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10 Essential Tips For First Bikepacking Adventure

When I was planning my first bikepacking trip, I had unrealistic expectations when it comes to the distance. Because I chose a flat route (Albany to Niagara Falls on the Erie Canal), I thought it would be easy to ride many miles. Back then, my endurance wasn’t as great, but still I expected myself to ride 100 to 130 miles per day. I didn’t consider the fact that in April (when I executed the plan) days are shorter than in the summer. I didn’t expect my butt to be so sore, and I found out that riding on a flat or slight grades puts pressure on the same points. Riding up and down on rolling hills is definitely easier on my rear than the rail trail kind of riding. I overlooked the need for breaks for food, rest, and talking to people we encounter. bike packing is not a start and complete as soon as possible kind of ride. It is about taking in the sights and enjoying the journey. We completed the route, but it took us much longer than I expected, which caused me to be one day late to work. Needless the mishaps, I was hooked on bikepacking. Everything: the good and the bad contributed to a cluster of wonderful memories. I wanted to go on another trip soon. 

Taking my experience under consideration, I would like to give you 10 Essential Tips for Planning Your First Bikepacking Adventure.

1. Start with a short trip. 

Instead of overwhelming yourself with a long trip that requires a lot of planning, do a short trip. Weekends are the best for them. By taking short trips, you can quickly determine your preferences – comfort or a lighter bike setup. The result is determined by the amount packed—too much or too little. Do you enjoy camping in campgrounds or are you comfortable with stealth camping? 

2. Invest in quality gear or borrow from a friend if you have the option. 

Perfect gear comes with experimentation. Not everything that works for others will work for you. But if your budget won’t allow for expensive gear, you can start with dry sacks and straps. Dry bags are waterproof and easy to attach. Maintain balanced weight distribution (avoid excess on front or back). When riding on a single track, I prefer to easily maneuver on technical terrain by having less weight on the front. A heavier front can make bike handling more challenging, regardless of whether you ride on gravel or road. When you consider a gear, the cheaper you go, the worse the quality becomes and it might fall apart during your trip. It’s important to keep your sleeping bag and spare clothes dry to avoid an unpleasant experience and extra weight. Make a reusable packing list of everything you need. I always check off items as I pack them inside my bags. I’ve had instances where I forgot something, even after making a pile next to my bag. 

3. Plan your route carefully.

You can find short trips on Bikepacking.com or Ridewithgps.com.

Honestly, any longer ride can work as bikepacking getaway. Check the route profile for camping or other lodging options. If you are choosing locally, you probably know the area and can predict. Take into account the terrain of the route. Single track and gravel take longer to travel on than the road, depending on your riding skills. Bikepacking typically entails navigating different terrain and may require some walking. On shorter trip you can plan exit points and loop back to your car if things won’t work out as planned. Remember, it might happen. 

4. Travel light.

Comfort is important, but packing efficiently is the key. For example, one piece of clothing may serve multiple purposes. Keep things organized. Pack items like tools, tape, zip ties and spare tube together. You can even place them in one bag inside your gear. I pack the same every trip, so I remember where everything is. Sometimes I had to dump everything from my bag on the side of the road or trail because of my lack of organization. It’s a hassle to fix something while hungry or in the dark on your way to food resupply. It is best to invest in a lightweight tent or hammock, and sleeping pad. The sleeping bag becomes a hassle too when it’s too bulky. Bring only things you will need. I go through my packed things again to reconsider their necessity. Do you need six pairs of socks? I don’t think so. One set of changing clothes will serve for both sleeping and wearing during the day.

5. Train and prepare.

Riding with gear is harder and requires endurance training. Go on at least one longer ride a week. Other days you can keep your weight lifting, cross training or shorter ride routine. Everything takes practice. The more often you will bikepack, the more comfortable you will become. Remember that you have to enjoy it. People are drawn to it for the challenges, relaxation, and connection to nature. Your training will depend on the type of bikepacking you will decide to do. Of course, racing requires more commitment. 

