for fully-loaded climbing, mudguard eyelets and lights (sometimes a dynamo light<\/a>).<\/p>\n In contrast, bikepacking uses bags designed to lash to your bike, which might be a mountain bike or a gravel bike, opening up off-road adventures rather than having to stick to tarmac, although you can also bikepack on a standard road bike.<\/p>\n Often, bikepackers will be aiming to travel as light as possible: think bivvy bag and wild camping in place of the tourer\u2019s tent on a campsite or \u2018credit card touring\u2019 between B&Bs (although there\u2019s nothing to stop you from carrying a tent and using a campsite, or staying in B&Bs, while bikepacking).<\/p>\n What to take on a bikepacking trip depends on where you\u2019re riding (how far you\u2019ll be from civilisation), for how long (an overnighter or round-the-world trip?) and your personal inclination to rough it (can you take the bare minimum or do you need a few luxuries?).<\/p>\n While compiling the ultimate bikepacking kit list often comes with experience, if you\u2019re preparing for an overnighter \u2013 perhaps your first introduction to bikepacking \u2013 here are the essentials.<\/p>\n It\u2019s true what they say: any bike is a bikepacking bike. In fact, that\u2019s one of the joys of bikepacking.<\/p>\n Don\u2019t wait until you can fork out for the ultimate long-distance touring bike<\/a> \u2013 simply plan a route based on the type of terrain your current bike can best handle, whether that\u2019s sticking to road, easy gravel trails or singletrack.<\/p>\n As some bikepacking routes<\/a> take you to more remote places, it\u2019s a good idea to make sure you\u2019re as self-sufficient as you can be, not only when it comes to looking after yourself, but your bike too.<\/p>\n As with any ride, make sure you pack spares and tools to fix common mechanicals, such as flat tyres or chain issues:<\/p>\n The further you\u2019re riding, or the further you\u2019ll be from civilisation, the more you\u2019ll need to take with you, to ensure you are self-sufficient in the event of more serious mechanicals. This may include a spare derailleur hanger, brake pads or gear cable.<\/p>\n It\u2019s also worth stashing a handful of spare bolts in case a bottle cage or any luggage rattles loose. The same applies for cleat bolts if you expect to do lots of hike-a-biking.<\/p>\n If you\u2019re not very confident in your own bike mechanic skills, why not invite a friend along who can help you?<\/p>\n You\u2019ll also need a GPS bike computer<\/a> or map for navigation. Remember, if you\u2019re using a bike computer, you\u2019ll need the means to charge it, too.<\/p>\n A lightweight bike lock<\/a> is also a sensible addition, to secure your bike at a campsite or if popping into a shop.<\/p>\n In order to carry what you need with you for your overnighter, you\u2019ll need some luggage, either on the bike, or carried on your person.<\/p>\n Although a rucksack will suffice for shorter trips, it\u2019ll certainly be less comfortable than bags strapped onto your bike, and limited in terms of capacity, too.<\/p>\n Bikepacking bags<\/a> are designed to be strapped to your bike and, unlike most pannier racks, don\u2019t require specific mounting points on your frame, so can be used with just about any bike.<\/p>\n Bikepacking bags are most commonly mounted to the seatpost\/saddle rails, the front of the handlebar and inside the main triangle.<\/p>\n Many of the the best gravel bikes<\/a> \u2013 often used for bikepacking thanks to their ability to comfortably handle both road and light off-road riding \u2013 have additional mounting points on the fork, the top of the top tube and on the underside of the down tube. This will be particularly useful if you\u2019re going all-out on capacity.<\/p>\n Bikepacking bags range greatly in price from entry-level options to premium waterproof, robust and custom designs. Don\u2019t feel you need to invest in the best to get started, nor splash out on a full matching set \u2013 a handlebar bag and saddle bag will likely give you enough capacity for the bikepacking essentials.<\/p>\n If you\u2019re on a tight budget, a waterproof drybag lashed to the handlebars using bungee cords or voile straps can work well.<\/p>\n If you already have a pannier rack and bags for your bike, you can use those to go bikepacking too, although they tend to be most effective on the road rather than on bumpier off-road trails. Most racks require your frame to have eyelets for mounting, too.<\/p>\n However, some brands, including Tailfin, offer lightweight racks that don\u2019t require specific eyelets, instead using a quick-release mechanism to attach to your frame.