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How to go Bikepacking
When it comes to planning your next bikepacking adventure setup, the options are vast.
It really is up to you. Freedom is at the core of the bikepacking and each setup is as unique as the adventurer using it.
What bike do I take?
Where do I go?
How far do I travel?
What should I take?
In this article we will try and help you navigate the sea of bikepacking options available and find a starting point to begin planning your setup from.
We’ve focused on two bikepacking setups, each from different ends of the spectrum and put them back to back so you can decide what kind of adventure kit suits you best.
Ultra-light, B&B hopping, gravel bike getaway.
This set up is all about travelling light. It is the perfect option to take when you know your journey will pass through villages and towns to stock up on supplies and you have planned to stay in accommodation for the night.
Making your way from bed and breakfast to country inn, all you will need for this adventure is a change of clothes, a toothbrush and your credit card (you could even bring some deodorant if you’re feeling fancy).
As long as you’ve planned your trip well (so as not to get caught somewhere remote when the sun goes down) this is a great way to cover big distances, and visit many different places, taking in all they have to offer.
Multi-day, self supported, wild camping expedition.
When your goal is to get as remote as possible and to explore wonderfully wild places, long after everyone else has gone home, you have to make sure you have everything you need.
The last place you want to find yourself is in the middle of nowhere, hungry, tired and cold.
Multi-day, wild camping expeditions are the perfect way to ‘unplug’ and get off grid. A perfect opportunity to remove yourself from the hustle and bustle of everyday life and explore the beauty of the natural world.
Although this bikepacking setup has more bags, it is still important to focus on what you don’t need, rather than what you do.
Remember this is Bikepacking, not ‘bring your living room to the mountains’. The less ‘stuff’ you bring the more enjoyable your ride will be.
The different bags on this setup will allow you to bring your accommodation for the night, be it tent or bivvy and your sleeping bag, mat and inflatable pillow.
You should also have room to bring some food for the night (and the morning) and a small stove to cook it on. Extra clothes will make the experience all the more comfortable, especially if your riding gear has got wet and muddy.
Which Bikepacking setup is right for you?
There are obviously many different kinds of bikepacking setups.
Each bikepacker will have their own specific requirements for whatever adventure they’re going on and this is the awesome thing about the bikepacking community.
Variety is the spice of life and we love to see all the wonderfully different bikepacking setups people have created. Each one shaped to their planned experience and riding style.
Use these basic guides to find your signature setup, and refine it over time.