Bikepacking: 15 tips to pack light and travel light

1. Define your travel style

Your equipment will vary considerably depending on whether you’re traveling totally autonomously, with nights in the wilderness, or opting for a more comfortable mode, stopping off at restaurants and hotels. Those who prefer comfort and have a bigger budget can do without sleeping and cooking equipment, thus lightening their load.

2. Choosing the right equipment for the job

Before packing, it’s essential to know your destination. Plan your route carefully, taking into account the availability of resources such as water, food and shelter. Also take into account weather conditions and stage profiles (altitude difference, difficulty, etc.).

All this information will help you determine exactly what equipment you’ll need and how much food you’ll need. Knowing where and how often you’ll be able to replenish your supplies allows you to take only the essentials, reducing superfluous weight and making your trip easier.

3. Select the right equipment

Bikepacking demands a minimalist approach, as you have to carry everything you take with you. Opt for lightweight, compact and sturdy equipment. Limit yourself to the essentials, and opt for multi-purpose items that perform several functions while saving space and weight. The spoon-fork is a perfect example.

4. Equip yourself with panniers

Saddlebags, handlebar bags, frame bags, fork bags, top tubes, pouch bags… The configuration options for bikepacking are almost endless.

The saddle bag is generally a must-have. They come in a range of sizes, depending on your needs and the size of your frame. You can then add other saddlebags to increase your carrying capacity.

Small items such as pouch bags and easy-access top tube bags are perfect for items you use frequently or for your snacks.

To protect your belongings from the rain, it’s best to choose waterproof models. Some bicycles are equipped with special pannier attachments for greater stability.

5. Distribute weight on the bike

When loading your bike, make sure the weight is well balanced.

Heavy objects need to be brought closer to the center , and are therefore best placed in a frame bag, at the bottom of the saddlebag or in the center of the handlebar bag.

Distribute the weight evenly on each side to avoid imbalance. Too much weight in the saddlebag can impair the bike’s handling. It is therefore preferable to store bulky but lightweight items, such as a sleeping bag or clothing, in the saddlebag.

6. Organizing bags

It’s a good idea to categorize your gear, assigning a specific bag to each type of equipment, or grouping them together in pouches. This makes it easy to find what you need without having to unpack everything.

For example, equipment used in the evening after a day’s pedaling can be stored together in a less accessible bag, such as the handlebar bag or the bottom of the saddlebag. Repair tools and the first-aid kit can be grouped together in a more accessible bag, such as the top of a fork bag or a frame bag.

Keep frequently used items close at hand, in a top tube bag or pouch bag. As for valuables, it’s best to keep them with you, for example in your jersey pockets or in a removable pouch that you can take with you on breaks, like at the supermarket.

7. Dress for the weather

As the weather is often unpredictable, it’s always advisable topack warm, waterproof clothing. Personally, I keep my rain jacket on top of my saddlebag, so that it’s close at hand and can be taken out quickly in case of bad weather.

Choose clothing that wicks moisture well, dries quickly and can be layered as temperatures change. The ideal combination is a breathable undergarment, an insulating layer and a waterproof windproof jacket.

Choose versatile garments : leggings and cuffs, for example, add warmth without the need to pack a full second outfit.

A light down jacket is also essential for cool evenings or mornings, even in summer, especially if you’re traveling in the mountains. Limit the number of outfits you wear for added lightness: two sets are generally sufficient, one of which can be washed and dried while you wear the other.

Last but not least, SPD wedges combined with MTB-type shoes allow you to walk comfortably, avoiding the need to carry a second pair of shoes.

8. Provisioning

Never forget totake food with you. Opt for compact, high-energy foods, such as cereal bars, nut mixes or freeze-dried food, which are ideal for bikepacking. If you’re planning to travel in areas where drinking water is scarce, remember to pack a water filter or purifying tablets. You can also fill your water bottles with river water, but make sure there are no livestock upstream, or boil it before drinking.

In general, I carry a light, collapsible bag to carry extra food until I find a place to bivouac and eat. I store it in a saddlebag when I don’t need it anymore. But it’s also a good idea to save space in your panniers for this purpose.

If you want to cook, a small stove can also be a good option; there are compact models perfectly suited to bikepacking, such as the Jetboil or MSR Pocketrocket.

9. Sleep

If you choose to spend your nights outdoors, there are several options to choose from: tarp, hammock, bivouac, tent… It’s up to you to decide which one suits you best. Weather conditions and the environment can influence your choice. Personally, I prefer the tent. Although it’s often heavier than the other alternatives, it offers better protection against the elements.

A compact sleeping bag, adapted to the night-time temperatures of your destination, and an insulating mattress are also essential. Don’t forget to pack a few patches to repair your mattress in the event of a puncture. If you like to sleep with a pillow, a bag full of clothes you don’t use at night can do the trick.

10. Washing

Essentials to pack include a toothbrush, toothpaste and Marseille soap, which can be used for both washing and cleaning clothes. Biodegradable wipes can also be an excellent alternative for a quick wash in the absence of a water source at your bivouac site. Just don’t throw them out in the wild!

Don’t forget sunscreen and, in hot, dry climates, lip balm. Hygiene products are available in small formats or in easy-to-carry samples. You can also find dry shampoo and toothpaste in tablet form.

For women, the cup is, in my opinion, the most practical solution for managing menstruation that may occur while traveling. The women’s brand Wilma, which we salute, also offers a menstrual shorts with an interchangeable chamois.

11. Ensure your safety

Don’t forget topack a first-aid kit containing bandages, antiseptic wipes, painkillers and any personal medication you may need. If you’re planning to spend time in the forest, add a tick removal kit. As for the security of your two-wheeled companion, there are lightweight padlocks available to prevent opportunistic theft.

12. Light up

Take a headlamp with you, even if you don’t plan to ride at night. Sometimes you’ll have trouble finding a place to bivouac, or you’ll fall behind on your itinerary. It will also come in handy in the tent in the evening. You’ll also need spare batteries, a red rear light and a high-visibility jacket to ensure your safety.

13. Repairing your bike

Take along a few tools to repair your bike in the event of a puncture: pump, inner tubes, patches, tire levers, multi-tools, quick links, etc. It’s essential to train or take courses before setting off to avoid getting into trouble, and it’s vital to know how to repair a puncture at the very least.

Some items, such as tape, needle and thread, or collar clamps, can be very useful for temporary repairs to a faulty pannier, torn clothing or bike parts for which you don’t have a spare, until you find a bike shop.

14. Recharging your devices

There are several options for recharging your electronic devices when traveling. An external battery is necessary if you don’t plan to stop regularly at restaurants or hotels. Other methods, such as solar panels or dynamos, can also be used to recharge your devices, although they are sometimes less reliable. Don’t forget to take along a charger with several USB ports, so you can recharge several devices simultaneously as soon as you have access to a power outlet.

15. Test your equipment

Before setting off on your trip, test your bikepacking configuration on a short outing. This will allow you to adjust the weight distribution or tighten any loose panniers, and make sure you’re comfortable on your bike.

Now that you know everything, it’s time to pack your bags. Enjoy your trip!