<\/p>\n How and where will you stay overnight on your trip?<\/p>\n Will you camp out in a tent, hang out in a hammock or go minimalist with a bivvy setup? Of course, there\u2019s also nothing wrong with staying in a guesthouse, B&B, hostel, hotel or bothy<\/a>.<\/p>\n In fact, sometimes it\u2019s essential after a few days to wash your kit and recharge your batteries \u2013 not to mention enjoy a good night\u2019s rest in a proper bed! Plus, if you\u2019re just starting out bikepacking, booking into a B&B or campsite gives you some security in knowing where you\u2019ll sleep at the end of a long day in the saddle.<\/p>\n The optimal bikepacking sleep system is light, durable and packs down small, but as you can imagine this comes at a cost.<\/p>\n If you\u2019re camping, you\u2019ll need:<\/p>\n When it comes to packing your sleeping kit in your bike bags, it\u2019s a good idea to put it in the least easily accessible bag (typically a handlebar roll), because you\u2019ll only need it once you\u2019re finished for the day. Placing light but bulky items here also has less of an effect on steering.<\/p>\n As before, if you\u2019re venturing off the beaten track, your kit list will expand significantly beyond these bare essentials, with cooking equipment and so on.<\/p>\n Never underestimate the importance of basic hygiene \u2013 even on a bikepacking trip. A travel-size tube of toothpaste and small toothbrush will help to keep your teeth happy after the inevitable sugary energy snacks<\/a>.<\/p>\n Sunscreen and insect repellent are both small but very important additions to your kit list that you shouldn\u2019t overlook, as well as lip balm (SPF options come in handy) for sunnier, windier conditions.<\/p>\n It\u2019s also really important to try to keep yourself clean and dry \u2018down there\u2019 to avoid any skin irritation or saddle sores<\/a>. Take off your shorts as soon as you finish riding and switch into clean, casual clothing, then use a clean pair of shorts the next day or clean and dry the original pair if you can.<\/p>\n Without access to electricity overnight, it\u2019s a good idea to take a fully charged battery pack with you, so you can recharge items such as your phone, GPS device, lights and camera.<\/p>\n It\u2019s always a good idea to let someone know where you\u2019re heading and when you anticipate being back, especially if you\u2019re riding solo. Some of the best cycling apps<\/a> offer tracking functionality so your loved ones can make sure you\u2019re safe.<\/p>\n![\"""\"](\""https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2021\/03\/Ortlieb-touring-bike-b574885.jpg?quality=90&resize=620%2C413"\" "\\"\"\"\\"\/")
<\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture><\/div>What to take on a bikepacking trip<\/h2>\n
1. Your bike<\/h3>\n
![\"""\"](\""https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2021\/07\/Lachlan-Morton-Alt-Tour-bike-18-1c8aedc.jpg?quality=90&resize=620%2C413"\" "\\"\"\"\\"\/")
<\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture><\/div>2. Bikepacking bags, panniers or a rucksack<\/h3>\n
![\"""\"](\""https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2021\/09\/BT21_Adventure_Bags0544-6f7d107.jpg?quality=90&resize=619%2C413"\" "\\"\"\"\\"\/")
<\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture><\/div>![\"""\"](\""https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2022\/02\/Campagnolo_cycling_backpack_3-6dcf708-e1645455567838.jpg?quality=90&resize=619%2C413"\" "\\"\"\"\\"\/")
<\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture><\/div>![\"""\"](\""https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2021\/10\/Tailfin-SFM-Lifestyle-1-e68bb80.jpg?quality=90&resize=619%2C413"\" "\\"\"\"\\"\/")
<\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture><\/div>3. Sleeping kit<\/h3>\n
![\"""\"](\""https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2021\/03\/Ortlieb-bikepacking-bags-21-2b2ed22-e1617021919959.jpg?quality=90&resize=619%2C413"\" "\\"\"\"\\"\/")
<\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture><\/div>![\"""\"](\""https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2019\/02\/IMG_20190511_164239-979475a.jpg?quality=90&crop=14px%2C128px%2C4004px%2C2667px&resize=620%2C413"\" "\\"\"\"\\"\/")
<\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture><\/div>4. Basic toiletries and electronics<\/h3>\n
![\"""\"](\""https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2019\/02\/IMG_20190410_112639-fe393f0.jpg?quality=90&resize=620%2C413"\" "\\"\"\"\\"\/")
<\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture><\/div>5. Warm layers and waterproofs<\/h3>\n