Whether or not heading out for a fast sub 24hr overnighter, a weekend bank card touring, or a week-long ultra-endurance race – the precise bikepacking gear could make or break your journey. Past the bike… baggage, racks, sleeping package, and loads of small necessities could make bikepacking extra satisfying. Listed here are our high picks for the very best items for bikepackers together with body baggage, racks, mounts, cooking gear, and different issues we use on our personal bikepacking journeys.
Every little thing right here has been confirmed on- and off-road by our editors. They usually’ll all make nice items in your favourite randonneur, bike tourer, or bikepacker!
Finest Presents for Bikepackers – On-Bike Luggage
The outsized saddlebag might be the core of a real bikepacking setup, and it’s one thing nearly each bikepacker already has, however…
In case you are searching for a brand new bikepacker or somebody seeking to step up their recreation, the 13L waterproof Ortlieb Seat Pack QR ($195 at Amazon) is kind of distinctive. This saddlebag solely suits on conventional-railed saddles and takes a minute to determine easy methods to mount its fast launch. However as soon as you set it in your bike, you’ll surprise why extra baggage aren’t hooked up like this. It’s additionally one of the secure setups whether or not half empty or stuffed full. It builds in a helpful fender. And it’s top-of-the-line to suit on a dropper seatpost. Ortlieb’s Handlebar Pack QR ($160, at REI) is one other nice method to shortly strap gear onto and off the opposite finish of the bike.
After a saddle bag, the very best place for lots of stuff is a body bag. We actually just like the smaller Apidura Backcountry Body Pack ($65-108, bought direct), which is available in 1L & 2L sizes you could even match onto some mountain bikes. They usually don’t get in the best way of your common water bottle cages on moist bikes. The Backcountry packs are mild, waterproof & sturdy, and could be had in all sizes. There are even greater 2.5-6L Full Body Packs if you’re seeking to carry extra gear.
The brand new Tailfin Prime Tube Pack ($60-80, bought direct) is a smaller and extra reasonably priced method to carry gear on the bike. What it does very well, is a modular mount that both straps-on or bolts on to your toptube, creating one of the secure & safe connections to the bike that we’ve examined. It is available in 2 opening kinds and three sizes. Our workforce prefers the smallest ones to reduce rubbing onto your legs. (The most important model is nearly comically outsized.)
The Sea To Summit eVent Compression Dry Sack (from $27.96, at Amazon) affords an ideal stability of two of bikepacking’s core necessities: water safety & low weight. It’s a particularly mild compression stuff sack, and it’s waterproof wanting full submersion. Plus, the eVent backside panel replaces cumbersome air launch valves, with an air-permeable base that lets out the air as you compress the bag, however gained’t let it again in. Out there in 5 sizes from 6L to 30L.
Mounts & Racks
Bikepacking could also be a “rackless” philosophy to trendy touring, however nonetheless many racks, mounts & cages assist us carry our gear extra securely.
The Tailfin AeroPack ($430, bought direct) is expensive, for positive. Nevertheless it’s an all-in-one bikepacking rack & bag system that’s mild and full of intelligent options, particularly to be used on a full-suspension mountain bike the place there are few good choices. Thanks to 2 units of bushings and pivots, the rack strikes together with your bike’s suspension, permitting for sway-free packing that gained’t maintain you again on the path. The alloy model contains accent mounts for panniers, bottles, or, yep, an Something Cage. The included 20L waterproof bag sits on high, however the rack itself will maintain as much as 27kg and 66L of whole storage, which suggests room for all of your gear.
The Salsa Something Cage HD ($35 at REI) is just about a benchmark for carrying bikepacking gear. It even has given us the title for the 3-bolt set of triple braze-on mounts that you simply’ll discover on nearly all gravel and journey bikes as of late – from fork legs to underneath the downtube. Seize two to stability left & proper on the fork, or throw one in entrance of your backside to maintain gear weight low in case you have the area.
