Whether or not heading out for a fast sub 24hr overnighter, a weekend bank card touring, or a week-long ultra-endurance race – the fitting bikepacking gear could make or break your journey. Past the bike… baggage, racks, sleeping equipment, and quite a lot of small necessities could make bikepacking extra fulfilling. Listed here are our high picks for the perfect presents for bikepackers together with body baggage, racks, mounts, cooking gear, and different issues we use on our personal bikepacking journeys.
The whole lot right here has been confirmed on- and off-road by our editors. And so they’ll all make nice presents in your favourite randonneur, bike tourer, or bikepacker!
Greatest Items for Bikepackers – On-Bike Luggage
The outsized saddlebag might be the core of a real bikepacking setup, and it’s one thing virtually each bikepacker already has, however…
If you’re searching for a brand new bikepacker or somebody seeking to step up their recreation, the 13L waterproof Ortlieb Seat Pack QR ($195 at Amazon) is kind of distinctive. This saddlebag solely suits on conventional-railed saddles and takes a minute to determine how you can mount its fast launch. However as soon as you set it in your bike, you’ll marvel why extra baggage aren’t hooked up like this. It’s additionally one of the vital secure setups whether or not half empty or stuffed full. It builds in a helpful fender. And it’s top-of-the-line to suit on a dropper seatpost. Ortlieb’s Handlebar Pack QR ($160, at REI) is one other nice method to shortly strap gear onto and off the opposite finish of the bike.
After a saddle bag, the perfect place for lots of stuff is a body bag. We actually just like the smaller Apidura Backcountry Body Pack ($65-108, offered direct), which is available in 1L & 2L sizes you could even match onto some mountain bikes. And so they don’t get in the way in which of your common water bottle cages on moist bikes. The Backcountry packs are mild, waterproof & sturdy, and may be had in all sizes. There are even larger 2.5-6L Full Body Packs if you’re seeking to carry extra gear.
The brand new Tailfin High Tube Pack ($60-80, offered direct) is a smaller and extra reasonably priced method to carry gear on the bike. What it does very well, is a modular mount that both straps-on or bolts on to your toptube, creating one of the vital secure & safe connections to the bike that we’ve examined. It is available in 2 opening kinds and three sizes. Our workforce prefers the smallest ones to attenuate rubbing onto your legs. (The most important model is nearly comically outsized.)
The Sea To Summit eVent Compression Dry Sack (from $27.96, at Amazon) affords an ideal stability of two of bikepacking’s core necessities: water safety & low weight. It’s an especially mild compression stuff sack, and it’s waterproof wanting full submersion. Plus, the eVent backside panel replaces cumbersome air launch valves, with an air-permeable base that lets out the air as you compress the bag, however gained’t let it again in. Obtainable in 5 sizes from 6L to 30L.
Mounts & Racks
Bikepacking could also be a “rackless” philosophy to fashionable touring, however nonetheless many racks, mounts & cages assist us carry our gear extra securely.
The Tailfin AeroPack ($430, offered direct) is costly, for certain. However it’s an all-in-one bikepacking rack & bag system that’s mild and full of intelligent options, particularly to be used on a full-suspension mountain bike the place there are few good choices. Thanks to 2 units of bushings and pivots, the rack strikes along with your bike’s suspension, permitting for sway-free packing that gained’t maintain you again on the path. The alloy model contains accent mounts for panniers, bottles, or, yep, an Something Cage. The included 20L waterproof bag sits on high, however the rack itself will maintain as much as 27kg and 66L of whole storage, which suggests room for all of your gear.
The Salsa Something Cage HD ($35 at REI) is just about a benchmark for carrying bikepacking gear. It even has given us the title for the 3-bolt set of triple braze-on mounts that you simply’ll discover on virtually all gravel and journey bikes lately – from fork legs to below the downtube. Seize two to stability left & proper on the fork, or throw one in entrance of your backside to maintain gear weight low if in case you have the area.
