Ultimate Guide to Bikepacking: Essential Gear and Route Planning Tips

Bikepacking combines the freedom of cycling with the adventure of backpacking, creating one of the most rewarding ways to explore the outdoors. This comprehensive guide will help you plan your first bikepacking adventure and build the skills for a lifetime of two-wheeled exploration.

What Is Bikepacking?

Bikepacking vs Traditional Bike Touring

Bikepacking Characteristics:

• Off-road focus - gravel roads, singletrack, mixed terrain
• Lightweight approach - minimalist gear selection
• Frame-mounted bags - no traditional panniers
• Wild camping - backcountry and stealth camping
• Self-sufficient - carrying all necessary supplies
• Adventure oriented - exploration over comfort

Traditional Bike Touring:

• Road-based - primarily paved surfaces
• Comfort emphasis - hotels, established campgrounds
• Pannier system - large capacity bags
• Resupply focused - towns and services
• Longer distances - efficiency over exploration

Types of Bikepacking Adventures

Overnight Trips (1-2 days):

• Perfect for beginners to test gear and skills
• Minimal gear required
• Local destinations within 50 miles
• Weekend warrior friendly

Multi-Day Tours (3-7 days):

• Extended wilderness experiences
• Route planning becomes critical
• Resupply strategy needed
• Weather considerations important

Long-Distance Expeditions (1+ weeks):

• Epic adventures across states/countries
• Advanced planning and logistics
• Gear durability critical
• Mental preparation essential

Essential Bikepacking Gear

Bag System and Storage

Frame Bag (Essential):

Capacity: 3-8 liters
Contains: Tools, snacks, electronics, first aid
Mounting: Velcro and buckle system
Price Range: $80-200
Top Picks: Revelate Rivendell, Apidura Racing

Seat Bag (Essential):

Capacity: 8-20 liters  
Contains: Sleeping system, extra clothes
Mounting: Seat post and saddle rails
Price Range: $100-300
Considerations: Stability on rough terrain

Handlebar Bag (Recommended):

Capacity: 15-25 liters
Contains: Bulky, lightweight items (sleeping bag, clothes)
Mounting: Handlebar and fork crown
Price Range: $120-250
Stability: Can affect steering when fully loaded

Additional Storage Options:

• Top tube bag - snacks and small items (1-2L)
• Fork bags - water, dense items (2-4L each)
• Anything cages - external mounting points
• Frame straps - sleeping pads, extra gear

Shelter Systems

Ultralight Tents:

Single-wall designs:
- Weight: 1-2 lbs
- Setup: Simple, quick pitch
- Durability: Good for 3-season use
- Examples: Big Agnes Fly Creek, Nemo Hornet

Double-wall designs:
- Weight: 2-3 lbs  
- Ventilation: Superior condensation management
- Durability: Better for harsh conditions
- Examples: MSR Hubba Hubba, REI Quarter Dome

Bivy Sacks:

Advantages:
- Minimal weight (8oz-1.5lbs)
- Small pack size
- Stealth camping friendly
- Weather protection

Disadvantages:
- Claustrophobic feeling
- Limited interior space
- Condensation issues
- Single person only

Tarp + Bivy Combinations:

• Ultimate flexibility in setup options
• Lightest option for experienced users
• Weather adaptability from full coverage to none
• Learning curve for proper setup

Sleep Systems

Sleeping Bags vs Quilts:

Sleeping Bags:

Advantages:
- Familiar design
- Full weather protection
- Easier to use

Weight: 1.5-3 lbs (summer rated)
Temperature: Choose 10-15°F below expected lows
Fill: Down (lighter) vs Synthetic (wet weather)

Quilts:

Advantages:
- Lighter weight (save 20-30%)
- Better temperature regulation  
- More efficient insulation use
- Customizable designs

Considerations:
- Requires sleeping pad attachment
- Learning curve for proper use
- Less weather protection

Sleeping Pads:

Inflatable (Recommended):
- Weight: 12-20 oz
- R-value: 2-5+ (insulation rating)
- Comfort: Superior cushioning
- Durability: Puncture risk

Closed-cell foam:
- Weight: 8-14 oz
- Durability: Virtually indestructible
- Comfort: Minimal cushioning
- Backup: Good as secondary pad

Cooking and Hydration

Stove Systems:

