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    Backpack on Bike? 6 Months Patagonia

    Looking for solutions and ideas to carry my 35L hiking backpack onto my Giant Toughroad gravel bike

    I am interested in doing a 6~ month bikepacking trip in the Patagonia region, although not an entire bikepacking trip as I would like to spend lots of time hiking and camping along the way, hiking for multiple days etc… a slow paced bike packing trip

    Can someone give me suggestions on how to attach my backpack to my bike?

    I might if needed also have panniers on my bike, although I own none at the moment and usually am very minimalist

    by TestSimilar6032

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    8 Comments

    1. 64-matthew on

      I put on a rear carrier and use panniers. For camping l bought a soft backpack that l could scrundge up and tied it to the rake between the two panniers

    2. DLByron on

      Put bar ends on that flat bar for more hand positions; especially, if you’re wearing a backpack.

    3. FracturedFingers on

      You’re probably better off getting panniers and a UL frameless backpacking pack (or one with a removable frame). 
      [Edit: I love my Six Moon Designs Swift X – removable internal frame, lightweight whilst remaining durable, and the running vest style straps rock]
      Store the pack in the panniers or frame bag or something when riding, and pack it up with gear when hiking. You are certainly going to need more gear than you are currently planning. 
      For backpacking, I use a 55L pack for multi-month trips and that’s with a pretty UL setup. People go lighter, but for 6 months, especially in Patagonia, you need to be much more geared than even a typical thru-hiker. You’ll need a true 4 season tent with good wind resistance, and gear to keep you warm in colder temperatures. 
      Also account for the extra gear you will need for the bike. You will need tools, spares, a pump, etc…
      Realistically you would be best served by looking at the setups of Greg McCahon and Martin Dooljard. 
      And I would pick a more reliable bike, probably with bigger tire clearance. Surly ECR, Tumbleweed Prospector, or a Stooge Dirt Tracker are all bikes that come to mind with large tire clearance. I love my Dirt Tracker. 
      One last note – weight distribution matters a lot when handling a loaded bike, especially off-road. I put my heaviest stuff at the bottom of my frame bag, panniers, or fork leg bags. If you are hoping to just slap the loaded backpack on top of a rack (or even on one side) it’s gonna handle poorly, and when pushing your bike, you’ll hate all the weight on the back tire, it makes it much harder to get the rear wheel over small ledges/rocks. 

    4. Brayden_D91 on

      https://youtube.com/@PathLessPedaledTV is a great resource for everything alternative cycling. I’m sure there is at least one video on this channel with multiple different ideas that would work.

      **Some racks/brands:**
      • Fahrer Tour Rack for KlickFix Mount (5kg max)
      • Topeak Handlebar Rack (4.5kg max)
      • Old Man Mountain
      • Tubus

      If you get a rear or front rack you can always get a basket for your backpack. Wald is one of the most popular baskets that people get.

    5. Mountainbiker216 on

      Take a look at the Durston Wapta 30. That thing is plenty light and will pack insanely small. Perfect for a long trip where you’re mixing bikepacking and hiking. They also have a couple of frame packs that don’t pack quite so small.

      ~~Either way, Fjallraven is definitely not what you want for this kind of combo trip~~

      Edit- Thinking about it more, if you already own that pack and can cram it into an inexpensive pannier, then roll with it. A cheap pannier from Rockbros might be just the ticket for you as an empty pack is more an issue of volume than weight

    6. TheNetworkIsFrelled on

      Poor choice TBH. Cycling with a backpack is exhausting.

      Add racks and panniers to the bike, and carry the pack or another smaller one if you anticipate hiking.

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