Bikepacking Gear: What to Take & How to Pack It

If bike touring with panniers is like traveling with a big roller suitcase, bikepacking is like traveling with only a carry-on backpack. The goal is to have everything you need and also to need everything you have.

Here are some tips for packing lighter:
Bring less stuff! Ask yourself “What would happen if I didn’t bring this?” If the answer is unremarkable, then leave it at home.
Repackage consumables like toiletries, food, and chain lube into smaller containers and remove extra packaging.
Don’t sweat personal hygiene. Though it’s smart to keep saddle-related areas clean to avoid chafing or infection, it’s normal to let other standards slip a bit.
Use gear for multiple purposes: eat directly out of your pot, sleep with your head on a stuff sack full of clothes, use a spare sock as a camp towel, and dig your bathroom cathole with a tent stake.
Look to the lightweight (or even ultralight) backpacking community for more ideas.

Continue reading to learn more about bikepacking gear, written by Laura Irwin.