A buddy and I just went on our first bikepacking trip together! We decided to really tough it out and not buy expensive gear until we decided if this is a hobby that we enjoy or not. Overall I spent just over $100 on a one person tent and the 30L dry bag that I kept everything in. I already had a sleeping bag. We both had backpacks on as well. The way there wasn’t horrible, but it was pitch black by the time we got there. Riding I’m the dark is dangerous, but we made the best of it.
The way back was much more grueling. It had rained all night, but our tents stayed dry. I didn’t realize how much harder it would be to pedal on the wet gravel as opposed to the day before. 16 of the 18 miles felt like peddling in quick sand. We eventually made it home, bur we’re very sore today. Was an amazing trip overall, and it proves that you don’t need $1000 worth of stuff to do it!
Lessons learned (these are probably common sense to most)
1- don’t expect to have the same pace with all of your gear on
2- bring extra socks
3- you don’t need an expensive setup, but it definitely helps for comfort and reliability.
Wish list
-head lamp (riding in the dark with a Flashlight was no fun)
– various bags (front of bike, frame, and new rack with panniers)
-bike shorts
– new handlebars? Not sure if you can switch them out
by zeusasskins
1 Comment
If that’s minimal, then don’t anybody show it to r/ultralightjerk, they would have a conniption fit.