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Dominik Scherer (pictured above) is a bicycle mechanic, bike guide, employee in the bicycle laboratory at TOUR, BIKE and MYBIKE and a passionate long-distance cyclist and gravel biker. His biggest bikepacking adventure to date was the Tour Divide in the USA: 4410 kilometres and almost 50,000 metres in altitude, from Banff in the Canadian Rockies to Antelope Wells on the US-Mexico border. He cycled the route in just 22 days in race mode, but he would like to do it again and take more time, preferably around 50 days.
You can find his tips for gravel tour equipment in his packing list below: In the often remote regions, it is important to have some manual dexterity for bike breakdowns and the right equipment.
What equipment for bikepacking?
Packing lists for bikepacking tours are very individual. With Dominik Scherer's list of tools, repairs and other equipment, TOUR offers inspiration and ideas for your own adventures.
Repairing defects on the bike
- Air pump
- Hoses
- Tube patches and tyre patches
- Valve core The valve insert is delicate and can bend or break quickly. The small parts do not weigh much, but can be extremely helpful in the event of a defect.
- Nipple clamp A nipple tensioner is used to adjust the spoke tension and straighten the deformed wheel. It is also needed to replace a cracked spoke.
- Mini cassette tool - a small cassette puller is needed to tighten a cassette that has come loose.
- Spare spokes If a spoke is torn, the wheel no longer runs smoothly and there is a risk of other spokes failing. With replacement spokes, the usual stability is quickly restored.
- Chain riveters - this can be used to remove a broken link from the chain.
- Chain links/chain lock If the chain is broken, a chain lock helps to repair it quickly.
- Brake pads including locking screw and spring - the pads wear out quickly, especially in mountainous terrain away from paved roads. Replacements should not be missing, especially on long tours.
- Shift cables, end caps - A broken shift cable
- Screws for the rear derailleur (cable clamp, stop screws)
- Chainring bolts as a replacement if one or more chainring bolts come loose and are lost
- for the click shoes: Cleat and screws Cleats and the associated screws can also be
- Duct tape, Cable ties, Various cords and packing straps- can be used to temporarily repair many things - from a tear in a rain jacket
- Minitool - many tools in one tool to solve many problems
- Water pump pliers, small
- Pocket knife Versatile - whether for cutting cable ties, slicing a bread roll or for a completely different purpose, a knife should always be in your luggage.
- Hexagon socket, single (sizes depending on bike) Some places you can't reach with the mini-tool, so the appropriate Allen key should be in your luggage. Even if your hands are very cold and therefore weak, a longer lever can work wonders and make repairs or adjustments easier.
What else is allowed in your luggage? Personal hygiene
Depending on the area and length of the tour, some of the following equipment may be included in your luggage for a gravel tour
- Toothbrush kit
- Sun cream
- Mosquito repellent Depending on the region and time of year, an insect repellent is recommended.
- Seat cream - some drive better with, others without.
- Zinc ointment can be applied to the seat area in the evening for wounds or as a preventative measure
- Lip balm
- Biodegradable soap - caution, should not be used in water but away from it
Sleeping outside
It is essential to observe the local regulations.
- Tent, Bivouac sack, Tarp or Hammock
- Sleeping bag
- Sleeping mat
- Clothes for sleeping
Clothing
Snacks, snacks, snacks
Food and snacks belong in every pack. Of course, what you pack depends on the type of bikepacking tour.
- Sandwiches
- Bananas
- Bolt
- Beverage powder
- Cooker, pot, plate, cup and cutlery
Essential: First aid & money
- Rescue blanket
- Bandages & plasters
- Tick card
- Wallet with ID, money, health insurance card and EC/visa card
Gravel tour equipment vs. bikepacking packing list
We unpack.
Stefan Loibl, editor-in-chief of the online editorial team, shows what he packs for a day trip, for example, with which he has travelled several times. Orbit360-laps.
Sandra Schuberth, online editor, unpacks what she had with her for a multi-day bikepacking tour on her gravel bike. She is the RadRace96h driven.
Info on gravel events
Gravel events are becoming increasingly popular. There are now numerous events in Germany and other European countries that are easy to reach. We have compiled a list of some gravel events below.
Candy B. Graveller
Self-catering bikepacking adventure ride along the Berlin Airlift flight corridor from Frankfurt to Berlin
Information about the event
Orbit 360 series
The Orbit360 series offers long-distance tours in Germany and Switzerland
Information about the event
The Gravel Fest
Autumn event approx. 80 km south of Munich
Information about the event
Into the Wold
Pleasure and gravel around Mellau in the Bregenzerwald
Information about the event
GB Duro/ GB Divide
Self-catering race across Great Britain from Land's End to John o' Groats in Scotland. Track and tour description on Komoot
Information about the event
Are you looking for an extreme challenge? Perhaps a particularly tough gravel bikepacking event is the right thing for you. Here there is inspiration: The 9 toughest gravel events in the world