Canister Stoves:

Advantages:
- Easy to use
- Precise flame control
- Clean burning
- Lightweight options available

Disadvantages:
- Fuel cartridges expensive
- Cold weather performance issues
- Difficult to gauge fuel remaining

Weight: 3-6 oz (stove only)
Boil Time: 2-4 minutes (1 liter)
Fuel Cost: $5-8 per 100g cartridge

Alcohol Stoves:

Advantages:
- Ultra-lightweight (1-2 oz)
- Simple, reliable design
- Fuel widely available
- Inexpensive

Disadvantages:
- Slower cooking times
- No flame control
- Wind sensitive
- Less efficient in cold

Best for: Ultralight priorities, simple meals

Water Filtration:

Filter Options:
- Sawyer Mini: 2 oz, reliable, slow flow
- Katadyn BeFree: 2 oz, fast flow, collapsible
- LifeStraw Peak: 2.7 oz, squeeze bottle system

Treatment Tablets:
- Aquatabs: 0.25 oz, backup option
- Potable Aqua: 0.5 oz, proven effectiveness
- 20-30 minute wait time

Clothing System

Layering Strategy:

Base Layer:

Material: Merino wool or synthetic
Function: Moisture management, odor control
Weight: 4-8 oz
Quantity: 1 worn, 1 spare

Insulation Layer:

Options:
- Down jacket: Ultra-light, compressible
- Synthetic fill: Better when wet
- Fleece: Durable, breathable

Weight: 8-16 oz
Packing: Stuff sack or built-in pocket

Shell Layer:

Rain Jacket:
- Weight: 6-12 oz
- Breathability: Important for active use
- Durability: 2.5L vs 3L fabrics

Rain Pants:
- Weight: 4-8 oz  
- Features: Side zips for venting
- Alternative: Rain skirt (lighter option)

Cycling-Specific Gear:

Essentials:
- 2-3 pairs cycling shorts/bibs
- Cycling jersey (moisture-wicking)
- Lightweight cycling jacket
- Buff or neck gaiter
- Cycling cap or sun hat
- Quality cycling socks (2-3 pairs)

Bike Setup and Modifications

Bike Selection

Ideal Bikepacking Bikes:

Gravel Bikes:

Advantages:
- Versatile on mixed terrain
- Comfortable geometry
- Wide tire clearance
- Multiple mounting points

Considerations:
- May lack ultra-wide tire clearance
- Racing geometry on some models

Mountain Bikes (Hardtail):

Advantages:
- Maximum tire clearance
- Robust construction
- Excellent for technical terrain
- Comfortable on rough surfaces

Considerations:
- Less efficient on pavement
- May need mounting point additions

Touring Bikes:

Advantages:
- Designed for loaded riding
- Abundant mounting points
- Durable construction
- Comfortable geometry

Considerations:
- Heavier than alternatives
- Limited off-road capability

Essential Modifications

Mounting Points:

Frame Bag Mounts:
- Bottle cage bolts (standard)
- Additional braze-ons
- Anything cage adapters

Fork Mounts:
- Anything cages on fork legs
- Crown mount for handlebar bag
- Low-rider mounts (if available)

Tire Selection:

Width Recommendations:
- Road/gravel mix: 35-40mm
- Gravel focus: 40-45mm
- Mixed terrain: 45-50mm
- Technical terrain: 50mm+

Tread Patterns:
- File tread: Fast rolling, light dirt
- Knobby: Better traction, slower on pavement
- Hybrid: Compromise for mixed conditions

Drivetrain Considerations:

Gearing for Loaded Riding:
- Lower gear ratios essential
- 1x systems: Simple, adequate range
- 2x systems: Maximum range options
- Consider: 30T+ chain ring, 40T+ largest cog

Route Planning and Navigation

Research and Route Selection

Information Sources:

Online Resources:
- Bikepacking.com (route database)
- Ride with GPS (route sharing)
- Strava segments and heat maps
- Mountain Bike Project
- Local cycling forums

Print Resources:
- USGS topographic maps
- National Forest maps  
- State park maps
- Adventure Cycling maps

Route Evaluation Criteria:

Terrain Assessment:

• Surface types - pavement percentage vs gravel vs singletrack
• Elevation profile - total gain, steep sections, sustained climbs
• Technical difficulty - skill level required
• Distance - realistic daily mileage with gear

