Made to Roam: Ein Leitfaden für Bikepacking

Bikepacking is and does what it says on the tin. Backpacking on two wheels, with bags strapped to your bike rather than your… back. A multi-day cycle trip carrying minimal gear and sleeping rough along the route in pursuit of good times found from the saddle. Little thought given to speed, keeping an open mind and wide eyes on the trail ahead. Sunset views? A good few, we’d hope.

Here’s a Passenger lowdown on route setting, equipment gathering and space-saving packing tips. If you take just one thing away from this Bikepacking Guide, let it be that “the best bike is the bike you have”. No fancy equipment or clip-ins can beat a group ride with your buddies, setting up camp, sunset beers, stove-top coffee mornings under a mackerel sky…

Out here, escapism comes easy. 

There’s an ongoing debate over the definition of bikepacking and bike touring (or cycle touring). Bike touring predates the more modern “bikepacking”, leaning more towards multi-day bike travel with cargo in the form of front and rear panniers attached to the bike via metal racks.

Bikepacking gained traction in the early 2000s, brand-led with the industry’s move to “soft mount” bags that secure directly to the bike frame, bypassing the need for metal hardware. This design shift helped reduce weight, minimise the classic issues of bent pannier racks and loose screws, and allowed for bikes to handle more rugged, technical terrain where traditional metal racks previously struggled to keep up. The fast-and-light ethos of bikepacking became synonymous with self-supported endurance cycling races, often spanning several days or even weeks.

Some purists still like to keep the two separated: bike touring being the more leisurely, bikepacking the faster and at times, more competitive venture. We prefer the latter with its nod to backpacking and more adventurous pursuits, minus the competition.

“The best bike is the bike you have” is a commonly deployed response when the conversation veers toward bikepacking or bike touring setups. We think it’s a sage piece of advice for those just starting out. Cycling—of any stripe—can quickly become an expensive hobby if you’re always chasing the latest and greatest.

Any bike can be a touring bike if you accept and work with its limitations. For example, if an old road or commuter bike doesn’t have rack mounts, you’ll have to be a little more creative in how you strap on your stuff, but fortunately many companies today offer workarounds. Pick up the bike setup that’s closest to hand first and take it on a couple trips before trying to make significant upgrades to your gear.

The best way to learn your preferences, for both gear and cycling routes, is simply through exposure. If you find yourself drawn to seeking out more technical and/or singletrack lines, investing in a touring-focused hardtail might be the way to go. Alternately, if you’re more inspired by smooth surfaces and covering more ground, an All-Road or svelte Gravel bike may provide the sleek platform you’re looking for.

Your gear list is likely not to change much whether heading out for an overnighter or a week-long ride. We advise a few more creature comforts for the longer stint, but you’ll want to avoid cutting any essentials (or, on the flipside, overpacking) - you want to be prepared for whatever weather or situation rolls your way. For more familiar routes at home, or ones that pass through towns more frequently, you can usually pack a little lighter. But for remote rides or new terrain, it’s better to err on the side of caution.

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• Repair Kit: small hand pump, multi-tool, extra tube, valve core remover, 1-2 CO2 cartridges dynaplugs or other tyre plugs and tyre boot (depending on your rig); chainbreaker, chain tool and spare links; duct tape, super glue, and heavy needle and thread (for sewing sidewall tears, if travelling in run-out sections of trail).
• First Aid Kit
• Toiletries (don’t forget the sunscreen and lip balm!)
• Electronics: extra battery pack for charging; phone; solar-powered GPS bike computer (if needed); headlamp and bike lights (dynamo front hub and beacon, or mountable bike lights); headphones; all necessary cords for charging.
• Sleep Kit: Sleeping bag or 20F quilt, bivvy sack or tent and a groundsheet. Overheard tarp depending on the season and location (if not packing a tent).
• Extra Clothes: Light packable wind jacket, synthetic or down insulated jacket, rain jacket, waterproof trousers (only if you’re really concerned about a chance of precip, or it's a cooler season); light and/or heavy gloves (depending on season); beanie and neck gaiter (depending on season); extra socks. (Aside from warm and waterproof layers, bring a change of clothes for sleeping, but if you’re travelling by bike and plan to do any traditional tourist things, you might consider bringing an extra change of casual clothes and sandals/shoes).
• Food and Water: The amount of water capacity depends largely on the route. If in doubt, pack more. Carrying a water filter or water purifier is always a good idea unless you're town hopping in a densely populated area. A JetBoil stove will do ya (mostly for hot coffee and quick hot dinners), or go even lighter with MSR’s Pocket Rocket single-burner stove and a titanium camp cup for heating water. This will limit camp meals to “add hot water” fare and instant coffee in the mornings, but if it works, it works.
• Extras/Luxuries: Point-and-shoot camera, journal, a book (thin) for the in-between and slow mornings.