If you happen to aren’t but bought on a full handlebar bag setup or favor the flexibility of dry baggage, the brand new Musguard Handlebar Harness ($49, bought direct) is likely to be proper up your alley. This straightforward & mild recycled plastic harness can carry every little thing from a sleeping bag, a tent, a stuff sack of drugs, or perhaps a bundle of tinder in your campfire. After which, you may simply roll it up out of the best way when there’s nothing left to haul.
This little Restrap Bumper Bar ($60, bought direct) is a mix of a miniature rack and safety in your headtube & cables. Designed to maintain loaded-down handlebar baggage from bouncing in opposition to your exterior cables, headtube, or rubbing your entrance tire, it merely slips in between headset spacers underneath your stem. Plus, it doubles as a mountain level for lights, equipment, or may even carry a small device bag or rain jacket by itself.
Bikepackers usually understand that handlebar baggage make it exhausting to mount a biking pc off the entrance, so we like Ok-Edge Adjustable Stem Mount ($40 at Amazon) because it locations it your GPS over the stem. The adjustable angle helps it match brief or angled stems, or simply purpose it so it’s straightforward to learn.
Transitioning Off the Bike
One of many actual secrets and techniques of bikepacking is time without work the bike could be simply as vital as using. Whether or not that’s popping into a store to refuel, lounging round camp, or actually struggling up climbs too steep & tough to pedal. That’s the place specialised transition gear will save your butt.
Our favourite this yr for probably the most distinctive (and area of interest) piece of bikepacking gear is the Restrap Hike-A-Bike Harness ($80, bought direct). It’s actually only a set of padded backpack straps in your bike. As a result of typically it’s a must to hike-a-bike. And typically it’s simply so steep and lengthy that you simply want you didn’t must push your bike anymore. So, strap it to your again. Not everybody wants this. However in case you’re all the time afraid when your favourite bikepacker plans the route, you already know they’d put this factor to good use.
One other very completely different but additionally adaptable on- & off-bike resolution from the UK-bagmaker is the brand new Restrap Utility Hip Pack ($143, bought direct). Strap it round your waist for 6L of waterproof roll-top storage with a few small mesh aspect pockets. Or fold the waist belt behind the ingenious padded again panel and it transforms right into a small handlebar bag.
In case you are on the lookout for one thing extra common in enchantment, look no additional than the Apidura Packable Musette ($44, bought direct). Nearly each bicycle owner has a few of these frequent cotton shoulder baggage. However this feature-packed little Apidura bag is lighter and extremely waterproof. It packs down so small in its personal pocket that it’ll all the time be there out of the best way on the bike. Then it has loads of room inside for a fast grocery/snack run. plus, it has a velcro high flap to maintain goodies inside and a cross strap to get it secure for the journey to camp for dinner & drinks:
And once you get to camp, get away the Quoc Restrap Sandals ($130, bought direct)). In any case day in biking footwear, these light-weight packable sandals are the proper method to let your drained ft breathe. Pack them over your saddle bag with the QR hooks on the mid-foot straps. And transition from basic 3-strap sandals to slip-on slides with the artistic rear strap design.
One other massive a part of transitioning on & off the bikepacking bike is having a couple of items of clothes that work in camp, whereas using, and when popping into the shop for mid-adventure provides. For cool climate, I actually like the straightforward light-weight Ornot Alpha Every day Vest ($186, bought direct). It options my favourite fuzzy Polartec Alpha Direct insulation on the within that’s tremendous cozy, wicks effectively, and dries quick. Good for using in worsening climate, or as an additional layer to remain snug after you cease pedaling for heat. Plus, the remainder of its materials are additionally bluesign-certified materials, it’s made within the USA, and weighs simply 285g.
And for a bit extra safety from chilly climate, do that distinctive Ibex Wool Aire Hoodie ($285, bought direct) light-weight hooded jacket. Most puffy jackets we encounter are both down (doesn’t do effectively within the rain or once you sweat lots whereas using) or artificial stuffing mimicking down (by no means appears to be heat sufficient.) However the Ibex Hoodie fills its puffy baffles to maintain you heat with a proprietary expanded merino wool insulation. Loopy, proper… a wool puffy jacket? It is also bluesign-certified and will get a PFC-free shell that’s water and wind-resistant to maintain the climate out. And it nonetheless manages to weigh solely 322g, and pack down into its chest pocket. Good for when it’s a must to carry all of it day on the bike to remain heat once you cease using, or when the clouds roll in.
