Don't go bike packing without these essentials

Bike packing is so hot right now, but the realtiy is people have been getting out, and staying out, with their bikes for decades. Being able to take everything you need, but nothing you don’t, is quiote a liberating way to approach your trip to the trails. But bike packing doesn’t need to be about absolute self-sufficiency. While being able to camp on the trail is great, don’t be put off if you’re not keen on camping. You might choose to book accommodation to ride between – or once you’re really experienced, trim back your sleep system to the absolute bare minimum.

Regardless of what your approach might be for this extended trail time, there are a few essentials you should consider for a bikepacking trip – whether you’re starting out or going further.

Make a plan for your bike packing trip

All great trips start with a plan! But you want to take this seriously. If you’re going to be away from home for a night or more, leave a plan with someone responsible. Outline your planned route, where you’re staying, and when you expect to be back in touch.

You can plan this route on a map, or plot it online. While having the route downloaded to your GPS is great, make sure you have something failsafe as well. A real map is a good option, or you can use a range of mapping apps that let you download maps to access offline. Google Maps is not your friend if you don’t have reception. In terms of how far you can ride each day – do what you’re comfortable with, but bear in mind even if you’re carrying some clothes and staying in hotels, you still have more gear than usual. Don’t plan around the longest distance yu have ever ridden – keep it fun!

Value a full tummy

If you’re struggling for room, don’t skimp on food – just find something more calorie dense! If you’re going to be active and outdoors a lot of the day, you will need more food. Depending on your route this may mean more cafe stops. But it could mean packing enough food in. It is easy to get rid of excess packaging before you leave, which also means you have less to carry out. If you’re camping, a few easy extras like hot chocolate sachets go a long way at the end of the day.

A good night’s rest 

Have a good think about sleeping, as if you do a big day and then have one or more after it, sleeping is essential. You could carry a lightweight tent, or a bivy bag for your sleeping bag and mat – or even go for a fly or tarp style shelter. But there’s no reason to not use a hotel, pub room or hostel if it suits your route. There’s no ‘rules’ about where you stay. And staying in bricks and mortar accommodation can reduce the need for extra gear if you don’t own a compact sleeping bag, mat and tent.

If you are camping out – consider the essentials. I know someone who does a bunch of fairly challenging trips. He doesn’t take shoes and has minimal luggage – but does take an inflatable pillow and quality sleeping mat as they’re essential for how he sleeps. Tarps and bivy bags should be reserved for those more experienced. Plan a route around bookable accommodation if it is your first overnighter – you might as well enjoy it!

READ: Sea to Summit Sleep System Review

Carry your bike packing gear comfortably

Whether you’re riding to a pub and back, or crossing the Great Dividing Range, you’ll need to carry a bit more than you usually do for a day ride. But – there’s no need to go out and order custom bike packing bags from someone like Big Bag Dude (just yet, anyway!). Using a small backpack and any small saddle bags you already have is a great way to start. Especially if you’re riding to a pub or hotel and back, where your gear load won’t be too much.

READ: Miss Grape Bike Packing Gear

You can also get racks that work for a range of bikes, like those from Aeroe or Tailfin. If you’re keen to do more, then you will enjoy getting weight off your back and onto your bike. This is where spreading the load between a bar roll, large saddle pack or rack and a frame bag makes sense – but just ease into it with the gear you have. There are some great off te shelf bags around, but custom made may be the end goal if getting out and staying out becomes your next favourite adventure.

What bike?

Probably the one you own. Choose a route that suits what you like riding, and where you want to stay. A gravel bike will suit long, smoother dirt roads better. But I always prefer my mountain bike if there is any true mountain biking. There’s no shortage of great mountain bike bike packing trips, the only limit is your imagination with route planning.

The main takeaway here is, don’t stop yourself from heading out on an adventure because you think you need a lot of specialist gear. Just modify the route to suit what you have and your idea of fun. That could be an arvo pedal from Beechworth to Yackandandah before staying in a hotel and riding back the next day. Or it might be pedalling out along the Brisbane Valley Rail Trail from Ipswich to Yarraman for a pub stay, before heading back the next day. Or maybe, it is climbing to Falls Creek for a couple of days of riding, staying at a chalet and descending back to Mount Beauty via Fainters. Perhaps you just want to ride from Branxholm to the Bay of Fires with a stay at Weldborough Pub in the middle. There are plenty of adventures out there – just start small, have fun… and tell someone where you’re going.