What to pack for a bikepacking or touring trip?

What to pack for a bikepacking or touring trip?

It's unanimous, choosing what to bring for a bike trip is a difficult process filled with with heartbreaking choices. Whether it's trip to Ethiopia with full autonomy or a bikepacking weekend excursion there's plenty to think about!

Will guide you through lists of basic items to take with you on your trip!

In this article you'll find:

  • - Different traveling philosophies;
  • - What to know about your destination; 
  • - Tips how to choose the right size bags;
  • - Tips on how to pack your bags;
  • -  An overall checklist of gear to bring.

 

Firstly, what is the difference between bikepacking and touring?

These are two completely different ways of travelling by bike and each has its unique characteristics: their philosophy, the type of bags used and the amount of luggage.

What is bike touring?

A cycle touring trip often involves long distances on the road. Although the weight and volume of the equipment important they have enough room to bring what is needed to be confortable.

They will use bike panniers to store their gear. The advantages of using panniers is to have more latitude what to bring, it is also easier to pack and organize your belongings.

Here are 2 main categories of touring panniers:

The Organizational Expert

This is the T-42 Bike Pannier, a good example of a very functional panniers with lots of compartments and features like straps, pockets, etc. As they are made of cordura fabric, the bag breaths more and humidity (and smell) are reduced.

Because of its organisational features (hence numerous seams), these bags are water repellent and require rain covers.

Have a look here

The Minimalist Dry-bag

In the other category, you'll have dry-bag like panniers like the Orca Bike Panniers.

Their design is sleek, minimalist light and 100% waterproof, but they do not have organizational compartments and sewn features like in the other group.

Because of their type of fabric, humidity can stay trap inside but this type of material do not absorb water and it stays light weigted no mater what.

Have a look here
What is bikepacking?

Bikepacking is an increasingly popular way of travelling. It involves a minimalist philosophy when it comes to packing.

The objective is to carry the bare minimum in terms of volume and weight to be agile on your bike to ride off the beaten track such as on gravel roads or narrow paths.

Riders will choose different types of bags: seat bag, frame bag, handlebar bag, etc. They will carry a few things between 20 and 40 L.

This method allows you to be fast and light but it requires a bit of gymnastic to bring everything you need.

Here are a few exemples of bags for bikepacking:

Frame Bags

The Frame bags are a great option to add available storage. This specific bag is waterproof easy to open while riding and available in 3 different sizes depending on your bike frame.

Have a look here

Seat Bags

This is the Seatpacker an example of seat bag. It is ultra stable (no side-to-side movements), light and 100% waterproof. The Seatpacker is offered in 9 L or 15 L.

Have a look here

Handlebar Bags

The Rollpacker is good handlebar bag. it is available in 15 L or 25 L, and stands out because of its functionality. It opens from both ends to find your things easily and has a waterproof front pocket.

Have a look here

Learn about your destination

Every bike trip is different, therefore needs may vary depending on destination, length of trip, travel style (sleeping in hotels/eating out OR camping/cooking) and weather conditions.

That is why, what you will take with you will vary wildly depending on all of these factors!

Here are the main categories of items to be expected:

  1. Food.
  2. Water.
  3. Sleep.
  4. Clothes.
  5. Repairs (your bike or yourself).
  6. Navigation & communication.
  7. Personal hygiene.
  8. Other useful things.

1. Food

Remember to carry lots of snacks and make sure they are easy to grab, for example in a handlebar bag. Choose nutritious foods that keep well: dried fruits, nuts, granola bars, apples, etc.

For those who are planning on cooking, think of having nutriment filled recipes. For example pasta, grilled tuna wraps, curries, vegetable and tofu stir-fries or dehydrated meals, several sites offer interesting recipes!

Also, make sure to save space in your luggage for your food.

Here are some examples of items that might be useful for cooking:

  • -Compact stove and propane tank;
  • -Matches or lighter;
  • -Bowl, plates, cooking utensils.

2. Water

Staying hydrated is important for your safety. Drinkable water with lots of electrolites will be necessary.

It will be necessary to carry a lot of water or have instruments to purify it. There are straws, bottles and capsules to purify water, which avoids carrying several litres of water whose weight and volume are not negligible.

How to carry your water: some panniers have pockets on the sides and it is possible to add a surprising amount of water bottles to the frame of the bike and the fork.

What is the water used for: it can be used not only to hydrate but to wash/rinse dishes, hydrate a meal, cook pasta, oatmeal, rice, etc.

Here are the materials that could be useful to bring:

  • - Water filtration system to ensure drinking water;
  • - Several gourds;
  • - Electrolytes.

3. Clothes

Studying the climate of your destination to make the right choice of clothing is the right way to go.

  • - What will be the time of year and the season, will it change during the trip?
  • - What will be the temperatures at night, evening, morning and afternoon?
  • - Will it rain or snow often?
  • - Will you be constantly in the sun?
  • - Will the temperature often be below freezing?
  • - Will you be mostly in a hot location like a desert or a tropical climate?

The idea is not to bring a lot of clothes but to bring the right pieces.

Choose quick-drying clothes that can be used in multiple ways and waterproof gears. Finally, use the multi-layer strategy: a windproof/waterproof coat, a warm layer (puffy jacket or other) and a first layer.

Here is a list of clothing ideas:

  • - T-shirt;
  • - Long sleeve shirts;
  • - Pants;
  • - Cap/Tuque;
  • - A Buff headband for the wind, the cold, and the sand;
  • - Sunglasses or ski goggles;
  • - Shorts, and sweaters that dry quickly.
  • - First layer in merino;
  • - Puffy Jacket;
  • - Waterproof shoes;
  • - Raincoat and rainpants;
  • - Stockings and underwear;
  • - Comfortable sandals or shoes at the end of the day.