Logistics Considerations:

Water Sources:
- Natural sources (reliability by season)
- Towns and services
- Water carry capacity needed
- Filtration requirements

Resupply Opportunities:
- Grocery stores and markets
- Gas stations (limited options)
- Restaurants and cafes
- Package shipping to post offices

Emergency Exits:
- Road access points
- Cell phone coverage areas
- Populated areas
- Transportation options

Navigation Tools

GPS Devices:

Garmin Edge Series:
- Purpose-built for cycling
- Long battery life (15-20+ hours)
- Preloaded maps available
- Route following and navigation
- Price: $200-600

Wahoo ELEMNT Series:
- Simple operation
- Smartphone integration
- Good battery life
- Route sync capabilities
- Price: $200-400

Smartphone Apps:

Pros:
- Large, color screens
- Detailed maps
- Multiple app options
- Camera and communication

Cons:
- Battery drain (4-8 hours)
- Weather vulnerability
- Distraction potential
- Data connection dependency

Top Apps:
- Gaia GPS (offline capability)
- Komoot (route planning)
- Ride with GPS
- Strava

Backup Navigation:

Essential Backups:
- Printed cue sheets
- Simplified map printouts
- Compass (basic orienteering)
- Route shared with emergency contact

Camping and Stealth Camping

Campsite Selection

Legal Camping Options:

National Forests:
- Dispersed camping allowed (usually)
- 100+ feet from water sources
- 14-day limits typical
- Leave No Trace principles

State Parks:
- Designated camping areas
- Facilities and services
- Advance reservations recommended
- Higher fees but more amenities

Private Campgrounds:
- Full services available
- Shower and laundry facilities
- Higher cost
- Advance booking essential

Stealth Camping Guidelines:

Site Selection:
- Not visible from roads or trails
- Flat, durable ground surface
- Natural windbreak and drainage
- Legal considerations paramount

Ethics:
- Leave absolutely no trace
- Pack out all waste
- Minimize site impact
- Respect private property
- Follow local regulations

Safety:
- Inform others of general location
- Have exit strategy planned
- Weather shelter adequate
- Water source identified

Wilderness Skills

Weather Awareness:

Forecast Monitoring:
- Check multiple sources
- Understand local weather patterns
- Plan escape routes for severe weather
- Carry appropriate gear for conditions

Signs in Nature:
- Cloud formations and movement
- Wind direction changes
- Animal behavior
- Barometric pressure (if equipped)

Water Management:

Source Evaluation:
- Flowing vs stagnant water
- Upstream contamination sources
- Seasonal reliability
- Local knowledge and reports

Treatment Methods:
- Filtration for particulates and bacteria
- UV or chemical for viruses
- Boiling as universal treatment
- Multiple methods for security

Safety and Emergency Preparedness

Communication and Emergency Plans

Communication Devices:

Cell Phone:
- Primary communication tool
- Download offline maps
- Emergency contact information
- Backup battery/charging method

Satellite Communicators:
- Garmin inReach series
- SPOT devices
- Two-way messaging capability
- Emergency SOS features
- Subscription service required

Emergency Planning:

Trip Plan:
- Detailed itinerary with timeline
- Emergency contact information
- Check-in schedule established
- Route deviations communicated

Emergency Kit:
- First aid supplies
- Emergency shelter (space blanket)
- Whistle and signaling device
- Cash for emergencies
- Emergency food (extra day)

First Aid and Medical

Basic First Aid Kit:

Wound Care:
- Antiseptic wipes
- Adhesive bandages (various sizes)
- Gauze pads and medical tape
- Antibiotic ointment

Medications:
- Pain relievers (ibuprofen, acetaminophen)
- Anti-diarrheal medication
- Antihistamine
- Personal prescription medications

Tools:
- Tweezers
- Small scissors
- Thermometer
- Emergency contact card

Common Bikepacking Injuries:

Prevention Focus:
- Saddle sores: Proper fit, chamois cream
- Knee pain: Bike fit, gradual mileage increase
- Hand numbness: Bar tape, hand position variety
- Dehydration: Regular fluid intake
- Sunburn: Sunscreen, protective clothing

Nutrition and Hydration

Caloric Requirements

Energy Expenditure:

