The ultimate bikepacking gear list - What to bring on your next bikepacking adventure

Apr 30, 2024 13 min

The ultimate bikepacking gear list - What to bring on your next bikepacking adventure

What to bring for bikepacking? The choice of bikepacking gear depends on what you want to do with your adventure, but there are some general rules to follow. One advice we can give is to fail to prepare, prepare to fail. When you're going on an adventure, it’s so important to have everything you need to ensure you can repair your bike, stay warm, and get a good night's sleep.

In this article, we will discuss everything you need for a bikepacking trip and why you need it. We will discuss tools for repair, sleeping systems, clothing, and much more. Let’s tell you all about this bikepacking gear list!

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Overview of the bikepacking gear list

What to bring for bikepacking?

Bikepacking gear list

Ultimate bikepacking gear list

1. A reliable and comfortable bike
2. A comprehensive repair kit
3. The right bags
4. A light shelter and sleeping equipment
5. Cyclist clothing and different layers
6. The minimum electronics
7. Enough food and drinks
8. A safety and first aid kit
9. Some basic hygiene items
10. Rain gear (depending on the destination)

Your bike...

bikepacking gear — A bikepacking bike must be reliable and comfortable

... Must be comfortable

Choosing the right bike for bikepacking is key to a successful adventure. Opt for a comfortable bike that suits the terrain you will be riding on and has mounting points for your bags and accessories. This choice will instill confidence in your journey.

And adapted to the terrain

The best multi-terrain bikepacking bikes are gravel bikes or hardtail mountain bikes. You can read our dedicated article to know better what a gravel bike is and how to choose a gravel bike. Anything will work providing you can get the bags on and do not pass the limitations of the bike itself. For example, 200 miles of trails on a road bike will not be much fun.

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A comprehensive repair kit

Can save your trip

Having a good repair kit goes a very long way. We hope you will not need it, but with lots of miles, there is generally more chance of things going wrong. You can also read our article on how to start bikepacking for more life-saving tips.

Is one of the most essential bikepacking equipment

It is much more than you would typically take on a long day out. This is because you carry much more weight, and if traveling in remote locations, there are times when you can only rely on yourself and your ability to fix your bike (even the toughest touring bike can let you down). See this as the most essential bikepacking equipment.

Inner tubes	To fix punctures and in case you need to fix a tubeless system.
Patches	To repair inner tubes when they fail, can also be used to repair tubeless tires.
Pump	For getting air into the tires and tubes. Here’s a good place to invest money.
Multi-tool	Used for making repairs and adjustments to the bike. Try to get one with a chain breaker.
Tire levers	For removing the tires from the rims. Try to avoid metal tire levers and use plastic instead.
Spoke key	To true and replace spokes if required. Not often needed with strong modern wheels.
Spare spokes	In case one breaks and it needs replacing. Can be bodged until the next bike shop.
Spare hanger	If your derailleur hanger breaks you will need another. These are not easy to find on the road.
Chain pliers	Used to remove and install master links in a chain.
Chain link	The chain link is used to repair your bike chain when it breaks.
Chain lube	To ensure your chain performs and lasts as long as it can.
Sewing kit	A mini sewing kit is great for repairing bikepacking bags and even tires in emergencies.
Valve core	A valve core is handy to have in case anything might go wrong with yours.
Sealant	A small bottle of sealant to top up if your tubeless system gets low.
Brake pads	In case your brake pads wear down these can be swapped in.
Insulation tape	Perfect for fixing multiple problems. Wrapping some around your bar is good practice
Cable ties	Another great backup in case equipment breaks.
Spare cables	If running brake or gear cables, it’s worth keeping one spare in your bikepacking gear list

*Lightweight tip: If you are in a pair you can reduce the number of items you need from this list each.

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The right bags

Next, we have the bags. There is no written rule about how many bags to take or what combination of bags to use. It is about what fits the bike you are using and feels good to ride with. Cheaper bags often are fantastic but lack waterproofing. Expensive bags can soon rack up the cost but will give you a better experience. It is important to ensure compatibility with the bikepacking bike and therefore to know how to choose a bike for bikepacking.

