Bikepacking is a great way to explore the outdoors while taking advantage of the freedom and flexibility of biking. However, it’s important to have the right equipment to ensure that your trip is safe and enjoyable. In this article, we’ll take a look at some of the best equipment for bikepacking.
First up is the all-important bikepacking bags. These bags come in a variety of sizes and shapes and can be attached to various parts of your bike, including the handlebars, frame, and seat post. Ortlieb is one of the most popular brands in this category, known for their high-quality, waterproof bags that are perfect for bikepacking trips. Their bikepacking-specific bags, such as the Ortlieb Handlebar-Pack and the Ortlieb Seat-Pack, are designed to fit snugly on your bike and keep your gear dry in any weather conditions. Another great brand for bikepacking bags is Apidura, which offers a range of bags that are durable, lightweight, and designed specifically for bikepacking.
Next up is camping equipment. If you’re planning to spend the night outdoors during your bikepacking trip, you’ll need a reliable tent, sleeping bag, and sleeping pad. Brands like MSR and Big Agnes offer some of the best lightweight camping gear on the market. For example, the MSR Hubba NX tent is a popular choice for bikepackers because of its light weight and easy setup. And the Big Agnes Lost Dog sleeping bag and Q-Core SLX sleeping pad are both compact and lightweight options that will keep you comfortable throughout the night.
Another important piece of equipment for bikepacking is a good navigation system. Whether you prefer a paper map or a digital GPS, it’s important to have a reliable way to navigate your way through unfamiliar terrain. One popular option is the Garmin eTrex 32x, which is a compact GPS device that’s perfect for bikepacking trips. It’s lightweight, easy to use, and has a long battery life, so you can rely on it for navigation throughout your trip.
Gravel bikes are the perfect tool for bikepacking adventures, as they provide the speed and efficiency of a road bike, with the versatility and ruggedness of a mountain bike. Let´s take a look at some of the best gravel bikes for bikepacking, based on their durability, comfort, and overall performance.
- Salsa Cutthroat
The Salsa Cutthroat is a legendary gravel bike that has won countless bikepacking races and adventures around the world. It is designed specifically for long-distance riding, with a lightweight carbon frame, comfortable geometry, and plenty of room for bags and gear. The Cutthroat also features a wide range of gears and hydraulic disc brakes, making it a top performer on rough terrain.
- Surly Bridge Club
The Surly Bridge Club is a versatile and affordable gravel bike that is ideal for bikepacking adventures. It features a durable steel frame, 27.5-inch wheels, and a wide range of gears for tackling steep climbs and rough trails. The Bridge Club also has plenty of mounting points for bags and gear, making it a great choice for long-distance trips.
- Trek Checkpoint
The Trek Checkpoint is a high-performance gravel bike that is built to handle everything from smooth roads to rough trails. It features a lightweight carbon frame, wide tires for added traction, and hydraulic disc brakes for reliable stopping power. The Checkpoint also has a variety of mounting points for bags and gear, making it a great choice for bikepacking adventures.
- Kona Sutra LTD
The Kona Sutra LTD is a premium gravel bike that is designed for long-distance riding and bikepacking adventures. It features a durable steel frame, wide tires for added comfort and traction, and a variety of mounting points for bags and gear. The Sutra LTD also has a comfortable geometry and a wide range of gears, making it a top performer on any terrain.
- Cannondale Topstone Carbon
The Cannondale Topstone Carbon is a high-end gravel bike that is designed for performance and comfort. It features a lightweight carbon frame, wide tires for added traction, and a variety of mounting points for bags and gear. The Topstone Carbon also has a comfortable geometry and a suspension system that helps absorb bumps and vibrations, making it a top choice for bikepacking adventures.
In conclusion, choosing the right gravel bike for bikepacking can make a huge difference in the overall success and enjoyment of your adventure. Whether you are looking for durability, comfort, or performance, there are plenty of great options to choose from. Consider your needs and budget, and find the gravel bike that will help you tackle any terrain with ease.
Finally, don’t forget about bike repair and maintenance equipment. When you’re out in the wilderness, it’s important to be prepared for any mechanical issues that may arise. A multi-tool, spare inner tube, and tire pump are all essential items to bring on your bikepacking trip. Brands like Topeak and Lezyne offer some of the best bike repair and maintenance equipment on the market, including compact and lightweight multi-tools that can handle a variety of different repairs.
