Bikepacking tips & tricks: How to make your bikepacking adventure a success
Mirijam Pelikan
· 20.06.2024
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Bikepacking transforms every bike tour into an exciting adventure with minimal luggage. Instead of heavy saddlebags, the equipment - tent, sleeping bag, clothing and food - is attached to the frame, saddle and handlebars in special bags. The appeal lies in the absolute freedom that bikepacking offers. It allows independence and flexibility on two wheels. In contrast to travelling by train or car, where nature quickly passes by, with bikepacking it is part of the overall travel experience.
Bikepacking: The right bike
Before you dive into the world of bikepacking, you should ask yourself an important question: What is my drive? Is it speed on the tarmac or am I more attracted to the unspoilt trails off the beaten track? The answer to this question determines which bike best suits your needs. Sara Hallbauer, a professional bikepacking racer, explains: "For rides on tarmac I rely on my road bike, for gravel paths I use my gravel bike and for challenging terrain I reach for my mountain bike." However, it is not necessary to put yourself under too much pressure at the beginning - the bike you already own is often enough. The trend among bikepackers is towards gravel bikes as all-rounders. However, it is important to make sure that the chosen tyre tread is not too thin and that a mountain bike is preferred for routes with technically difficult sections.
What do you need for a bikepacking tour?
According to Hallbauer, the things you take with you always depend on your sleeping strategy. If you spend the night in a hotel, you can of course do without the tent equipment. Hallbauer's ultra-light tent fits in the handlebar bag together with her rain gear. For the night, she normally wears a long-sleeved shirt, trousers, warm socks and a hat. All these items of clothing are packed in the saddle bag together with a warm down jacket, a first aid kit and a sleeping bag. The top tube bag has space for bars and electronics, such as a power bank. Heavy items such as food, tools and the water tank are stowed in the frame bag. "This arrangement shifts the centre of gravity of the bike downwards and towards the centre. This means you are ideally equipped for off-road routes," explains Hallbauer.
About the person: Sara Hallbauer, bikepacking pro
Sara Hallbauer discovered bikepacking in an unusual way. She was originally a keen sportswoman and loved horse riding, mountaineering and skiing. But after her beloved horse had to be put down and she broke her ankle on a ski tour, she had to look for a new activity. Her doctor recommended cycling for her recovery and Sara immediately fell in love with the sport.
She soon decided to go on longer tours by bike. In 2020, she took part in the Bikepacking Transgermany Tour - a tour that runs from the Rhine to Cape Arkona and crosses Germany. Since then, Sara has taken part in many official bikepacking races, including the Transcontinental Race, Northcape 4000 and Race across France.
She also enjoys going on cycling holidays in her private life, but at a more leisurely pace than during races. On her blog bikepackers.com Sara regularly reports on her latest bikepacking adventures.
6 bikepacking tips from Sara Hallbauer
1. slowly find your feet
For your first bikepacking tour, it is advisable not to choose a route that is too long. Depending on your level of fitness, 60-100 kilometres in one day is enough. It's a good idea to start by visiting friends and family and only gradually plan longer routes. Don't worry, bikepacking is nothing more than cycling - anyone can do it! If you are planning your first tour on a mountain bike, you can brush up on your downhill skills at DAV technique courses.
2. no excuses
An important step in bikepacking is planning and booking a date in the calendar to ensure that you can actually set off. According to Hallbauer, you shouldn't let the rain put you off, as bikepacking can be fun even in bad weather. She recommends using the Meteo Blue weather radar to take breaks during rain showers, for example.
3. not without my repair kit
If you go on longer bike tours, it is important to have basic repair skills. Repairing inner tubes and tyres is the be-all and end-all - otherwise the bike tour could quickly be over. Hallbauer therefore recommends packing a tool kit, a repair kit, an air pump, a spare inner tube and at least three tyre levers.
