#301 Bikepacking setups

This page presents example gear setups for bikepacking and bike commuting, suited to different scenarios. Each setup describes the type of bike, the carrying system, and the key equipment. These examples aren't exhaustive lists but starting points to adapt to your own needs and constraints. For details on camp equipment (tent, sleeping bag, sleeping pad, cooking), refer to the #101 - Gear page. For clothing, the layering system described on that same page applies fully to cycling.

Bike commuting — base setup

Bike commuting over more than 10 km calls for reliable equipment suited to the conditions throughout the year. Bike. Gravel bike or hardtail MTB, depending on the commute's terrain. An e-bike is a worthwhile alternative in winter or for distances over 20 km. See #301 - Types of bikes. Carrying. A light backpack (15-20 L) for your work things, or side panniers on a rack if the bike allows it. Favor panniers to avoid a sweaty back. Safety. Front (300+ lumens) and rear lights, reflective elements, helmet. Mudguards recommended in the wet season. Repair kit. Spare inner tube (or tubeless plugs), tire levers, mini-pump, multi-tool. See #301 - Maintenance and repair. Clothing. Adapt the layering system to the conditions: a light waterproof jacket always in the bag, gloves and a beanie in winter.

Bikepacking — solo weekend

The two-day solo outing with one night of camping is the ideal format for getting started in bikepacking. The goal is to test your gear and methods before committing to longer durations. Bike. Gravel bike or hardtail MTB depending on the route. Carrying. Full bikepacking setup: frame bag (tools, food, heavy items), seat pack (sleeping bag, sleeping pad), handlebar bag (tent or tarp, clothing). Optional fork bags for water or the stove. Camp. Ultralight tent or tarp, compact sleeping pad (R \> 3), season-appropriate sleeping bag. Light gas stove and minimalist cook kit. Self-sufficiency. Water: 2 to 3 liters of capacity (rigid bottles in the frame, hydration bladder as a supplement). Water filter if you plan to refill from natural watercourses. Food: energy bars for the day, a freeze-dried meal for the evening. Target total weight. Aim for a load under 10 kg (excluding water and food) to keep the handling pleasant.

Bikepacking — family weekend

Family bikepacking means a slower pace, shorter distances, and more comfort, particularly when children are taking part. Bike. One bike per adult (gravel or hardtail MTB), a properly sized kids' bike, or a bike trailer for the youngest. Single-wheel trailers offer a good compromise between carrying capacity and maneuverability on gravel tracks. Carrying. Split the gear between the adults. The trailer can absorb a large share of the camping gear. Plan for more carrying volume than the solo setup: the children's clothing and sleeping gear come on top. Camp. A 3-season tent with enough space for the whole family. Favor comfort over lightness: thicker sleeping pads, sleeping bags with a temperature margin. Route. Plan short stages (30 to 50 km per day at most) on safe, non-technical routes. Greenways and cycle paths are ideal. Build in frequent breaks and points of interest to keep the children motivated.

Bikepacking — solo week (race setup)

A week-long solo outing represents a significant commitment in terms of self-sufficiency, fitness, and gear management. The race setup aims for efficiency: gear stripped down to the minimum, high daily distances, deliberate compromises on comfort. Bike. Gravel bike for mixed routes, hardtail MTB for more demanding courses. Every gram counts: avoid superfluous accessories. Carrying. Minimalist setup. Frame bag and seat pack as the main volumes. A slimmed-down handlebar bag or a top tube bag for quick access to food and phone. Camp. Tarp or bivy rather than a tent to save weight and volume. Light sleeping bag, minimalist pad (cut-down foam or ultralight inflatable). Eat cold to eliminate the stove's weight, or carry an ultralight alcohol stove. Self-sufficiency. Precise planning of water and food resupplies. Filtering is essential to reduce the volume of water carried. Experience gained in fastpacking transfers directly to this setup (see #101 - What gear for fastpacking?). Target total weight. Under 7 kg (excluding water and food). Every piece of equipment has to justify its place.

Bikepacking — family week

A week with the family demands heavier logistics but remains entirely doable with good preparation. Bike. Same setup as the family weekend, prioritizing gear reliability for the duration. Carrying. The trailer becomes almost essential for very young children or to absorb the extra volume of gear. For children riding on their own, plan a small backpack or a seat pack for their sleeping gear. Camp. A 3-season family tent. Allow a generous comfort margin for the children: spare clothes, activities for downtime. Logistics. Plan alternatives to camping out (campsites, guesthouses) for evenings of fatigue or bad weather. Plan food resupplies carefully — consumption rises with the number of people, and children have specific needs. Route. Short stages (25 to 40 km per day), easy terrain, regular water and resupply points. Plan rest days or half stages to avoid collective exhaustion. The key to success is to systematically underestimate the daily distance you can cover.