A multi-day or overnight bike adventure is called bikepacking. The focus is on minimalism and self-sufficiency. A unique way to immerse yourself in nature is by cycling. However, not planning and preparing can be frustrating rather than worth it. I hope these tips give you the edge you need on your upcoming bikepacking adventure!

Bikepacking Gear List

Bikepacking is easy because you don't need a lot to get started. All you need is a bike, a few basic bike bags (frame bag, handlebar bag, seat bag, accessory bag, etc.), camping gear, clothes, some food and water, and the route you plan to follow.

Choosing the Best Bike Bikepacking

The best option will depend on the type of terrain you ride most, how much gear you like to carry, and how much you value factors like speed and comfort. There are several different categories of bikes used for bike packing.

Often constructed of aluminum alloys, but sometimes titanium or carbon, these bikes rely on well-established engineering and slightly larger tires to provide comfortable trail riding. Bikes with hardtails (front suspension) allow backpackers to go further and more comfortably on rough or challenging trails. Full-suspension off-road bikes are often used by skilled mountain bikers on difficult roads. The rear suspension makes carrying gear on the bike more difficult and expensive.

Bikepacking Riding Tips

When you ride a bike, you bear both your own weight and the weight of your equipment. It requires extra riding safety measures. Make sure you:

  • Slow down, especially when going downhill.
  • Allows wider braking distance.
  • Give yourself more space when turning.
  • To reduce fatigue, use easier gear than usual.

To support the added weight, add a bit more air to both your tires and your air-sprung suspension (if your bike is so equipped), or add preload to the coil-spring types.

Long rides can result in hand fatigue, but multiple grip positions on your handlebars can help. Consider getting a bike with drop bars (note: drop bars cannot be used on most mountain bikes without making substantial changes to the fit, so see the experts at your local REI bike shop). Or, you can add bar ends, upgrade the grips or use a multi-position bar.

Camping Tips

Bikepacking is different from mountain biking because mountain biking is usually a short 24-hour event. In contrast, bikepacking is a multi-day activity that requires at least one or more nights of camping. Because the goal of many cyclists is to get into nature and cycle through areas far removed from human development, camping is a great way to go on a biking adventure at night. Most bike backpackers on multi-day trips will camp in one of four ways: tent, hammock, tarp, bivi;

While tents offer maximum protection, hammocks, tarps, or campers are significantly lighter and less bulky, making them all trendy options for bike-packing trips of any length.

While every effort should be made to keep your bike pack setup as light as possible, be aware that you should only use a hammock, tarp, or campsite for camping if weather conditions permit.

Are You Ready to Ride an E-bike? 

Thousands of people of all ages, incomes, and backgrounds ride their bikes every year...and you can be one of them too! Bikepacking is an incredible way to experience the thrill of mountain biking, the rewards of a long bike trip, and the serenity of nature all at the same time. Meet Aostirmotor in autumn and winter! Visit https://www.smabike.com for more details!