Navigating the World of Bikepacking: A Beginners Guide

24 July 2025

Ever thought about mixing the freedom of cycling with the soul-searching simplicity of camping? Welcome to bikepacking, where your bike is both your ride and your pack mule, and the path is yours to choose.

If you’re a total newbie just dipping your toes into this wild, muddy world, don’t worry—we’ve all been there. This guide is going to walk (or should I say ride?) you through the essentials, with a hefty dose of practicality served with a side of quirk.

Let’s saddle up and dive into this not-so-average beginner’s guide to bikepacking. Spoiler alert: you’re gonna want to quit your day job by the end of this.

What the Heck is Bikepacking Anyway?

Bikepacking is kinda like backpacking’s cooler, wheeled cousin. Instead of lugging your gear on your back while hiking through the woods like a pack mule, you strap it onto a bicycle and ride your way into the wilderness—or wherever your sense of adventure takes you.

Think of it as a mash-up of cycling, minimalist camping, and a touch of chaos. Unlike traditional cycle-touring (with big bulky panniers), bikepacking is all about going light, nimble, and off the beaten path. Gravel roads, forest trails, mountain passes—bring it on.

Why Everyone and Their Dog is Talking About Bikepacking

Okay, maybe not their dogs (although some people bikepack with their pets—no joke). But it’s legit blowing up, and for good reason:

- Freedom: No schedules, no reservations, just you and the open road.
- Simplicity: Strip life down to the basics—ride, eat, sleep, repeat.
- Challenge: It’s tough, but that’s half the fun.
- Connection: With nature, with other like-minded loonies, and with yourself.

It’s not just a sport, it’s a lifestyle. And once you get a taste, there’s no going back.

What You Actually Need to Get Started (No, You Don’t Need a $4,000 Bike)

If you’re staring down the rabbit hole of Google search results and blinking rapidly—it’s okay. Deep breaths.

You don’t need to sell your kidneys to afford gear. Let’s break this down into bite-sized bits, shall we?

🛠️ The Bike

Good News: The best bike is the one you already own.

Yes, seriously. As long as it’s comfortable, can handle the terrain you’re dreaming of, and is in decent mechanical shape, it’s probably good enough to start.

But if you’re shopping:
- Gravel bikes = best for all-terrain routes, light and speedy.
- Hardtail mountain bikes = rugged, comfortable, great for trails and backcountry.
- Rigid steel bikes = tough as nails and can take a beating.

Important tip: Make sure your bike has mounting points (or a frame that allows for attachments in creative ways).

🎒 The Bags

Say goodbye to standard saddlebags from your grocery runs—bikepacking bags are their own quirky family.

Here’s the dream setup:
- Handlebar bag: For your sleep system (tent, sleeping bag, pad).
- Frame bag: Fits snugly in your bike’s triangle—ideal for snacks, tools, and other gear.
- Seat pack: Sits behind your saddle and sways like a tail—perfect for clothes or food.

DIY on a budget? Dry bags + bungee cords work wonders. Remember: it ain’t about fancy gear; it’s about making it work.

⛺ The Shelter Situation

Your options:
- Ultralight tent
- Bivy sack (basically a waterproof burrito)
- Hammock with rainfly
- Starry skies (occasionally a risk/reward thing)

Whatever gets you some zzzs. Just don’t forget a sleeping bag and pad—you will regret it at 3 a.m.

👕 Clothing & Layers (A.K.A. Don’t Be a Popsicle)

The weather will mess with you. Count on it.

Bring:
- A comfy riding outfit for day
- Warm base layers for night
- Rain gear (trust me)
- Extra socks (moist feet = mutiny)

And yes, breathable underwear is a hidden MVP of the trip.

🧰 Tools, Repair, and Other “Oh Crap” Gear

The basic toolkit:
- Spare tubes or patch kit
- Mini pump
- Multi-tool (with chain breaker)
- Tire levers
- Zip ties (MacGyver level 100)
- Duct tape (because…it’s duct tape)

You don’t need to be a bike mechanic, but knowing how to fix a flat can save your soul (and your ride).

Route Planning 101: Where the Heck Do You Even Go?

