How To Start Bikepacking: Everything You Need To Know

What Is Bikepacking? The Freedom of Self-Supported Adventure

Bikepacking represents the perfect fusion of cycling and minimalist camping—a liberating form of self-supported adventure that allows you to explore remote destinations carrying everything you need on your bicycle. Unlike traditional bike touring with panniers and racks, bikepacking utilizes lightweight, strategically placed bags that integrate with your bike's frame for improved handling and efficiency across varied terrain.

In 2025, bikepacking has evolved from a niche activity to one of cycling's fastest-growing segments. According to recent industry reports, the global bikepacking market is projected to reach over $250 million by 2030, reflecting how this versatile adventure style has captured the imagination of cyclists worldwide.

What makes bikepacking so appealing is its accessibility and versatility. Whether you're planning a simple overnight trip close to home or dreaming of a multi-week journey through remote wilderness, the fundamental principles remain the same: pack light, embrace simplicity, and connect with the landscapes you traverse in a meaningful way.

Getting Started: The Essential Bikepacking Gear

The Right Bike for Bikepacking

One of the most common questions from beginners is whether they need a specialized bikepacking bike. The short answer? No—you can start bikepacking with almost any bike you already own, though some are better suited than others.

In 2025, these bike types have proven ideal for bikepacking adventures:

Gravel Bikes: The versatility champions of bikepacking, gravel bikes blend road efficiency with off-road capability. Modern gravel bikes feature wider tire clearance (up to 57mm in 2025 models) and comfortable endurance geometry. Their drop bars provide multiple hand positions for long days in the saddle.

Hardtail Mountain Bikes: Perfect for more technical terrain, hardtail mountain bikes offer front suspension and stability on rough surfaces. Their wider tires and upright position provide confidence on challenging routes.

Rigid Mountain Bikes: Lightweight and simple, rigid mountain bikes eliminate maintenance concerns with suspension components while still providing tire clearance for rough terrain.

Touring Bikes: Traditional touring bikes can be excellent for bikepacking routes that favor roads and smoother surfaces. Their sturdy frames and attachment points accommodate various bag configurations.

E-Bikes: The newest trend in bikepacking for 2025 is the rise of e-bike touring. Purpose-built electric touring bikes with extended range batteries make challenging routes accessible to more riders regardless of fitness level.

The ideal bikepacking bike is ultimately the one you already have. Rather than investing in a new bike immediately, consider how your existing bike might perform with a simple bikepacking setup.

Essential Bikepacking Bags

The defining feature of bikepacking is its bag system. Unlike traditional panniers that hang off racks, bikepacking bags attach directly to your bike's frame, creating a streamlined profile that handles better on varied terrain. Here are the core components of a bikepacking bag system:

Frame Bag: Attaches within the main triangle of your bike frame, providing convenient access to heavier items like tools, food, and water. This central location maintains your bike's balanced handling. Most frame bags come in various sizes or can be custom-made to fit your specific bike geometry.

Handlebar Bag or Harness: Mounts to your handlebars to carry lightweight but bulky items like your sleeping bag, pad, and clothing. In 2025, the trend is toward modular systems with waterproof dry bags secured by separate harnesses.

Seatpost Bag: Attaches under your saddle and extends backward, providing space for clothing and camp items. Modern designs include stabilization systems to prevent swaying.

Top Tube Bag: Sits on your top tube for easy access to snacks, phone, camera, or navigation devices while riding. This "feed bag" position is invaluable for items you need without stopping.

Accessory Pouches: Small additional bags that can attach to your handlebars, stem, or fork legs for extra capacity and organization.

For beginners in 2025, several affordable bikepacking bag options have emerged. Brands like Blackburn, Topeak, and Rockbros offer complete systems under $200, while premium options from Ortlieb, Revelate Designs, and Apidura provide enhanced durability and features for those ready to invest more deeply.

Sleep System: Rest Well Anywhere

Your sleep system represents the core of your comfort while bikepacking. These three components work together to ensure restful recovery:

Shelter Options:

• Lightweight Tent: Traditional protection offering complete enclosure. Look for models under 3 pounds.
• Bivvy Sack: Minimalist waterproof shell that fits around your sleeping bag. Extremely packable but offers limited living space.
• Hammock System: Comfortable suspended option requiring trees and typically a tarp for rain protection.
• Tarp Setup: The ultralight choice favored by experienced bikepackers, using trekking poles or natural features for support.

In 2025, the trend is toward modular systems that can be configured in multiple ways depending on conditions and preferences.

Sleeping Bag or Quilt: Sleeping bags provide full enclosure but use some weight and space for bottom insulation that gets compressed under you. Modern bikepacking quilts eliminate this redundancy by focusing insulation on top where it's effective, saving critical space and weight. For 2025, look for temperature ratings appropriate to your environment, with 30°F (0°C) bags being versatile for most three-season use.

