How To Pack For A Bikepacking Trip
Bikepacking: The Ultimate Spring/Summer Experience
Bikepacking, or bikecamping, is the ultimate spring/summer experience for cycling enthusiasts. It gives you maximum freedom on two wheels to explore. The way you pack will often determine the quality of your trip.
The difference between an enjoyable trip and one you can't wait to end can be made by packing too much or not enough and choosing the wrong type of bag. This post will show you the bags that we use when bikepacking and what goes in them.
Choosing the Right Bikepacking Bag
To be safe and comfortable while riding, balance is key. If you pack your panniers to the brim with heavy items, it can affect your ability to steer and brake safely. You can also lose energy.
Spread the weight of all your essentials for bike camping across your bike. This helps you maintain better balance and have quick access to items you might need (such as your wallet, camera, phone, or snacks).
Below are the best bikepacking bags we've found to use on the road:
- Seat Pack
- Handlebar bags like the Dayliner Mini Handlebar Bag and Clutch Bar Bag
- Trunk or Porteur bag like the Dayliner Trunk Box Bag with Handlebar
- Top tube bag
- Pannier
- Frame bag
The Essentials of Bikepacking - And Where to Pack Them
The key to a successful bikepacking adventure is packing efficiently and lightly. Here’s what we would pack in each bag while on the road.
Commute Seat Pack
The Commute Seat Pack from Two Wheel Gear is one of the most versatile bags available. It's ideal for daily commutes as well as longer excursions. We would pack:
- Tool kit, tire levers, and mini pumps
- Spare tubes, a patch kit, and a mini pump
- Light jacket
Handlebar Bag
Handlebar bags for cycling are a must-have. The Dayliner Mini Handlebar Bag can be attached to any handlebar and also serves as a handy off-bike tote. It's easy to open with the waterproof roll-top closure, and internal organization makes your items easy to find. We would pack:
- Drinks and snacks
- Sunscreen/chapstick
- Insect repellent
- Maps or guidebooks
Top Tube Bag
The Top Tube Bag is similar to the handlebar bag but attaches to your frame, providing extra space for small essentials. We would pack:
- Phone, wallet, keys, and camera
- Multi-tool
- Spare lights/reflectors
- Sunglasses/goggles
- Extra snacks
Pannier
You'll most likely pack your bikepacking gear in panniers. Panniers can be attached to either the front or rear rack of your bike and are a great way to save your back on long road trips. The ideal travel partner, ACCEBIKE, is perfect for these adventures. It is easy to transport with zip-away pannier and shoulder straps. We typically pack the following in our panniers:
- Sleeping bag and mat (secured with a bungee to the top of the rack, like a trunk bag)
- Fuel and stove
- Change of clothes/dirty laundry
- Toiletries
- Food supplies
- Coffee press
We always bring cards and disc golf discs on our bike camping trips.
Frame Bag
Frame bags with a central gravity point are great for carrying heavier items while maintaining bike balance. Frame bags can be used like a trunk in a car, storing both adventure gear and daily essentials. Our Frame Bag comes in S-M (3.5L) and L-XL (6L). We would pack:
- Bike tubes
- Extra food
- Gloves/thermals
- Garbage bags
- Camping knick-knacks (knives, coffee cups)
- Hatchet
- Water purifying kit
- First Aid Kit and rope
Don’t Forget Where You Will Sleep!
You've seen the items that fit in your bike bags. But don't overlook one of the essentials of bike camping - a hammock or tent! Secure these to your rear rack using a bungee cable if the weather is good and you plan to sleep outside.
The hammock is only possible with good weather and access to poles or trees. The tent may be bulky and heavy, but at least you know you'll have shelter to sleep in.
All of our bags are covered by a 30-day warranty and a 2-year warranty! Check out our FAQs section for more information.
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