Bikepacking 101

Bikepack

noun

noun: Bikepack; plural noun: bikepacking

1.

loosely define as backpacking with a bicycle.

verb

verb: bikepack; 3rd person present: bikepacking; past tense: bikepacked; past participle: bikepacked; gerund or present participle: bikepacking

1.

to bikepack a particular route.

“they had spent the day bikepacking the Colorado Trail”

A more defined answer would be any cycling trip (generally off-road) that includes an overnight stay. Bikepacking can range from single track to dirt road touring. Bikepacking differs from classic bicycling touring in that gear is usually carried in “soft” bags rather than on “hard” racks, ie. panniers (though some bikepackers have started using modified “hard” rack set ups for expedition style bikepacking).

Bikepacking is one of cyclings fastest growing segments. It’s bring new riders into the sport and help veteran riders find new ways to explore on their bikes. Bikepacking has also created new routes, races, bikepacking specific bikes, components, gear and more.

Popular Resources:

Bikepacking Resources

Planning Aids

Bikepacking Gear

Rider Survey's

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Bikepacking Resources

Bikpeacking – How to Care for Your Butt

Bikepacking Carrying Harness 101

Most Common Bikepacking Injuries

How to Pick the Perfect Campsite

If I Rode the Arizona Trail Again

If I Rode the Colorado Trail Again

If I Rode the Tour Divide Again

If I Rode the Kokopelli Trail Again

Rider Survey Results (AZTR, TDR, and CTR)

Most Common Mistakes Bikepackers Make

Bikepacking Gear Lists

The Shakedown Ride

How to Stay Warm While Bikepacking

How to Stay Dry While Bikepacking

How to Save Time When Bikepacking

Bikepacking Navigation

Bikepacking Lesson Learned on the Triple Crown

Bikepacking, Pre-Trip Consideration

S24O Guide

Bikepacking Guides

TNGA – coming soon!

Bikepacking Gear Lists

If I Rode the AZTR Again

If I Rode the Bay Circuit Trail Again

If I Rode the CTR Again

If I Rode the Kokopelli Trail Again

If I Rode the Tour Divide Again

Bikepacking Disciplines

If you cared to, you could break Bikepacking down into (5) categories. S24O (Sub 24hr Overnight), Multi-day, Ultralight/Racing, Expedition, and Packrafting. Just like you’ll see in the bike section of this page, Bikepacking is what you make it. A lot of people try to put everything into neat little categories but at the end of the day Bikepacking is just what the simple definition says, “Bikepacking is loosely define as backpacking with a bicycle.”

Let’s take a look at the four classifications in a little more detail.

S24O

A S24O is when you go Bikepacking and the whole trip last less than 24 hours. They are a great why to test gear (shake down ride) and simply put, get out of the house. They are just shorter versions of Multi-day trips.

Multi- Day

A Multi-day Bikepacking trip would be any trip that is longer than one day. Depending on where and what you’re doing you may or may not have more gear than during a S24O. Mult-day Bikepacking trips can be broken down into two sub-categories: Ultralight/Racing or Expedition. They couldn’t be any further apart.

Ultralight/Racing

Ultralight/Racing is the pinnacle for some with that competitive edge. Those wanting to push their limits and their gear too. Since bikepacking began adventurous souls have been testing their physical and mental limits on routes like the Tour Divide or Colorado Trail.

Expedition

Another sub-category of Multi-day Bikepacking, Expedition style rides can be loosely defined as multi-day trips where the route may or may not be completely off route. Some expedition style rides involve packrafting or other overland actives as well as bikepacking. They tend to be more secluded and off the beaten path. Some are even off route adventures.

Packrafting

Packrafting is a hybrid adventure activity that combines bikepacking with water travel. Riders carry lightweight, inflatable packrafts on their bikes, allowing them to traverse rivers, lakes, or even coastal waters that would otherwise block their routes. This opens up access to more remote and varied terrain. Once the water section is reached, the bike can often be strapped onto the raft, and the journey continues by water. Packrafting appeals to adventurers seeking versatility and unique, multi-environment experiences.

Difference between Bikepacking and Bike Touring

Bikepacking Set Up

Classic Touring Set Up

PROS –

Lightweight Gear: Soft bags are more compact, offering greater flexibility on rough terrain.
Off-Road Access: Ability to explore singletrack and more rugged, remote routes.
Adventure Focused: Appeals to those seeking a more adventurous and challenging experience.

CONS –

Limited Storage: Less space for gear compared to panniers.
Technical Skills Required: Navigating rough trails demands more skill.
Higher Center of Gravity: The gear is often placed higher on the bike, leading to less stability, especially on rough terrain.

