The bike and the bags

When people start going bikepacking more often, they want to have a nice setup of bags to transport their belongings. The bags are usually spread out on the bike so the weight is distributed equally. This ensures that the riding is still smooth and enjoyable.

This graphic shows an example of how a bikepacking bike could be packed. Click on the question mark to find out what´s in the bags!

Bikepacking can have many different faces. It can be very goal-oriented for example in gravel races that sometimes are a couple thousand kilometers long. It can also be very laid back and slow, enjoying the fact of moving outside and destress. Some people have very expensive bikes and high-end gear other might just go on their rusty old bikes with a backpack. It can be a one day trip and crashing on a friend´s couch or a multiple week trip, sleeping under the stars every night.

The life on the road

Bikepacking is by no means comfortable. If you want to use it as a cheap and sustainable way of holiday, you will sit on your bike hours and hours. Even padded pants won´t safe you completely from having a sore bottom. There will also be sore muscles, heat and cold, rain and wind, exhaustion and frustration. Camping is by default not very comfortable, sleeping on a small mat on the ground. But for many people all these downsides are worth all the experiences they make and the special places they get to see. They aren´t even downsides but part of the adventure for a lot of people.

Nothing will ever go exactly as planned, especially not when bikepacking. Therefore it´s important to always plan some time for unforeseen rain showers that you´d rather wait out in a nice café and to repair tire punctures. You should also carry an extra tube for your bike as well as a multitool to repair your bike on the go.

Bikepacking is not glamorous. You´ll sweat and smell, you´ll be dirty and tired. So surely, bikepacking is not for everyone to enjoy, but if these aspects don´t bother you, there´s nothing holding you back!