You don't need a perfect bike or perfect kit — you need a small, achievable plan. Here's how to pull off your first overnighter without overthinking it.
Some product links lead to retailers through affiliate links; gravelevents.com may earn a small commission.
1. Use the bike you already have
If it fits you and clears at least 35 mm tyres, it works. A gravel bike is ideal for mixed surfaces; a hardtail MTB shines on rougher routes. Don't buy a new bike for trip one — you'll learn what you actually need by riding.
2. Plan a small, achievable loop
Pick a single-night overnighter: 40-80 km out, camp, ride back. Use Komoot or RideWithGPS to route via gravel roads, rail trails, and quiet pavement. Save the GPX offline. Check sunset, water sources, and where to bail if weather turns.
3. Keep your sleep setup simple
A bivy or lightweight 1-person tent, a 3-season sleeping bag, and an inflatable pad is plenty for warm-weather trips. Book a campground for your first time so finding a spot isn't part of the adventure.
4. Ride at a loaded pace
A loaded bike is heavier and slower-handling — expect 15-25% lower average speed. Climb seated, descend more cautiously, and add 30 minutes of buffer per 50 km. Eat and drink on a timer, not by feel.
5. Debrief and iterate
After the trip, write down what you didn't use, what you missed, and what hurt. Three trips in, your kit list will be dialed. Each overnighter teaches more than a month of forum reading.
What is bikepacking?
Bikepacking is multi-day riding where everything you need — shelter, sleep kit, food, spares — is strapped to the bike in soft bags instead of racks and panniers. It usually favours gravel roads, forest tracks and quiet lanes over busy roads, and it ranges from a single night at a campsite 40 km from home to self-supported events that cross whole countries.
The difference from classic bike touring is mostly the luggage and the terrain: frame-mounted bags keep the bike narrow and balanced, so it still handles well on rough surfaces, and you can lift it over a gate or push it up a steep track without a heavy rack swinging around.
Do you need a special bike for bikepacking?
No. Almost any bike in good working order can carry a light load for a night or two. What matters most is tyre clearance, low enough gearing for climbing with extra weight, and somewhere to strap bags. Use what you have for the first trips — you will learn far more about what you actually want by riding than by reading.
General suitability — check your own bike's tyre clearance and mounts.
Bike
Works well for
Watch out for
Gravel bike
Mixed gravel, forest roads, lanes
Limited frame-bag space on small frames; gearing can be tall for steep loaded climbs
Hardtail mountain bike
Rough, rocky or steep routes
Slower on tarmac; suspension fork limits handlebar-bag space
Touring or hybrid bike
Easy gravel, towpaths, rail trails
Narrower tyres; heavier frame
Road bike
Smooth surfaces and good tracks only
Tyre clearance and gearing — keep routes and loads light
Before your first trip, have the bike checked: brakes, chain wear, tyres and the bolts on anything you strap bags to. A mechanical problem 30 km from the car is an inconvenience; on day two of a remote route it can end the trip.
Plan your first overnighter
The classic first trip is a "sub-24": leave after lunch, ride to a campsite, sleep, ride home the next morning. Keep the distance short enough that you would happily ride it unloaded with time to spare — the weight, the stops and the set-up all take longer than you expect.
Choose a destination with a booked campsite, a hut or a simple guesthouse so finding a spot isn't part of the challenge
Ride mostly on surfaces you already know your bike handles
Check sunset time and plan to arrive with at least an hour of daylight
Know where you can refill water and buy food on the way
Have a bail-out option — a train station, a shortcut home, or someone who can pick you up
Tell someone your route and when you expect to be back
When you're ready to plan longer trips, our bikepacking route planning guide covers daily distance, climbing, water and resupply in detail.
Beginner bikepacking kit list
You don't need specialist bags to start. A rucksack, a small saddle bag and a dry bag strapped to the handlebars with straps will do for a summer night. Buy dedicated bags once you know which trips you'll repeat.
Category
Essentials for a first night
Sleep
Tent, tarp or bivy; sleeping bag suited to the expected night temperature; sleeping pad
Clothing
What you ride in, one warm layer, a rain jacket, dry socks and something to sleep in
Repairs
Pump, spare tube or plugs, tyre levers, multi-tool with chain tool, quick link, a few zip ties
Food & water
Bottles for the longest gap between taps, snacks for the ride, dinner and breakfast
Navigation & power
Phone with the route saved offline, GPS if you have one, a small power bank
Safety
Front and rear lights, small first-aid kit, ID, a bank card and some cash
Expect to ride noticeably slower than usual — plan the day around time, not speed
Climb seated and in an easy gear; standing on a loaded bike makes it sway
Brake earlier and descend more carefully — the extra weight lengthens stopping distances
Eat and drink little and often; long days on a heavy bike burn more than you think
Stop before you're exhausted: setting up camp tired and in the dark is where most first trips go wrong
Where can you camp?
Rules on wild camping vary a lot between countries, regions and even individual parks — some places allow it, many forbid it, and others tolerate a single night well away from houses. Check the local rules for your route before you go, and use campsites, huts or bike-friendly accommodation when in doubt.
Wherever you sleep, leave no trace: pack out all rubbish, use toilets where they exist, avoid fires unless they are clearly permitted, and leave gates as you found them.
From first trip to first bikepacking event
Organised bikepacking events are a good next step: the route is planned for you, you ride alongside others, and many are designed for newcomers. Formats range from relaxed group weekends to self-supported races where you carry everything and receive no outside help.
No. Any bike that fits you and accepts wider tyres (35 mm+) will get you started. Gravel bikes, hardtail MTBs, and even sturdy touring bikes are all great. Upgrade only once you know what you actually need.
How far should my first bikepacking trip be?
Aim for an 'S24O' — sub-24-hour overnighter. 40-80 km out to a campsite, sleep, ride back. It exposes every gear and planning issue in a low-stakes way.
Panniers or bikepacking bags?
Bikepacking bags (saddle bag, frame bag, handlebar roll) keep weight close to the frame and work on rough terrain. Panniers carry more but flop on singletrack. For mixed-surface routes, go bags-first.
How do I find bikepacking routes?
Start with established routes on bikepacking.com or Komoot Collections, then build your own using Komoot, RideWithGPS, or Strava heatmaps. Look for forest service roads, rail trails, and quiet backroads.
What is the difference between bikepacking and bike touring?
Both are multi-day trips by bike. Bikepacking uses soft bags strapped to the frame, handlebars and seatpost and usually favours gravel and off-road routes. Touring traditionally uses racks and panniers and more often follows paved roads.
Can I use a gravel bike for bikepacking?
Yes. Gravel bikes are one of the most popular choices for bikepacking on mixed surfaces. Check that there is room for your bags and that your gearing is low enough for loaded climbs.
How far should I ride on my first bikepacking trip?
Pick a distance you could ride comfortably without luggage, with plenty of time to spare. Loaded riding, stops and setting up camp all take longer than expected, so a short first night is usually the most enjoyable.
Now find your next ride
Jump from theory to a real event — by type, country, or deep-dive guide.