There’s nothing quite like the freedom of bikepacking—loading up your gear, rolling out of town, and pedaling into the wild. Whether you’re dreaming of quiet forest roads, wide-open prairies, or multi-day gravel routes, bikepacking blends the best parts of cycling and camping into one epic experience. If you're new to the scene, don’t worry—we’ve got you covered with a beginner-friendly guide on what bikepacking is, what to bring, and how to get started.

What Is Bikepacking?

Bikepacking is self-supported, off-the-beaten-path cycling. Think backpacking, but on a bike. Unlike traditional bicycle touring (which often sticks to paved roads with panniers), bikepacking typically involves a mix of gravel roads, singletrack, and rugged terrain. Riders carry lightweight gear packed into bike-specific bags and aim to travel light, fast, and far.

Bikepacking is all about adventure, self-sufficiency, minimalism, and connection - with nature, your bike, and yourself.

What to Pack for Your First Bikepacking Trip

When it comes to bikepacking, packing smart makes the ride smoother. Here’s a breakdown of the gear you’ll want to bring on your first overnight or weekend ride:

Bike + Ride Essentials

Start with a reliable bike that fits the terrain—gravel, mountain, or a solid all-rounder. Add a helmet, bike lights, and frame or handlebar bags to carry your gear. A comfortable saddle and dialed-in fit go a long way on long rides.

Shelter + Sleep Setup

Depending on the conditions, bring a lightweight tent, bivy sack, tarp, or hammock. Pair it with a compact sleeping bag and inflatable sleeping pad. 

Cooking + Food

You’ll want a small stove, fuel, lighter, and a pot or mug for boiling water. A spork covers all your utensil needs. Keep meals simple: think dehydrated dinners, oatmeal, coffee, and calorie-dense snacks.

Water System

Hydration is key. Carry bottles or a reservoir on your bike and always bring a filter or water purification tablets so you can refill along the route.

Clothing for the Ride + Camp

Pack riding gear like padded shorts, a jersey, socks, gloves, and a rain shell. For camp, bring a base layer, extra underwear, a warm hat, and an insulating jacket—synthetic or down.

Navigation + Safety

Know your route. Bring a printed map or route notes even if you’re using GPS or a smartphone. A headlamp with extra batteries is a must for after-dark setup or trail checks.

Tools + Repairs

A flat tire or loose bolt can throw off your trip if you’re not prepared. Bring a spare tube, patch kit, pump, tire levers, and a multitool with a chain breaker. A bit of chain lube and some zip ties can be lifesavers.

Hygiene + First Aid

Keep it minimal: sunscreen, toothbrush, toothpaste, lip balm, wipes, and TP. A small first-aid kit with bandages, pain relief, and blister pads covers the basics.

A Few Extras

Don’t forget food for the trail, sunglasses, a small camera or phone for photos, and maybe a notebook to jot down memories. These little things make the ride even more rewarding.

Tips for First-Time Bikepackers

1. Start small
   Try a one-night “sub-24-hour overnight” (S24O) close to home. It’s the best way to learn your gear and your limits without committing to a long haul.

2. Pack smart
   Keep weight balanced and low on the bike. Essentials go in the frame bag. Soft items up front. Heavy items near your seatpost.

3. Test your setup
   Take a loaded test ride before your trip to make sure nothing rubs, rattles, or falls off.

4. Know your route
   Download maps, check the weather, and let someone know your plan. Bikepacking is about adventure—not surprises you’re not ready for.

5. Leave no trace
   Follow local camping guidelines, pack out your trash, and respect trails and wildlife.

 Need Help Getting Started?

At 701 Cycle and Sport, we’re all in on bikepacking. From gear recommendations to bike setups, we’re here to help you plan your first (or next) trip. Need bags? We’ve got them. Not sure if your bike is up for the challenge? We’ll take a look.