Guest contribution by Tyler Tafelsky
Picture this: Just you, your bike, and everything you need strapped to your frame as you pedal into the wilderness. Bikepacking represents the perfect fusion of cycling and adventure, offering a unique way to explore the world at a perfect pace – fast enough to cover serious ground, yet slow enough to soak in every moment. Whether you are planning to tackle remote singletrack or meander along quiet backroads, the key to an enjoyable multi-day adventure is carrying the right gear without overloading your trusty steed.
As we prepare for a hypothetical five-day journey into the backcountry, let’s break down the essential equipment that will transform your bike into a self-sufficient adventure machine. The beauty of modern bike-packing stems from its simplicity – today’s lightweight gear and creative storage solutions have revolutionized how we carry our equipment, making multi-day trips more accessible than ever before. Gone are the days of overloaded panniers and cumbersome setups that made every climb feel like scaling Everest.
The right combination of gear can make the difference between an epic adventure and a grueling ordeal. From sleep systems and shelter to clothing and repair tools, each item must earn its place on your packing list. Let’s dive into the essential gear you will need to tackle your next multi-day bikepacking adventure with confidence and comfort.
Bikepacking Essential Gear
1. The Right Bike Bags
Bikepacking bags represent a revolutionary shift from traditional panniers, offering a streamlined and efficient approach to carrying gear on extended adventures. These bags maintain your bike’s agility while distributing weight evenly across the frame, which proves crucial for stability and control during your journey.
The choice of bags significantly depends on your bike type and frame configuration. Gravel bikes typically excel with full-frame bags, providing ample storage space without compromising handling characteristics. In contrast, full-suspension mountain bikes require more creative solutions, as their frame design often limits traditional bag placement. For these bikes, seat packs and handlebar bags often become the primary storage options.
The standard bikepacking setup consists of three core components: a seat pack, handlebar pack, and frame pack. This trinity forms the foundation of most bikepackers’ storage systems, with additional accessories like stem bags and top tube bags available for extended capacity needs. The beauty of modern bikepacking bags lies in their versatility – you can add or remove bags based on your specific trip requirements, creating a custom setup that perfectly matches your adventure’s demands.
Image: Unsplash/ Patrick Hendry
2. Hydration Systems
Proper hydration storage forms the backbone of any successful bikepacking adventure. Cyclists typically need to consume between 500-1000ml of fluid per hour, depending on temperature and riding intensity. For most road rides in populated areas, carrying up to three liters suffices, while remote off-road adventures might require five liters or more, or a reliable water filtration system.
Water bottles offer simplicity and easy refilling but have limited capacity, typically maxing out at 2-2.5 liters with standard frame mounting points. Hydration bladders provide greater flexibility, with options ranging from 1.5 to 3 liters, and can conform to various spaces within frame bags. The choice between bottles and bladders often depends on your riding style – bladders excel in technical off-road terrain where grabbing a bottle might be challenging, while bottles remain ideal for road bikepacking where cleanliness and easy access are priorities.
Frame geometry and bag selection significantly influence hydration storage options. A full frame bag might eliminate bottle cage mounts within the main triangle, necessitating alternative solutions. Fork-mounted bottle cages have become increasingly popular, with many of the best bikepacking bikes featuring triple-boss mounts on each fork blade. This setup allows for additional water storage or the versatility to carry other gear like sleeping pads or dry bags.
Many bikepackers opt for a combination of storage methods. A common setup includes two cycling bottles in fork-mounted cages or stem bags, plus a frame bag-mounted hydration bladder for extended capacity. This arrangement balances accessibility with volume while maintaining the bike’s handling characteristics by keeping the weight distributed low and central on the frame.
3. On-the-Go Nutrition
Staying fueled during your bikepacking adventure stands as a cornerstone of maintaining energy levels and conquering the miles ahead. Proper nutrition not only keeps your body functioning at its peak but elevates your entire trail experience.
When it comes to quick fuel, convenience reigns supreme. Snack bars provide rapid energy in an easy-to-pack format, while energy gels deliver concentrated carbohydrates for swift consumption during rides. Trail mix emerges as a versatile option, combining nuts, dried fruits, and chocolate to deliver an ideal blend of protein, fats, and sugars for sustained energy.
A successful multi-day adventure requires thoughtful meal planning beyond simple snacks. This might involve pre-packaging meals for the journey or strategically mapping food resupply points in towns along your route. Lightweight, non-perishable options like dehydrated meals prove invaluable – they require only hot water for preparation and pack down small. The key lies in striking the right balance between nutritional value and practical convenience to maintain energy reserves throughout the journey.
Image: Bearclaw Bicycle Co. Thunderhawk
4. Repair Kit
A well-prepared bikepacking adventure requires a comprehensive repair kit to handle mechanical issues that may arise on the trail. Self-sufficiency becomes paramount if you find yourself miles from the nearest bike shop or cell service.
