How to Get Started Bikepacking

Bike camping, also known as bikepacking, combines two great adventures, cycling and camping. It’s your ticket to exploring remote areas while having everything you need strapped to your bike. Whether tackling rugged trails or rolling through scenic backroads, bikepacking lets you travel at your own pace and experience the outdoors in a way that cars simply can’t reach. It’s freedom, exploration, and self-sufficiency rolled into one epic ride.

If you’re gearing up for your first bikepacking trip or just need a refresher, this guide will help you pack smart and make the most of every mile. 

Getting Started

What Type of Bike Do You Need?

Nearly any regular bike can work for bikepacking, and most of the time, the bike you have will do. However, the right one will depend on the terrain and how much gear you plan to carry.

• Mountain bike: Best for rugged trails, technical terrain, and singletrack. Wide tires and suspension help on rough terrain.
• Gravel bike: Great for mixed surfaces, dirt roads, and long-distance rides. They’re lightweight but capable of carrying gear.
• All Road: This style of bike is a relatively new sector in the cycling industry. An all-road bike blends road and gravel. These types of bikes are a great option when you plan to spend more than 50% of your trip on the road.
• Fat bikes: Perfect for sand, snow, or extra-challenging off-road conditions. Extra-wide tires improve traction and stability.
• Cargo bike: Ideal for carrying heavier loads, offering extra storage capacity for extended trips.

Thomson Tip: Bike Fit and Comfort

Long days in the saddle can be rough if your bike isn’t properly fitted. Adjust your seat height and handlebar position to reduce strain and improve efficiency. Small upgrades like new handlebar grips or bar tape can add comfort for extended rides.

Packing List: Backpacking Essentials

Every ounce counts when you’re pedaling all day. The key is carrying everything you need while keeping the setup as light as possible.

Camping Gear

• Tent, Hammock, or Bivy Sack: A tent offers the most protection, but a hammock is lighter if trees are available.
• Sleeping Bag & Pad: Nights can get chilly. A sleeping pad adds comfort and warmth.
• Headlamp: You’ll need light at the campsite to navigate at night.

Clothing for the Ride

• Moisture-wicking base layers
• Insulating layers for colder nights
• Windproof and waterproof jacket
• Comfortable riding shorts and socks
• Gloves, hat, and buff for warmth in colder conditions

Proper Shoes

• Clipless SPD or flat pedal shoes, depending on preference
• Waterproof socks if riding in wet conditions

What to Eat

You’ll burn a lot of energy on the bike, so fuel up right. Pack easy-to-cook meals and high-energy snacks.

• Breakfast: Oatmeal, nuts, dried fruit.
• Lunch: Wraps, cheese, peanut butter, or tortillas.
• Dinner: Freeze-dried meals, pasta, or rice with veggies.
• Snacks: Trail mix, protein bars, jerky, or nut butter.

For a no-cook setup, stick to sandwiches, nuts, and dried fruit. This will provide easy fuel without the need for a stove. If you prefer more variety, a small stove can make a big difference, letting you boil water for meals like pasta, soup, or coffee, adding warmth and comfort to your trip. While riding, it is also important to consider how “one-handable” your food is. For a quick bite on the ride, “one-handable” food is definitely a must.

Carrying Enough Water

Start your ride with at least two liters of water to stay hydrated. Water bottles are a great option because they are easy to refill and attach to your bike. Hydration bladders are another option for longer stretches where you need to hold more water for longer stretches. If you need to refill from streams or lakes, use a filter or purifying tablets to make the water safe to drink.

Always check your route in advance and know where the next water source is before running low.

Navigation Tools

• GPS device or smartphone with offline maps
• Paper map as a backup
• Power banks for charging devices

Bike Repair and Maintenance Kits

A breakdown in the middle of nowhere can ruin a trip. It’s best to bring:

• Spare tubes or patch kit
• Multi-tool
• Tire levers
• Mini pump or CO2 inflator
• Chain lube and quick link

Thomson Tip: Save Weight Where Possible

Lightweight gear makes riding easier and more fun. Choose compact equipment and pack only what you need.

Prepare for the Unexpected

Anything can happen on the road or trail, so be ready for:

• Weather changes: Pack layers for warmth and rain gear.
• Flat tires: Carry spares and tools.
• Minor injuries: A small first-aid kit with bandages, antiseptic wipes, and pain relievers is a must.
• Navigation issues: Always have a backup plan if your GPS or phone dies.

How to Pack Your Gear

You need a way to carry your supplies. Two common options include bikepacking bags and panniers. Bikepacking bags strap directly to the bike and are good for keeping the weight balanced. Panniers attach to a bike rack over the back wheel. While they carry more, they can feel a bit bulky.

Let’s look at all the options:

• Handlebar bags: Good for light, bulky items like a sleeping bag.
• Seat bags: Perfect for clothing and small essentials.
• Frame bags: Fit within the frame triangle, great for heavier items.
• Saddle packs: Add extra storage without affecting handling.
• Top tube bags: Keep snacks and small items accessible.

Thomson Tip: Test Gear on Short Rides First

Load up your bike and take it for a test ride before a big trip. This helps you adjust weight distribution and catch any issues early.

Choosing Your Route

Start by selecting a route that matches your experience level and fitness. Beginners should aim for bike paths with smooth terrain and daily distances between 30 and 50 miles, while more advanced riders may prefer challenging bike trails, steep hills, or mixed-terrain routes. Keep in mind that elevation changes, road conditions, and weather can all affect how far you can comfortably ride in a day.

When planning your mileage, consider how often you’ll need to stop for food, water, and rest.  Breaks every couple of hours can help prevent fatigue and keep the ride enjoyable.

Finding Campsites

National and state parks, as well as public lands, often allow bike campers, but it’s important to check the rules before you go. Some bike touring routes have designated camping spots, while dispersed camping on public land is an option for those comfortable with fewer amenities. Private campgrounds are another choice, offering restrooms, showers, and sometimes food options. If you plan to camp in popular walk-in sites, reserving a spot in advance may be necessary, while first-come, first-served spots work well for flexible travelers.

Bike Camping Etiquette: Leave No Trace

Always follow Leave No Trace principles by packing out all trash, using established campsites when possible, and avoiding damage to trails or wildlife habitats. Keeping your campsite clean and minimizing your impact helps preserve the experience for future travelers.

When riding on bike lanes, hiking trails, or busy roads, be mindful of other cyclists, hikers, and campers. Yield to those on foot and announce your presence when passing. If you’re camping near others, keep noise to a minimum, especially at night. A little courtesy goes a long way in making the outdoors enjoyable for everyone!

Bikepacking Resources

Need more info? Check out these resources for online planning and gear:

• Bikepacking.com: Routes, gear reviews, and trip planning tips.
• Local bike shops: Ask for recommendations on trails and must-have gear.
• Online communities: Join forums and social media groups for advice from experienced riders.

Thomson Tip: Learn from the Pros 

Planning your first long-distance bikepacking trip? One of our own, Garrett Thomson, completed a 1,500-mile trip through Georgia. See how he prepared for his trip, including bike maintenance, packing, route planning, and more!

Biking with Thomson

A great bikepacking trip starts with reliable, high-quality components. Thomson is trusted by cyclists worldwide for precision-engineered bike parts that deliver strength, durability, and comfort. From frames to stems, handlebars to seatposts, we help you build and customize your dream bike for any adventure.