Finest Presents for Bikepackers – Cooking & Consuming Gear
There’s a superb probability your favourite bikepacker additionally loves espresso. We nonetheless love the Kuju Espresso Pocket Pourovers ($14.95 per 6-pack at REI) for his or her simplicity, and for the truth that they make glorious espresso with out the effort of prep or cleanup. In addition they have an extended shelf life than common espresso because of the single-serve design (helpful in case your bikepacking adventures don’t occur that usually). They’re ethically sourced and are available mild, medium, darkish, and single-origin varieties.
It won’t have the cachet of a titanium spork, however the HumanGear GoBites Duo ($8 at REI) is a helpful mixture of a spoon and fork. Higher but, once you mix the 2, it makes for an extra-long utensil, excellent for attending to the underside of these dehydrated meal pouches with out getting your fingers soiled. If you’re performed, the BPA-, PC- and phthalate-free high-temp nylon cleans up simply and shops compactly.
For dehydrated meals and making scorching drinks at camp, the Sea To Summit X-Pot Kettle is the very best pot to boil water ($45 for 1.3L or $55 for 2L, bought direct). Extraordinarily mild, and collapsing to just about flat, it takes up minimal room in your package and boils water extraordinarily quick due to the exhausting anodized 6063-T6 aluminum base. The BPA-free, food-grade, heat-resistant silicone higher handles boiling water effectively, simply don’t let the flames out of your camp range flare up the aspect of the kettle.
There are tons of choices with regards to camp stoves, however the MSR PocketRocket Deluxe Range ($80 at REI) is ultra-light, dependable, and highly effective. Higher but, it has an built-in push-start ignition so that you aren’t pressured to wave a lighter overtop of the range as you crank up the gasoline. It weighs simply 83g and is appropriate with customary 80/20 mix canisters of isobutane and propane.
Finest Presents for Bikepackers – On a regular basis Carry & Requirements
If you happen to sweat or poop within the wild, Surviveware Biodegradable Wipes ($15 on Amazon) ought to just about be in each package, hydration pack, and so on.
The Uncharted Provide Co. Triage Equipment ($40 on Aggressive Bicycle owner) is one other must-have. It’s tiny however has the necessities packed into a tricky waterproof pouch with simply sufficient room to suit a couple of customized extras you would possibly want (like meds).
Earlier than you strap on a set of bikepacking baggage, stick on a Restrap Bicycle Safety Equipment ($12 from Chain Response). They’re simply vinyl stickers to maintain from scratching your bike, however they give the impression of being fairly neat too. Restrap Quick Straps ($15-20 at Chain Response) are then a safe method to truly strap gear to the bike, fabricated from robust non-stretch Hypalon with locking buckles.
Using all day in moist climate, an Ass Savers Win Wing Gravel ($28 at Amazon) fender does a surprisingly good job of preserving your butt dry, and you content. Many bikepackers assume they don’t want a fender since their huge saddlebag retains loads of highway spray off their rear ends. However then, once you go to unpack your gear you discover a moist, muddy mess it’s a must to dig by to get your dry garments. The Win Wing retains your baggage and physique clear whereas being one of many few options as much as the stresses of off-road bikepacking and nonetheless appropriate with massive baggage.
Each bikepacker wants a camp knife they’ll depend on, and we now have two favorites on both finish of the value spectrum. The straightforward & safe twist-locking Opinel No. 8 (from simply $18 at REI). It has a chrome steel blade and beechwood deal with. There are even smaller variations for weight weenie bikepackers.