Sleeping Pad: Your sleeping pad provides both comfort and critical insulation from the ground. Options include:

• Inflatable Pads: Maximum comfort and insulation in a compact package, though susceptible to punctures.
• Closed-Cell Foam Pads: Virtually indestructible and affordable, but bulkier and less comfortable.

When selecting a sleeping pad, pay attention to the R-value (insulation rating), with 3.0 or higher recommended for three-season use.

Cooking System: Simple Meals Anywhere

While not strictly necessary for short trips, a cooking system opens up meal options and provides the morale boost of hot food and drinks. Modern bikepacking cooking setups emphasize simplicity and efficiency:

Stove Options:

• Canister Stoves: Quick, efficient, and easy to use. Popular ultralight options like the MSR PocketRocket or Snow Peak LiteMax weigh under 3 ounces.
• Alcohol Stoves: Incredibly simple, lightweight, and fuel is widely available. Perfect for minimalists.
• Wood-Burning Stoves: Eliminate fuel weight by using natural materials. Good for sustainable touring.

Cookware:

• Single titanium pot (750ml-1L) for one person
• Folding titanium spork
• Insulated mug for hot drinks

For beginners, a simple canister stove and titanium pot combination offers the best balance of convenience, weight, and versatility.

Clothing: Layering for Changing Conditions

Bikepacking requires carefully selected clothing that performs across variable conditions while minimizing packed volume. The key is versatile layers that can be combined or separated as needed:

Base Layer: Moisture-wicking synthetic or merino wool to keep you dry and comfortable.

Insulating Layer: Lightweight puffy jacket or fleece for camp and cool mornings.

Rain Protection: Packable waterproof/breathable jacket and possibly pants depending on expected conditions.

Cycling Shorts/Bibs: Your primary riding comfort. Bring one pair for short trips, two for longer adventures.

Off-Bike Clothing: One set of lightweight, quick-drying clothes for camp. Merino wool resists odor for extended trips.

Accessories: Cycling cap, lightweight gloves, buff/neck gaiter, and appropriate footwear for both cycling and walking.

The "one to wear, one to wash" principle helps minimize packed clothing while maintaining hygiene on longer trips. Packable down jackets have become bikepacking essentials in 2025, offering exceptional warmth-to-weight ratios.

Tools and Repair Kit: Self-Sufficiency on the Trail

The remote nature of bikepacking makes basic mechanical self-sufficiency essential. Your tool kit should balance preparedness with weight and include:

Basic Tools:

• Multi-tool with appropriate hex keys, chain tool, and screwdrivers
• Tire levers and patch kit
• Compact pump or CO2 inflator
• Spare tube (even if running tubeless)
• Tubeless repair kit if applicable
• Chain quick links
• Derailleur hanger specific to your bike
• Small roll of duct tape and zip ties
• Spare brake pads for longer trips

Additional Safety Items:

• First aid kit scaled to your trip length and remoteness
• Emergency communication device (satellite messenger for remote routes)
• Identification and emergency contact information

This kit will address most common mechanical issues without overwhelming your storage capacity. Store these items in a dedicated tool roll or your frame bag for organization and quick access.

Navigation and Electronics

In 2025, bikepacking navigation typically combines digital and analog methods for redundancy:

Digital Navigation:

• Cycling-specific GPS computer (Wahoo, Garmin, Karoo) or smartphone with offline maps
• Portable battery pack sized for your trip length
• Charging cables

Backup Navigation:

• Paper maps or cue sheets in a waterproof case
• Compass for remote areas

Two navigation methods provide critical redundancy when deep in unfamiliar territory. For beginners, starting with routes that have clear GPS tracks available will reduce navigation stress while you develop other bikepacking skills.

Planning Your First Bikepacking Route

Start Small and Build Experience

For your inaugural bikepacking adventure, resist the temptation to attempt an epic journey. Instead, focus on an achievable "S24O" (Sub-24-Hour Overnight) trip close to home. This approach allows you to:

• Test your gear setup in a low-consequence environment
• Identify what works and what needs adjustment
• Build confidence in your systems before tackling more remote routes
• Enjoy the experience without overwhelming logistical challenges

An ideal first route might be 15-30 miles each way to a local campground, state park, or legal dispersed camping area. This distance is manageable for most cyclists while still providing the full bikepacking experience.

