After five major bikepacking adventures and thousands of kilometers—including winter rides, races, and daily commuting in Iceland—my Trek Checkpoint SL6 is still my go-to companion. In this video, I break down my full 2025 setup for my next long-distance journey from Paris to Lisbon.
I cover the frame, wheels, drivetrain, brakes, cockpit, bags, tools, and new upgrades like my Ultegra Di2 and power meter pedals. Whether you’re a first-time bikepacker or planning your next adventure, I hope this gives you inspiration, practical tips, and some gear ideas.
Every year I tweak something. Every ride teaches me something new. This is how I do it now—next year might be different.
🎒 Less speed, more comfort. Fewer grams, but more joy.
And always: Þetta reddast.
👇 Drop your questions or gear tips in the comments!
And if you’ve done a trip on the Trek Checkpoint or have bikepacking setup suggestions, I’d love to hear from you.
🔔 Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and join me on the road.
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🚴♂️ My 2025 Bikepacking Equipment List
🛠 Bike & Components
Bike: Trek Checkpoint SL6 (Carbon frame)
Wheels: DT Swiss GR 1600
Handlebar: 46 cm with 53 cm flare drops
Tires: Schwalbe Marathon Efficiency 45 mm
Groupset: Shimano Ultegra R8000 Di2
Crankset: GRX FC 820 48–31
Cassette: SRAM 11–36 (yes, it works 😉)
🧳 Bikepacking Bags
Rear: Tailfin AeroPack (20L)
Side Panniers: Tailfin Mini Panniers (2 × 5L)
Frame Bag: Bontrager Adventure Frame Bag (5L)
Handlebar Bag: Apidura Expedition (14L)
Valuables: Ortlieb Ultimate 6 Handlebar Bag (6L)
Top Tube Bag: Apidura Expedition (1.2L)
Feed Bags: 2 × Food Pouch (1.2L each)
📸 Navigation, Filming & Electronics
Navigation: Garmin Edge 1040
Action Cameras: GoPro Hero 13 & Hero 11
Drone: DJI Mini Neo
Smartphone: Samsung Galaxy S23
Tablet: iPad Mini 6 (for editing & entertainment)
Power Bank: Anker Prime 27,650 mAh
Phone Mount: Quad Lock with wireless charger
🏕 Camping Gear
Tent: Big Agnes Copper Spur UL1
Sleeping Pad: Exped Ultra 3R LW
Sleeping Bag: Mountain Equipment Olympus 300 Long
🧭 Planning & Routes
Route Planner: Komoot
#Bikepacking2025 #TrekCheckpoint #BikepackingSetup #GravelBike #AdventureCycling #UltegraDi2 #Tailfin #Apidura #SchwalbeMarathon #CyclingLife #Biketouring #PowerMeterCycling #IcelandCyclist #ParisToLisbon #BikeGear #MinimalTravel #BikeTravel #ExploreByBike #GravelAdventure #ThisIsBikepacking
They say the best bike for travel is the one you already have. That was true for me on my first bike touring trip over a decade ago. I rode my track Utopia, a simple hybrid, and I absolutely loved it. 10 years later, both bikes and riders evolve. I’ve since entered the world of gravel and embraced the bike packing style. That meant ditching the big paners and rack for smaller frame mounted bags, lighter gear, and of course less space. Now, as I prepare for my fifth long distance trip, I’m still riding my trusty Checkpoint SL 6. After thousands of kilometers, five big adventures, and year round cycling in Iceland, including training, racing, winter rides, and commuting, it’s been upgraded and modified. Let me walk you through the setup for my next trip. The carbon frame has held up incredibly well. No issues at all. Sure, it’s not as shiny as it used to be, but I see that as a badge of honor. I did consider taking my new Cube New Road SLT, a fantastic gravel bike, but after a bit of internal debate, the track won again. It feels like home. Last year I rode with the carbon wheels on my Bolognia to Copenhine tour, but this time I’m going more practical with the GJ Swiss GR600 wheel set. Though reliable and not as precious. Tires are the Swalbe Marathon Efficiency 45 mm wide. Last year, I had three flats using Pathfinder tires, so finger crossed I’ll have fewer issues this time. But hey, you never know. One piece of glass and your luck is out. I’ve upgraded to an Ultegra Ti electronic setup with a GRX 12speed crank set with 4831 and an 1136 RAM cassette in the rear. Now, Simano says that Combo isn’t officially compatible, but I’ve tested it and it works just fine for my needs. Maybe not for racing, but for touring, it’s solid. Still using the original Simon Ultra brakes, just fresh pads installed. For pedals, I’ve added Fiverr a max power pedals. It’s my first time using power meter on a trip, but I want to give it a try. mainly to control my effort and avoiding overdoing it early in the day. My handlebar is 46 cm wide with a generous 53 cm flare which gives room for my Apidura bar back without interference. I also run a Garmin mount, a quadlock charger, a GoPro, and of course a bell. The tail fin aopac has a 20 L capacity. In there is sleeping bag, camping clothes, toiletries. On the sides are uh tail fin paners 5 liters. In there I store food, chair, electronics, extra clothing. In the frame, Bontra adventure frame pack 4.5 L for tubes, tools, pets, kit, odds and ends. Apura handlebar bag 16 liter for tent, sleeping pads and other camp gear. Apura top two pack 1.2 L for snacks. Our lip handle bar pack for valuable passport, phone, iPad, drone, power bank and more. And then two food pouches. This will be my fourth bike packing trip on the track checkpoint. Each year I tweak and upgrade my setup. Sometimes small things, sometimes big ones. Over time I’ve shifted a bit toward the bike touring side of the spectrum. More gear, slower pace, and more time to enjoy the journey. And of course, one thing I’ve learned, there’s no right way to bike pack. Want to carry more gear? Go for it. Prefer to go ultra light and stay in hotels? Also great. This is just the way I do it for now. Next year, I will probably change a few things again. Thanks for watching. Have an amazing trip wherever you’re going. If you enjoy this video, give it a like and subscribe to follow my journey. And as we say in Iceland, the retest.