You’ve heard of a backpacking trip but what about a BIKEpacking trip? If you love cycling, being active and enjoying the great outdoors, a bikepacking experience could be just the ticket.
If you’re not sure what you need to get started, have no fear. Keep reading to discover what exactly bikepacking entails and what you need to take to enjoy your first adventure.
What is bikepacking?
Bikepacking is a form of adventure cycling that involves travelling long distances over multiple days. Journeys often take place across varied terrain, while carrying your essential supplies using bags that can be attached to the bike frame. The focus of bikepacking is around self-sufficiency and minimalist travel.
What’s the difference between bikepacking and bike touring?
Bikepacking and bike touring are similar. However, bikepacking often involves more challenging terrain and focuses more on light packing.
What do I need for a bikepacking trip?
If you’ve never been on a bikepacking trip before, you may be wondering exactly what you need to take with you. Consider this your bikepacking checklist:
Bike and maintenance
A rather obvious one but, if you’re going on a cycling trip, you’re going to need a bike! While there are bikes that are designed for touring, you can use any bike for a bikepacking adventure. If you don’t own a bike that’s designed for long distances and challenging terrain, simply plan routes to suit your bike. For your first trip, try sticking to simple gravel trails.
As well as the bike itself, it’s a good idea to pack some essential bike tools, should you encounter any issues such as a puncture repair kit, a tubeless repair kit, bike pump, and multi-tool. If your route is more off the beaten path, you’ll want to consider expanding your gear including spare brake pads, a GPS computer, bike lock, chain quick link, and inner tube.
Bike pannier bag or rucksack
While the aim of bikepacking is to be as minimalist as possible, if you’re travelling over multiple weeks, you’re going to need more luggage to carry everything you need. If this is the case, consider a pannier bag as well as rucksacks and bags that can be attached to the bike frame.
Sleeping arrangement
You’ll need to plan your overnight arrangements – typically bikepacking involves going down the camping route, so you’ll need the right camping equipment such as a tent, sleeping bag etc. That being said, you can always stop in a B&B or guesthouse if you’d prefer.
Toiletries and essentials
If you’re out cycling over a number of days, hygiene is extremely important! Don’t forget to pack your everyday essentials such as toothpaste and a toothbrush. If the sun is out, remember your sun cream and potentially insect repellent.
You’ll also need your basic electronics such as a phone charger, GPS device and power bank if you need to charge items while on the go.
Sensible clothing
Make sure you dress for the weather. If it’s likely to be wet and windy, you’ll need to pack waterproof clothing. For sunny conditions, make sure you bring light and breathable items. At Halfords, we’ve got a wide range of cycle clothing for all weathers from cycling jackets, gilets and cycling shorts.
Cooking equipment
If you plan on camping, you can save yourself a lot of money by cooking yourself. Packing a camping stove and other camping cooking equipment is a must. If you’re going in a large group, people could take turns to cook meals each night. If you need some recipe inspiration, check out our blog on budget camping meals. However, no one will judge you if you fancy heading to the pub every night instead!
Packing tips
Packing for a bikepacking trip can seem overwhelming, however, if you pack correctly, it will make things a lot easier. When you load your bags onto your bike, try and keep the weight distribution low and central, otherwise it could affect your balance.
Look out for all storage opportunities on your bike such as additional bottle cage mounts underneath the down tube or added pannier mounts on the forks. This could be useful for storing tools, for example.
The placement of particular items is very important. If possible, try and place waterproof clothing and any handy items that will likely be used when you’re out and about at the top of your bags for easy access. Make sure items such as sleeping bags and spare clothing are kept somewhere waterproof. You don’t want to be sleeping in a wet sleeping bag!
Bikepacking destinations
When planning where to go on your bikepacking adventure, make sure you choose routes that are suitable for your bike. If you own a road bike, for example, you’ll need to choose routes that are mostly tarmac roads. If you own a mountain bike, your options are much more varied.
The UK has a variety of popular routes such as:
- South Downs Way
- Pennine Bridleway
- Yorkshire Dales 300
- Trans Cambrian Way
- The Faultline Trail
Conduct some online research and you can narrow down the best route to suit you.
Preparing for your bikepacking trip
Now you have a rough idea of what to bring with you and have some trail inspiration, there’s a few things you can do to fully prepare for your bikepacking trip.
Test out your gear
It’s a good idea to test out your camping gear beforehand, such as pitching your tent, so you have some experience when the day of your trip arrives. Having a practice before you set off will help you conquer any potential issues ahead of time.
Only take what you really need
As you can imagine, riding a bike laden with heavy items will make your journeys much more difficult. As a result, you’ll want to make sure you’re only taking what you really need so you’re not weighed down by unnecessary items.
Discover what works
If it’s your first bikepacking trip, you’ll learn what works and what you could do better next time. Make note of these experiences so your next trip can be smoother and more efficient.
Enjoy yourself
Ultimately, the purpose of bikepacking is to get out and enjoy the great outdoors! So, remember to take it all in and make the most of being at one with nature.
If you fancy upgrading your bike or need new cycling accessories for your trip, we have everything you need on halfords.com. If you want thrilling cycling experiences, you want Halfords.