The beauty of bikepacking? You can literally go anywhere your wheels will take you. But to avoid turning a leisure trip into a survival mission, here’s how to plan a beginner-friendly route:

🎯 Start Small, Stay Close

Weekend trip? Perfect.
- Look for nearby trails or gravel roads
- Aim for 30-50 miles a day to start
- Check for water sources and bail-out options

Use apps like:
- Ride with GPS
- Komoot
- Bikepacking.com (route library galore)

🌦️ Weather, Terrain, and Pain Tolerance

Check the weather. Twice. Mud and cold are not your friends.

Stay away from sketchy climbs and bushwhacking routes until your legs (and lungs) are ready.

💤 Campsites or Wild Camping?

- Designated campsites = toilets, water, FIRE.
- Wild camping = total freedom, but know the rules (National Forests are more lax than National Parks, for instance).

Pro tip: Always leave no trace. Nature doesn’t clean up after you.

Demystifying the Food and Water Situation

You are not a camel. Don’t try to be.

💧 Water

Bring at least 2-3 liters on the bike. Plan your route around refill points like streams, campgrounds, or even gas stations.

Always have a filter or purification tablets—nothing ruins a trip like a bad case of the forest trots.

🍲 Food

Bikepacking hunger is real. Plan for calorie-dense, packable food:
- Jerky
- Tortillas + peanut butter
- Cheese sticks
- Trail mix (the classic)
- Instant ramen or couscous
- Coffee (non-negotiable)

Use a small stove or go cold—just eat, and eat often.

Mental Hacks: The Stuff You Don’t See on Gear Lists

No amount of gear preps you for the moment your legs scream mutiny, your bike eats a rock, and rain starts pouring like a melodramatic rom-com.

Here’s the truth:
- You will doubt yourself.
- You’ll get sore in places you didn’t know existed.
- It’s gonna get messy, and that’s beautiful.

🧠 Mindset is Half the Ride

- Stay flexible: Plans change. That’s part of the charm.
- Laugh at the chaos: Flat tire? Welp, time for a snack break.
- Talk to yourself: Out loud. You’re your best cheerleader.
- Keep curiosity close: Every detour could be a memory.

No two trips are the same, and the stories you’ll tell after… oh buddy, they’ll be epic.

Common Rookie Mistakes (And How Not to Be That Guy)

Let me save you from some "I wish I’d known" moments:

- Overpacking: You do NOT need 5 shirts and a full-size pillow. This isn’t a Marriott.
- Underestimating time: That "easy 40 miles" feels different when you’re loaded down like a sherpa.
- Ignoring bike fit: Your knees will scream if your saddle’s an inch off. Get an adjustment.
- Skipping training rides: At least do a shakedown trip. Your butt will thank you.
- Forgetting to have fun: It’s not a race. Stop, smell the pines, eat that extra granola bar.

Still Nervous? Here's a Beginner-Friendly Bikepacking Checklist

Let’s keep it stupid simple:

🧳 Gear

- Bike (duh)
- Handlebar/seat/frame bags
- Tent or shelter
- Sleeping bag + pad
- Cooking setup or cold food stash

📦 Essentials

- Multi-tool + pump
- Extra tube/patch kit
- First aid kit
- Headlamp
- Zip ties (seriously!)

🧢 Clothing

- Riding outfit
- Rain jacket
- Warm layers
- Hat & gloves (yes, even in summer)
- Extra socks

🍴 Food & Water

- Water bottles/bladder
- Filter or purifier
- Snacks, meals, coffee

📱 Tech Bits

- Phone/GPS
- Route map (digital or paper)
- Power bank

🧠 Mental Prep

- Expect the weird
- Embrace the suck
- You got this

Final Thoughts: You’re Gonna Be Just Fine

Bikepacking might sound intimidating, but guess what—you don’t need to be Bear Grylls on two wheels to do it. You just need the guts to try, the patience to learn as you go, and a good sense of humor when things go sideways (and they will).

Your first bikepacking trip won’t be perfect, and that’s exactly the point. The stories that stick are the ones where the tire popped, the rain showed up uninvited, and you still ended the day around a fire with a belly full of trail mix and a heart full of wow.

So roll up those sleeping bags, strap on your bags of snacks and dreams, and ride into your next story.

You’re ready.