Some of the most essential tools and repair items include:
Extra Tubes: Pack one or two spare inner tubes for quick flat tire replacement Tubeless Tire Plugs:
Tire Levers: Essential tools for removing tires from the rim
Mini Pump or CO2 Inflator: Necessary for tire inflation after repairs
Patch Kit: Useful for repairing punctured tubes in the field
Multi-tool: Invaluable for various adjustments and repairs
Chain Breaker Tool: Enables chain repair when needed
Spare Chain Links: Essential for replacing broken chain segments
Duct Tape: Versatile repair material for securing loose parts
First Aid Kit: While not for bike repair, it is crucial for personal safety
This comprehensive kit will enable you to address most mechanical issues that could derail your adventure, keeping you rolling through remote terrain with confidence.
5. Travel-Size Toiletries
Maintaining personal hygiene during a bikepacking adventure demands careful consideration of toiletry selection and packaging. Travel-size containers prove invaluable for minimizing bulk while carrying essential items. A well-organized toiletry kit should include the fundamentals: toothbrush, toothpaste, biodegradable soap, deodorant, and sunscreen.
Reusable travel bottles offer an excellent solution for carrying liquid products like shampoo and sunscreen. These compact containers save valuable space while providing enough capacity for multi-day adventures. For longer trips, consider solid alternatives like shampoo bars, which offer exceptional space efficiency and eliminate concerns about leakage.A lightweight hanging toiletry bag with a swivel hook proves particularly useful at campsites and shared facilities. Pack items strategically by using a combination of solid products and concentrated liquids in small containers. Remember to keep frequently needed items like sunscreen and chamois creamchamois cream easily accessible in your frame bags or jersey pockets.
6. Rain and Cold Weather Gear
Unpredictable weather demands strategic preparation for your bikepacking adventure. The right combination of weather protection gear keeps you comfortable and safe when conditions turn challenging.
To prepare for inclement weather, here are some of the most crucial forms of protection to consider:
Waterproof Rain Jacket: A cycling-specific rain jacket with proper venting and a dropped tail to protect from wheel spray
Rain Pants: Lightweight, packable waterproof pants for sustained wet conditions
Merino Base Layers: Wool base layers maintain warmth even when wet
Weatherproof Gloves: Essential for maintaining control and comfort in wet conditions
Lightweight Wind Shell: A packable layer that provides protection from wind and light precipitation
Warm Insulation Layer: A puffy jacket or synthetic insulation piece for camp and cold mornings
Waterproof Socks: Help maintain foot comfort during extended wet riding
Shoe Covers: Protect cycling shoes from rain and road spray
Buff or Neck Gaiter: Versatile protection for the neck and face in varying conditions
The key to managing inclement weather lies in layering these items strategically. Keep your riding clothes separate from camp clothes, and always store at least one complete set of dry clothing in a waterproof bag for emergencies. Remember that proper weather gear not only enhances comfort but can be crucial for safety when bikepacking in remote areas.
Image: Unsplash/ Kyle Loftus
7. Sleep System
A well-chosen sleep system proves essential for comfort and safety during bikepacking adventures. Modern options offer an impressive balance of packability, weight savings, and comfort to suit various riding styles and conditions.
A tent setup provides the most protection and comfort, with options like the Sea to Summit Telos TR2 Bikepacking tentoffering compact pole sets specifically designed for bike-mounted storage. For those prioritizing minimal weight and quick setup, a bivvy bag presents an ultralight option, though it comes with compromises in ventilation and comfort.
The Sea to Summit Spark SP3 stands out as a versatile sleeping bag option, offering an impressive warmth-to-weight ratio and packing down to the size of a water bottle. For sleeping pads, the Sea to Summit Ether Light XT provides excellent comfort with its 4-inch thickness and built-in insulation, making it particularly suitable for side sleepers.
Hammock systems offer a unique solution for those riding in wooded areas, providing off-ground comfort and eliminating the need for flat camping spots. Some ultra-distance riders opt for minimal setups, combining an insulated bivvy with a lightweight sleeping pad and relying on their cycling clothing as part of their sleep system.
The key to selecting the right sleep system lies in balancing your comfort requirements with space constraints and the specific demands of your planned adventures. Whether choosing a full tent setup or a minimalist approach, prioritize gear that packs small and offers protection appropriate for your expected conditions.
Takeaway
As you embark on your bikepacking adventures, remember that the journey is just as important as the destination. Embrace the challenges, stay adaptable, and let the open road inspire your spirit of exploration. With the right gear and a positive mindset, every ride can become a memorable story worth telling.
Banner photo credit: Bearclaw Bicycle Co. Thunderhawk
Author Bio
The post was contributed by Tyler Tafelsky, a veteran bikepacker and ultra-distance gravel racer. Tyler enjoys many facets of cycling, from multi-day adventures to competitive endurance events.