Bikepacking Checklist (essentials). All you need to avoid bad surprises
Preparing for a bikepacking trip is not always easy. You have to think about every little detail, from clothing to food and shelter. In this blog we have prepared checklists of the essentials you are going to need for any bikepacking trip. Once you are on the road you want to make sure you have all the necessary gear for your trip.
Before looking at the checklist it’s important that you plan in detail your route. Are there any Restaurants? Grocery stores? Guesthouses? The length, the weather, the destination, where are you going sleeping will impact the equipment you need.
Let’s pack light, but making sure you have everything you need!
Clothing:
We all want to pack light but you don’t want to be uncomfortable. There are 3 rules I always follow: 1- I take the most comfortable bike wear I have. 2- I check the weather to make sure I will stay warm or cool. 3- Off bike warm clothes, resting is crucial to enjoy your bike packing experience.
Base shirt x2
Bib shorts with padding x2
Pant x1
Mid-layer warm shirt x1 (x2 if cold destination)
Mid-layer warm tights x1 (x2 if cold destination)
Down or fleece jacket x1
Rain jacket or windbreaker x1
Rain pants x1
Socks x2
Sandals, or flips flops, or something comfortable, lightweight and that doesn’t take too much space
* The amount of changes will depend on the number of days and the cleaning options you have. I take at least 2 of each for 2-3 day trips and a 3rd one for longer trips and clean them.
Accessories:
Keep safe and secure during your trip, especially if you ride on road with heavy car traffic.
Helmet
Cycling gloves
Sunglasses
Buff or bandana
Cycling shoes
Waterproof bag for valuables (phone, money, etc)
Warm gloves
Rain booties (depending on the weather)
Bike:
There are 2 things to make sure you check and test your bike properly before hitting the road. You can be sure to have a flat tire at some point but you want to avoid bigger issues in the middle of your travels.
Bike bags
Small backpack
Tools and spares (Full list here)
Tail light and head light
Bike lock (optional)
We use a saddle and handlebar bag of a total of 35 L and is enough if you don’t sleep on the wild and the trip is under 5 days - we add a frame bag for longer trips.
Electronics:
Navigation device: phone or GPS (or maps)
Power bank
Charging cables
Wall charger
Headlamp
Spare batteries, as needed
Toiletries:
Sunscreen
Chapstick
Chamois cream (cycling long hours during multiple days, this is a must!)
Toothbrush
Toothpaste
Toilet paper and plastic baggie for used TP
Baby wipes (optional)
Odds and Ends:
First aid kit
Wallet and ID
Cash for emergencies or travel cost
Paper maps or backup navigation (optional)
Food and Water:
The amount of food and water really depends on the route you are embarking on. As all the rest preparation is key. Check what stores, facilities will you encounter during your trip. But no matter where you go, make sure you have enough water and food for the day.
Minimum:
2L of water
Bars and gels for the day
Remote cycling / No facilities on the route:
Stove and fuel*
Cooking Pot
Mug
Utensil: Dish, fork, knife
Food storage bag (Animal-resistant)
Water filter or purifier
Sleeping:
If you are sleeping in the wild make sure you are prepared. Check the night temperature and make sure your sleeping bad can support the temperatures. It’s important to have a good rest so that you have enough energy to continue pedalling.
Tent
Sleeping bag
Sleeping mat
Pillow (could be a stuff sack of clothes)