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Photo: Isabelle Ernst, Outdooractive Editors

Bikepacking

Bikepacking is a relatively new and increasingly popular form of cycling defined by its multiple daily stages, in which you carry all the required gear along with you on-route. This exciting, adventurous and flexible type of cycling trip is particularly appealing as it offers a tremendous amount of freedom to change and recalculate your route, over night stop-overs and destinations freely.

With specially designed bag systems and a suitable bike for your trip, you can begin to plan your next bikepacking adventure, and enjoy the ultimate freedom of travel and exploration by bikepacking!


Equipment for bikepacking

Although choosing the right bike for your trip is very important, it does not have to be too difficult, any bike that allows for bag attachment is technically fit for purpose. Keep in mind that this type of travel often involves rough terrain, plenty of baggage and multiple days of riding. The focus of the bike specification should therefore be on simplicity and lightness. Racks, panniers, handlebars and saddle bags are used to distribute weight across the bike in the best possible way.

 

The standard bag setup consists of:

  • Saddle bag (bag for under the saddle)
  • Frame bag (in the triangle between seat post, top tube and down tube)
  • Handlebar bag (attaches to the front of the handlebars)
Photo: unsplash

What do I need and where does it go?

What you will need for your trip is hugely dependent on the specific choice of route. The duration, location and conditions are all factors which may require extra consideration around equipment choices. One of the most important aspects of packing is to make sure the weight of your baggage is well distributed across the bike, and that the most frequently used items are easily accessible. A good guideline is around 2/3 of the weight should go at the back of the bike, and around 1/3 distributed between the two front panniers. For many bikepackers, the following set-up has proven a winning combination:

 

Saddle bag (equipment that is not needed during riding)

  • Tent
  • Clothing
  • Tent cover/tarp
  • Spare tube, pump

 

Frame bag (space for heavier items)

  • Food
  • Cooking equipment
  • Tent poles
  • Tools

 

Handlebar bag (preferably kept light, as the weight influences the behaviour of the steering)

  • Snacks
  • Money, travel documents
  • Camera
Photo: unsplash

How do I plan my bikepacking route?

What are some of the main considerations when planning the route for your bikepacking adventure:

Pay particular attention to the trail conditions, research the roads, paths and trails which you plan to cover on your trip, your choice of bike will have an impact on how off-road you should go! When starting out, keep your daily route distance on the lower side, and try to keep away from very isolated areas. This will allow you to get to grips with this brilliant way of exploring the world without getting caught out by taking on too much too quickly.

Always keep an eye on the weather forecast. Wet conditions will require appropriate equipment and clothing, sometimes it is best to make use of the flexible nature of bikepacking by skipping a day with torrential rain, storms or hail!

Find out how to plan your perfect bikepacking adventure with Outdooractive here:

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Outdooractive Editors

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