Bikepacking requires thoughtful preparation and the right gear to ensure a smooth adventure. But what are the absolute essentials I should get for a successful trip? From tents to tools, what should be at the top of my packing list? What’s your number one item that you wouldn’t leave behind when heading into the wild? Please leave suggestions, it’s my first-time!
by Soggy-Passage2852
24 Comments
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A multi tool (blades etc), and spare tubes, bike toolkit. I once got caught out (I even had a spare tyre that I used ..), by a bike pump that failed on the trail. Fortunately I was with a mate who had one. So for me top priority is ‘stuff they’ll get you out of trouble’. Anything else is a luxury!
It’s not a bike camping trip without psychedelics and a battery powered disco ball. Last time I went out, a guy pulled a gallon ziplock bag containing an entire pizza out of his frame bag. Ohh and can’t forget lip balm
I’ll make it simple for you. Pack what you think you need and go on a couple of days ride. All you need or didn’t need or should have taken will be revealed
Definitely invest in a good quality rain jacket because weather can change fast, and staying dry is key. Pack smart, with tools like tire levers and a mini pump, and always have a first-aid kit. My must-have is a lightweight stove so you can cook on the go, it makes a huge difference after a long day on the trail.
Titanium poop shovel
Depending on the difficulty of your trails. But generally, I ALWAYS bring multitool and repair kits. Do inspection of your equipments, tighten the screws and mend damage parts before you head out. Pack light, but sufficient for the environment. For colder climates, always pack extra warm clothes.
If you’re going overseas, your multi tool must be checked in…I left mine in my carryon, thank god it was a cheap Chinese thing
Somewhere to sleep.
Something to eat.
Something to document.
Something to fix me or the bike. (This includes LSD)
A way to carry it all on the bike.
Your overthinking it. If you don’t have it, you obviously don’t need it and will make do with what you have. Somehow.
1. Skills pack easier than gear.
2. Prioritize: are you biking to camp or camping to bike? My priority is riding the bike, so everything starts there.
Spoke tool. So cheap, so overlooked. I bring a tyre lever for a motorbike I don’t use the plastic cheap crap that comes with the puncture repair kits.
Bike packing is exciting, but it’s also a stress on the body. We don’t notice much because it’s fun. But recovery is important. Electrolytes, multivitamins, especially b group,fish oils, ginseng, caffeine or guarana, some dextrose or glucose chewable tablets for fast recovery,
capsaicin topical cream for muscle pain relief, menthol topical cream for cooling, basically acetaminophen/ibuprofen/codeine (legal without prescription here). Cheap first aid kit. Wet wipes / alcohol wipes. Fungus cream for between the toes to stop me rotting alive (clotrinazole / hydrocortisone). Loperamide for diarrhea. EpiPen for allergies. Dog meds.
That’s just some basics off the top of my head that I carry others probably do not. I’m prepared for independence. Smart people put emphasis on sun cream but I hate the stuff. I have those cycling sun sleeves/ gloves that go on arms. Hat for under helmet. Sun glasses 😎
https://preview.redd.it/l9pt9ljmbt4e1.jpeg?width=1280&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=bb50cd3c787adab073860f941d4f6d82bc012cb0
Aside from the normal stuff, bring a book. Every time I forget to bring a book I regret it. I’ve spent many nights backpacking and bikepacking and still have trouble sleeping sometimes. Reading usually knocks me out after a few pages haha. I’ve got a couple books that are strictly for overnight adventures. So It gives me something to look forward to. Like, “ooohh can’t wait to read some more of my book”
Another thing. Bring at least one rag/ microfiber towel /camp towel. In the summer, keep it damp and use it to wipe sweat off your face while riding. And then have a little travel size bottle of Dr bronner’s and you can use it to wash off when you get to camp. Along the same lines, wet wipes are a lifesaver. Use them for cleaning your butt off real good after using regular toilet paper when taking a dump. And then I use them to take a trail bath in my tent at the end of the day. I really like the Burt’s bees face wipes. They come in a couple different varieties. And then also, witch hazel wipes work really good for cutting the sweat/ grease/grime off of you. Especially for cleaning your crotch area at the end of the day.
Exploring Wild has a couple things you might be interested in. First is an ebook for on the trail info if needed. Second is a trip planner document. I bought this one to support her and it has mostly everything you’d need and probably some things you don’t. I suggested she add earplugs in case of partner snoring or staying in loud campgrounds. There was nothing else I needed. But it does help with overall trip planning and is a good exercise. Her site has lots of info and product reviews.
Since there are loads of different types of bikepacking, there are loads of different lists. Many of which have already been documented extensively online.
Check google & youtube.
This is a start;
[https://bikepacking.com/bikepacking-101/pack-list/](https://bikepacking.com/bikepacking-101/pack-list/)
[https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=bikepacking+gear+list](https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=bikepacking+gear+list)
This is a great list: https://bikepacking.com/bikepacking-101/pack-list/
flask of bourbon,
marijuana, lighter
smoking implements,
spare tube and pump
A bike surely? Free speed if it looks fast
cast iron pan so you have something to cook breakfast over the fire
I don’t know about *ultimate* list, but here was my list for the Tasmanian Trail and the Tour Aotearoa: [https://www.philosofiction.com/stevebeinfiction/2022/9/20/p4v71gklqbsckr2vjmooxiq5mszi02](https://www.philosofiction.com/stevebeinfiction/2022/9/20/p4v71gklqbsckr2vjmooxiq5mszi02)
apart from the obvious, I always carry 3 bottles
I’ve been caught in hot weather without sources of water and I don’t want to experience that anymore
It depends where you are going.
Electrical tape, tip ties spare screws and water proofs are some good ones
Chain-rivet tool! My Deore derailleur came apart, and I had to walk. Also, a pump and tire repair items! And bear spray where I live!
Bike
Bags + straps
Multi tool
Puncture repair kit
Spare tubes
Rain jacket/poncho
Water purification system/tablets
Tent + sleeping pad/hammock + under quilt
Tarp
Sleeping bag/quilt
Stove/cold soak container
Spoon
Knife
First aid kit
Navigation device/phone
Insect repellent
Sun protection
Headphones
Power Bank
Head torch
3-5L Water storage
Helmet
Gloves
Towel
Zipties