Bike Packing 101
It’s not rocket science and just about any bike will do so do a little research, scrounge, borrow and get out there. Though experience is still the best teacher, a little knowledge, DIY, bike shops, talking with other bike packers and quality gear gets you into the dark skies. Some great resources already exist (Bikepacking.com, bikepackingroots.org, ridewithgps.com, adventurecycling.org) to start your planning and knowledge phase. No need for me to recreate the wheel, though I will add some lessons and personal favorites. My #1 tip is you can almost always find what you need during or before your ride through friends, resupply stops, trail angles and other riders. But, the real fun is in your own planning, packing, riding, eating, and the unexpected. Lastly, stuff weighs a ton. Seriously!
“Of all the paths you take in life, make sure a few of them are dirt.”
― John Muir
Food and Water
Eating and drinking is one of the most important aspects of bike packing where planning, simplicity, pace, local communities, and listening to your own body works best. My #2 tip. I never pass up the opportunity to eat breakfast, lunch or dinner at a local establishment. You meet interesting people, get the local vibe, bacon, and get to be an ambassador for biking.
Although eating a meal you have hauled along all day is delicious too. You know what you like to eat, so carry it, and eat it. Nothing is off limits and your creativity and opportunities rule the day. What’s really fun is you will probably eat things only your great grandma might have served. Velveeta Cheese, Libby’s Vienna Sausage, VanCamp’s Beanee Weenee, Ho Hos, Van Horten’s Pickles, Campbell’s Cream of Chicken, Spam, Brown Bread, Beefaroni, Head Cheese (double dare you) and definitely stone soup. Never say never!
Water
- Drink, like a camel. Yep, camels can drink 35 gallons of water.
- Hydration tables are easy to carry.
- Katadyn BeFree 1.0L filter is my go to and packs small
- 4 Watter bottles (2 small, 2 large)
Food Ideas
- Restaurant, gas station, food truck, foraging, dumpsters
- Bars and gazillion other energy eatables
- PB&J sandwich or your favorite sandwich
- Giant burrito (frozen or fresh)
- Cold pizza, cheeseburger, Subway, Taco Bell
- Cold fries and tater tots in foil. Reuse the foil
- Beans in a pouch (A Dozen Cousins)
- Tuna pouch
- Tortillas
- Boiled potatoes with lemon and butter, tater tots, fries wrapped in foil.
- Potato chips
- Favorite energy bars
- Fruit
- Salad in a bag
- Pickle in a bag
- Nuts
- Cheese
- Epic Bars
- Sardines
- Snickers
- Pop tart
- BoBo’s Strawberry Stuff’d Oat Bites
- Kopiko instant coffee packs 3 in 1
- Hostess mini donuts
- Dehydrated meals
- Secret sauce (Cholula mini Packets)
Bags and Packing
The choices regarding bags have grown enormously in the last few years making for a myriad of possibilities and fun trial and error. Factors I take into account when packing my bike: type of bike, pack design, cost, bag availability, number of days, riding surface, weather, number of riders. My bag setup is always evolving due to experience and new designs. Also, I like trying different combinations to see how they affect me and the bike I am riding. So, have fun, look at bike setup pictures, read bikepacking articles, contact me and get out there.
Common Bags and Racks
- Frame bags (many styles and sizes)
- Feed bags
- Handlebar harness with dry bag
- Handlebar bags
- Fork mounts and bags
- Seat bags
- Hip packs
- Backpacks
- Cornucopia of front and rear racks and cages
Clothing
I will just give you some tips on clothing that I never leave home without. I’m sure you can figure out what works best for you but being cold is always a bummer.
One jersey, chamois, bike short (I wash them on ride)
Light down jacket (always)
Light rain jacket.
Long sleeve merino wool hoodie (First Lite)
Short sleeve merino wool shirt (First Lite)
Patagonia A/C shirt
Patagonia baggy shorts
Light merino beanie (Smartwool)
Waterproof wool socks (Showers Pass)
2 pairs wool riding socks
Waterproof gloves (Outdoor Research)
Wool gloves for camp
Lightweight sun hat or cap.
Thrift store long sleeve dress shirt (sun protection and coolness)
Buff or bandana
Navigation
- iphone
- Garmin messenger
- Garmin Edge 840
- Ride GPS account
- GoalZero flip24 power bank
- Charging cords that you are positive work.
- Mini colored pencil set and postcards
Very Basic Kitchen
MRS solo with gas
Titanium spoon and fork
Lighter
Campsuds
Camp Gear
Big Agness Fly Creek HV UL1 bikepacking tent
Therm-A-Rest NeoAir Xlite
Zenbivy down quilt 20°
Ground cloth (Tyvek)
Air pillow (Sea to Summit)
Yep, I love sleeping indoors (hostel, hotel, B&B, barn, yurts, huts, ect..)
Repair Kit
I always seem to fix other riders’ problems more than my own. Why, because I always begin with a pre-ride bike inspection and a shakedown ride. It’s really a bummer walking when you could be riding. Some people carry much more than me.
Chain lube
Master link
Spare tubeless valve stem
Small bottle tubeless sealant
Valve core tightener
Spare SPD cleat and bolts
One set brake pads
Tire Plugs
Tire boot
Spare tube
Tire lever
CO2 inflator and cartridge
Pump
Bike multitool
2oz sealant
1 chain link
Park Tool Chain Brush
Miscellaneous
Nail clippers
Dr. Bronner’s 2oz soap
Favorite knife
Bamboo toothbrush and paste
Ultralight adventure medical kit
Couple zip-ties
Flashlight extra batteries
Small pack towel
Lip balm
Sunscreen
TP/wet wipes
Ursack bear/critter bag (bear country)
Bear spray (bear country)
WagBag (waste alleviation and gelling) or trowel
Chamois cream
Small bottle of mouthwash. You will thank me after eating dust.
Bug spray (you will be very bummed if you don’t have it)
2 ziplock freezer bags
Gorilla tape
Campsuds
Military P-38 can opener. Practice on Campbell’s soup at home.
- Book (mandatory)
- Tenkara Fly Fishing rod
- Other hygiene products