Bikepacking for Beginners: Planning Your First Multi-Day Cycling Tour

Bikepacking – the perfect combination of adventure, nature, and self-sufficiency. It's a modern take on traditional bicycle touring, where you travel light for several days or even weeks, exploring routes you might not otherwise easily reach. For beginners, planning your first bikepacking trip can seem a bit overwhelming, but with the right preparation and helpful tips, you can tackle this adventure with confidence. In this post, we'll walk you through planning your first multi-day cycling tour, step by step.

What Exactly Is Bikepacking?

Bikepacking is a form of bicycle travel that emphasizes flexibility and traveling light. Unlike traditional bike tours, which often use trailers or heavy panniers, bikepacking relies on ultralight gear mounted directly to your bike. The goal: to be as independent and agile as possible, so you can tackle remote paths and trails. It doesn't matter whether you're riding on paved roads, gravel paths, or mountain bike trails – bikepacking adapts to your route.

The Right Gear for Your First Tour

Before you set off on your first bikepacking adventure, you need to make sure you have the right equipment. Good planning here is crucial to truly enjoying the experience.

The Bike

For your first tour, you don't need an expensive high-end bike, but it should be reliable and comfortable. A gravel bike, mountain bike, or sturdy touring bike are ideal for handling both paved and unpaved roads. Make sure your bike is in good condition: thoroughly check your brakes, tires, and gears before the tour.

Bike Bags

The advantage of bikepacking is using specialized, ultralight bags that mount directly to your bike. The main types of bags are:

Frame Bag: This attaches within the triangle of your bike frame and is suitable for heavier items like tools or food supplies.

Handlebar Bag: This is where you can store your sleeping bag or sleeping pad. The bag should be well secured so it doesn't affect your steering.

Saddle Bag: This provides space for clothing and other things you'll need on the road. Make sure not to overload it, to keep your bike stable. Depending on the duration of your tour and weather conditions, you can pack and adjust the bags individually.

Lightweight Gear

Since bikepacking is all about traveling light, you should only bring the essentials. Here's a quick packing list for a multi-day tour:

• Lightweight tent or bivy sack

• Sleeping bag and sleeping pad

• Stove and lightweight cookware

• Spare clothes (in layers)

• Tools and spare parts (inner tube, patch kit, multi-tool)

• Snacks and water bottle(s)

Navigation

For your first tour, it makes sense to plan your route in advance. Apps like Komoot, Strava, or Google Maps let you create detailed maps and route plans. Download maps offline to your smartphone or use a GPS device so you can navigate even without an internet connection.

Planning Your Route – Here's How

Route planning is crucial for a successful bikepacking tour. Here are some points to consider when choosing your route:

Choose an Appropriate Distance

If you don't have experience with longer bike tours yet, start with a shorter route. For beginners, plan around 30-50 miles (50-80 kilometers) per day, depending on the terrain. It's better to match the distance to your fitness level and allow extra time for breaks and exploration.

Consider the Terrain

A flat paved path is easier to ride than a steep mountain road or an unpaved trail. Think ahead about whether you want to stick to paved roads or venture off the beaten path, and plan accordingly.

Accommodation Options

Bikepacking gives you the flexibility to be spontaneous. You can wild camp where it's permitted, or stay at campgrounds and hostels. Research in advance where you can spend your nights and whether you need reservations.

Weather and Season

Weather plays a major role in bikepacking. In summer, days are long and you have more time to cover ground. In spring or fall, however, you should account for shorter days and potentially changeable weather conditions. Rain gear is essential during these months.

Food on the Road

Another important aspect of bikepacking is food. Since you won't always have access to supermarkets or restaurants, you should carry enough provisions. For a multi-day tour, energy-rich snacks like nuts, granola bars, or dried fruit are ideal. Freeze-dried meals that you can prepare with hot water are also practical and lightweight.

Don't forget to carry enough water, especially if you're heading into remote areas. A water bottle with at least one liter capacity is a must. In many places, you can use water filters or purification tablets to filter drinking water from streams or rivers.

Tips for Beginners

To make your first bikepacking tour a complete success, here are some practical tips:

Test Your Gear Beforehand

Do one or two day trips with your full setup before heading out on a multi-day tour. This way you can test how the weight feels on your bike and whether you have everything you need.

Pace Yourself

Don't overdo it on the first day. It's important to conserve your energy over multiple days. Take regular breaks and make sure to drink enough water.

Plan Rest Days

Especially on longer tours, it's important to take a day off now and then. Plan some easier days where you cover less distance or spend more time exploring one location.

Stay Flexible

Even if you've planned your route in advance, flexibility is key in bikepacking. Be ready to adjust your route if the weather doesn't cooperate or you're feeling exhausted.

Conclusion

Bikepacking is a fantastic way to experience nature up close while staying physically active. With proper planning and equipment, your first multi-day cycling tour is guaranteed to be an unforgettable experience. Take your time finding the perfect route, pack light, and stay flexible – that's how your bikepacking adventure becomes a highlight.

So, what are you waiting for? Grab your bike and hit the road!