Beginner-Friendly Bikepacking Routes in the USA for 2025

When you're ready to progress beyond local overnighters, these routes offer excellent introductions to bikepacking:

1. Great Allegheny Passage (GAP) - Pennsylvania/Maryland

This 150-mile rail-trail from Pittsburgh to Cumberland offers a perfect beginner bikepacking experience with:

• Smooth, car-free crushed limestone surface
• Gentle grades never exceeding 1%
• Regular access to towns for resupply
• Established campsites and accommodations
• Easy logistics with train connections

The GAP connects with the C&O Canal Towpath for those wanting to extend their adventure to Washington DC.

2. Oregon Outback - Oregon

For western adventurers ready for more challenge, the Oregon Outback provides an accessible introduction to remote bikepacking across varied terrain:

• 364 miles from Klamath Falls to the Columbia River
• Primarily gravel and dirt roads with minimal technical sections
• Striking desert landscapes and forest sections
• Multiple resupply points
• Train access at the starting point

3. Katy Trail - Missouri

This 240-mile rail-trail following the Missouri River offers:

• Flat, beginner-friendly terrain
• Historical sites and charming small towns
• Regular access to services and accommodations
• Beautiful river scenery
• Connections to St. Louis and Kansas City

4. Vermont Green Mountain Loop - Vermont

For East Coast riders, this scenic 185-mile loop showcases Vermont's picturesque landscapes:

• Combination of dirt roads and low-traffic paved roads
• Charming New England towns for resupply
• Beautiful forest and farmland scenery
• Manageable hills for intermediates
• Multiple camping options

5. Olympic Peninsula Loop - Washington

This spectacular 350-mile route offers Pacific Northwest beauty:

• Combination of dedicated trails and scenic roads
• Access to beaches and rainforests
• Regular services and resupply points
• Stunning mountain and coastal views

Organizations like Adventure Cycling Association and Bikepacking.com offer detailed route guides with GPS tracks, resupply information, and logistical details for these and many other beginner-friendly routes.

Route Planning Considerations

When planning your bikepacking route, consider these key factors:

Terrain and Surface Type: Match the route to your bike's capabilities and your comfort level. Beginners should favor routes with primarily non-technical surfaces.

Distance and Elevation: Be realistic about your daily mileage. For beginners, 30-40 miles per day on mixed terrain is often appropriate, adjusting for significant elevation gain.

Resupply Options: Map out food and water access points. Remote routes may require carrying several days of supplies.

Camping Options: Research legal camping locations including campgrounds, public lands with dispersed camping, and private options like Hipcamp.

Bailout Points: Identify options to cut your trip short if necessary, including access to public transportation.

Cell Coverage: Understand where you'll have communication access and where you won't.

Digital planning tools like Komoot, RideWithGPS, and Gaia GPS have transformed route planning in 2025, offering specialized bikepacking features to help visualize terrain, identify services, and create shareable routes.

Packing Strategies: How to Pack Your Bikepacking Bags

Efficient packing is crucial for bikepacking comfort and convenience. Follow these principles when loading your bags:

Weight Distribution Fundamentals

• Keep Heavy Items Low and Centered: Place dense items like tools, food, and cooking gear in your frame bag.
• Handlebar Bag: Pack with lightweight, bulky items like your sleeping bag and extra clothing.
• Seatpost Bag: Use for moderate-weight items like your shelter, insulating layers, and additional food.
• Accessory Bags: Reserve for frequently accessed items like snacks, phone, camera, and navigation devices.

Organization Systems

• Use different colored stuff sacks to organize gear by category
• Keep rain gear accessible for quick weather changes
• Store items you'll need during the day where you can reach them while riding
• Place night camp items (headlamp, sleeping clothes) in a dedicated location

Waterproofing Strategies

In 2025, these approaches ensure your gear stays dry regardless of conditions:

• Use waterproof bikepacking bags or line regular bags with trash compactor bags
• Pack electronic devices in dedicated waterproof cases
• Store clothing in waterproof compression sacks
• Carry a small camp towel to manage unexpected moisture

Minimalist Packing Philosophy

Embrace the bikepacking mantra: "Bring what you need, need what you bring." Before each trip, lay out all your gear and critically evaluate each item's necessity. Many beginners overpack by 30-50% on their first trips, compromising comfort and handling.

As influential bikepacker Logan Watts notes in a 2025 article on Bikepacking.com, "The evolution toward truly minimalist bikepacking continues, with each season bringing lighter, more compact solutions that enhance rather than detract from the riding experience."

Food and Water Strategies for Bikepacking

Nutrition Planning for Bikepacking

Effective nutrition planning balances weight, space, nutrition, and preparation convenience:

Daily Caloric Needs:

• Bikepacking typically requires 3,000-5,000 calories per day depending on terrain, distance, and individual metabolism
• Plan for more calories than your typical daily intake—bikepacking hunger is real!