PROS –

More Gear Capacity: Panniers provide more space for long trips.
Easier on Smooth Roads: Best suited for long-distance travel on paved roads.
Lower Weight Distribution: Panniers keep the load closer to the ground, improving stability and handling, especially on paved roads.
Better Weight Balance: Front and rear panniers allow for even weight distribution, reducing strain on the bike and rider.
Bag Versatility: Various bags (handlebar, saddle, frame) offer flexible storage options, providing organization and easy access for long-distance rides.

CONS –

Less Flexibility: Restricted to smoother, more predictable routes.
Bulkier Gear: Hard racks and panniers can make the bike heavier and less maneuverable
Wider Setup: Panniers and racks increase the bike’s width, limiting access to narrow trails or paths where bikepacking bikes can easily fit.
Rack Durability: Fixed racks, especially on rough terrain, are more prone to damage or breaking under stress compared to the more flexible bag systems used in bikepacking. This can be a significant concern on rugged routes.

Bikepacking Bikes

Hardtail

Full Suspension

Tars Collage, new bike day, gravel bike, adventure bike

Drop Bar

BEST FOR:

Hardtail: Best for bikepackers who prefer a balance of durability and simplicity, excelling on moderately rough terrain like dirt roads and non-technical singletrack. Ideal for those who want lower maintenance and lighter weight.

PROS –

Lighter Weight: Simpler design with fewer components, making it easier to handle and transport.
Efficiency: More efficient on smoother trails and gravel due to lack of suspension moving energy.
Lower Maintenance: Fewer moving parts mean less maintenance and fewer things to break.
Cost-Effective: Typically more affordable than full suspension bikes.
More Mounting Options & Better Packability: Hardtails typically feature additional bottle mounts and frame bag space, offering greater flexibility for bikepacking gear. The simple frame design allows for easy customization, improving packability and making long trips more practical.

CONS –

Less Comfort: No rear suspension, which can be harder on the body on rough or technical terrain.
Limited Control: Less traction and stability compared to full suspension bikes on very rocky or rooty trails.

BEST FOR:

Full Suspension: Offers maximum comfort and control, especially on technical and rough singletrack. Perfect for riders tackling challenging, rocky, or root-filled terrain.

PROS –

Increased Comfort: Rear and front suspension absorb impacts, making them ideal for rough, technical trails.
Improved Control: Enhanced traction and stability on challenging, rocky, or root-filled terrain.
Smoother Ride: Less fatigue over long distances due to reduced impact from bumps.

CONS –

Heavier Weight: More components lead to a heavier bike, which can reduce efficiency on smoother terrain.
Higher Maintenance: More moving parts mean more maintenance and potential for mechanical issues.
Less Mounting Space: Suspension systems can limit frame space for additional bottle mounts or larger frame bags.

BEST FOR:

Drop Bar: Excellent for long-distance bikepacking on smoother roads and gravel paths. The drop bars provide multiple hand positions and better aerodynamic posture for endurance rides.

PROS –

Efficient for Long Distances: Great for gravel and smooth roads, offering speed and endurance.
Multiple Hand Positions: Helps reduce fatigue on long rides.
Aerodynamic: More efficient in terms of wind resistance, perfect for longer distances.
Excellent Storage Potential: The large main triangle allows for a larger frame bag, and many bikes have additional mounts for racks or bottle cages, providing ample storage options for gear.

CONS –

Limited Terrain Capability: Not ideal for technical or rocky trails.
Less Control on Rough Terrain: Less stability on rugged surfaces compared to mountain bikes.

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Bikepacking Gear

Typical Gear Needed to Bikepack

Examples of my Gear Lists

MY PROVEN GEAR LISTS FROM THE TRIPLE CROWN

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Dive into all three gear lists from the Bikepacking Triple Crown, and find pros & cons; things I’d do differently; and tips.

“IF I RODE…” SERIES

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In depth look at what I would bring for gear and why, if I rode the Tour Divide, CTR, AZTR, Kokopelli Trail, and Bay Circuit Trail again.

Bikepacking Bags

A lot of people think that one needs a ton of specific gear to go bikepacking. The reality is you don’t. On a S24O you need very little, longer trips require the ability to carry a little more to deal with various condition one might face.

Below we’ll show you all the types of bags specifically made for bikepacking, but as stated above you can get by with simply strapping items to your bike and a backpack until you can get specific gear.