The Benchmade 535-3 Bugout ($300 from Blade HQ) on a regular basis carry folding knife is simply 57.27g due to its milled carbon fiber deal with. It sheds weight, not options, although, giving you a similar 3.24″ drop level blade fabricated from CPM-S90V, excessive vanadium metal with extraordinarily excessive put on resistance so it’ll keep sharper, for longer. If you happen to’re counting grams however don’t wish to surrender rugged performance, that is the EDC knife you need for each biking journey. Did we point out it’s carbon-freakin’-fiber?
The Silky Noticed Pocketboy 130 ($40 from Amazon) is a compact, light-weight noticed that’ll reduce by any department or log with ease. Use it to clear a path or make firewood, it’s a improbable device for any journey.
Finest Reward for Bikepackers – Garments & Using Equipment
On the bike, many people favor shorts versus bibs for multi-day adventures. The Mission Workshop Professional Quick ($205, accessible direct in males’s and girls’s) have nice assist, comfortable and supportive supplies, and small aspect pockets over Dyneema aspect panels that’ll maintain as much as a wipeout. Reflective hits hold you safer, too.
Quite a lot of us additionally prefer to bikepack in much less pro-cyclist-looking gear. So, usually basic biking jerseys are out. And free match technical t-shirts are in. However… which means you lose pocket area – even with all of the cargo shorts. Enter, the Apidura Expedition Waist Belt ($50, bought direct). It’s basically an ultra-low-profile mesh hip pack that provides you again the misplaced rear pocket cupboard space from a superb old school jersey. https://bikerumor.com/tiny-apidura-expedition-waist-belt-adds-jersey-pockets-to-any-riding-kit/
House is all the time at a premium on a motorcycle journey, and Ombraz Sun shades ($150, bought direct) have nice polarized lenses, however ditch the arms so you may tuck them nearly anyplace with out worrying about breaking them. And sure, they’re surprisingly snug and keep put means, means higher than you’d assume.
A cap is essential, and there are three we like: The Chrome Biking Cap ($25 at Chrome Industries) is hyper-reflective, waterproof, and only a bit looser than most, so it gained’t constrict your mind like so many others, making it tremendous snug on all-day rides. In case your bikepacker is headed off to a scorching & sunny locale, the Detour Cloud Cap ($28 from Ass Savers) provides a tail flap to maintain the solar off their neck. And for off-the-bike, the Tommy Breeze Trucker Caps ($34, bought direct) conceal that helmet hair with enjoyable, pleasant designs that all the time get a praise.
And if they’re headed out on an extended on-road journey that may stretch into the night time, attempt the Apidura Packable Visibility Vest ($58, bought direct). With out limiting their motion or overly flapping within the breeze, it should be certain that they’re seen whether or not using between Paris-Brest and again, or racing the Transcontinental. Or simply a night commute residence from work.
Anything?
How about The Bikepacker’s Information ($20 at Bikepacking Roots) as a useful how-to? Now in its 2nd version, this guidebook breaks down trip-planning and on-tour expertise that may make bikepacking extra satisfying. Plus, route pacing/journey period estimators and 4 key packing checklists will assist your journey go off with no hitch, whether or not for newbies or seasoned adventurers. An added bonus, proceeds from the sale of the information assist continued route improvement, upkeep, and advocacy through Bikepacking Roots. https://bikerumor.com/how-to-bikepack-2nd-edition-bikepackers-guide-available-now/
Maintaining gadgets charged up is all the time a priority, however this Ulanzi Battery Deal with Grip ($50 on Amazon) solves these issues and extra. It packs an enormous 10,000mAh battery inside, letting you cost two gadgets (cellphone, GPS, lights, and so on.) with its USB-A and USB-C ports, however that’s just the start. It’s a digital camera grip with a tripod base and has 1/4-20 and GoPro mounts, which makes it nice for organising dawn time-lapses, selfies, or simply letting it maintain your cellphone whilst you watch some YouTube. The slim form makes it straightforward to stuff in a body bag or handlebar bag, too!
As all the time, don’t overlook your Native Bike Store! Reward certificates from an area store could be among the greatest items for bike packers since they assist to maintain it native and assist your rider get these last-minute snacks, tubes, and equipment all of us overlook till simply earlier than it’s time to roll!
