What Do I Need for Bikepacking: Essential Gear Checklist

When packing for a bikepacking trip, it’s easy to forget something. Over the years of packing for trips, I’ve developed a checklist of all the gear I usually take (or at least the gear I think about taking). In order to make life a bit easier for you, I thought I’d share it with you. So, what do you need for bikepacking?

When packing for a bikepacking trip, you need to make sure you have sleeping gear, cooking gear, spare clothes and a bike maintenance toolset. These, along with your toiletries and electronics make up the majority of gear you need for a bikepacking trip.

So, we’ve established that you need a lot of gear for a bikepacking trip, but you aren’t going to be able to carry all the stuff you take on a car camping trip with you. In the rest of the article I look into all the gear you might need to take in detail, explaining why or why not you need it. I also try and give you a few example packing lists.

What do I need for bikepacking?

What you pack for a bikepacking trip will vary depending on the trip you have planned. There’s a big difference between how you’d pack for a 30-mile overnight trip and a cross-continental expedition. However, there are a few general pieces of gear that you will almost always want to take. 

The checklist

This is a list of all the items I’ve ever packed for a bikepacking trip, you won’t need all of these items for every trip, but it can be a good way to jog your memory when packing.

Sleeping Gear

Sleeping bag

A sleeping bag or camping duvet is there to keep you warm while you sleep. Make sure you get one that is temperature rated to the conditions you will be sleeping in. A minimum temperature is a safety number so do not go below this, however, the comfort rating is an indication of how long it can go before you will feel cold. If you are close to this number you can adjust for it by wearing a few more layers in bed. A 3-season bag (one made to work in spring, summer, or autumn) should work for most people on most trips.

Sleeping mat

A sleeping mat not only makes the ground more comfortable to sleep on, but it also helps to keep you warm. Check out the R-value on your sleeping mat, this is a measure of how warm it will be overnight. The higher the number the warmer you will be. Make sure not to spend all your money on a high-rated sleeping bag and forget about your sleeping mat as otherwise, you will still be cold.

Shelter

A shelter is a place you sleep in that protects you from the elements (normally a tent, hammock, bivvy or tarp). Whichever type you choose, look for one that can pack down small and is lightweight.If you are wild camping then you will want something inconspicuous. The type of shelter you choose will depend on your environment, budget and preferences.

Some tents are specifically designed for bikepacking, for example, the Alpkit aeronaut tent found here, but for your first trip, any lightweight shelter will do. Oh and it might sound obvious, but don’t pack a hammock without checking if there are going to be any trees where you plan to camp.

Some bikepackers like to take a spare tarp with them on trips so that they can cover their bike overnight, stopping it from getting wet and making it less obvious.

Cooking gear

Stove

On short overnight trips, I often skip out on a stove completely, taking a flask of boiled water with me to make a dehydrated meal or cup of tea. If you want to take a stove, the most common options are gas burners, alcohol stoves or woodfire stoves. If it is going to be windy, consider also taking a windshield.

Cooking pot & Utensils

Take a cooking pot to cook in, this also doubles as something to drink and eat from. I’d suggest a pot around 1L in size as this can then be used to store any gas canisters you plan to take with you (just slot them inside).

While there are some very lightweight titanium cooking pots available, I would recommend getting a cheap aluminium one, especially for a first trip. Don’t forget an eating utensil as well, having to use two twigs to make a pair of chopsticks soon loses its novelty.

Fuel

The fuel you take will depend on the type of stove you are taking with you. Gas burners need canisters, solid fuel stoves need Esbit cubes, alcohol stoves need (you guessed it) alcohol, and woodfire stoves don’t require you to take anything (provided you are camping somewhere with access to wood).

If you are using a woodfire stove, remember to pack a knife or tool that you can use to prepare wood for use on a campfire, and make sure you know how to actually light a fire from scratch.

A lighter (firestarter)

It probably does not need its own section, but I’ve forgotten my lighter before and it ruins a trip. Don’t forget a lighter (or the fire starter of your choice)

Food

The average bikepacker will burn 4500 calories per day (this will obviously depend on how long you are cycling for each day and the weight of your bike). But either way, that’s a lot of food! The best way to get this energy is from high-calorie foods, for example, trail mix, granola bars, or peanut butter wraps. You want something that’s easy to graze on, as you’ll be snacking every 45 minutes you spend cycling. Remember, that you won’t have access to a fridge overnight, so you can’t take certain meats or dairy. Take a look at my article here if you are unsure of the best way to pack your food for a bikepacking trip.

