How to ride off on your first bikepacking adventure
For many, riding a bike is a special joy reminiscent of childhood: the freedom to walk and do what you want, the feeling of flying down the road at a speed your legs cannot match, and a sense of the limitless exploration. And if there’s a way to amplify those experiences, it might be bikepacking.
But if you’ve never loaded your camping gear onto a set of pedal-powered bikes and hit the road, you might have a few questions. Luckily we have answers.
What is bikepacking anyway
Think of bikepacking as an activity that hovers at the intersection of backpacking and overlanding: a type of journey where you camp out for a night (or more) and carry everything you need on your back or vehicle. The main difference is that your mode of transport is two aluminum rims instead of your feet, or a gas-powered engine. But beyond that, the details are up to you.
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“There’s no one way,” said Marley Blonsky, athlete and co-founder of All Bodies on Bikes, a non-profit organization based in Bentonville, Arkansas dedicated to promoting the inclusion of greats in the cycling world. “People get caught up in doing it ‘right,’ but just get out there and have fun,” she encourages. “There are no rules and no trophies — it’s whatever you want to make of it.”
That means bikepacking can consist of road or trail riding, camping in developed locations or off-grid in the backcountry; Rides of two or ten days, distances of five miles or 500, or any combination of the above. You can do it alone or with friends and family, and anyone who feels like it can do it. Provided, of course, that you have the necessary equipment.
Start with a bike
What you need will vary from adventure to adventure, but the basics will likely stay the same, and the item at the top of the list is a bike. You don’t need an expensive steed, and Blonsky says as long as it has two wheels and you can attach a rack and bag to it, you should be able to walk well.
However, if you want to be selective, a bike with a wide range of gears will make it easier to conquer different terrains, while thick tires will offer stability when riding off-road.
As for other essential items, Blonsky recommends making packing lists in categories – ask yourself what you need to drive, sleep, eat and dress.
Riding essentials
In addition to a bike, you need racks and bags that attach to them (such as panniers) to carry all your gear. For safety, bring powerful bike lights for after-dark rides (don’t forget spare batteries or charging cables) and repair gear to fix minor maintenance glitches. At a minimum, the kit should include a multi-tool, patch kit, spare tube, electrical tape, pocket knife, and hand pump.
It’s important to realize that you don’t need to be a skilled bike mechanic to embark on your own bikepacking adventure. But you should at least know how to change a flat tire and fix a fallen chain, two of the most common repairs you’ll address. Just don’t think that when it comes time to fix things, you can just search YouTube for an how-to video. When you venture off the beaten path, you may find yourself with a broken bike part and no cell phone reception. So do your research before you set off.
To sleep well
If you spend most of your nights outdoors, make sure you pack everything you need for a cozy night under the stars. You will need a tent or hammock, as well as a sleeping pad and sleeping bag – the smaller the better. Lightweight backpacking gear often works well for bikepacking, but some manufacturers also offer bike-specific items like tents with shorter poles that fit better on a bike frame.
Fuel your ride
As for what to eat, Blonsky recommends choosing your own adventure. That said, if you’re passing through small towns you might prefer to stop for a meal, but if you’re further from civilization you might need to pack all your groceries for the trip. If you’re avoiding other people and want more than sandwiches and energy bars, you probably need a stove to cook with. With this and in a small saucepan or pan you can prepare as many dishes as you like using fresh or dried ingredients.
You might want to prioritize faster meals for lunch and snacks. Make or get a sandwich or spread hummus and veggies on a tortilla. As for snacks, Blonsky recommends “anything you can eat with one hand while you’re peddling,” like energy bars, fruit, and small bags of trail mix.
And if you’d like something tasty at the end of the day, whether it’s a cupcake or a six-pack, bring it along! Blonsky particularly encourages new drivers to pack what will make the trip more comfortable for them.
What to wear
When choosing your clothing, avoid cotton and opt for comfortable, quick-drying, moisture-wicking fabrics that won’t chafe or feel heavy and soggy after a long day on the bike. Keep the weather forecast in mind when choosing clothing, and bring an extra layer in case the temperatures drop or it rains.
Blonsky also recommends bringing a change of clothes just for camp, like a light pair of shoes and a comfortable outfit that doesn’t stick with sweat. After a long day of cycling, nothing feels quite like pulling off those padded cycling shorts and salt-crusted shirt to enjoy a meal by the campfire.
safety and navigation
Planning a trip doesn’t end with a packing list, so don’t forget safety and navigational instruments. Bring a first aid kit that includes all personal medication and a paper card in addition to any apps you will be using on your phone. If you depend on digital tools, bring a power bank to ensure you always have access to them.
Avoid accidents by doing a safety check every day before you ride: make sure your wheels are securely attached to your bike, your brakes are in good condition, and nothing needs servicing or repairs. Finally, always follow safe driving practices when sharing the road with motorists.
Or, if you’re already familiar with an area, create your own map by marking bike routes and trails, points of interest, campgrounds and more on Google Maps. You can also use an app like Ride with GPS, which is specifically designed for bikepackers. If you don’t know where to start, you can always check with your local bike shops and organizations – they can probably give you tips and suggestions.
Get involved
Your first bikepacking trip doesn’t have to be a week-long ride or aggressive mileage through wilderness terrain. Start with an overnight stay close to where you live, and when you feel comfortable and confident, you can go further and faster.
“There is no right or wrong here,” says Blonsky. “Find what works for you and have fun with it.”