4. Sleeping

For people who will be selfsuficient for a few days you'll need the proper equipment for a restful sleep.

Here are some items to carry :

  • - Compact and lightweight tent, suitable for cycling;
  • - Tarp;
  • - Mosquito repellent;
  • - Sleeping bag adapted to climatic conditions;
  • - Headlamp or flashlight.

5. Repair kit for your bike (and yourself)

As they say, prevention is better than cure. Be visible on the roads especially when the sun goes down or when the weather is rainy and cloudy.

Here are some suggestions to be safe: hi-vis bag covers, brightly colored clothing, reflectors (on the bike, helmet, clothing, bags, etc.) and lights on the bike or the helmet to see and be seen.

Also, have a first aid kit in case of an accident and a basic mechanics kit for your bike.

Here are some suggestions:

  • - First aid kit (bandages, disinfectant wipes, tweezers, gauge, etc.);
  • - Whistle;
  • - Lights for bike or helmet;
  • - Pepper spray for wildlife;
  • - A basic tool kit for repairs (pump, tire repair kit, multi-tool wrench, a tire and some extra inner tubes, chain oil, cloth and brush to clean the bike).

6. Orientation and communication

Again, your safety is the priority. Here are some suggested items to have on hand:

  • - Maps and a compass for navigation in unknown terrain;
  • - A mobile phone and charger;
  • - A backup battery;
  • - GPS to navigate.

7. Personal hygiene

  • - A toiletry bag with personal items such as toothpaste, toothbrush, towel, etc.;
  • - Biodegradable all-purpose soap (dishes, body, clothes);
  • - Mosquito repellent;
  • - Sunscreen;
  • - Essentials for menstrual hygiene.

8. Other

Here are some other handy items to have on hand:

  • - Plastic bag;
  • - Toilet paper;
  • - Tie wrap and/or bungee cord;
  • - Rope;
  • - Ziplock;
  • - Notebook and pencil;
  • - Duck tape.

Which bags or panniers to use for a bikepacking or touring trip?

The answer depends a lot on the kind of experience you are looking for : bikepacking or touring. Also, will you be selfsuficient (cooking & camping) or not.

Click below to read more about which bikepacking bags or touring panniers to choose.

How to choose the right bag ?

Tip: about 3 weeks before leaving, pack your bags and do a test drive for a few hours or a weekend.

You'll have enough of time to test the weight of your bike, see what works, and order new bags if needed.

How to pack your bags?

Here are 5 tips for packing your bags the right way:

  1. Pack practical items like snacks, sunglasses, sunscreen, wallet, gloves, phone or road map easy access like in an exterior compartment or handlebar bag.
  2. Pack heavy items at the bottom of the panniers so the gravity center stays low. If you're using seatbags or handlebar bag keep the weight close to the frame of the bike.
  3. If you have multiple bike panniers, pack the heavier gears in the rear ones and the lighter in the front one. If there is too much weight in front, you’ll have a difficult time riding your bike.
  4. Put fabric between hard objects and the side of the bag. When something hard is directly on the wall of the bag, if you have an accident, the fabric is very likely to tear, even if it is one of the strongest on the market.
  5. Identify your left and right panniers so you can find quickly where you store your belongings.

Psst: make sure that your rack can handle the weight you’re about to carry.

Do not hesitate to read cyclists' blogs, and follow them on Instagram, to learn from their good shots and the questionable ones. Enjoy your trip!

Checklist | What to bring on a bikepacking or touring trip

Food.

  • - Compact stove and propane tank;
  • - Matches or lighter;
  • - Bowl, plates, cooking utensils.

Water.

  • - Water filtration system to ensure drinking water;
  • - Several gourds;
  • - Electrolytes.

Sleeping.

  • - Compact and lightweight tent, suitable for cycling;
  • - Tarp;
  • - Mosquito repellent;
  • - Sleeping bag adapted to climatic conditions;
  • - Headlamp or flashlight.

Repair & First Aid Kits.

  • - First aid kit (bandages, disinfectant wipes, tweezers, gauge, etc.);
  • - Whistle;
  • - Lights for bike or helmet;
  • - Pepper spray for wildlife;
  • - A basic tool kit for repairs (pump, tire repair kit, multi-tool wrench, a tire and some extra inner tubes, chain oil, cloth and brush to clean the bike).

Personal Hygiene.

  • - A toiletry bag with personal items such as toothpaste, toothbrush, towel, etc.;
  • - Biodegradable all-purpose soap (dishes, body, clothes);
  • - Mosquito repellent;
  • - Sunscreen;
  • - Essentials for menstrual hygiene.

Orientation & Communications.

  • - Maps and a compass for navigation in unknown terrain;
  • - A mobile phone and charger;
  • - A backup battery;
  • - GPS to navigate.

Clothes.

  • - T-shirt;
  • - Long sleeve shirts;
  • - Pants;
  • - Cap/Tuque;
  • - A Buff headband for the wind, the cold, and the sand;
  • - Sunglasses or ski goggles;
  • - Shorts, and sweaters that dry quickly.
  • - First layer in merino;
  • - Puffy Jacket;
  • - Waterproof shoes;
  • - Raincoat and rainpants;
  • - Stockings and underwear;
  • - Comfortable sandals or shoes at the end of the day.

Other.

  • - Plastic bag;
  • - Toilet paper;
  • - Tie wrap and/or bungee cord;
  • - Rope;
  • - Ziplock;
  • - Notebook and pencil;
  • - Duck tape.