An alternative to proper food is taking a dehydrated meal, (however, these can be quite expensive if you buy the pre-bought ones). These can be a good way to save space as they pack down into a very small space and only require boiled water (meaning you can take a flask of pre-boiled water instead of a whole stove).

You might also want to consider packing a spare meal that does not require cooking, for example, a sandwich or pre-cooked meal. This way if you are unable to start a fire or cook your food for any reason, then you are still able to eat.

If you want to work out how to calculate your own personal calorie requirements, take a look at my article here.

Water

In general, you should take 1 litre of water for every 2 hours of cycling that you plan to do per day. On top of this base amount, you should make sure to take an emergency water buffer, this should be a minimum of 500ml. So for example, if you plan to do 4 hours of cycling on the first day of your trip, you should take 2.5 litres of water with you and have somewhere in mind that you can restock for day 2.

If you are planning to cycle for longer than this each day or if you don’t want to carry a lot of water, consider investing in a water filter. This can filter water from streams or lakes and make it drinkable on the go.

Take a look at my article here if you want help calculating how much water you need for a trip.

Clothing

Cycling clothes

On shorter trips (for example an overnighter), you’ll probably get away with only one set of cycling clothes. Wear a set of cycling shorts and a jersey as you leave (or just a normal top), and then put these back on the next morning for your cycle home. This means you can cut down on the clothes and only have to take a spare pair of socks and some sleeping clothes with you for the camp that night.

As far as which shoes to wear, this will be down to your personal preference. Some bikepackers use a proper pair of cycling cleats, but this is not always the case. All you really need is a hard-soled breathable trainer (for example trainers or mountain bike shoes)

Weatherproof gear

Waterproof jacket

No matter what the forecast says, take a raincoat with you. They pack down small, and rain on a bikepacking trip can be awful as you won’t necessarily be able to dry off when you set up camp.

Jumper

Consider a jumper/jacket for riding and at night. Again if you are wild camping consider a dark-coloured jumper to help keep you hidden. If you are going to be in very cold conditions consider getting a down jacket that can pack down into a compact bag.

Gloves

Riding for long periods can become uncomfortable on your hands, and a cold wind can really start to sting after a while. If you aren’t used to riding for these distances or if it’s a particularly cold day, I’d suggest packing a small and lightweight pair of gloves to help with this.

Waterproof socks

Waterproof socks are a bit controversial on cycling trips, but I do like them. Waterproof socks can keep your feet warm, and dry and save you from cold toes. However, the problem with waterproof socks is that while keeping water out, they keep the moisture in. This means that your feet aren’t able to breathe as well and can get very warm and sweaty. I use these for shorter overnight trips, particularly in winter.

Spare clothes

For the evenings after you have done your riding, I’d suggest taking a spare change of clothes with you to relax. A spare, clean change of clothes (underwear, socks, shorts and a T-shirt) can make a real difference in how comfortable you feel in the evenings. It can also be good for your body to change out of the sweaty clothes you’ve been in all day to reduce the risk of infections and rashes.

Shoes

It can also be nice to take a spare pair of shoes for camp, this gives your feet a chance to breathe and can help to protect the clip mechanism of your cleats or cycling shoes. Lots of bikepackers suggest using a pair of flip-flops for this as they can pack down well and are comfortable.

Protective Gear

As with all types of cycling, make sure to remember the appropriate protective gear, this includes a helmet, cycling glasses (if you use these to help you with glare) and an easily visible outer layer for cycling at night.

Toiletries

The basics

This one is quite simple, while you’re out in the wild, it doesn’t mean you don’t need to brush your teeth. Remember to work out if you need to take any female hygiene products with you, (tampons/pads, etc), and finally don’t forget some toilet roll and a spade in case nature comes calling.

• Toothbrush
• Toothpaste
• Toilet Roll
• Sun cream
• Deodorant (if you are going to be seeing other people)
• Female Hygiene Products
• Trowel/Spade

First aid kit

It is also important to take a simple first aid kit with you on a bikepacking trip. Make sure to actually think about what you are packing in this kit, don’t pack anything you would use, and make sure you actually know how to use each bit of kit you are taking with you, as otherwise what’s the point in taking it? I’d also suggest taking a few painkillers in case you have any aches/pains or headaches on your trip.

