In this article, we use so-called affiliate links. With every purchase through these links, we receive a commission from the merchant. All relevant referral links are marked with . Learn more.
Our seven bikepacking tips for getting started
Bikepacking tip 1: When planning your route, less is often more
... and by that we don't mean less planning, but shorter distances. Especially if you are travelling with a loaded bike for the first time, you will quickly realise that it slows you down. Headwinds or uncomfortable weather can also quickly ruin your plans if the day's destination is an ambitious distance away. Therefore, it is better to plan slightly shorter distances per stage.
Many route planning apps, such as komoot and Outdooractive, indicate the surface. Does the route run mainly on tarmac roads and cycle paths, are there gravel paths or even a lot of singletrails? These are also relevant points to consider when bikepacking.
At this point, it should be mentioned that there are many different types of planners. One person plans the entire tour meticulously from start to finish, including overnight stops. Another person plans the entire route and sees how far they get each day. Of course, there are also people who plan less and just go for it. Ultimately, it's a question of type.
Bikepacking tip 2: weigh up luggage and comfort
The more luggage on the bike, the heavier it becomes, the more sluggish it reacts and the more strenuous it is to ride. With lighter luggage, on the other hand, the bike remains more agile and climbs are easier to tackle. However, the recommendation from the editorial team is not to buy the lightest piece of equipment available on the market, nor to forget your own well-being when packing.
Especially when starting out, we recommend using the equipment you already have in your household and first finding out whether bikepacking is the right thing to do. You can think about each item on the packing list: What do I (potentially) need it for? Can I do without it or is it relevant to my own well-being and comfort?
Bikepacking tip 3: Multifunctionality
Equipment that covers several functions helps to save weight and, in particular, valuable packing volume.
- From a waterproof rucksack is used in combination with a Insulation jacket quickly a pillow
- A few Shoes, which are suitable for cycling but are also good for walking
- Sunglasses with photochromic lenses instead of interchangeable lenses or interchangeable glasses
- The Rain jacket can also be used as a windbreaker instead of packing both
However, you should always take tools and spare parts, a first aid kit, hygiene products and sun cream with you.
Bikepacking tip 4: Spend the night in comfort
Tent, Tarp, Hammock or Bivouac sack Overnight stays outdoors are a must on bikepacking tours, aren't they? No, of course not. A tour with overnight stays in hotels or guesthouses or with friends is also a proper bikepacking tour. If you don't feel comfortable outdoors or don't have enough equipment to spend the night outside, choose other options. A good night's sleep and good rest are important in order to be able to continue riding the next day.
Bikepacking tip 5: Pack cleverly
Many people may be familiar with the situation: what you need right now is at the bottom of your rucksack. There are similar scenes when bikepacking. To avoid having to rummage through all your bags in the middle of the day to find your rain trousers or having to completely unpack and repack a bag, it helps to pack with a system. This can look like this.
Everything that is needed during the ride, such as snacks and a mobile phone, goes in the top tube bag, a snack bag or a frame bag, as long as it can be opened with a zip. Items such as tools and a first aid kit should also be within easy reach, but not while riding. They can be stored in the rear corners of the frame bag. Some people prefer not to open the saddlebag, while others prefer the handlebar roll. Depending on the situation, everything you need for the overnight stay should go in the bag that stays closed. The rest of it and a change of clothes for the day go in the last bag. The things that could potentially be unpacked should be packed last - such as the rain jacket.
Pack the handlebar roller and saddle bag correctly
Make sure that the handlebar roller is not packed too wide. This is always important if you are travelling on a bike with curved handlebars. A bag that is too wide will either not fit between the handlebars at all or will impair shifting and braking.
Both for the Handlebar bag as well as with the Saddlebag It is important that the contents are really stuffed into the bag. If the contents of the bag are not sufficiently compressed, the bags may start to wobble, rock or buckle.
Bikepacking tip 6: Never not snacking
Bikepacking tip 7: Stay flexible
Not everything always goes according to plan. Sometimes the weather throws a spanner in the works, sometimes progress on the planned route is much slower than expected, sometimes a breakdown causes a delay. Especially in such cases, it's good if you can remain flexible on your bikepacking tour. This allows you to discard a plan and make a new one straight away.
After the bikepacking tips is before the bikepacking tour
Those were our bikepacking tips, all that remains is to wish you lots of fun on your adventure!
Sandra Schuberth
Editor
