Bikepacking Gear Checklist

December 05, 2018

Bikepacking isn’t for the high maintenance or anyone picky about their sleeping arrangements. With just your bike and what you can carry in a few strategically attacked bags, you’ll set out on an adventure that’s bound to get a little dirty. Your pack must be efficient and well planned; ideally, some items will serve multiple purposes. Here are some things to include on your bikepacking gear checklist:

Eating

Refueling is a vital part of any ride, never more so than when you’re cycling for hours and the temperatures start to drop. The food and cooking items in your back should allow for snacking in route as well as a way to cook bigger meals when you stop to camp for the night. A sampling of what to include:

Liquid gas or alcohol stove
Fuel for cooking
Lighter
Titanium cookware and utensils
Steel water canister
Water purification drops
Water filtration system
Non-perishable food

Sleeping and Dressing

Staying dry and warm at night will be your second concern after staying fed and hydrated. Remember that layers always win out. You could get hotter during the day on your ride than you expect and colder once the sun disappears than you could have ever predicted. Clothing and sleeping accessories for any condition are surprisingly easy to roll and tuck into a pack, so come prepared with some of your favorite staples. In terms of sleeping gear and attire, some of the items in your bikepacking gear for resting will include:

Tarp tent and ground cover
Sleeping pad
Sleeping bag
Flashlight/battery operated lantern
Bug spray
Personal hygiene kit
Long underwear
Thick socks
Bandana
Arm warmers
Swimsuit

Repairing Your Bike

Depending on how far off the beaten path you intend to investigate, you may also want to make sure you have what you need for any bike repair scenario. Who wants to walk a bike with a flat tire back to a ranger station? Probably not you. Even if you’re going to be close to help, you’ll be happy to have some basic repair tools on hand (and know how to use them, of course). A few of the smartest things to include in your bikepack gear are:

Spare tire tubes
Canister of sealant
Tire patch
Chain lubricant
Duct tape
Spare drivetrain cable
Brake pads
Tire lever
Penknife

Bikepacking is a one-way ticket to adventure, and proof that you don’t need a five-star room to make some memories you’ll never forget. Most riders bring several bags on their journey, which could include backpacks and bikes on the front and rear of your ride. With your bikepacking gear list in hand, it’s time to shop hybrid bikes at sixthreezero (and check out our mountain bikes while you’re at it.) With models like the EVRYjourney Women's 24" Three Speed Step-Through Touring and more, you’ll definitely find a new bike that works for you.

Do you want to find new and exciting places to go bikepacking? Join our Journey Club to uncover new locations around the globe.