THE BIKEPACKING GUIDE : WHAT TO PACK
The balance of limited space and providing for all eventualities on the road is a difficult one. Simon Talulelle shares his essentials based on three types of bikepacking trip.
Packing your bikepacking bags is, once again, a story of compromise and sacrifice that depends entirely on the type of trip you are going on. The global objective is to only carry what is truly essential for your adventure.
In what is a wide-ranging discipline, we’ve identified three different types of trips, each one unique enough to influence your choice of equipment.
Of course, these lists are an indicative starting point for you to adjust accordingly based on your individual needs taking into consideration such as the length of your trip, the terrain to be covered, etc.
Top tip: for clothing we would always advise that you include as many merino items as possible. The fabric breaths, drys, and doesn’t hold bad smells, even after many days in the saddle.
THE CREDIT CARD SETUP
If you intend to sleep in hostels or hotels, you can travel lighter. A minimum amount of bags wih a change of clothing for the evening and some over-night supplies should be enough. ‘For everything else, there’s Mastercard!’.
ON THE BIKE
Short sleeve jersey – Bibshorts – Long sleeve jersey – Wind Jacket – Rain Jacket – Neckwarmer – Gloves – Shoes – Socks – Helmet - Sunglasses
OFF THE BIKE
Toothbrush – Toothpaste – Soap – Towel – Shorts – Shirt – Bank Card – Passport - Cash
DEVICES
Telephone – Telephone Charger – GPS – GPS Charger – Lights – Power Bank
TOOLS
Multitool – Pump – CO2 Canisters – Spare Tube – Tubeless Puncture Repair Kit – Patch Kit – Anti-Puncture Tube Sealant – Tyre Plugs – Small Bottle Lubricant – Tyre Levers – Cloth – Rear Mech Hanger – Chain Links – Scotch Tape – Brake Pads
FOOD
Bars – Dried Fruit - Gels
THE AUDAX SETUP
If you have the intention to line up for long-distance challenges, you need to make some provision for comfort. Here, a tent is optional – often a sleeping bag and a bivy bag will do the job. Pack what is necessary for riding and for surviving autonomously outdoors, both day and night. Top tip : for this type of adventure if you hesitate to pack something, you probably do not need it!
Some people go further an apply the following logic : every item carried must have at least two uses. For example, a combination of primaloft jacket and primaloft trousers could replace your sleeping bag whilst also being normal wear when not riding.
ON THE BIKE
Short sleeve jersey – Bibshorts – Long sleeve jersey – Wind Jacket – Rain Jacket – - Rain Trousers - Neckwarmer – Gloves – Shoes – Socks – Shoe Covers - Helmet - Sunglasses
OFF THE BIKE
Toothbrush – Toothpaste – Soap – Towel – Shorts – T-Shirt – Musette - Bank Card – Passport – Cash – Sun Cream – Lip Balm - Ibuprofen
BIVY KIT
Sleeping Bag – Inflatable Mattress – Pillow – Bivy Bag - Wool Hat / Beanie
DEVICES
Telephone – Telephone Charger – GPS – GPS Charger – Lights – Power Bank - Headphones
TOOLS
Multitool – Pump – CO2 Canisters – Spare Tube – Tubeless Puncture Repair Kit – Patch Kit – Anti-Puncture Tube Sealant – Tyre Plugs – Small Bottle Lubricant – Tyre Levers – Cloth – Rear Mech Hanger – Chain Links – Scotch Tape – Brake Pads
FOOD
Bars – Dried Fruit – Gels – Caffeine Tablets
THE 'BED & BREAKFAST' SETUP
Here are talking about complete autonomy. No time limits or competition. In this configuration, to carry what you need to sleep, eat, drink and dress yourself (sometimes for the cold), you need to utilise every square centimetre of your bike – the frame to the fork via the handlebars, the top tube and yes also….you’ll drink with joy from the tin mug attached to your saddlebag.
Therefore it is pleasure and leisure that wins over speed, but be aware that by cleverly choosing good quality, space-saving equipment, you will travel comfortably and at a reasonable speed with all the fun and after-bike activity that you’ve provided for.
Top tip : you will need a lot of water for both pedalling and cooking. Think about adding one or two extra bidons on your bike.
ON THE BIKE
Short sleeve jersey – Bibshorts – Long sleeve jersey – Wind Jacket – Rain Jacket – - Rain Trousers - Neckwarmer – Gloves – Shoes – Socks – Shoe Covers - Helmet - Sunglasses
OFF THE BIKE
Toothbrush – Toothpaste – Soap – Towel – Shorts – T-Shirt – Musette - Bank Card – Passport – Cash – Sun Cream – Lip Balm – Ibuprofen – Journal / Notebook
BIVY KIT
Tent – Tarpaulin – Sleeping Bag – Inflatable Mattress – Pillow – Bivy Bag – Wool Hat/Beanie – Warm Clothes – Sandals/Flip-flops – Lighter – Pocket knife
DEVICES
Telephone – Telephone Charger – GPS – GPS Charger – Lights – Power Bank – Camera – Portable Speaker
TOOLS
Multitool – Pump – CO2 Canisters – Spare Tube – Tubeless Puncture Repair Kit – Patch Kit – Anti-Puncture Tube Sealant – Tyre Plugs – Small Bottle Lubricant – Tyre Levers – Cloth – Rear Mech Hanger – Chain Links – Scotch Tape – Brake Pads
FOOD
Food purchased on the road - Freeze-dried Foodbags - Fruit - Bars - Dried Fruit - Coffee - Coffee Filter - Stove – Cooking Pot - Gas - Knife - Spork - Mug - Hipflask filled with you favorite liquor
Now all you have to do is load all this equipment in your panniers..... When packing, keep in mind that things like a rain jacket or a neck warmer might be needed quickly during the ride. If you do not want to find yourself scattering the contents of your seat pack during a big downpour, be smart about the way you arrange the kit in your bag and keep what you could use on the bike at hand!