Bikepacking Simplified – Focus on these & leave the rest behind

She looks severely sleep deprived….

You’re very cool I want start next year 🎉🎉🎉ஆஆஆ

One thing that I have found useful is to go over every attachment point on the bike, and change any bolts/fittings to a standard size. This reduces the tools you need – and also ensures you understand how everything works. Nothing worse than having a bolt you can't remove (on a broken pannier fixing point for example), or a derailleur screw that you can't adjust. This includes a tool for tightening spokes, which likely will come loose under load.

Also, ditch everything that you don't really need. You won't miss those things. And carry some cable ties (I've used them to lash a pannier rack where one of the frame welds had come apart. It lasted for 800+ miles!. A sewing kit is also useful for tire tears. And if you run inner tubes and for some reason have no sealant – or damage that can't be covered with a patch – then just create a knot in the inner tube to separate the tear from the working inner tube. You will barely notice the slight deformity the knot causes in the tire – and it'll run almost like a new tube.

Going multi-year touring? Go for steel. Those can be rewelded anywhere if needed. And KISS (keep it simple). Fancy mech systems or unusual axle sizes (Super Boost for example) are going to be difficult to find in less affluent places. If you can't find replacement parts, your tour will come to a stop and you may face some hefty international postage fees. Could go on and on – but one final thing; make sure you have a spare derailleur hanger. They weigh v.little, are cheap – and will dig you out of a hole if your derailleur gets smashed & damages that derailleur hanger. They're often difficult to replace in local bike shops.

Thoughts on fenders…?

How do you use the washroom while bike packing?

I like what you said about cheap panniers, the same applies to your bike and all essential equipment! I bought a new bike many years ago in preparation for my first serious cycling adventure. Initially I used it for 3 weeks commuting to work during which time everything including spokes loosened. When I returned it for service the mechanic told me he didn’t realise I wanted a ‘real’ bike, not a ‘cheap’ bike so I increased my budget to almost 2.5 times my initial spend. Still using the same steel bike 45 years later 🚴‍♀️🚴‍♀️🚴‍♀️

Craazy fact: had the exact same bike lock, got my bike robbed in Norway (less than 10 min unattended)! Unvelievable you got to go through India and nothing happened. Cheers!

I just got an idea, that instead of starting with 4000km, I could use my broken ass bike to do a last trip just across my own country before travelling too far. I need to visit my friends in the summer on the other side and that's already 1000km in a familiar country for a soft start, since you are allowed to camp anywhere temporarily.

Holy sht. Babble babble babble

No.1 Get bike fit. It means you can either tune existing bike and how you use it, or buy new one based on findings. And usually, initial discomfort for position and such doesn't mean much, since you will most likely get used to it. Ofc if you don't, then you need to change something. But overall, bike fit is worth it for any long trip or sport riding. Heck if you have nice bike, it's not that much more to do it even for commute. It's going to be overall quite educational experience you can't really do without professional and their equipment. And you might avoid injuries and whatnot and potentially get stuff like saddle at least more right first time. It might not replace experience, but it could take you halfway avoiding many potentially expensive or uncomfortable experiences.

Best way to ruin a bikepacking trip is to be concerned with what distance you go every day Best way to enjoy and get the most out of bikepacking; put your feeling attention on everything around you and whatever comes your way

Im new to bikepacking, only a few trips under my belt, but i really thought this was refreshing and interesting

Great video! My suggestion is to go on a few short trips close to home first to figure out what you need or don't need, and adjust your kit accordingly. It will also help you understand how you feel and how far you can go.

I've learned that once a day you should check to make sure EVERY nut,bolt or screw on your bike is tight. Things will always start getting loose . There is obviously constant vibration . Carry zip ties. They are lightweight and so useful. I carry LOTS of water, more than most people. Don't worry about the weight, extra water is always a good idea.

Excellent well thought out advice , many thanks , namaste golden 🍥

The bike fit comment is so true. I have been biking for 15 years and just got a professional fit. OMG, I wish I had done this a long time ago.

How did you manage to have Internet all the time to access the app for directions 😳?