Once you’ve determined what you can carry and how you plan to carry it, let the setup you’ve created guide where you ride. To revisit the old road frame or cross bike example, those steeds will serve you best on paved or (very smooth) gravel routes.

Fortunately, the digital age has made it easier than ever to find existing touring and bikepacking routes: websites like The Radavist and Bikepacking.com regularly share vetted routes, while apps like Ride With GPS and Komoot are dedicated to route planning. To get started, evaluate the capabilities of the bike you plan to take out and let your setup dictate the terrain. If you're rocking ample rubber and feel like the mixed-surface world is your oyster, you might plan your route around a specific destination that you'd like to spend time in (i.e. a quaint mountain or coastal town, or a big city—just look for safe bike paths to enter the latter).

Alternately, get inspired by landscape; an oceanside campout for the last night, a forest circumnavigation, big mountain ride etc. If you decide to take on an established route, be sure to have the GPX downloaded in multiple places in case one of your devices fails—and, of course, a paper map/cue sheet is always foolproof.

If starting from the ground up, most apps like Ride With GPS, Komoot, and Strava offer cycling-specific heat layers so you can see where others have ridden. Regardless of your route-planning approach, it's always a smart idea to highlight bail points, or shortcut alternatives, along the way in case the trip doesn't go according to plan and, of course, make sure that you're familiar with the spacing between resupply resources and camping opportunities.

Looking to explore the UK on two wheels? Discover some incredible bikepacking routes, offering everything from rugged landscapes to scenic coastlines. All on home turf, never far from a local train station or solid coffee spot. Local’s know best:

1. GOWER PENINSULA

 SOUTH WALES 

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DIFFICULTY: Easy - Moderate

DISTANCE: 50 miles (80 km)

DURATION: 1-2 days

ROUTE: A shorter, less rugged route with a night under the stars. The Gower Peninsula offers up stunning coastal scenery with manageable climbs, ideal for beginners who want to experience a relaxed bikepacking adventure along the coast. Great for first-timers.

2. THE SOUTH DOWN WAY

 SOUTH ENGLAND 

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DIFFICULTY: Moderate

DISTANCE: 100 miles (160 km)

DURATION: 2-3 days

ROUTE: A classic route close-ish to London, the South Downs Way offers rolling hills and scenic countryside. The usual British scene setting, quaint and quiet. More challenging climbs and twice the distance as the Gower route, it’s a proper adventure for those ready to take it on.

3. THE PENNINE BRIDLEWAY

 NORTH ENGLAND 

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DIFFICULTY: Moderate

DISTANCE: 205 miles (330 km)

DURATION: 5-6 days

ROUTE: Ready yourself for stunner views and a mix of slow tracks and some challenging ascents. Mixed terrain is on the menu, a side of hills and rugged paths make for a proper adventure. A slightly tougher bikepacking experience, pack accordingly.

4. THE BADGER DIVIDE

 SCOTLAND 

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DIFFICULTY: Moderate

DISTANCE: 210 miles (338 km)

DURATION: 4-5 days

ROUTE: The Badger Divide snakes through the heart of the Highlands, linking the cities of Inverness to the north and Glasgow to the south. It’s great for people looking for their first gravel bikepacking adventure, with a relaxed pace and scenic views along the way. Resupplies come easy with a good handful of towns and villages on the route.