If you happen to aren’t but offered on a full handlebar bag setup or desire the flexibility of dry baggage, the brand new Musguard Handlebar Harness ($49, offered direct) may be proper up your alley. This easy & mild recycled plastic harness can carry every thing from a sleeping bag, a tent, a stuff sack of substances, or perhaps a bundle of tinder in your campfire. After which, you’ll be able to simply roll it up out of the way in which when there’s nothing left to haul.
This little Restrap Bumper Bar ($60, offered direct) is a mixture of a miniature rack and safety in your headtube & cables. Designed to maintain loaded-down handlebar baggage from bouncing in opposition to your exterior cables, headtube, or rubbing your entrance tire, it merely slips in between headset spacers below your stem. Plus, it doubles as a mountain level for lights, equipment, or may even carry a small software bag or rain jacket by itself.
Bikepackers typically understand that handlebar baggage make it laborious to mount a biking pc off the entrance, so we like Okay-Edge Adjustable Stem Mount ($40 at Amazon) because it locations it your GPS over the stem. The adjustable angle helps it match brief or angled stems, or simply intention it so it’s simple to learn.
Transitioning Off the Bike
One of many actual secrets and techniques of bikepacking is day without work the bike may be simply as vital as using. Whether or not that’s popping into a store to refuel, lounging round camp, or actually struggling up climbs too steep & tough to pedal. That’s the place specialised transition gear will save your butt.
Our favourite this 12 months for essentially the most distinctive (and area of interest) piece of bikepacking gear is the Restrap Hike-A-Bike Harness ($80, offered direct). It’s actually only a set of padded backpack straps in your bike. As a result of typically it’s important to hike-a-bike. And typically it’s simply so steep and lengthy that you simply want you didn’t need to push your bike anymore. So, strap it to your again. Not everybody wants this. However if you happen to’re at all times afraid when your favourite bikepacker plans the route, you already know they might put this factor to good use.
One other very totally different but in addition adaptable on- & off-bike answer from the UK-bagmaker is the brand new Restrap Utility Hip Pack ($143, offered direct). Strap it round your waist for 6L of waterproof roll-top storage with a few small mesh facet pockets. Or fold the waist belt behind the ingenious padded again panel and it transforms right into a small handlebar bag.
If you’re in search of one thing extra common in enchantment, look no additional than the Apidura Packable Musette ($44, offered direct). Nearly each bike owner has a few of these frequent cotton shoulder baggage. However this feature-packed little Apidura bag is lighter and extremely water resistant. It packs down so small in its personal pocket that it’ll at all times be there out of the way in which on the bike. Then it has loads of room inside for a fast grocery/snack run. plus, it has a velcro high flap to maintain goodies inside and a cross strap to get it secure for the experience to camp for dinner & drinks:
And if you get to camp, get away the Quoc Restrap Sandals ($130, offered direct)). In any case day in biking sneakers, these light-weight packable sandals are the right method to let your drained toes breathe. Pack them over your saddle bag with the QR hooks on the mid-foot straps. And transition from basic 3-strap sandals to slip-on slides with the artistic rear strap design.
One other large a part of transitioning on & off the bikepacking bike is having a couple of items of clothes that work in camp, whereas using, and when popping into the shop for mid-adventure provides. For cool climate, I actually like the straightforward light-weight Ornot Alpha Every day Vest ($186, offered direct). It options my favourite fuzzy Polartec Alpha Direct insulation on the within that’s tremendous cozy, wicks properly, and dries quick. Excellent for using in worsening climate, or as an additional layer to remain comfy after you cease pedaling for heat. Plus, the remainder of its materials are additionally bluesign-certified materials, it’s made within the USA, and weighs simply 285g.
And for a bit extra safety from chilly climate, do this distinctive Ibex Wool Aire Hoodie ($285, offered direct) light-weight hooded jacket. Most puffy jackets we encounter are both down (doesn’t do properly within the rain or if you sweat rather a lot whereas using) or artificial stuffing mimicking down (by no means appears to be heat sufficient.) However the Ibex Hoodie fills its puffy baffles to maintain you heat with a proprietary expanded merino wool insulation. Loopy, proper… a wool puffy jacket? It is also bluesign-certified and will get a PFC-free shell that’s water and wind-resistant to maintain the climate out. And it nonetheless manages to weigh solely 322g, and pack down into its chest pocket. Excellent for when it’s important to carry all of it day on the bike to remain heat if you cease using, or when the clouds roll in.
