Ultimate Guide to Bikepacking: All Tips

What is Bikepacking?

Bikepacking has always been popular, but the term has increased its popularity in recent years due to the popularity of eBikes. The term refers to having a nice bike trip while taking everything you may need. While having a long trip with your bike, you may choose asphalt roads, but many bikers also choose rough terrains to seek adventure. The question is “What should you bring to your bike trip with you?” The answer changes from person to person. However, there are some basic things everyone may need on this road, and we will be detailing them.

Before we start, we should state that being minimalistic is crucial here since you have limited space. Deciding on what you will bring may cause you to not bring another thing. On the other hand, if you put basics first, you mostly do not regret bringing something else. If you are a long trip adventurist who seeks to feel the forest air in your lungs, let’s look at what gear you will need and what gains you will get with bikepacking!

Once you review our list and tips, don't forget to check our fat tire and commuter e-bikes.

The Benefits of Bikepacking

The benefits of bikepacking can be listed but there are much more than that because the best benefit is the experience itself. The experience may mean different things for different people. But we will try to look at the common ones for all the bikers.

1. Physical and mental gains: Whether it is an eBike or a regular bike, biking is the best way to be physically active. You see the ride as reaching one spot from the starting spot, but your body answers as increasing cardiovascular health and efficient weight management. The term “health” is also valid for your mind. It distances your mind from all the anxiety of your routine life. The beauty of nature takes you to a perfect world where everything is possible.

2. Environmental gains: Using a car is also an option for travelling that some people choose. On the other hand, while benefiting from what nature gave you, you do not want to pollute it in exchange. In this sense, bikepacking is a great option that provides a clean way to travel. Choose zero carbon emission pedal power over fossil fuel pollution!

3. Budget gains: If you have had bikepacking experience before, you already know that it is way cheaper compared to other travel methods. As soon as you have the basic equipment and the right place to spend the night, the rest is just pedal power.

Essential Gear for Bikepacking

Before bikepacking, there are essential gears you should not have to let anything go wrong during the trip. Without any doubt, the first thing is a suitable bike for your path preference. Are you going to use rough terrain or asphalt roads? We suggest mountain bikes for bikepacking due to their stability, durability and braking system. Mountain bikes will provide you with maximum performance on these trips thanks to their adaptability to different kinds of terrains.
Secondly, where will you carry your gear? There are different kinds of bike packing bags that provide different kinds of advantages. Handlebar bags and frame bags can be given as examples. Make sure you research all these different kinds of bags that provide different benefits and pick the best one that answers your needs.

Thirdly, another important one is the gear for camping if this is the plan. If you choose camping sites as a stay, you may need basic camping gears like tents, sleeping bags, stove, water source and cooking equipment. There are many lightweight products that were produced for campers. You may specify “bikepacking” to reach even more lightweight ones. Remember, the lighter the better.

Planning Your Route

Whether it is an urban commute or a long trip with your bike, planning a route is a very important part. There are many applications you can use while planning your route. Have a clear map and pick your starting and ending points. Make sure your route has some facilities you may need during your travel. Consider the height or terrain conditions to be pre-ready for them. Websites like “bikepacking.com” present you with these details that are important to have beforehand. While travelling, occasionally check your GPS to make sure you are in the right place. You should also consider laws and regulations about some places you will cross. A no-go area can ruin your route quickly.

Your safety is the most important thing. That is why you should make sure you share your planned return time with a friend or family member. You should always have repair tools to be ready for any problem with your bike. Also, first aid kits can be a lifesaver if they are needed.

Tips for First-Time Bikepackers

Once you go into this adventure, you will look forward to having the next one. As an introduction to this new experience, it would be better to start small, maybe as a one-day trip to see the things that will tire you. For your first trip, make sure you have the lightest pack. It would be a good choice to gradually increase it and extend the route accordingly. Make sure you eat nutritious meals, take satisfying breaks, and drink enough water to keep you hydrated.

Advanced Bikepacking Tips

Putting effort into gaining some skills can ease your travel and double the joy. Different kinds of terrains require different kinds of riding techniques. Practice in these terrains and challenge yourself to be ready for any kind of rough path. Then practice load management to ensure balance. Different people can provide balance with different amounts of weight. Find the perfect weight and prepare your pack according to it. Lastly, have a nutritious, protein-based meal plan to get the right amount of energy you will need during the trip.

Environmental Responsibility

Here are some things you can do while bikepacking to be more responsible about the environment:

1. Leave the environment as you find it. Leave no trash and respect wildlife.
2. We are sure that there are many local communities on your route. Support them by getting the services they provide.
3. Convince others to bikepacking. Share your experiences to enlarge the eco-friendly way of travelling community.