Top 5 Tips for Planning Your First Bikepacking Trip
Embark on a self-supported cycling adventure with confidence.
The Call of the Open Road (and Trail!)
Bikepacking – the exciting fusion of cycling and backpacking – offers an unparalleled sense of freedom and adventure. It's about exploring new places, often off the beaten path, with everything you need carried on your bike. The idea of a self-supported multi-day cycling trip can seem daunting at first, but with careful planning, your first bikepacking adventure can be incredibly rewarding and enjoyable. This guide provides the top 5 essential tips for planning your inaugural bikepacking trip, ensuring you're well-prepared for the journey ahead and minimize potential hiccups.
From choosing the right route to packing smart and understanding your limits, proper preparation is key to a successful bikepacking experience. You don't need to embark on an epic cross-country expedition for your first trip; a simple overnight or two-day adventure close to home can be the perfect introduction. Our aim is to demystify the planning process, allowing you to focus on the joy of exploration and the beauty of the outdoors. Let's get you ready to roll into your first bikepacking adventure!
The Top 5 Tips for Planning Your First Bikepacking Trip
1. Start Small and Local
Don't plan a transcontinental epic for your first trip. Instead, choose a route that's relatively short (e.g., an overnight or a two-day trip), close to home, and on familiar terrain (or terrain that's not overly technical). This allows you to test your gear, refine your packing strategy, and understand your limits without the pressure of being far from support. Look for established bikepacking routes or quiet gravel roads in your local area. A successful shorter trip will build confidence for future, longer adventures.
2. Plan Your Route and Resupply Points Carefully
Detailed route planning is crucial. Use online mapping tools (like Komoot, Ride with GPS, or Gaia GPS) to map out your route, paying attention to elevation changes, surface types (paved, gravel, singletrack), and potential resupply points for food and water. Identify towns with stores, water sources, and potential camping spots. Download offline maps to your GPS device or smartphone, as cell service can be unreliable in remote areas. Knowing where your next water or food stop is will provide immense peace of mind.
3. Pack Light and Smart: The Essentials Only
Every gram counts when bikepacking. Prioritize multi-functional items and leave anything non-essential at home. Your packing list should include:
- Shelter: Lightweight tent, bivy, or tarp.
- Sleep System: Sleeping bag rated for expected temps, sleeping pad.
- Cooking: Compact stove, pot, food (if not resupplying).
- Water: Bottles and a filter/purifier.
- Repair Kit: Multi-tool, spare tube, patch kit, pump, chain lube.
- Clothing: Layers for varying weather, rain gear, off-bike clothes.
Practice packing your bike beforehand to ensure weight distribution is balanced and everything fits securely in your bikepacking bags (frame bag, seat pack, handlebar roll).
4. Test Your Gear and Setup
Before your big trip, do a fully loaded test ride. Load your bike with all your gear and ride a similar distance and terrain to what you expect on your trip. This 'shakedown ride' will reveal any issues with your setup – uncomfortable saddle, rubbing bags, shifting problems, or unexpected chafing. It's much better to discover these problems close to home than in the middle of nowhere.
5. Prioritize Hydration and Nutrition
On multi-day trips, consistent fueling and hydration are critical. Plan your meals and snacks, and know where you'll get water. Carry enough water to last between known sources, and always have a water filter or purification tablets as a backup. Don't underestimate the calories you'll burn; pack calorie-dense, easy-to-eat foods that you enjoy.
Adventure Awaits!
Planning your first bikepacking trip is an exciting part of the adventure. By starting small, meticulously planning your route and resupply, packing smart, testing your gear, and prioritizing your fueling, you'll set yourself up for a successful and memorable experience. The freedom of bikepacking is truly addictive – enjoy every moment of your journey!