Bike Gear

Repair Kit

Just as you need a first aid kit for you, you need a repair kit for your bike. And again, make sure you know how to use everything in your kit! As a bare minimum, I would suggest you are able to fix a flat tire, manage a broken chain and tighten any parts of your bike that come loose (for example a pedal, saddle, or handlebar).

• Bike Multi-Tool
• Puncture repair kit including tire levers
• Spare inner tube
• Bike pump – Link to article
• Quick Link
• Chain lube (only needed for longer trips)
• Pliers

Bike Lock

Most people take a lock on their bikepacking trips so that they can secure their bike while sleeping in their tent at night or if they need to go into a shop, I personally take one (but then again, I’m used to cycling in central London). This is not always the case, and I know some bikepackers who skip a bike lock completely.

You can take a look at my article here for more details on whether or not you should take a bike lock on your bikepacking trip.

Bike Lights

Bike lights are a necessity, even if you don’t plan to be cycling late in the day. You can’t plan for everything, and a flat tire or getting lost should not mean that you end up cycling in the dark with no lights, this is not only dangerous for you, but also for other road/path users.

Extras

Electronics

Phone

In this day and age, I probably don’t need to remind anyone to take a phone with them on a bikepacking trip, but I’ll recommend it anyway. Even if you are planning on getting away from your normal life and experiencing nature, taking a phone is important as it allows you to call for help, or check in with a friend so that someone knows you are safe.

GPS

You can take a look at my article here to work out if you can use your phone as a GPS for your trip, but if you are not planning to, or are unable to do this, then remember to take whatever navigation tool you are using with you (maps, GPS device etc).

For trips further from society or longer trips, it may also be helpful to take a spare navigation tool with you. For example, if you are using a phone as your main maps tool, take a backup bike GPS with you so that you have another option if your phone dies.

Spot Tracker

A spot tracker is a satellite safety device that can monitor your location, update preset contacts and even send text messages when you have no signal. While this might not be necessary for all types of bikepacking trips, on those further afield or where you are going to be isolated for long periods of time, these can be essential and lifesaving.

Headphones

If you are someone who likes to listen to music or a podcast as you ride, take a pair of headphones. These can also be good when you are camping to block the world’s noises out as you are trying to sleep.

Headtorch

You’ll want a light to use at night in your tent. Some riders tell me that they get by fine when using their bike lights, but I certainly struggle to set up my tent while holding a torch in my mouth. I’d suggest getting one with a red light mode so that you can be harder to spot and attract fewer people/wildlife.

Charger

With all these electric items, you’ll need to pack a charger. This might be a portable phone charger or power bank (take a look at my article here to see my favourites), but it might also be an actual charger that you can use while stopping at a cafe or town.

Other

Eye mask and earplugs

As a light sleeper, I often take an eye mask and a pair of earplugs with me on a camping trip. These can help the light from waking you up first thing in the morning, and the earplugs can stop you from being woken in the night by the sound of nature (they can also help if you are feeling a little scared, as they can block out all of the little noises that start to make you overthink).

Sandwich Bags (Dry Bag)

These can be used for carrying food, collecting litter or segmenting items within your bags. If you use sandwich bags a lot, I’d suggest investing in multipacks of dry bags. These are effectively reusable versions of sandwich bags that are more waterproof (I use these bags on amazon).

Cable Tires/Voile Straps

Cable ties are just as useful as sandwich bags, you can use them to tie up pieces of gear in your bag, they can be used to hang a torch from the top of your tent, they can hold down flapping pieces of gear on a bike and even be used in makeshift bike repairs. If you want an upgraded version of a cable tie, check out voile straps (found here on amazon).

Inflatable pillow

Inflatable pillows seem to be like marmite when it comes to packing for a bikepacking trip. Some people love them, and others can’t understand why you’d waste the space. I usually tend to see how much I’ve packed before deciding whether or not to take a pillow with me, and if I don’t have room, I use my jumper rolled up inside my sleeping bag stuff sack.

Wallet & ID

When out on a bikepacking trip, it is important to take a wallet and ID with you. While you might not expect to need them, having access to emergency funds can be important, as can an ID in the case of an accident where you are unable to give your own details.

Example overnight summer packing list

Example overnight winter packing list

Overall

As you can see, there’s quite a lot to think about when it comes to packing for a bikepacking trip. As you get more experienced you’ll start to learn what you need to take and what you don’t, but hopefully, this checklist can help you to make sure you’re not missing out on any of the necessities.

At the end of the day, remember that packing for a bikepacking trip is half the fun! I’m always changing up my latest set-up and experimenting with more or less gear.