Let's Go Bikepacking

So, you fancy having a crack at bikepacking? Great stuff. The good news is that there’s not really a wrong way or a right way to go about doing it. And there are already a ton of tips, insights and info out there to do your research before saddling up. But that can also all be a bit daunting and confusing. So, below is a checklist to help get you started. Designed to inform you – and hopefully inspire you – before you set off on your first bikepacking adventure...

The Best Bike for the Job 

Yes, a bike comes in handy for bikepacking. Otherwise, you’re just backpacking. But any bike can be a bikepacking bike. And the best bike for the job is the one you already have. If it’s in useable condition and is going to get you there and back safely, all good. Naturally, some bikes are better suited for riding off the beaten path, taking a beating and carrying you and your gear more easily. Like the Cannondale Topstone Alloy for example. Designed to deal with whatever you throw at it while taking you to wherever your trip takes you.

Bag / Backpack / Frame Bag

Matching frame bags are nice to look at, but they’re not necessary for your first time. A bag or two strapped to your bars and bike will be more than adequate for your first adventure. Even riding with a small backpack can be a surprisingly comfortable way of taking what you need to where you want to go. For your first overnighter, borrowing items like bags or frame bags from friends can be a smart and economical solution, while giving you an insight into what you’d like to focus on picking up for your next trip.  

Tent, Sleeping Bag, Open Mind

For your first trip, taking a tent and camping equipment that you already own or that you can borrow is your best bet for a night or two under the stars. Sure, it might be a bit on the bulky or heavy side. But it’s going to be perfect for your first overnighter. As long as you’re warm and dry, you’re winning. It’s always fun to start looking into the lightest, smallest gear on the market. But for your first adventure, that can wait for another time. Use this trip to learn what you would do differently next time, while deciding which parts of your kit you would like to invest more in.

Pack, Unpack, Repack

In other words, pack lighter, go further. Even for someone planning a bikepacking trip around the world, you don’t want too much stuff weighing you down. So, once you’ve gathered your gear together, think seriously about what you do and don’t need with you. Maybe you don’t need that extra bulky sweater. And maybe you have a lighter pair of comfy camp shoes to put on at the end of a day’s riding. You don’t need multiples of everything for a short trip. So, if in doubt, leave it out.  

Spares for Repairs and Keeping Moving

Mechanical mishaps can happen to the most experienced bikepacker. But having some key items in your kit to keep you moving can make all the difference. A minipump, tire levers and spare tubes are a must-have, as punctures and flats are the most common hiccup you can run into. This is one piece of maintenance that you should know how to deal with. So practicing replacing a tire tube before your trip is a great idea. Meanwhile, having a multi-tool containing the relevant hex sizes that your bike needs is another no-brainer. Wrapping some duct tape around your pump for safe keeping can come in super handy, both on and off the bike. While a few zip ties in your bag can help secure all kinds of unexpected bike parts and camp gear mishaps along the way. 

Short is Beautiful

For your first overnighter, choose a route that doesn’t stray too far from home or civilization. Better yet, a loop that starts and ends back home or at your parked car will also make things easier. Simple by design and never too far from amenities such as gas stations or stores means supplies, meals and assistance are also never too far from reach. There are lots of apps for planning routes out there. A few of our favorites are Komoot, Ride with GPS and Strava.

Buddies / Partners / Wingmen

Riding with friends is always more fun than riding solo. And the same goes for bikepacking. Because not only do you get to share the mental load along with the highs, lows and laughs along the way. You can also share the physical load, dividing a few items for the camp between you. Maybe one of you carries the stove, while someone else agrees to bring the coffee. Maybe you’re even sharing a 2–3-person tent for the night. The more the merrier as the saying goes. And the saying definitely applies in bikepacking.

Fuel for On and Off the Bike

If you want to cook at camp, keeping things simple is going to seem like a great idea at the end of a day’s riding. Simple boil in the bag camp food is a lightweight and easy to prepare option on your first overnighter. Alternatively, leave the heavy stove and cooking equipment at home and carry simpler options for eating with you. Making pitstops at any stores or gas stations that you pass can also offer up all kinds of great options for meals on the go. And best of all, riding a bike and carrying bikepacking gear burns a ton of calories. So whatever food you choose to refuel with is going to taste AMAZING at the end of a day’s riding.

But First, Coffee

Coffee tastes better outdoors, fact. So does cocoa and every other beverage for that matter. And preparing and enjoying a hot drink of your choosing is one of bikepacking’s pleasures. But you don’t need to go full barista on your first trip. Proper ground coffee is a nice to have luxury. But a decent instant blend will taste like one of the best brews ever when your campsite.

Take Only Photos

And leave no trace. We’re all welcome out there in the outdoors. Which is great. But let’s all agree to leave it as we find it, so that the next folk passing through get to enjoy it too. Or, better yet, maybe leave things nicer than we find them. So, in the spirit of #trashfreetrails let’s pick up after ourselves, and check the local rules for wildcamping before we set off.

Enjoy The Ride

Is bikepacking fun? Absolutely! It’s one of the most rewarding things you can make use of a bike for. And doing it with friends, all the better. Sure, you might find yourselves getting rained on unexpectedly. And yes, things can get chilly out there at night. But these are all part of the adventure. And all part of the stories you have to share when you get home. A bit of laughter at the situation when things don’t go 100% to plan can make all the difference. So, one of the most important things to remember is to pack your sense of humor. Have fun out there!