#1 SEAT BAGS

Personally a seat bag would be one of my first bags I would buy. Bikepacking seat bags are basically oversized standard seat bags, that one might carry a tube and tools in. Like most things in life, there are different styles of seat bags. The best ones are waterproof and some even have removable bags for easily packing/repacking of gear away from the bike.

#2 FRAME BAGS

Most frame bags are usually custom and can be costly. There is usually a wait time from most manufacturers so plan ahead when ordering one. With so many frame styles, shapes and size it’s impossible for one bag to fit multiple bikes. Expect to pay $150 or more for one.

#3 Handle Bar Roll/Sing

Some time called a Handle Bar Roll or Sling, this bag attaches to your handle bar and hangs below and in front of the bar. They are usually offered in multiple sizes or they are just a harness that one can use whatever stuff sack they choose in.

Be aware that when your front fork compressing under braking or hitting bumps, there’s a change your bag could rub the front tire. This is something you need to figure out in shakedown ride.

#4 Gas Tank

A Gas Tank goes on the top tube of your bicycle behind the stem. They are usually small and easy to access. Most people for their days snacks in here or other items you plan on getting at multiple times throughout the day.

#5 Jerry Can

A Jerry Can also goes on the top tube but it butts up against your seat post. They’re typically smaller than a Gas Tank. They are great for tools and other items you might want easy access to.

#6-8 Other Bags
There are various other bags available for bikepacking. They include fork mounted, down tube (tool or tube pouches), feed bags, handle bar, and of course you can use a hydration pack too.

Fork mounted bags are just small stuff sacks that mount to your forks. Salsa and other companies makes special bottle cages to hold these bags, fuel bottles or whatever else you can fit on the cages.

Not as common are Down Tube bags. People with full suspension bikes somethings use these to make up for the lack of front triangle space. They’re usually low profile and narrow, more of a roll than a bag. These are great for storing tools to keep the weight low on your bike.

Feed Bags go behind your handle bar next to the step. Like Gas Tanks they’re great for items you want easy access to. Bottles, cameral snacks or ever a jacket.

Some companies sell additional smaller bags that attach to your Handle Bar Roll/Sling. Like Gas Tanks and Feed Bags, these auxiliary handle bar bags are great for easy access, and they’re typically easy to remove which means take your valuables with you when you leave your bike.

If you’re looking for more detail into the gear and supplies you want to bring with you, and suggestions on which bag each item should go in, checkout my gear page. Like planning for any adventure, the key is to bring only what you need.

Through research and more importantly, trial and error learn what you need to be safe and comfortable. During this process you’ll also figure out how you want to pack your own bike. Just like with hiking, heavier items should be stored lower to keep the loads center of gravity down.

Other Essentials

REPAIR AND FIRST AID

Having a quality repair and first aid kit are an essential part of your bikepacking gear set up. With that said I’m not going to tell you what to bring with you. If you have read any of my guides or resources you already know or will find out that I firmly believe that learning things like this for yourself is key.

With that said, it’s my belief that if I don’t know how to use a certain tool, how to repair something or have the medical skills to do something that I’m not going to carry that item. This is my view point, it’s up to you to carry the items that you feel are important and make you feel confident.

Below you’ll find both repair and first aid kits lists that give you a wide range of items that one might want to carry when going into the backcountry. If you’re curious what I carry for a repair kit you can watch my Repair Kit Video.

REPAIR KIT LIST

FIRST AID KIT LIST

SLEEP SYSTEM

Just like with hiking, bikepacking is not much different when it comes to sleep systems. You can go as minimal or as lavash as you like. It all comes done to personal preference.

At the end of the day, you want a system that you’re personally comfortable with and works for you. If that means something as basic as a foam pad and a bivy sack then go for it. For some it might be a tent like Big Agnes’s bikepacking specific tents and a plush 3″ air mattress.

Besides personal preference, you should consider the follow when selecting a sleep system: weight, packed size, durability, and ease of set up. Personally I find bikepacking to be much harder than hiking and the result is I’m much more tired at camp. The last thing I want to do is set up a labor intensive shelter.

CLOTHES

The clothes one takes bikepacking are not much different from a normal ride. Because you’ll be spending more than a few hours outside and will be camping, one needs to be prepared for all possible weather conditions. If you’re not racing and have both the space and don’t mind the extra weight, camp clothes are always nice to have.

A few items I found to be key to staying comfortable on and off the bike are: beanie, buff, puffy, waterproof and or windproof gloves, shoe covers, extra socks. For examples of what to carry, take a look at my Bikepacking Triple Crown gearlists.

Make sure however you pack your clothes that you invest in good dry sacks to keep them from getting wet.