Food Types That Work Well:

• Breakfast: Instant oatmeal, granola, powdered milk, instant coffee
• On-Bike Nutrition: Energy bars, trail mix, dried fruit, nut butters
• Dinners: Dehydrated meals, instant noodles, quick-cook rice with add-ins
• Treats: Dark chocolate, cookies, or other morale-boosting rewards

Food Preparation Considerations:

• Minimize cooking complexity—one-pot meals are ideal
• Pre-package meal components for each day
• Balance weight savings with enjoyment—food is crucial for morale

Water Management

Water strategy varies dramatically by route and season:

Carrying Capacity:

• Standard setup includes 2-3 liters in bottles or hydration bladder
• Arid regions may require additional capacity with collapsible bottles

Water Sources and Treatment:

• Research reliable water sources along your route using apps and local knowledge
• Carry appropriate water treatment: filters, purification tablets, or UV purifiers
• In uncertain areas, carry emergency water capacity for unexpected dry sources

Hydration Monitoring:

• Develop systems to ensure regular drinking during rides
• Adjust intake based on temperature, exertion, and individual needs

For routes with limited water sources, carry a lightweight filter like the Sawyer Squeeze and research backup water options, including businesses that might provide water if natural sources are dry.

Skills Development for Successful Bikepacking

Physical Preparation

While bikepacking doesn't require elite fitness, some preparation helps ensure enjoyment:

• Build endurance with progressively longer rides
• Practice riding with loaded bags before your trip
• Develop comfort with varied terrain similar to your planned route
• Include some back-to-back riding days to simulate multi-day trips

Essential Outdoor Skills

Bikepacking combines cycling with backcountry camping skills:

• Practice setting up your shelter quickly, including in adverse conditions
• Develop basic navigation skills using maps and GPS devices
• Learn efficient camp setup and breakdown routines
• Understand basic principles of Leave No Trace

Mechanical Self-Sufficiency

Develop these mechanical skills before heading into remote areas:

• Fixing flat tires or tubeless issues
• Basic drivetrain adjustments
• Brake maintenance
• Assessing and addressing unusual noises or handling issues

Weather Adaptation

Successful bikepackers become adept at responding to weather conditions:

• Understand layering strategies for temperature regulation
• Develop efficient routines for setting up camp in rain
• Know when to adjust plans based on forecasts and conditions
• Practice quick transitions between weather-appropriate gear

Bikepacking Safety and Etiquette

Safety Considerations

Mitigate risks through thorough preparation and smart practices:

• Share your route and expected timeline with someone reliable
• Carry appropriate communication devices for your route remoteness
• Develop contingency plans for common scenarios (mechanical issues, weather, illness)
• Understand basic wilderness first aid appropriate to your route

Trail and Camping Etiquette

Responsible bikepacking preserves access and natural resources:

• Follow all land management regulations and respect private property
• Practice Leave No Trace principles at camps and rest stops
• Yield appropriately to other trail users
• Support local communities through patronage and respect

Wildlife Awareness

Depending on your route, wild animal encounters require preparation:

• Research potential wildlife in your route area
• Carry appropriate food storage (bear canisters or bags where needed)
• Understand proper behavior during wildlife encounters
• Maintain clean camps to avoid attracting animals

Building Community and Finding Resources

Connecting with the Bikepacking Community

The bikepacking community offers valuable support and knowledge:

• Join online forums like the Bikepacking subreddit or Facebook groups
• Attend local bikepacking events or shop rides
• Follow experienced bikepackers on social media for inspiration and tips
• Consider guided trips for skills development

Continuing Education Resources

Deepen your knowledge through these valuable resources:

• Books: "Bikepacking: Mountain Bike Camping Adventures" by Gestalten, "The Bikepacker's Guide" by Laurence McJannet
• Websites: Bikepacking.com, Adventure Cycling Association
• Films: "Bikepacking the Mongolian Steppe," "Rides of Passage"
• Local Workshops: REI and specialty bike shops often offer bikepacking basics courses

Conclusion: Your Bikepacking Journey Begins

Bikepacking offers a uniquely rewarding way to experience landscapes and challenge yourself. The freedom of self-supported travel combined with the joy of cycling creates unforgettable adventures accessible to riders of various experience levels.

Remember that your first bikepacking trip doesn't need to be epic—success is measured by enjoyment and learning, not distance or difficulty. Start small, refine your systems, and gradually build toward more ambitious routes as your confidence grows.

The bikepacking community continues to expand in 2025, welcoming newcomers and sharing knowledge generously. By emphasizing preparation, responsible practices, and an adventurous spirit, you'll join a global movement reconnecting with landscapes through human-powered travel.

Your bikepacking journey begins with a single pedal stroke. Pack your bags, embrace the adventure, and discover what awaits beyond the pavement's end.