During the pandemic, people have been creative on what to do outdoors since they can’t travel or take their overseas vacations due to some restrictions. One of the things people have been doing to enjoy the outdoors is bikepacking.
Bikepacking is a combination of mountain biking and minimalist camping, and yes it’s kind of different from regular camping.
So you made a decision that you want to take this adventure and first thing first you want to know what will be essential for this trip? In other words, what will be on your packing list to make this bikepacking trip go smoothly?
You can group the essential packing, list in some categories such as bike gear, shelter, sleep gear, cooking, water, navigation, bike repair tools, first aid kit, clothing, and toiletries.
Here are some essential backpacking gear and setup we think are the must on your bikepacking trip
1. Bikepacking Bike
First, you will need a bike, this is obvious that’s why its called a Bikepacking Trip. Keep in mind you don’t just need any bike. You need a bike that works on a trail, a mountain bike will be a good idea. Find a bike that is comfortable and can handle any terrain that you want to explore.
There are different types of bikes that are good such as Fat Bikes, Plus Tire Bikes, Gravel & All-road, Hardtail and Rigid, Plus Tire bikes. Check out some bikes on Amazon
2. Bikepacking Bike Helmet
For safety reasons, you will need a bike helmet. This is must have a piece of safety equipment designed to protect your head in the event of a fall or crash. You never know when or what might happen while you biking, keep yourself safe should always be a priority. Make sure a durable helmet, not just any helmet. Check out some bike helmet at Amazon
3. Bikepacking Bike Lights/Flashlights
You will need lights or flashlights everywhere you go, sometimes your bike lights won’t be enough and you don’t want to stack somewhere in the dark. Try to find the brightest LED bike light sets that can light up your entire road or path ahead, beam up an extensive range of your surroundings, and focus on an object over 500 feet away. Check out some bike lights/flashlights at Amazon
4. Camping Tent For Bikepacking
While on a bike packing trip, somehow you will need to rest, packing a tent will be a good idea on your trip. You want to pack a durable, waterproof, and wind-resistant. If you can try to find an Ultra-lightweight tent that is effortless to carry around during biking. Check out Bikepacking Tents on Amazon
5. Sleeping Bag For Camping
When you are in that tent you will definitely need a sleeping bag to get comfortable while resting on your tent. Make sure the sleeping bag durable and can handle any environment. Check Out Bikepacking Sleeping Bags On Amazon
6. Reusable Water Bottle with Filtration For Bikepacking
A reusable water bottle is a must-have while biking you will need water and you cant bike with a carton or gallon of water, but with a water bottle, you can refill water when you run out of it. Try to find a water bottle that has filters that can filter bacteria etc, this will be easier and safe to refill water anywhere. Check Out Some Reusable Water Bottle with Filtration on Amazon
7. Bikepacking Navigation/GPS System
Although many people are using GPS from their phone, having another navigation/GPS gadget for back up can be useful for bikepacking routes. Most of the time cellphone work where they can get cellular service or wi-fi and sometimes you can be in an area where there are no cellular services. Check Out Some Navigations On Amazon
8. Bike Repair Tools For Bikepacking
Just like a car, a bike can also have some problems which need to be fixed. Don’t forget to pack a bike repair tools kit. Packing a bike repair tool kit should be a priority so in case your bike encounter any problem you will know where t start. Check Out Some Bike Repair Tool Kit on Amazon
9. First Aid Kit For Bikepacking, Camping, and Hiking
There are tons of first aid kits out there, but since you will be outdoors most of the time you need pack the first aid kit that is specific cater to outdoor activities such as camping and hiking. Check Out Some First Aid Kits for Bikepacking Hiking & Camping on Amazon
10. Bikepacking Clothing
What you are going to wear depends on the weather or what time you are going. For instance, if you are going during winter or rainy days make sure you carry clothes that will accommodate that, if you are going during summer, sunny days make sure you do the same. Check Out Bikepacking Clothes On Amazon