Bikepacking is an exciting travel endeavor. It is the moment to ride your bike and hit the trail in a super way and see beautiful sites. Bikepacking is an exciting new way of bicycle touring that combines the best of mountain biking with the long-distance packing adventure. It consists mainly of off-road cycling on dirt and gravel roads, and single-track trails. A bicycle gives you the opportunity to travel in almost all kinds of terrain with your gear on the steed; very comfortable and adventurous. You need to get the basics before starting on a bike ride. You need to most importantly consider what bike to ride and how to pack your gear for your one or more nights of camping. The best bike to use is the one that you already own, and you are comfortable with. Consider these tips to make your bikepacking comfortable and adventurous.
- Adjust your tires
Tweak the tires of your bike and suspension to suit the topography of the trail and to fit the amount of weight on your bike. The pressure of the tires and the suspension must compensate for any additional weight. You should increase the air in your tires proportionally to the weight of your load to give more comfort and reduce instances of flats. The speed at which you travel depends on the topography, weather conditions, the design of the bike you are riding, and the amount of gear you are carrying. Ensure that the tires of your bike and the suspension can handle these factors.
- Slow your roll
Adjust the gearing of the bike so that you apply less effort on your knees. Lower the gears to your convenient level to help deal with the load in mountainous terrain. Consider proper gearing as it will make biking super smooth.
- Liters for miles
Bikepacking will require a lot of water due to the physical effort involved. You will probably cycle for miles in the hot sun; hence you need to fix some bottle cages to the frame of your bicycle for easy access. You can also use straps to hold water bottles on the frame. Besides, consider the water sources in your track to reduce the extra weight of water bottles; filter and refill your water bottles. You could also clean up and wash in a stream but always do it about 200 meters away from the stream.
- Ultra-light bikepacking
Choose ultra-light gear for your bike ride. Take time and figure out what you need before you start your trip and pack only that what is crucial for the trail. Do not spend a lot of money buying a new ultralight gear but instead, you can try to make your own. You can also rent and try gear out without commitment. The space is also limited, so you need to find a lightweight approach that will make bike handling comfortable. Discover what you really need in your bikepacking through experience. You do not want your steering to feel too heavy, organize your gear strategically, for example, the sleeping pad at the front, clothes, and food on the seat pack and heavier items go on the frame pack because it has a lower center of gravity. This will ensure that the weight of your bike is evenly distributed to enhance comfort in your travel. Travel light by carrying only the essential gear for the lightest and greatest bike ride ever.
- DIY
Make it work for your bikepacking adventure. If you need any particular gear and can’t afford it or find it in the market, make it yourself to achieve that ultralight quality gear. Organize your bikepack well without adding too much weight not to strain your back and shoulders. If the camping site is nearby or otherwise, you can skip a backpack to feel more comfortable.
- Have a system
Carry your belongings in a series of small frame packs and pack them in organized positions. Make sure that you pack the load well for quick and easy access. The bulky items need to be fitted on the back seat. If you are new to bikepacking, it is best to start with just a handlebar bag and a seat bag then if you need more space add a frame bag to your backpacking gear and finally add a top tube bag to carry food and clothing for your camping. Bikepacking well allows you to cycle over rough terrain without having your belongings bounce around or completely fall off your bicycle.
- Stay warm
Wear heavy gloves and socks to stay warm if the weather is chilly. You can find waterproof gloves if you are expecting rainy conditions or else bring an extra pair. Warm gloves equal a warm heart and a more cheerful adventure.
8.Repair tools
Try to fix your gear yourself while on the trail. You need to carry essential repair tools in your bikepack since you will probably get to remote areas without a quick way out. The repair tools include zip ties, cords, and duct tapes that can help fix many problems that come up on the road. Check your tool kit carefully while bikepacking and make sure that you have everything you need in case of an emergency. You could also plan on an extra section of a chain, spare spokes, presta core, brake pads, and chain lube. Try to check the location of local bike shops and get to know the technicians to easily access spare parts and get help when you need it.
- Have fun
Bikepacking is self-sufficiency on the bike carrying everything you need to survive overnight or in a multi-day adventure. Therefore, you need to freely get into nature and comfortably cycle through areas that are far from human development. Do not feel isolated from home fun, rather entertain yourself while bikeriding. Grab those tasty but healthy snacks and listen to good music to keep you high in spirit all day. Bikepacking is an incredible way to experience the thrill of mountain biking, with the rewards of long-distance bicycle touring, and with the peacefulness of nature all at the same. So relax and enjoy every step of your trail.
10 Charge electronics
You need to plan on the best way to stay charged throughout the trail. Carry backup batteries for your lighting device and probably a solar panel to recharge your phone, camera and GPS devices. However, you always need to carry a paper map for an emergency. Make navigation super easy by using the internet to find your routes and to download GPS information.
- Healthy but tasty
If you want that bikepack to feel like a home away from home, carry your favorite dishes. You need to have your pleasure snack bites such as crisps, chocolates, gummies, and chips. These delicacies are a great treat after a rough climb or after the day’s trail.
- Clean up
Clean yourself and your clothes together with the helmet pads using a bar of biodegradable soap. Clothe line out of cord to hang your clothes to dry.