How to Stay Dry When Bikepacking

How to Stay Warm When Bikepacking

Navigation and Routes

Navigation

Knowing how to navigate and what type of device to navigate can be key to a successful adventure. It all depends on the route you choose and how easy or difficult said route is to follow.

Most experienced bikepackers use the Garmin eTrex 22x or 30x. It’s reliability, battery life, and other key features make it one of the best choices. Simple routes where you’re going to stay on major well defined trails or roads, one can use a smart phone and an app like GAIA.

The key to navigation is you must be comfortable with whatever system you decide to go with. If you’re not comfortable with your ability to navigate consider taking a class or find a friend who can help you. I say it all the time, nothing best actual experience. It doesn’t matter if you’re talking navigation, choosing gear, planning your resupply, nothing is going to give you confidence better than doing that actual task.

To learn more about navigating while bikepacking you can checkout our post on Bikepacking Navigation.

Routes

As bikepacking has grown the number of routes available has also grown with it. Of course you don’t have to ride a route created by someone else. The advantage of doing so means less research and guess work on your part.

If you’re the type who likes to blaze your own path here are some key factors to keep in mind when planning your bikepacking route.

Water – Ensure your route has enough resources to ensure the route is rideable.
Resupply – Little or no resupply options mean you’ll have to carry more, adding to the difficulty. Plentiful resupply is great but can lead to lengthy town stops extending the time duration of your adventure.
Private Land – Be sure then planning your route that you respect private property.
Exertion – Riding a loaded bike adds to the level of exertion one must put out. A climb that is moderate on an unloaded bike can become extreme on a loaded one. Be mindful of the amount of elevation gain/loss or you could be walking more than you ride.
Altitude – Riding at altitude is going to affect not only your body but also your pace. One must consider both of these factors when planning.
Weather – If your route is going to be at elevation or include vast exposed areas, weather can be a factor to consider. Don’t get caught in a dangerous situation because you got over zealous during you planning stage.

MORE RESOURCES

Read these next or checkout the main resource page.

PLANNING / GEAR RESOURCES

PLANNING AIDS: RESUPPLY, MILEAGE AND MORE

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Checkout all our Planning Aids at our store. (Tour Divide, GDMBR, AZTR, CTR, Kokopelli Trail, TNGA, Coconino 250, and Bay Circuit Trail). SOBO & NOBO, as well as metric versions are available depending on the route.

MY PROVEN TRIPLE CROWN GEAR LISTS

Previous Next

1 2 3

Dive into all three gear lists from the Bikepacking Triple Crown, and find pros & cons; things I’d do differently; and tips.

“IF I RODE THE…AGAIN” GEAR SERIES

Previous Next

1 2

In depth look at what I would bring for gear and why, if I rode the Tour Divide, CTR, AZTR, Kokopelli Trail, and Bay Circuit Trail again.

RIDER SURVEYS: ESSENTIAL GEAR INSIGHTS FOR RIDERS

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Curios to know what gear other riders used to get to the finish line? Checkout our Rider Surveys to find out what works or to take the survey yourself.

MOST POPULAR RESOURCES

Bikepacking bike next to the Coney Summit sign, the highest point on the Colorado Trail Race (CTR), where altitude sickness can be a challenge.

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Checkout our bikepacking resource page for more planning help.

Bikepacking Resources

CHECKOUT ALL OUR GUIDES

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Bikepacking 101

Bikepack

Table of Contents:

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Popular Resources:

Bikepacking Resources

Bikepacking Guides

Bikepacking Gear Lists

Bikepacking Disciplines

S24O

Multi- Day

Ultralight/Racing

Expedition

Packrafting

Difference between Bikepacking and Bike Touring

Bikepacking Bikes

Bikepacking Gear

Examples of my Gear Lists

MY PROVEN GEAR LISTS FROM THE TRIPLE CROWN

“IF I RODE…” SERIES

Bikepacking Bags

Other Essentials

REPAIR AND FIRST AID

SLEEP SYSTEM

CLOTHES

Navigation and Routes

Navigation

Routes

MORE RESOURCES

PLANNING / GEAR RESOURCES

PLANNING AIDS: RESUPPLY, MILEAGE AND MORE

MY PROVEN TRIPLE CROWN GEAR LISTS

“IF I RODE THE…AGAIN” GEAR SERIES

RIDER SURVEYS: ESSENTIAL GEAR INSIGHTS FOR RIDERS

MOST POPULAR RESOURCES

Checkout our bikepacking resource page for more planning help.

CHECKOUT ALL OUR GUIDES

Support the Project