What to pack for a bikepacking trip
Packing for a bikepacking trip is a personal balancing act. There’s no one-size-fits-all approach, and the key is to bring only what you truly need.
No magic wand here; it’s all about trial and error. My main advice: pack the bare minimum and buy extras on the spot if you find you are lacking something.
Below are some tips, and you can also download my personal list here.
Top tip: roll, don’t fold.
Pack for your needs, not someone else’s
It’s easy to get caught up in extensive gear lists and recommendations. You can gather advice from fellow bikepackers and blogs, but ultimately, find out what works for you. Think about your personal comfort levels, the climate, and the kind of trip you’re planning. Ask yourself:
What are my non-negotiables for comfort?
How much can I carry (in terms of packing space and weight)?
What can I do without?
The best way to refine your packing strategy is through experience. Start with the basics, test your setup, and make adjustments over time.
The art of packing light
Bringing the minimum doesn’t mean sacrificing essentials. It means choosing multipurpose items, prioritizing durability, and cutting anything that isn’t critical. Some key principles:
Layering over bulk: choose versatile clothing that can handle a range of temperatures rather than packing multiple bulky items.
Multi-use items: a buff can be a headband, neck warmer, sweatband, sleep mask… If an item has only one purpose, question its necessity.
Don’t bring the box: if you’re packing just-in-case paracetamol, take only a couple of pills to relieve you en route until you reach a pharmacy.
Reassess your list: make the list, then go through it, asking some hard ‘Do I really need you?’ questions to your items.
Prioritise accessibility
Where you pack is just as important as what you pack. Keep high-use items within reach and distribute weight evenly across your bike if you can. Generally:
Frame bags: heavy items like tools and food.
Handlebar bags: lightweight but bulky items like sleeping gear or extra layers.
Seat packs: clothes and shelter essentials.
Top tube bags: snacks, phone, or multi-tool for quick access.
Bottle cages: if you have an empty one, use it for storage! An old bidon makes for a great place to store your repair kit!
Ask ‘How will I carry this?’; not ‘Can I carry this?’.
Fine-tune your setup
Once you have your essentials packed, go for a test ride. A short overnighter before a big trip can highlight any unnecessary items or gaps in your gear. Adjust as needed and refine your packing strategy based on experience.
If you don’t use an item, ditch it. There are only a few items you can be happy you ‘packed for nothing’: repair kit, EpiPen, first aid kit.
Back to basics: my luggage for three months of cycling, working and living in Spain
Final thoughts
Packing for a bikepacking trip isn’t just about fitting everything into your bags, it’s about creating a setup that works for you. By prioritizing the essentials and minimizing unnecessary weight, you’ll enjoy a smoother, more enjoyable ride.
Pack for your comfort zone. Personally, I won’t be caught carrying more than two pairs of underwear, even on a long trip, as I’d rather wash them every day, but I never bikepack with fewer than three or four pairs of socks and two pairs of gloves. You guessed it, I have bad circulation in my extremities. What’s your Achilles’ heel? Make sure you take care of it. You know yourself better than anyone.
Over time, you’ll develop a system that suits your style, making each adventure more streamlined and rewarding.
Download my Excel packing list and get started!
