Comments on: One Question, Five Voices: Advice for New Bikepackers

By: John Del Vacchio Sr.

John Del Vacchio Sr. — Fri, 29 Sep 2023 14:29:27 +0000

I am doing my 2nd journey 10-11-2023. I rode the Pine Creek Rail Trail in 10-2020, my gear from the 80’s was bulky and heavy. I have since switched to my full suspension MTB and bought all new gear. My friend and I will be riding the Greater Allegheny Passage and C & O Canal Tow Path. It will be about 360 miles in 10 days. We will be camping each night and I have been prepping my gear and riding diligently. This will be a shake down cruise on an easy boulevard type of roadway. I put Jones bars on the bike and this puts me more upright, I went with the Aero rack system and will have 4 dry bags and a few other bags, Topeak Versa cages on the front fork. I am nervcited, (combo of nervous and excited) but then I remember I have been riding bikes for 58 years.

By: Belle

Belle — Thu, 27 May 2021 15:32:07 +0000

In reply to Greg Higgins. You get to decide why you are doing this! You want to set a goal, go ahead. Want to climb a certain amount, make a certain amount of kilometres, want to loose weight, want to work on your shape or health. You like to see birds, meet people, enjoy nature, whatever you like. For me bikepacking is leaving the paved routes and enjoy nature. See beautiful sunsets, enjoy easy life, experience that everything you need fits in a few bags on your bike. Spending time with my husband and much, much more.

By: Gary Roberts

Gary Roberts — Thu, 18 Jun 2020 19:01:36 +0000

In reply to K.Sansom. How curious are you - do you do much photography? Can you tolerate cold mornings, or will you stay in your sleeping bag to all hours? Plan on 40km/day for the first 3 days then 70km/day if the region is flattish.

By: K.Sansom

K.Sansom — Fri, 15 Nov 2019 10:41:16 +0000

How many miles a day is realistic for a 90 day trip

By: geotrouvetout67

geotrouvetout67 — Fri, 20 Sep 2019 16:30:23 +0000

I’ve done day trip bikepacking when I was a teen, including in the snow and with everything in a big 30 Lbs backpack, things got a whole lot better.
I’d like to slowly get started with my son, he is only 7, wondering if that’s doable. My wife is not into it at all unfortunately so I would have to carry all his stuff but water in addition to my own and I’m wondering if that’s even possible, a 2-people tent, two sleeping bags, two mattress pads, his cloths and food for two plus all the rest.

By: Mikael Funch

Mikael Funch — Mon, 24 Jun 2019 09:47:21 +0000

In reply to Greg Higgins. Modern ways of living tend to allways need reason, goals and excuses. Bikepacking has none of these. Therefore I bikepack;-)

By: Mikael Funch

Mikael Funch — Mon, 24 Jun 2019 09:43:42 +0000

In reply to Erika Zoller. Bikepacking has existed as long as bikes have, but new lightweight gear have opened the possibility for longer trips in more rugged environment

By: Erika Zoller

Erika Zoller — Mon, 04 Mar 2019 13:48:36 +0000

My wife and I were talking about maximizing our backpacking trip this summer and the idea of combining biking and camping came up. Who knew that “bikepacking” existed!?! As someone who’s never bikepacked before, what are your thoughts about riding with a bike trailer vs a backpack?

By: Keegan Pelton

Keegan Pelton — Thu, 04 Oct 2018 23:11:53 +0000

This is an excellent guide for newer bikepackers. I definitely could have used some of these tips my first time haha.
One thing I find interesting about bikepacking is how few teenagers do it. My friends and I (15-16 years old) have done 4 bikepacking trips. I’m really into bikepacking and constantly read about it, but not once have I ever seen an article about teenagers doing it alone or with other adults.

By: Greg Higgins

Greg Higgins — Tue, 25 Sep 2018 21:42:51 +0000

Hello everyone, my advice is more of a question, Why are you doing this?, Do you like to spot animals, birds, or look at the night sky. I like to have a reason for going in the first place, to me its always more fun if I have a goal.

By: Neil Gribbin

Neil Gribbin — Sun, 26 Aug 2018 08:14:00 +0000

I have just returned from my first overseas bikepack. Only down the Loire, so kept it quite “safe”. It is fair to say that I have got the bug, and would agree with everything said above…….go do it. Enjoy yourself.

