How to train for bikepacking? Our best bikepacking training plans!

How to train for bikepacking? When it comes to bikepacking, the best approach is to be prepared. This doesn't always mean having the correct gear. It’s also important to condition your body. To do this, it’s good to start your bikepacking training. 

In this article, we will tell you everything you need to know about defining your goals, what you need to consider for your training plan, and some ideas for a training plan. Let’s go!

Why is training for bikepacking important?

Training makes a huge difference when it comes to bikepacking. It’s not always because you want to be faster, stronger, or get places quicker. It's about much more than that. Here’s the reasons we feel it’s so important. 

• It can make it much more enjoyable.
• Builds confidence before an adventure.
• Much less suffering through the miles.
• It helps reduce the risk of injury.
• It makes you much more comfortable when riding.
• Easy to carry the load on the bike.
• It makes the work much easier when riding.

Although it might seem like it takes a lot of time, the training is completely worth it, and when you go on the adventure, you will be so glad you did it. 

1.Defining your goals.

The first and one of the most important steps is to define your goals when training for bikepacking or bike touring. It isn't easy to train for something when you don’t know what you are training for. If you are planning a weekend getaway, the training will be completely different from that for an around-the-world trip. 

I always recommend thinking about what you want to achieve beforehand, and setting a goal is very important. You wouldn’t often drive a car if you didn’t know where you wanted to go. It’s the same principle. 

You might want to enter a bikepacking event that is already set up for you with a route or checkpoints. You might want to create your own adventure and just explore places that interest you. 

The most important aspects to consider are distance, elevation, and the conditions you will encounter. With that information, you will be able to design a great training plan to prepare you for anything. 

2.Establish your training time.

Next, it’s important to establish training time. You might have a very busy lifestyle and only have 5 hours a week to train, or you might have a lot of spare time and have 15 hours a week free. Whatever your time budget, it’s possible to make anything work. 

The ideal time differs depending on what you are training for and who you are, but generally, we find 5 hours is just enough, 10 is good, and 15 is amazing! Once you have established that, it’s time to start speaking training programs.

3.Follow the right training plan for bikepacking

Next, let’s discuss training plans and what we recommend you do to get the best results from your training. We will discuss training types you can do and then give beginner and intermediate plans for different amounts of time you have.

Different types of training for bikepacking

To start, it’s good to discuss the different types of training you can do that will give you the best benefits. There’s a strong misconception that it is all about the amount of time on the bike, but many have found that’s not always the case. 

Endurance cycling

The most effective training is going to be endurance cycling. These are those 2 to 8 hour rides where you can keep the pace low and just get used to riding like you would be when you are away bikepacking. It is best done outdoors on the bike you are going to use.

Power training

Big miles grow endurance, but power training grows leg strength and also builds that engine that will power you up climbs carrying all the extra gear you will need to carry. It is best done on a stationary bike or turbo trainer.

Strength and conditioning

The benefits of strength and conditioning for bikepacking are huge. Exercises such as squats and lunges that strengthen not just the muscles used but also the ligaments and joints help prevent injuries and increase endurance and strength. 

Stretching

As cyclists, it is easy to neglect stretching over time, but it helps you stay comfortable and offset some of the negative effects of sitting on a bike for a long time each day. A lot of ultra cyclists find they stretch a lot on races. 

Beginner training plans for bikepacking

Let’s start with the beginner's plans. We have designed some for beginners, starting with 5-hour plans and then going into 10-hour plans and 15-hour plans. Here’s what you need to know. 

5-hour training plan for bikepacking

10-hour training plan for bikepacking

15-hour max training plan for bikepacking

Intermediate training plans for bikepacking

Next, we have the intermediate plans, which are going to be for bikepacking with a little more experience or who want to push themselves to be faster or more efficient.

5-hour training plan for bikepacking

10-hour max training plan for bikepacking

15-hour max training plan for bikepacking

Bikepacking race training plan

A bikepacking race training plan is a completely different experience from traditional bikepacking preparation. While you can use any of the plans above, there are other factors that are very important to focus on. 

Limiting time off the bike

It’s vital when bikepacking to limit time off the bike. To compete, it’s not just about riding quickly and well but also about ensuring those food and water stops are quick and efficient. The key is to get into a shop knowing what you want and get out quickly.

Riding at night

Another factor in racing is riding at night. It’s not avoidable if you want to finish quickly. Practicing riding at night and getting confident in the darkness makes a difference. 

Nutrition

When you are doing typical bikepacking, you can eat what you want, and providing it’s enough, you will typically be okay. When racing, eating the right foods at the right time is very important. Practice nutrition and work hard to stay well-fueled. 

When do I start training for bikepacking?

There’s no time like the present to start training to go bikepacking. Remember, the better you prepare, the better time you are going to have on your adventure! If you plan to go into an event such as a bikepacking race make sure to use a bikepacking race training plan!

You can also visit our shop for some amazing deals on preloved bikepacking bikes and much more!