Greatest Items for Bikepackers – Cooking & Consuming Gear
There’s a superb probability your favourite bikepacker additionally loves espresso. We nonetheless love the Kuju Espresso Pocket Pourovers ($14.95 per 6-pack at REI) for his or her simplicity, and for the truth that they make glorious espresso with out the trouble of prep or cleanup. Additionally they have an extended shelf life than common espresso as a result of single-serve design (helpful in case your bikepacking adventures don’t occur that always). They’re ethically sourced and are available mild, medium, darkish, and single-origin varieties.
It may not have the cachet of a titanium spork, however the HumanGear GoBites Duo ($8 at REI) is a helpful mixture of a spoon and fork. Higher but, if you mix the 2, it makes for an extra-long utensil, excellent for attending to the underside of these dehydrated meal pouches with out getting your palms soiled. Once you’re accomplished, the BPA-, PC- and phthalate-free high-temp nylon cleans up simply and shops compactly.
For dehydrated meals and making sizzling drinks at camp, the Sea To Summit X-Pot Kettle is the perfect pot to boil water ($45 for 1.3L or $55 for 2L, offered direct). Extraordinarily mild, and collapsing to almost flat, it takes up minimal room in your equipment and boils water extraordinarily quick because of the laborious anodized 6063-T6 aluminum base. The BPA-free, food-grade, heat-resistant silicone higher handles boiling water properly, simply don’t let the flames out of your camp range flare up the facet of the kettle.
There are tons of choices in terms of camp stoves, however the MSR PocketRocket Deluxe Range ($80 at REI) is ultra-light, dependable, and highly effective. Higher but, it has an built-in push-start ignition so that you aren’t pressured to wave a lighter overtop of the range as you crank up the gasoline. It weighs simply 83g and is appropriate with commonplace 80/20 mix canisters of isobutane and propane.
Greatest Items for Bikepackers – On a regular basis Carry & Requirements
If you happen to sweat or poop within the wild, Surviveware Biodegradable Wipes ($15 on Amazon) ought to just about be in each equipment, hydration pack, and so forth.
The Uncharted Provide Co. Triage Package ($40 on Aggressive Bicycle owner) is one other must-have. It’s tiny however has the necessities packed into a troublesome waterproof pouch with simply sufficient room to suit a couple of customized extras you would possibly want (like meds).
Earlier than you strap on a set of bikepacking baggage, stick on a Restrap Bicycle Safety Package ($12 from Chain Response). They’re simply vinyl stickers to maintain from scratching your bike, however they appear fairly neat too. Restrap Quick Straps ($15-20 at Chain Response) are then a safe method to really strap gear to the bike, made from robust non-stretch Hypalon with locking buckles.
Driving all day in moist climate, an Ass Savers Win Wing Gravel ($28 at Amazon) fender does a surprisingly good job of protecting your butt dry, and you content. Many bikepackers suppose they don’t want a fender since their large saddlebag retains quite a lot of street spray off their rear ends. However then, if you go to unpack your gear you discover a moist, muddy mess it’s important to dig via to get your dry garments. The Win Wing retains your baggage and physique clear whereas being one of many few options as much as the stresses of off-road bikepacking and nonetheless appropriate with large baggage.
Each bikepacker wants a camp knife they will depend on, and we’ve two favorites on both finish of the worth spectrum. The straightforward & safe twist-locking Opinel No. 8 (from simply $18 at REI). It has a chrome steel blade and beechwood deal with. There are even smaller variations for weight weenie bikepackers.