By: Rad Brad

Rad Brad — Tue, 12 Jun 2018 15:13:00 +0000

Thanks so much for prompting and contributing for newbies. I’m venturing out this year, not terribly inexperienced in either camping or off-road biking, but for some reason the idea of putting the two together completely freaks me out. :) The above viewpoints and inputs are heartening. Can’t wait to get out there and learn all of it firsthand. Please excuse a shameless invite to follow me (@bbdonze) and my much more attractive trail pup (@itschappie) via Instagram. Again, thanks for sharing everyone. See you out there!

By: Todd

Todd — Fri, 20 Apr 2018 22:49:00 +0000

I love this site! This article is just one more reason why! I come to this site all the time for motivation and it never fails to do so. Great bunch of people, Great bunch of information. What more do I say? Keep this site alive please!

By: Claire Ronsairo

Claire Ronsairo — Wed, 18 Apr 2018 02:54:00 +0000

How timely that I stumbled upon your site today, Day 1 of planning my first bikepacking trip. I will be looking forward to the next installment of this series. Thank you for all the wonderful insights.

By: Becca

Becca — Tue, 17 Apr 2018 15:20:00 +0000

I’m sat on the bus smiling my way through this! I am one of those brand spanking new bike Packers planning my first trip outside of a daily commute and I can wait to get on it after this! Thank you all for sharing your words and I hope to share my words with you all as I start this incredible journey!

By: Dave

Dave — Sun, 15 Apr 2018 23:40:00 +0000

#leavenotrace
#thisisfine
#funbeatsfast

By: Dan

Dan — Sun, 15 Apr 2018 13:45:00 +0000

This reminds me of my big adventure forty-some years ago. I decided I was going to ride from Columbus, OH to the NC coast. I left with a backpack, small saddle and bar bag and the best map I could find at the time. I was dumber than a box of rocks – I think it helped. Cell phone, GPS, Gore Tex. Huh? It was an adventure and I made it just fine. Always been riding but I’m about to get a pack bike and revert back to those days. I’ll be a little more smart and fancy this time. It’s fun.

By: Jarod Thurley

Jarod Thurley — Sat, 14 Apr 2018 22:19:00 +0000

Thank you! I am just getting a CX bike built and I am looking forward getting out touring on my bike. I am going to really enjoy these series,

By: Lucas Winzenburg

Lucas Winzenburg — Sat, 14 Apr 2018 13:58:00 +0000

In reply to roo.

One of these comments is not like the others…

“Hypocrisy & meanness?”

Do enlighten us. It’s been a while since I’ve indulged in a nice bit of drivel.

By: roo

roo — Sat, 14 Apr 2018 12:56:00 +0000

thanx for zero help/information. how much do u sell packloads of hypocrisy & meanness for under the flapping flag of peace n luv?

By: Emma R

Emma R — Fri, 13 Apr 2018 21:07:00 +0000

This was just what I needed to read! Planning my first solo trip :)

By: Heather Rose

Heather Rose — Fri, 13 Apr 2018 02:59:00 +0000

In reply to Logan Watts. The "U" shaped pillows for flying make the BEST bikepacking pillows. Just turn it around so the bottom of the U is under your neck and have the best sleep of your life!

By: Miles Arbour

Miles Arbour — Fri, 13 Apr 2018 01:43:00 +0000

In reply to West Cov Rez. Bugs: Get a shelter that has a bug screen for sure. Critters: check out Leave No Trace, there's a good bit on camp setup and following the camp triangle rule to avoid any encounters. Sickness: Eat healthy and maintain some level of cleanliness and hygiene out there! Injuries: Try to avoid them, but be prepared for manageable ones like cuts and scrapes, anything beyond that could get difficult so have an idea of what you will do to get help or get out.

By: BFunk

BFunk — Fri, 13 Apr 2018 00:50:00 +0000

In reply to roo. I second trash compactor bags idea. I’ve been using them for years trouble free. I may use a pack cover as well, but alone pack covers are not great. Choose white as it’s easier to find gear inside than black. Re lights, I’ve not had problems with them getting wet.

By: Tony Whetham

Tony Whetham — Thu, 12 Apr 2018 13:41:00 +0000

What a great article.

By: Krzychu Kriesel

Krzychu Kriesel — Thu, 12 Apr 2018 08:29:00 +0000

My first long bike trip was very spontaneous and we went there with my twelve-year-old son. I did not have navigation, and I marked the route on the sheets of the car atlas. We traveled by train to the other end of the country and planned to return home after 14 days. After the first day of cycling depressed young crying … after a conversation decided that the plans need to be modified to avoid the long, steep mountain climbs. We jumped a few times by train. Finally we returned home after 12 days on the road and in a tent. I ride at least once a year for a two-week cycling, but those most remember, among other things because it was so spontaneous.

