Bikes, clothing and camping accessories: Equipment tips for bikepacking adventures

Gravel bikes

Rose Backroad GRX RX820

With a score of 2.0, the Rose bike secured the top spot in our large Comparison test of Gravelbikes together with the Canyon Grizl CF SL 6 AXS. The plus points of the Backroad are the It is light and stiff, can take tyres up to 47 millimetres and has robust wheels. Only the somewhat sluggish steering detracts from the overall picture.

Price: 2999 Euro >> e.g. available here

Trek Checkpoint ALR 5

The Checkpoint is a sporty gravel bike trimmed for speed. In our comparison test, it received a score of 2.4 and is our price-performance tip. We were impressed by the dynamic handling, the efficient position and the numerous threaded eyelets. Deductions were made for the tyre clearance, which "only" reaches up to 43 millimetres, for comfort and for the loose rubber plugs in the eyelets.

Price: 2499 Euro >> currently available at Fahhrad XXL at a reduced price.

E-gravel bike Van Rysel E-GRVL AF HD Mahle X35+

If you prefer something a little less strenuous, you might prefer an e-gravel bike for your bikepacking tour - like the Van Rysel E-GRVL AF HD Mahle X35+. The e-bike from Decathlon is characterised by its relaxed riding position and its large tyre clearance - up to 45 or 47 millimetres are possible.

Price: 2899 Euro >> e.g. available at Decathlon

Specialised Diverge STR Expert

At the end of 2023, we looked back on our test year and once again scrutinised the bikes that stood out in particular, such as the Specialised Diverge STR Expert. The gravel bike with full suspension earned a score of 1.8 in the test and the award for the most comfortable gravel bike in the 2023 TOUR test.

Price: 7000 Euro

Accessories for gravel bikes

Restrap Bike Packing Bags

No bikepacking tour without good bags. We can recommend the products from Restrap. All four bags from the bikepacking specialist scored highly in our Comparison test with a one before the decimal point. The Bar Bag received a score of 1.3, the Top Tube Bag a 1.8, the Frame Bag a 1.3 and the Saddle Bag also a 1.3.

• Price Bar Bag Large: 159,95 Euro >> e.g. available here
• Price Top Tube Bag: 51,99 Euro >> e.g. available here at a reduced price
• Price Frame Bag Medium: 89,99 Euro >> e.g. available here at a reduced price
• Saddle bag price: 143.99 euros >> e.g. available here at a reduced price

Continental Terra Speed Gravel tyres

Good grip and low rolling resistance are important when riding on gravel tracks. The Terra Speed Gravel from Conti combines these properties and also weighs very little.

Price: 64,95 Euro >> currently available from Rosebikes for 38.95 euros

Bikepacking system from Aroe

Bikes with few mounting points for luggage require improvisation. One solution is the Spider Rack System from Aroe, which can be attached to virtually any rear triangle using a tensioning strap system. Our colleagues from BIKE magazine have already tried it.

Price: 135 Euro >> currently available from Rosebikes for 114 euros.

Wahoo Elemnt Roam V2 GPS computer

A good bike computer is essential for gravel riding. For example, we can recommend the Wahoo Elemnt Roam V2, which we have already tested this year. Our verdict: "The Elemnt is in its element when it comes to operation and functionality. Operation with the non-slip buttons is easy to understand and always works. The display is similarly practical, as it is easy to read in any environment and in any weather. Its connection standards allow networking with any device and any software in the cycling world."

Price: 399.95 euros >> e.g. currently available at Bergzeit for 378 euros

Clothing

Assos Mille GTO Bib Shorts C2

Comfort on the bike is ensured by the right cycling shorts, among other things. Although the Assos Mille GTO Bib Short C2 has a high price tag, it offers a compromise between comfort and compression. The padding is optimally held in place at the back by the criss-cross straps, but feels slightly nappy when stationary. The trousers are also very well made. All in all, our Cycling shorts test TOUR score of 1.2 for the long haul.

Price: 319 Euro >> e.g. available from Bike-Components

Vaude Kuro jersey

The Vaude Kuro jersey is suitable for gravel bikers and adventure seekers. A total of four pockets offer sufficient storage space for smaller items. The jersey is also available in Ladies version.

Price: 90 Euro

POC Omne Ultra Gravel Helmet

To protect your head, you need the right helmet. The Omna Ulta from POCwhich is equipped with MIPS, is a good choice. It also has attachment options for a rain cover, sunglasses or other small items.

Price: 219,95 Euro

Cycling shoes: Shimano SH RX600

For gravel riding, we recommend sporty shoes that offer a certain level of comfort, such as the Shimano SH RX600. The cycling shoe is equipped with a carbon sole for good power transmission and a BOA twist lock to quickly find the right fit on the foot. It also has a studded profile, which is designed to ensure comfort and safety when walking.

Price: 189,95 Euro >> currently available from Rosebikes for 149.95 euros.

Camping and outdoor products

For a bikepacking adventure with an overnight stay outdoors, we recommend taking a few useful little helpers with you. Our sister magazine BIKE has taken a closer look at some of these products that should not be missing on a bikepacking tour.

Tarp: Quechua Fresh

A tarp is a type of tarpaulin that serves as rudimentary weather protection. It can also be easily stretched between two bikes.

Price: 49.99 euros >> e.g. available at Decathlon

Tent: MSR FreeLite 2

If you want more protection than a tarp offers, it's better to use a tent for a bikepacking tour. With the FreeLite, MSR offers a two-person tent with a total weight of just over one kilo, which can also be set up quickly.

Price: 594.95 euros >> e.g. available at Bergzeit

Insulation mat: Thermarest Z Lite Sol

Bikepackers should have a good sleeping pad with them when camping. The Thermarest Z Lite Sol weighs just 400 grams, has a compact pack size and is virtually indestructible.

Price: 64,95 Euro >> e.g. available at Amazon

Cooking system: Primus Lite Plus Feed Zone

The Primus cooking system, which the manufacturer has in its range especially for bikepacking adventures, provides the culinary delights.

Price: 149.95 >> e.g. available at Bergzeit

Cutlery: Primus-TrailSpork aluminium

The TrailSpork from Primus, a combination of spoon and fork, is the perfect complement.

Price: 9,95 Euro >> e.g. available at Bergfreunde

Other useful products for your gravel bike adventure

• Sun cream - such as A4 Cosmetics Day Watch SPF 30 >> available here
• Powerbank - such as the Powerbank PLUS from XLayer
• Seat cream - such as ilon Protect Ointment >> available here
• Bicycle lamp - such as the Lupine SL MiniMax AF 5 >> available here
• First aid kit - e.g. Deuter First Aid Kit Active >> available here