Bikepacking: The Ultimate Cycling Adventure

Do you want to enjoy the fitness you've worked so hard to achieve? Test your personal grit? Push your fatigue resistance in a whole new way? Or maybe you just love a little adventure! If so, bikepacking might be the perfect next challenge for you.

A Brief History of Bikepacking

Bikepacking has roots stretching back to the late 1800s. As soon as bicycles had the stability and structure to support bundles, riders began using them for long-distance travel. One of the earliest recorded bikepackers was Thomas Stevens, who set out in 1884 on a penny-farthing to travel around the world. He packed only the essentials: a revolver, a few tools, writing implements, and a change of clothes.

Fast forward to the late 1970s, when the term bikepacking was coined by Dan Burden in a National Geographic article describing his ride from Argentina to Alaska. The late 1980s through the early 2000s saw an explosion in the popularity of long-distance off-road races, driven by advancements in mountain bike technology and specialized bikepacking gear. Today bikepacking is widely recognized as carrying all necessary gear on the bike for extended off-road travel, whether for racing, touring, or simply exploring.

Choosing Your Bikepacking Style

There are many ways to approach bikepacking, each with its own unique appeal:

• Racing: Ultra-endurance events like the Tour Divide or the Arizona Trail Race push riders to their limits, demanding both speed and self-sufficiency.

• Touring: A more relaxed approach, where the goal is to explore and enjoy the journey at your own pace.

• Luxury Touring: The bikepacking equivalent of credit card touring, where riders pack light and stay in lodges or hotels along the way.

I've been leading bikepacking trips for the Appalachian Mountain Club and adventuring on my own since 2017. Most of my experience is in touring, with a few grand departs (bikepacking races) thrown in. I've made some mistakes, watched others make mistakes, and learned a lot about what makes a trip successful. Here are some tips from what I've learned to help you get started.

Essential Tips for Bikepacking Success

There's No Perfect Bike

The best bike for bikepacking is the one you already have. Just get out there and have fun! While optimizing for specific terrain is a good idea, most routes feature a variety of surfaces, so no single bike is perfect.

Here are some factors to consider:

• Road surface: Gravel, pavement, singletrack—what will you be spending most of your time on?

• Elevation and grade: Extra weight makes climbing significantly harder, so ensure you have the gearing you need.

• Group dynamics: If you're in a group, matching bike styles can enhance the experience. A fat bike in a gravel group might not be the best fit!

• Your strengths and weaknesses: If you're confident on technical terrain, you might get away with less suspension; if you're timid, opt for stability.

At the end of the day, it's about getting out there and having fun. If you overthink bike choice, you might never start. After all, Thomas Stevens did it on a penny-farthing!

Expect the Unexpected

Mechanical issues, sudden weather changes, and unplanned detours are part of the adventure. Expect some hike-a-bike moments, whether it's navigating a fallen tree, a washed-out trail, or a brutal incline.

Be prepared:

• Carry essential repair tools.

• Have a backup navigation method.

• Stay flexible and embrace the challenges.

Pack Smart and Light

The weight of your gear significantly impacts effort and enjoyment. Prioritize multi-use items and go ultralight whenever possible.

• Gearing considerations: Extra weight makes hills harder; do you really need that fourth luxury item?

• Nutrition matters: If food options are limited on your route, consider carrying quality freeze-dried meals. I always bring homemade dehydrated lentil soup that I can cold-soak for a quick, nutritious meal.

Test Your Setup Before a Big Trip

Take your loaded bike on shorter, local rides. Ride fast down a bumpy trail to identify issues before committing to a multi-day adventure. It's much better to discover problems close to home than in the middle of nowhere!

Essential Gear

Bikepacking is essentially ultralight backpacking, plus bike-specific essentials:

• Bike Safety: Helmet, lights, hi-vis clothing

• Repair Kit: The basics plus extras (check out my bikepacking gear list).

• Chamois Cream: Small item but essential for long days in the saddle

Loading Up the Bike

How you distribute weight impacts bike handling. Here are my tips:

• Keep the heaviest items low and centered for stability.

• Balance weight between the front and rear.

• Pack consistently so you always know where to find things.

• Ensure bag placement allows for full suspension clearance.

• Adjust tire pressure and suspension for the added weight.

• If you use a backpack, keep it light and ensure it doesn't interfere with helmet movement.

Respect Nature and Local Communities

Follow Leave No Trace principles and be mindful of the environment and the people you encounter along the way. Be a responsible bikepacker!

The Adventure Awaits

Bikepacking is more than just a cycling discipline; it's a journey into self-sufficiency, resilience, and discovery. Whether you're racing across a continent, exploring remote backroads, or simply enjoying an overnighter close to home, bikepacking offers a unique way to push your limits and experience the world from the saddle.

The only question left is where will your next adventure take you?

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At BaseCamp, we believe that every cyclist has the potential to achieve greatness, no matter where they start. Our mission is to create a community-driven training environment where cyclists and triathletes of all levels can train together, support each other, and grow stronger, faster, and more confident in their abilities. Our cycling training programs are expert driven and tailored to your needs. Whether you're a seasoned pro or just getting started, BaseCamp is where you belong.