Top tube bag	Sits in front of you on top of the frame. The most accessible bag for bikepacking.
Frame bag	Placed inside the center of the frame. Perfect for food and any other bikepacking equipment.
Handlebar bag	Sits on the handlebars at the front and come in all different sizes from small to large.
Saddle bag	Attached to the saddle of the bike pointing out toward the rear tire. High capacity and aero.
Fork bags	These small bags attach to the forks and are great for storing camping goods.
Panniers	Often used on touring bikes. Requires a rack but is also very good for bikepacking.
Feed pouches	Strapped to the handlebars and used for food, drink, and essential bikepacking equipment.

*Lightweight tip: Fewer bags with more capacity are lighter.

Shelter and sleeping

Many bikepackers go wrong with sleeping equipment and it can be hard to choose the right shelter. Sleep is so important for bikepacking and makes a big difference to how you perform throughout the day and also your mood. Here is what we recommend what to bring bikepacking as your sleeping bikepacking gear.

Tent or bivvy	This is going to be your shelter from the outside elements.
Sleeping bag	To ensure you are going to stay warm at night. Pick the correct season for the conditions.
Sleeping bag liner	Great for increasing the warmth of a sleeping bag.
Sleeping mat	Not only increases comfort but keeps you warmer and away from cold ground.
Inflatable pillow	Avoid waking up with neck pain by taking an inflatable pillow.

*Lightweight tip: A bivvy will save weight on the bike but is a worse nights sleep.

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We also have a guide on the best bikepacking tent and the best gravel bikes for bikepacking.

Clothing and layers

When it comes to clothing, it is worth taking more than less. Although many wish to be as minimalist as possible, extra clothing weighs very little and always comes in handy. This is what we recommend. Considering colder trips, you should focus more on winter clothing.

Bib shorts or tights	Padded shorts go a very long way when it comes to bikepacking.
Base layer	Great for keeping your body at the correct temperature.
Cycling jersey	A pocketed jersey. Brighter colors will make you much more visible.
Cycling shoes	Clip in shoes are not needed but do make the riding better.
Windproof jacket	A lightweight jacket designed to take the edge off the wind and rain.
Gloves	For cold mornings and nights. If you suffer with cold hands ensure they are thick.
Arm and leg warmers	Great add on for keeping parts of the body warm and easy to remove.
Down jacket	A packable, warm down jacket is great for times where you are off and on the bike.
Sunglasses	Protection for your eyes when you are riding. Essential bikepacking equipment.
Sleeping clothes	Shorts and a shirt to sleep in so you can clean kit while away.

Alongside this, you should consider taking some regular clothing, too. If you are going to be spending time off the bike and visiting people or tourist destinations, a pair of shoes, trousers, a T-shirt, and underwear helps. It is not always necessary on a bikepacking gear list but for longer trips it is nice to feel normal once in a while.

*Lightweight tip: A high end down jacket will be more packable and typically warmer than cheaper versions.

Electronics

In modern times, we are very lucky to have amazing technology that makes bikepacking safer and a much better experience. Having powerful lighting, a satellite navigation system, and even car detectors is great. These goods below on this bikepacking gear checklist are a good way to start and will ensure a good adventure. Very overlooked when people think about what to pack bikepacking.

Phone	Needed to keep in contact with the world and also as backup navigation.
Lighting	Good to use in the day as well as at night. One front, two rear lights, are a safe choice.
Sat nav	If you want to make navigation easy a sat nav is a must to keep you on the right path.
Power bank	This is the device which ensures that you keep everything powered 10,000 mah minimum.
Charging cables	Different devices use different cables. It is important to make sure you have them right.
Headlamp	Great when setting up camp at night and also a backup for the front light.
Adaptor	For the country you're riding in. The higher wattage generally quicker charging.

Many bikepackers learn the hard way that cheap electronics do not always perform well. Budget lighting is not always as bright and does not last as long, and cheap power banks often do not have the stated capacity. It is good to test before your adventure.

*Lightweight tip: Try not to have a power bank too big. They weigh a lot and take a long time to charge.

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Food and drink

Food and drinks on the go are a great way to keep the setup light and enjoy local foods in the places you adventure to. Carrying your own cooking equipment offers a lot of security and savings. Either way, there are essentials and non-essentials bikepacking gear in this section.

