When you are a cyclist you want to ride everywhere and you may think adventure is your middle name. You want more miles, more rides, more challenges, more adventures and stories to share with your fellow cyclist buddies. But it seems like you've done it all. You want a new adventure to challenge and inspire you. Then you hear about bikepacking. Your imagination soars; you picture yourself crossing mountains, cities, and the unexplored. The entire world is out there waiting. Bikepacking lets you cover more miles than hiking, you can also access dirt roads and trails that are inaccessible by other vehicles. Rides range from local overnighters all the way to epic cross-country trail rides.

Backpacking has everything you are looking for; the challenge, the adventure and only limited by the inventiveness inside you. You're able to conquer longer distances over multiple days, exploring further than anybody. Because Bikepacking is not for everyone, only the brave, the skilled and the resourceful are capable of realizing such cool accomplishment. Your cycling friends will be astounded.

In this case, adventure starts way before the ride it self, it requires a lot of planning, training, ingenuity and self-sufficiency to carry everything you need to survive overnight for your multi-day bike ride.

At SportRx we want you to enjoy the ride to your fullest, so we put together a list of essential items for you to start Bikepacking like a pro.

What to Bring on Your Trip

  • Bike gear:
    • Lights
    • Bikepacking packs (seat pack, handlebar pack, frame pack, etc.)
    • Lubricant
    • Duct tape
    • Zip ties
  • Shelter:
    • Tent
    • Tarp
    • Bivy or hammock
  • Sleep system:
    • Sleeping bag
    • Sleeping Pad
  • Cooking:
    • Stove (optional)
    • Fuel
    • Mini lighter
    • Mug and or pot
    • Pot
    • Spork
    • Food
  • Water:
    • Water filter
    • Purification tablets
    • Water reservoir or bottles
  • Clothing:
    • Bike shorts
    • Jerseys or shirts depending on your vibe
    • Socks
    • Rain gear
    • Bike gloves
    • Underwear
    • Cold Weather Specific: Something to keep your head warm if it gets cold
    • Cold Weather Specific: Jacket
  • Navigation:
    • Map
    • Compass
    • Route description
    • GPS and/or smartphone
  • Hygiene/toiletries:
    • Sunscreen
    • Lip balm
    • Toothpaste
    • Small toothbrush
    • Toilet paper
    • Hand sanitizer
    • Biodegradable soap
    • Chamois cream
  • Bike repair tools:
    • Spare tubes
    • Patch kit
    • Pump
    • Tire levers
    • Repair kit
    • Mult-tool
  • First-aid supplies:
    • First Aid kit
    • Blister pads
    • Bandages
    • Pain-relief pills
  • Miscellaneous:
    • Snacks
    • Cell phone (make sure to bring a spare battery and charger)
    • Headlamp
    • Extra batteries
    • Camera

How to Pack

  • Daypack:
    • Good for light, bulky items
    • Anything sensitive to vibration
  • Dry bag secured to a rear rack:
    • Holds heavier items
  • Handlebar bag (or dry bag lashed to the bars):
    • For light to moderate items (e.g., tent, pad, clothing)
  • Water bottle cages:
    • Keeps water weight low and centered
  • Panniers:
    • Optional for heavy items (e.g., water, food, stove)
  • Bike trailers:
    • Optional for group/family gear or very heavy items

Where Do All These Packs Go?

  • Large seat bag:
    • Light, bulky items.
  • Handlebar bag:
    • Light to moderate items (e.g., tent, pad, clothing)
    • Gear needed quickly (e.g., map, camera, GPS).
  • Water bottle cages:
    • You can also attach an extra cage under the downtube or to the fork.
  • Frame bags:
    • Heavy items such as a hydration bladder
    • Food
    • Tools
  • Top-tube/gas tank/bento box bag:
    • Snacks
    • Camera
  • Daypack:
    • Light, bulky items
    • Items vulnerable to vibration

Happy Bikepacking!

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