The Benchmade 535-3 Bugout ($300 from Blade HQ) on a regular basis carry folding knife is simply 57.27g because of its milled carbon fiber deal with. It sheds weight, not options, although, giving you an identical 3.24″ drop level blade made from CPM-S90V, excessive vanadium metal with extraordinarily excessive put on resistance so it’ll keep sharper, for longer. If you happen to’re counting grams however don’t need to quit rugged performance, that is the EDC knife you need for each biking journey. Did we point out it’s carbon-freakin’-fiber?
The Silky Noticed Pocketboy 130 ($40 from Amazon) is a compact, light-weight noticed that’ll lower via any department or log with ease. Use it to clear a path or make firewood, it’s a incredible software for any journey.
Greatest Reward for Bikepackers – Garments & Driving Package
On the bike, many people desire shorts versus bibs for multi-day adventures. The Mission Workshop Professional Brief ($205, out there direct in males’s and girls’s) have nice help, comfortable and supportive supplies, and small facet pockets over Dyneema facet panels that’ll maintain as much as a wipeout. Reflective hits preserve you safer, too.
Numerous us additionally wish to bikepack in much less pro-cyclist-looking gear. So, typically basic biking jerseys are out. And free match technical t-shirts are in. However… which means you lose pocket area – even with all of the cargo shorts. Enter, the Apidura Expedition Waist Belt ($50, offered direct). It’s primarily an ultra-low-profile mesh hip pack that provides you again the misplaced rear pocket cupboard space from a superb old style jersey. https://bikerumor.com/tiny-apidura-expedition-waist-belt-adds-jersey-pockets-to-any-riding-kit/
House is at all times at a premium on a motorcycle journey, and Ombraz Sun shades ($150, offered direct) have nice polarized lenses, however ditch the arms so you’ll be able to tuck them nearly wherever with out worrying about breaking them. And sure, they’re surprisingly comfy and keep put manner, manner higher than you’d suppose.
A cap is vital, and there are three we like: The Chrome Biking Cap ($25 at Chrome Industries) is hyper-reflective, waterproof, and only a bit looser than most, so it gained’t constrict your mind like so many others, making it tremendous comfy on all-day rides. In case your bikepacker is headed off to a sizzling & sunny locale, the Detour Cloud Cap ($28 from Ass Savers) provides a tail flap to maintain the solar off their neck. And for off-the-bike, the Tommy Breeze Trucker Caps ($34, offered direct) disguise that helmet hair with enjoyable, pleasant designs that at all times get a praise.
And if they’re headed out on a protracted on-road journey that can stretch into the evening, strive the Apidura Packable Visibility Vest ($58, offered direct). With out limiting their motion or overly flapping within the breeze, it can ensure that they’re seen whether or not using between Paris-Brest and again, or racing the Transcontinental. Or simply a night commute dwelling from work.
Anything?
How about The Bikepacker’s Information ($20 at Bikepacking Roots) as a useful how-to? Now in its 2nd version, this guidebook breaks down trip-planning and on-tour abilities that can make bikepacking extra fulfilling. Plus, route pacing/experience period estimators and 4 key packing checklists will assist your journey go off and not using a hitch, whether or not for newbies or seasoned adventurers. An added bonus, proceeds from the sale of the information help continued route improvement, upkeep, and advocacy through Bikepacking Roots. https://bikerumor.com/how-to-bikepack-2nd-edition-bikepackers-guide-available-now/
Preserving units charged up is at all times a priority, however this Ulanzi Battery Deal with Grip ($50 on Amazon) solves these issues and extra. It packs a large 10,000mAh battery inside, letting you cost two units (cellphone, GPS, lights, and so forth.) with its USB-A and USB-C ports, however that’s just the start. It’s a digicam grip with a tripod base and has 1/4-20 and GoPro mounts, which makes it nice for organising dawn time-lapses, selfies, or simply letting it maintain your cellphone whilst you watch some YouTube. The slim form makes it simple to stuff in a body bag or handlebar bag, too!
As at all times, don’t overlook your Native Bike Store! Reward certificates from a neighborhood store may be among the greatest presents for bike packers since they assist to maintain it native and assist your rider get these last-minute snacks, tubes, and equipment all of us overlook till simply earlier than it’s time to roll!