Bottles or bladder	Bottles are easy to clean but bladders often save space with more capacity.
Electrolytes	These tablets ensure you get nutrients from drink, some choose salt instead.
Water cleaning tablets	In case of an emergency it’s good to have these.
Stove	To heat and cook with.
Lighter	Needed for cooking and can be used elsewhere.
Spork	For eating and cutting up food. Hygiene is vital when cooking outside.
Pot	For cooking food.
Mug	This is great so you can have a morning coffee while watching the sunrise.

*Lightweight tip: High calorie small weight foods, help you go further carrying less.

Safety and first aid

bikepacking gear first aid kit — Not only the bike needs a repair kit

When bikepacking or bike touring, you need to stay as safe as possible. Safety should always be your first concern, no matter what the situation. Although it might seem like more to carry and not get used, there could be that one day you just need it, so it has to be in your bikepacking gear checklist.

High vis vest	Added visibility for riding at day and night.
First aid kit	For treating any injuries or accidents you might have.
Bell	On cycle paths people need to know your coming up.
Tracker	Some use their phone but a professional tracker is good to have too.
Whistle	In case you need to alert someone of your location.
Emergency blanket	If you get into a bad situation and need to stay warm this will help.
Animal support	When in a country with bears, you might want bear spray.

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Hygiene

When living on the road, it can be easy to forget about hygiene in your bikepacking gear, which can lead to getting poorly or just generally feeling uncomfortable. A few extra things can make a huge difference to your mood and how you feel.

Toothbrush and paste	Always good to keep your teeth clean, especially when eating a lot of food.
Toilet paper or wipes	With being outdoors a lot this is essential to taking a short break.
Lightweight towel	If you get the chance to wash at a campsite this is definitely needed.
Soap	Just a small bar is enough on a short trip.
Hand cleaner	For cleaning your hands before you eat. Not doing this can make you ill easily.
Suncream	Applying multiple layers can stop the sweat from washing it off too quickly.
Lip balm	Common issue with high exercise and it avoids cracking.
Chamois cream	To help prevent saddle sores.

*Lightweight tip: Put things in smaller bottles to save weight and space.

Bad weather and extra comfort

Finally, we have bad weather and extra comfort. I recommend taking these goods if you are going to a place with frequent storms or you might just want a bit more of a comfortable experience. This is not always essential bikepacking equipment, but it helps.

A waterproof jacket	Windproofs are not very waterproof. Taking proper waterproofs is lovely.
Waterproof trousers	In cold wet conditions they make such a big difference and take up very little space.
Poncho	Good when camping and needing to stay dry.
Beanie hat	If you can keep your head warm it helps the body stay much warmer.
Overshoes	Take the edge off cold feet and keep the shoes dry to avoid foot problems.
Camera	It’s easy to forget what you see. Taking lots of pictures helps.
Chair	A small foldaway chair is lovely to have when cooking and camping.

*Lightweight tip: Try not to take too much or it can make the riding uncomfortable and much slower.

Do I need all of this in my bikepacking kit?

It is up to you!

As you can see, there is a lot of bikepacking gear listed here. It does not mean you need all of it. Depending on the trip you are on, what you take will change. You will find, in time, there will be pieces of kit that you do not tend to use that are not essential and stop taking them.

The more experience you have, the less you bring

it generally all comes with experience, and the more adventures you go on, the more experiences you have, which will shape your perfect kit list. We also have a beginners guide to bikepacking to checkout and sure to check out the buycycle website to find the best bikepacking bikes to get you going now you have a bikepacking gear checklist!

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The ultimate bikepacking gear list - What to bring on your next bikepacking adventure

Overview of the bikepacking gear list

Ultimate bikepacking gear list

Your bike...

... Must be comfortable

And adapted to the terrain

A comprehensive repair kit

Can save your trip

Is one of the most essential bikepacking equipment

The right bags

Shelter and sleeping

Clothing and layers

Electronics

Food and drink

Safety and first aid

Hygiene

Bad weather and extra comfort

Do I need all of this in my bikepacking kit?

It is up to you!

The more experience you have, the less you bring

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