There’s a great website with abundant training resources. See link below:

https://ridefar.info/rider/training/training-plan/

6. Navigation.

Of course, you can’t go far if you don’t know where you are going. Investing in a gps device is worth it, but unnecessary. Some people rely on phone navigation and apps like Komoot, Ride With GPS, or Google. I like to use gps device like Garmin. It is waterproof, and the battery lasts longer. You can map your own route using Map My Ride, Ride With GPS or Strava, or even Trailforks. Some of these require subscription. I like to copy routes from other people or download them from bikepacking.com. Either way, you will not know what the route entails until you ride it. The route descriptions could be more accurate and comprehensive. It’s simply impossible to list everything in brief description and riding skills of the author might be a little different from yours. What took them a couple of days, it might take you one or a couple days more. Always be aware of your location on the map or the direction of your route. When knowing where North is, you can use basic navigation skills to find your way, even without technology. I don’t carry paper maps. It’s highly unlikely to not be able to use my phone, GPS, and Garmin Inreach simultaneously. 

7. Safety first.

When traveling on roads, it is advisable to carry reflective clothing, as well as bright blinking lights. A rule of threes applies to the backcountry. You can survive three hours in extreme conditions, three days without water and three weeks without food. Protecting yourself from elements is crucial. Bringing water filter is very important as well. Bringing snacks not only guarantees you maintaining your energy but also helps in the lows you will feel. Having a piece of chocolate when I need it really makes a difference and lifts my spirits. Always share your location with your loved ones or a friend. I carry Garmin Inreach. I can activate the SOS button for myself and others, and request weather reports via text. Some people prefer SPOT to Garmin. And of course, do your research and look at the map beforehand. 

8. Food and water management.

Always be aware of your resupply points or places you can stop for a meal and always carry extra food. I usually like to eat one real meal a day. Restaurant is not a requirement. Grocery store stops for sandwiches or pizza are perfect for refueling and grabbing snacks for later. Bring Ziploc bags. You can always pack leftover dinner or lunch with you to eat later. I always buy a whole pie of pizza and save a few slices. Cold pizza is appreciated when food is unavailable or before sleeping. Riding a bike all day will make you starve for calories. Always bring the water filter and your favorite electrolytes. When I didn’t bring a water filter, I ended up carrying extra water, which is heavier than my bigger in size water filter. Look at the map beforehand to spot possible filtering places. Make tons of notes. It is stressful to run out of water or food. Adding the food and water crisis will only add to your challenges. 

9. Leave no trace principles. 

Try to minimize your impact on the environment. If you plan to take a bath in a river or lake, bring the ecological soap. Take all your garbage with you. Keep your wrappers in zipped pockets. Try not to disturb or change the trail. Be respectful of wildlife. If you encounter a bear, maintain distance and wait for it to depart. Same with other animals. Camp on durable surfaces. Don’t touch historic artifact or structures. Leave rocks, plants, or natural objects where you found them. Don’t carve in trees. Don’t feed animals. Avoid fires during sensitive to fire conditions. 

10. Document your journey.

It has been proven that keeping a journal has a positive impact on our mental health. However, journaling, keeping pictures or videos of your adventures is fun. Record what worked, what didn’t, and what you forgot. You can always look back at your adventure and savor the experience. I love to post on Facebook as I sometimes like to look at my timeline or my memories. 

I hope you can learn to appreciate the challenging experience of bikepacking. My favorite times were when I was traveling solo. It gave me an opportunity to be with myself and to learn more about myself. For me, the experience is like meditation. I just follow the flow of my track and meet the challenges as they come. Every day is distinct, there is no monotony. All my problems are minimized to my basic needs like finding a spot for shelter, eating and finding water. Life becomes very uncomplicated. I gain so much space in my mind when I’m bikepacking. There are lows and there are highs, and I wait for the lows to pass and hope for the highs to last. And I love the connection to nature and unplugging. At night, my mind is calm and my body is happy. I could do it every day. I remember how I felt later, and it motivates me to seek more bikepacking adventures. I really hope you will feel the same way….

Sample packing list:

Backup battery with charging cables

Benadril

Bike lock

repair kit (brake pads, derailer hanger, chain links, multi-tool, spare tube, patch kit, pump, chain lube, tire levers)

bug face net

change of clothes

electrolytes

extra straps

hand and feet warmers

lights

pain medication

rain gear

piece of rope

sleeping bag

tent

sleeping pad

snacks

sunscreen

tape

toilet paper

toothbrush

gloves

water filter

Ziploc bags

wipes

zip ties

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