Bikepacking vs Road Cycling:
- 25-50% higher caloric needs
- Terrain difficulty increases demand
- Loaded bike requires more energy
- Cold weather increases requirements

Daily Estimates:
- Light effort: 2,500-3,500 calories
- Moderate effort: 3,500-4,500 calories
- Hard effort: 4,500-6,000+ calories

Food Planning Strategy:

Macronutrient Balance:
- Carbohydrates: 55-65% (quick energy)
- Fats: 20-35% (sustained energy, satiety)
- Protein: 10-20% (muscle recovery)

Meal Distribution:
- Breakfast: 25-30% of calories
- Lunch: 25-30% of calories
- Dinner: 30-35% of calories
- Snacks: 10-15% of calories

Bikepacking Food Systems

Cooking vs No-Cook:

Cooking Advantages:

- Hot meals improve morale
- Better food safety
- More food variety
- Warm drinks in cold weather
- Can rehydrate dried foods

No-Cook Benefits:

- Lighter pack weight
- Faster meal prep
- No fuel requirements
- Less cleanup
- Simpler logistics

Food Selection Criteria:

Weight-to-Calorie Ratio:
- Nuts and seeds: Excellent (140-170 cal/oz)
- Dried fruits: Good (70-90 cal/oz)
- Energy bars: Moderate (100-130 cal/oz)
- Fresh fruits: Poor (15-25 cal/oz)

Packaging:
- Minimal waste generation
- Durable containers
- Resealable options
- Efficient packing shapes

Sample Menu Plans

3-Day No-Cook Menu:

Breakfast Options:
- Overnight oats with nuts and dried fruit
- Granola with shelf-stable milk
- Energy bars and coffee
- Bagel with nut butter and banana

Lunch Options:
- Tortilla wraps with hummus and vegetables
- Trail mix and jerky
- Crackers with cheese and salami
- Tuna and crackers

Dinner Options:
- Couscous salad with nuts and dried fruit
- Cold pasta salad
- Bean and grain salad
- Hummus and vegetable wraps

Snacks:
- Mixed nuts and dried fruit
- Energy bars
- Dark chocolate
- Electrolyte drinks

Building Skills Progressively

Beginner Progression Plan

Phase 1: Overnight Adventures (Months 1-2)

Goals:
- Test gear systems
- Learn basic camping skills
- Build confidence
- Identify preferences

Distance: 10-30 miles
Duration: 1-2 nights
Terrain: Easy to moderate
Support: Established campgrounds

Phase 2: Weekend Warriors (Months 3-4)

Goals:
- Extend distance and duration
- Practice navigation skills
- Refine gear selection
- Experience weather challenges

Distance: 30-60 miles
Duration: 2-3 nights  
Terrain: Moderate with some challenges
Support: Mix of established and dispersed camping

Phase 3: Multi-Day Adventures (Months 5-6+)

Goals:
- Self-sufficient expedition skills
- Advanced route planning
- Gear optimization
- Mental resilience building

Distance: 60+ miles
Duration: 3+ nights
Terrain: Challenging and varied
Support: Primarily self-sufficient

Skill Development Areas

Technical Skills:

• Bike maintenance - field repairs and adjustments
• Navigation - map reading and GPS operation
• Camping - efficient setup and breakdown
• Weather reading - forecasting and adaptation
• Route finding - problem-solving when lost

Physical Preparation:

Fitness Building:
- Gradual mileage increase
- Hill training with loaded bike
- Back-to-back riding days
- Cross-training for overall fitness

Technical Riding:
- Loaded bike handling
- Steep descent control
- Technical climbing
- Sand and loose surface riding

Conclusion: Your Bikepacking Journey Awaits

Bikepacking offers a unique way to explore the world at a human pace, carrying everything you need for adventure and self-discovery. While the initial gear investment and learning curve may seem daunting, the rewards of bikepacking – the places you'll go, the challenges you'll overcome, and the confidence you'll build – make every effort worthwhile.

Start small, learn continuously, and gradually push your comfort zone. Every bikepacking trip teaches valuable lessons and builds skills for future adventures. The most important step is the first one: choosing a destination, packing your gear, and rolling out the door.

The trails are waiting, and your bikepacking adventure begins with a single pedal stroke. Where will your first trip take you?

Happy trails! 🚴‍♂️🏕️