5. KING ALFRED’S WAY

 SOUTH ENGLAND 

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DIFFICULTY: Moderate

DISTANCE: 220 miles (354 km)

DURATION: 4-6 days

ROUTE: A well-known UK route not far from Passenger HQ. It maps out a combination of quiet country roads and cycle tracks, perfect for beginners looking for a longer ride with less challenging terrain. Book campsites in advance and enjoy the scenery, it’s a beaut.

• The best bike (to start with) is the bike you have. Nothing wrong with a simple rig, it’s all part of catching the Bikepacking bug.

• Ask others about their experiences and what they’ve learned along the way.

• Don’t overburden yourself with tons of supplemental gear; packing efficiently will make the miles more enjoyable.

• Loaded bikes are heavy and take a little getting used to; be more conservative in your daily distance goals to adjust for the slower riding, try to set fluid expectations, and start with routes that can be adapted so you don’t feel stressed if you’re getting “behind.”

• You may find you want to adjust your position on the bike to sit a little more upright by raising the handlebars to create a more comfortable position.

• Opt for comfortable, moisture-wicking layers. It’s personal preference, but we enjoy the feel of the wind and for rain, pack a solid (but breathable) waterproof.

• Getting frustrated by the conditions—rain, wind, washboarded roads, mud, etc.—is a waste of energy and will not change the situation. This is a lesson that you’ll have to relearn many times, but trying to keep a positive mental attitude is the best defence you have against the unexpected.

• Be sure you have your route saved on at least two devices and also have a way to navigate if your electronics fail / die. 

What is bikepacking?

Bikepacking is a form of cycling that combines all-terrain cycling and backpacking, strapping your gear to the bike and heading out on a multi-day ride solo or with a solid crew.

What's the best bike for a bikepacking beginner?

“The best bike is the bike you have”, some sage advice for those just starting out. Cycling can quickly become an expensive hobby if you’re always chasing the latest and greatest. Any bike can be a touring bike if you accept and work with its limitations.

How do I pack for a bikepacking trip?

It’s worth first thinking about the weather, terrain, and how long you’ll be on the road. Depending on your gear setup and available space, our essentials list is a solid start:

• Repair Kit: Small hand pump, extra tubes, chain tool etc.

• First Aid Kit: Blister plasters, paracetamol, bug spray etc. 

• Toiletries: Suncream and chapstick

• Electronics: Battery pack, phone, bike computer, headlamp and bike lights

• Sleep Kit: Sleeping bag, bivy sack or tent, ground sheet and cover

• Extra Clothes: Light packable wind jacket, waterproofs, thermal layers etc.

• Food & Water: Water bottles, single-burner stove, coffee and instant dinners

• A Few Extras: Camera, journal and a good book

What are the differences between bikepacking and bike touring?

Some stickler language hold-outs might argue that bike touring and bikepacking represent opposing mindsets: the former being a more relaxed affair, while bikepacking intrinsically has a more competitive and/or fast-paced connotation. But that’s not always true, especially with bikepacking gaining more followers.

How do I choose a bikepacking route?

Picking a route depends on your experience and what you’re after. For beginners, start with routes that are less rugged and more easygoing, like coastal paths or forest trails. As you get more comfortable, you can work your way up to more challenging routes.

Are there bikepacking routes suitable for families?

Yes, some epic bikepacking routes can be done with the little ones. It’s worth scouting routes that are traffic-free, mostly off-road and good for beginners (with minimal climbs). In the UK, the Devon Coast to Coast ride is a winner, it’s a 100-mile, 3-day pedal that’s part of the EuroVelo 1 - Atlantic Coast Route.

Do I need to train for a bikepacking trip?

It’s a good idea to build up your stamina before hitting the trails, but don’t stress. Start with shorter trips to get used to riding with gear, and build up from there. Practice makes perfect, and you’ll get stronger with each ride. Ample coffee stops and a can of something to see in the sunset, advised. Can’t go wrong with Brewgooder.

Ride slow, roam far. Find freedom on the gravel tracks, the coffee stops, shared miles and sunsets. You’re sure in for some stunner views, good vibes, and future stories to tell. Why not share your bike adventures with us?

#MyEscapism