4. drink, drink, drink
It's easy to forget the time when cycling. However, it is important to drink enough fluids. You should also snack on an energy bar from time to time to ensure you have enough energy when bikepacking.
5. taboo: wild camping
According to Hallbauer, the term wild camping is often associated with romantic notions of camping in nature. However, this poses a major problem for nature and wildlife conservation. Wild camping is therefore not permitted in Germany. It is recommended to look for private land where pitching a tent is legally permitted or to spend the night on a campsite.
6. homecoming hacks
If you are unable to cycle home, you should make sure you find a space on the train in good time. Bicycle parking spaces are scarce in summer. One of Hallbauer's tricks is to have a collapsible bike bag sent to your destination. She removes the front wheel, folds down the handlebars and packs the bike into the bag. This way, it is considered luggage and is less bulky, explains the expert. Alternatively, some places also offer bike shuttles, for example on Lake Garda. The bus takes cyclists and their bikes safely back home. Flixbus has also proven to be a good option for Hallbauer for the journey home.
Equipment tips: Useful things for bikepacking
- Cyclite panniers: robust food pouch, approx. 40 euros >> available here
- Weatherproof top tube bag, approx. 90 euros
- TOM 18 multi-function tool made of stainless chrome-vanadium tool steel from SKS Germany, approx. 17 euros >> available here
- Mini floor pump from Lezyne, 160 psi/11 bar, approx. 55 euros >> available here
- Ultralight tent "Lizard Seamless" for summer, spring and autumn by Vaude for 1-2 people, approx. 650 euros >> available here
- Lightweight "Rise" road bike helmet with quick-drying helmet padding from Uvex, approx. 120 euros >> available here
Bikepacking tour suggestions
With her wealth of experience from riding many routes, bikepacking pro Sara Hallbauer has curated two customised routes for us.
Route 1 (blue): For bikepacking enthusiasts
The popular classic route stretches from the source of the Isar to Bad Tölz and is around 80.5 kilometres long. If you fancy a longer route, you can start the tour in Munich and thus extend the route. Depending on your personal fitness level, it is advisable to plan an overnight stay at your destination so that you can start the return journey the next day refreshed.
Route 2 (orange): For bikepacking pros
The "Tour Royal" starts at the royal castle in Hohenschwangau near Füssen and leads along Lake Tegernsee and Lake Chiemsee to Königssee in Schönau. This route can be completed in three daily stages of around 100 kilometres each. However, it is important to note that this tour is not for inexperienced cyclists. A good level of fitness and willpower are required here.
Sara Hallbauer has put together her favourite routes on komoot: https://www.komoot.com/de-de/collection/2015167/saras-schoenste-schotterstrecken-graveln-im-toelzer-land
Tips for bikepacking with the e-bike
Ralf Reins from e-motion experts GmbH explains the most important questions about bikepacking tours with an e-bike.
What are the advantages of bikepacking with an e-bike?
Ralf Reins: E-bikes reduce the effort required and increase the travelling distance. This is particularly beneficial for older riders and bikepacking beginners. In addition, the packing list can be more generous when bikepacking with an e-bike, as the motor absorbs the higher payload. Watch out: If you want to combine the e-bike tour with a train journey, you should pay attention to the weight of the e-bike.
Which e-bike is best?
Trekking and SUV e-bikes in particular are usually designed to meet the requirements of bikepacking. In addition to the classic models, there are many other systems that are suitable for bikepacking: compact or light e-bikes are particularly practical to handle, while full-power e-bikes deliver a good amount of power. No matter which e-bike you choose: In any case, we recommend that you test ride the e-bike yourself.
How do I manage battery life effectively on longer bikepacking tours?
High-quality motor systems show the remaining range in the respective assistance level on the display. To reach your destination as efficiently as possible, you can use the different motor levels cleverly and with foresight: Eco mode for flat stretches and turbo mode for steep sections. Very modern systems even have an automatic mode.
