Adventure by Bike

 Bikepacking 101

The permutations available in bikepacking setups are endless.

Essentials + comforts + style points  = what will be best for you. The obvious foundation for a bikepacking setup is the bike itself comprised of the wheels, the components or groupset, and the frame. Within these three are even more options that should work synergistically, and chosen to make your journey as successful as possible. Some ask what the perfect bike for bikepacking would be. In my opinion, the bike that you have is the best option because "it's much easier to ride what you have than to ride what you want." 

The gear. From an S24O (sub-24hour-overnighter) to multi-day excursions, you should know what you have, how to use it, and how to live without it if something were to go wrong. Equipment mishaps are rare but can happen, and cooking over a fire might be the only option you have, instead of using your jetboil stove.

How to Plan Your First Bikepacking Trip

Bikepacking is a great way to explore new places, enjoy nature or. anew part of the city, and challenge yourself. It combines cycling and camping, allowing you to travel light and cover more ground than hiking. But how do you plan your first bikepacking trip? Here are some tips to help you get started.

Choose a destination and a route

The first step is to decide where you want to go and how you want to get there. You can choose from a variety of destinations, such as national parks, forests, mountains, deserts, or coastal areas. You can also look for existing bikepacking routes online, or create your own using tools like Google Maps, Komoot, Strava, or Ride with GPS.

When choosing a destination and a route, consider factors such as:

- Your fitness level and experience
- The distance and elevation gain
- The terrain and road conditions
- The weather and seasons
- The availability of water and food sources
- The camping options and regulations

Prepare your bike and gear

The next step is to make sure your bike and gear are ready for the adventure. You can use any bike that fits you well and can handle the terrain you plan to ride on. Remember, ride what you already have.

You will also need to equip your bike with bags that can carry your essentials. There are different types of bikepacking bags, such as:

- Frame bags: fit inside the main triangle of your bike frame and can hold items like tools, spare tubes, or snacks.

- Seat bags: attach to your seat post and saddle rails and can hold items like clothes, sleeping bag, or tent.

- Handlebar bags: attach to your handlebars and can hold items like sleeping pad, jacket, or camera.

- Top tube bags: attach to your top tube and stem and can hold items like phone, wallet, or keys.

- Feed Bags: are...well....feedbags. They can hold easy-to-grab snacks so you can fuel during your ride.

- Fork cages/bags: attach to your fork legs and can hold items like water bottles, stove, or food.

These are just a few options you can use. Other setups use panniers mounted on racks installed above over the front and rear wheels.


You will also need to pack some basic gear for camping, such as:

- A tent, hammock, or bivy sack (check out these ultra light tents)
- A sleeping bag and pad
- A stove and cookware
- A water filter and bottles
- A headlamp and batteries
- A first aid kit and emergency tools

For more personalized bikepacking suggestions or links, connect with projectexploreclub@gmail.com or through our instagram

Plan your logistics and safety

The final step is to plan the logistics and safety aspects of your trip. You should:

- Research the local rules and regulations regarding camping, permits, wildlife, fires, etc.
- Check the weather forecast and pack accordingly
- Download offline maps and GPS tracks of your route
- Inform someone of your itinerary and expected return time
- Carry a phone, charger, power bank, and emergency contacts
- Carry enough cash and credit cards for unexpected expenses
- Carry enough food and water for the duration of your trip
- Be prepared for possible mechanical issues or injuries

Enjoy your trip!

Now that you have planned your first bikepacking trip, all that's left is to enjoy it! Remember to:

- Pace yourself and take breaks as needed
- Stay hydrated and eat regularly
- Respect the environment and leave no trace
- Be flexible and adaptable to changing situations
- Have fun and take lots of photos! Don't forget to tag us... @project_explore_club

Bikepacking is a rewarding experience that can enrich your life in many ways. By following these tips, you can plan your first bikepacking trip with confidence and have a memorable adventure.

Share your bikepacking experience with us in the comments below!