By: Accidental FIRE

Accidental FIRE — Thu, 12 Apr 2018 00:28:00 +0000

Great start to this series. I’ve been slacking this winter and have not gotten out, even for a one-nighter. This series should stoke me up to get out there!

By: West Cov Rez

West Cov Rez — Wed, 11 Apr 2018 23:52:00 +0000

Thanks for these. Good comments for sure. Any advice dealing with bugs, critters, sickness or injuries?

By: Kevin

Kevin — Wed, 11 Apr 2018 20:33:00 +0000

In reply to roo. I put my stuff inside of a trash compactor bag and put that inside of my pack. The trash compactor bags are a little more durable and thick than a regular trash bag.

By: RT

RT — Wed, 11 Apr 2018 20:10:00 +0000

While the spirit quest and pillow advice is great, the catastrophes I’ve witnessed never came from a lack of stoke. Lighter isn’t always better (esp in wheels), vibration on long rough trails/fire roads can rattle things loose (blue threadlocker is your friend), keep gear off your person and attached to the bike, use a dry lube on your chain and drivetrain as it holds less dust, and take a concise yet complete multitool/kit. Peace of mind is the best peace. Peace.

By: Aaron Wemer

Aaron Wemer — Wed, 11 Apr 2018 20:02:00 +0000

In reply to roo.

The best way I found to stay dry in the rain while wearing a backpack is a cycling poncho. They have thumb loops so it turns into a big umbrella for your body and can be worn over a backpack. A cheaper alternative would be to use the trash bag on the inside of your backpack, where it’s less likely to tear or fly away from you.

I’ve never had a bike light die in the rain and i’ve used some low-cost ones from planet bike and mako. Try a little silicone plumber’s grease on the battery cover seal. You can find it in a decent hardware store in a small tube or plastic container.

By: Little Deezy

Little Deezy — Wed, 11 Apr 2018 19:54:00 +0000

Brilliant, looking forward to more.

By: Little Deezy

Little Deezy — Wed, 11 Apr 2018 19:53:00 +0000

In reply to Rick Rethoret. Forgot my inflatable pillow last weekend, slept like shit without it.

By: roo

roo — Wed, 11 Apr 2018 19:23:00 +0000

Could anybody suggest reliable, cheap raincover for backpack and how to protect bike lights from sudden rain,? I bike for transportation (necessity) not recreation. Have tried garbage bag & WORTHLESS walmart packcover. Am deeply ignorant in this area. thanks!

By: asposium

asposium — Wed, 11 Apr 2018 16:48:00 +0000

Maybe I read this somewhere, i don’t recall; anyway, it’s better to try and fail than fail to try.
My point? Sometimes we fail in an endeavour; however, learn from the experience and try again.
I have never met such an inclusive bunch as bikepackers, not bothered about the right gear, the right bike or Strava times. Just riding and the experience. It is liberating to have met such a group.

By: Chase Rosenberg

Chase Rosenberg — Wed, 11 Apr 2018 16:41:00 +0000

Great perspective to remember as we ride off into the world…..one more technical addition: take the few moments to make the small adjustments that will make you and your bike comfortable and fluid. Raise or lower you bars, adjust your seat height and angle, adjust your slightly squeaky brake calipers, eat and drink, and create a group vibe that encourages your mates to do the same. It’s so easy for me to get in “go mode” and forget to make space for the little things.

By: Katie

Katie — Wed, 11 Apr 2018 15:39:00 +0000

I am so unbelievably stoked about this series!!!!! Thank you so much for including (so many!) women’s voices as well. As a new bikepacker, having that representation matters and makes all of the difference. So many amazing women cyclists to look up to! <3<3<3

By: Logan Watts

Logan Watts — Wed, 11 Apr 2018 15:17:00 +0000

In reply to Brian Kennelly. All very true. That's part of the magic of it...

By: Brian Kennelly

Brian Kennelly — Wed, 11 Apr 2018 15:03:00 +0000

It may be comforting to know starting out that you may always feel somewhat of a rookie as experience grows. Each trip is a new experience requiring an open mind and flexibility and that is part of what makes bikepacking fun. Planning, dreaming, experiencing, and problem solving. That never gets old.

By: Logan Watts

Logan Watts — Wed, 11 Apr 2018 14:08:00 +0000

In reply to Rick Rethoret. Good one. I love my inflatable pillow too :)

By: Rick Rethoret

Rick Rethoret — Wed, 11 Apr 2018 13:24:00 +0000

Great words of advice!
Might I add; don’t be afraid to test your gear in your own back yard before heading out. You might be surprised at the little things you forgot you needed.
(Personally, I love my inflatable pillow.)