Bikepacking is the ultimate freedom for many. Just pack everything you need on the bike and go wherever the wind takes you (or the fixed route :P). But what to take on such a trip? And what should you keep in mind when you set out? Here are my personal top 5 bikepacking tips, with which you are prepared for every tour.
1. Do not pack too much
Sounds logical, but it’s hard. Best to pack the same with a small scale and weigh all options against each other. Experience has shown that the off-bike shoes are particularly heavy. Here it is worth investing in advance in a lightweight pair that you can use specifically for bike packing. Ideally, they should be both waterproof (for the shower in the hostel) and do well in a restaurant. For short trips (1-2 nights)just one set of bib and jersey is definitely enough. You then simply wash every evening. Pro trick here: Wrap bib shorts in (already used) towel after washing and stomp your feet on them. Thank me later!
2. Tape your frame
Nothing is more disappointing than taking the bags off your bike after the adventure and discovering abrasion marks on the frame. In order to keep your frame from scratching, it is therefore always worthwhile to tape off the frame at the points where your bags are attached. For this purpose, there is extra adhesive film for the frame. It can be removed after the tour (or leave on the down tube anyway to always protect against small stones).
3. Take small foldable backpack
Quickly unpack everything at the destination? Ideally, however, all bags should remain on the bike, and bikes do not always go with you to the room. Therefore, it is worth taking a foldable backpack with you. In the evening, you can quickly stow everything from the bags and take it to the room. If you make a stop at the supermarket just before you arrive, it’s a great place to stash your groceries and take them with you. Highly recommended.
4. Make a joint packing list
Are you going on a tour with two or three people? Why not make a joint packing list? It’s not necessary that everyone brings a toothpaste or sunscreen. Depending on the length of the tour, you can share such things very well. So one of you takes the large tube of toothpaste, the next the sunscreen and so on. Other things that are good to share: Bike lock, music box, dental floss, hand wash, shower gel, chain oil, tweezers, multi tool.
5. Set food and drink reminder
Nothing is worse than a hunger pang or when the body suddenly says, this far and no further. To prevent this from happening, it is definitely important to consume enough carbohydrates in the form of food and drink during the ride! Most efficient is, to set a reminder for this. On the Wahoo this is very easy. In the Workout section, go to “Customized Messages” and specify there you want to be reminded of certain things. For example, I am reminded every 20 minutes that I need to drink something and every 400 Kcal consumed that I need to eat something. As soon as the message appears, I pull out a bar and take a bite. Works great!
Do you have any additions to the top 5 bikepacking tips? A complete bikepacking pack list can be found here.