Bikepacking: The essential checklist and tips for the trail

It’s backpacking, but with a bike.

Bikepacking, a combination of cycling andbackpacking, has taken off in popularity in recent years, thanks in part to social media and the proliferation of popular routes and races. 

This pursuit requires specialized gear to ensure a comfortable and efficient journey, but if you have what it takes to backpack, you are 90% of the way there—basically, all you have to do is add a bike and some bags for it.

The pros at Durango Outdoor Exchange have been bikepacking for years on everything from demanding backcountry routes to leisurely frontcountry dirt roads, and know what is needed for a successful adventure.

Here’s a detailed list of essential gear for bikepacking:

Bike and accessories

1. Bike:
• Type: Gravel bike, mountain bike, or a sturdy touring bike
• Features: Reliable components, wide tires for off-road stability, and multiple mounting points for gear
2. Bikepacking bags:
• Frame bag: Fits inside the triangle of your bike frame
• Handlebar bag: Attaches to the handlebars for lightweight items
• Saddle bag: Mounts under the seat, suitable for clothing and sleeping gear
• Top tube bag: For small essentials and quick access items
3. Bike rack and panniers
• Traditional panniers are typically best suited for light touring or tours largely on paved roads. Panniers can mount on your seatpost stay and connected to near your rear wheel axle, or mount on the tubes on the rear triangle. Because of these mounting points, most bikes used in bikepacking are front-suspension only or have fully rigid frames with no suspension.
4. Water bottle cages:
• Ensure you can carry enough water, including extra cages on the frame or fork

Camping gear

1. Tent or bivouac
2. Sleeping bag or quilt
• Temperature rating: Choose one suitable for expected temperatures
• Weight: Preferably lightweight and packable
3. Sleeping pad:
• Inflatable or closed-cell foam pad for insulation and comfort
4. Cooking gear:
• Lightweight stove: Compact backpacking stove
• Fuel: Appropriate fuel canister or bottle
• Cookware: Small pot, mug, and utensils
• Lighter or matches: For starting your stove

Clothing

1. Cycling shorts and jerseys:
• Moisture-wicking and quick-drying
2. Layering system:
• Base layer: Merino wool or synthetic
• Mid layer: Fleece or light down jacket
• Outer layer: Waterproof and windproof jacket
3. Bike shoes:
• Stiff-soled for efficient pedaling, yet comfortable for walking
4. Socks:
• Wool or synthetic for moisture management
5. Gloves:
• Cycling gloves for padding and protection
6. Helmet:
• Certified for safety and fits comfortably
7. Buff or neck gaiter:
• For warmth and protection against wind and sun
8. Rain gear:
• Waterproof jacket and pants to stay dry

Navigation and safety

1. GPS device or smartphone:
• For navigation and route planning
2. Maps:
• Physical maps as backup
3. Lights:
• Front light: Bright enough for night riding
• Rear light: Visible to traffic

1. Multi-tool:
• With essential bike tools for repairs
2. Tire repair kit:
• Spare tubes, patch kit, tire levers, and a mini pump
3. First aid kit:
• For basic medical needs and emergencies
4. Whistle:
• For emergencies

Food and hydration

1. Hydration system:
• Water bottles or hydration bladder
• Water filter or purification tablets: For treating water from natural sources
2. Food:
• Lightweight, non-perishable, and calorie-dense
• Freeze-dried meals, energy bars, nuts, and dried fruits
3. Bear canister or bag:
• For storing food safely in bear country

Miscellaneous essentials

1. Sunscreen and lip balm:
• Protect against sun exposure
2. Insect repellent:
• Particularly in areas with heavy bug activity
3. Smartphone:
• For photos and documenting your trip
4. Toiletries:
• Lightweight and compact, including biodegradable soap
5. Repair supplies:
• Duct tape, zip ties, spare spokes, and a chain link

Packing tips

• Distribute weight evenly: Aim for balanced load distribution to maintain bike handling.
• Keep essentials accessible: Items like snacks, maps, and rain gear should be easily reachable.
• Test ride: Do a trial run with your loaded bike to adjust weight distribution and comfort.

Should you use a trailer for bikepacking?

As you may have noticed, bikepacking requires not only carrying a decent amount of gear, but also means you need to figure out where to put it all. While frame bags and bags that attach to a bike’s handlebars and seat posts are most popular among dedicated bike packers and racers, casual bikers may prefer a trailer.

Trailers come in several varieties, with the most popular being the BOB, a single-wheel trailer suitable for light mountain biking that attaches to each end of your bike’s rear axle. Others may repurpose a double-wheel child-carrying trailer by removing the seat and seat belts. Double-wheel trailers are easier to park, unhook, and unpack, though will limit your rides to pavement and dirt roads. Other two-wheel trailers include flatbed trailers made for hauling gear and even home-made contraptions that look like mini teardrop campers.

Can I use used gear to bikepack?

Yes, used gear is perfect for bikepacking. Fromused mountain bikes to used tents, using pre-loved gear can save you money while allowing you to get high-quality gear. Buying some used gear can be particularly smart when it comes to bikepacking. Why? Many people only go bikepacking once or twice a year, meaning even gear that is years old may only have been used a dozen or so times.

Where to go bikepacking near Durango

The areas around Durango are laden with backpacking opportunities ranging from a simple overnight to a week-long adventure. If you are a pro bikepacker, you probably already know where to go, but if you are a first timer, it can be tricky to find the right combination of length and difficulty. When looking at routes, keep in mind that your bike is going to easily have 20 pounds of gear on it, so even minor hills can be daunting.

Here are some places to go bikepacking around Durango that may be suitable for novices. Don’t be afraid to spend a few evenings on Google Maps looking at potential routes:

• Upper Hermosa Creek area: Plenty of easy dirt roads and trails to cruise on and oodles of discrete backcountry camps.
• Comb Wash: Assuming the road isn’t too sandy, this can get you introduced to bikepacking in the desert—but expect to need to carry all of your water.
• Lockhart: This area adjacent to Canyonlands National Park has tons of easy dirt roads to pedal down.
• H-D Mountains: Beware of private property and drilling operations, but this out-of-the-way spot does have good gravel road biking to secluded campsites.
• Cascade Creek: At times challenging, this is a great introduction to bikepacking on a mellower mountain bike trail.
• Jersey Jim Lookout Tower: This area near Mancos is packed with easy forest roads.

How to learn more about bikepacking near Durango

Not sure how to get started bikepacking in Durango? Stop byDurango Outdoor Exchange, where our enthusiastic outdoor pros can tell you more about what you need to go bikepacking and where you should head.