Contents
Bikepacking for beginners & advanced riders - how to get started on your adventure
Are you keen on nature, exercise and a bit of adventure? Then bikepacking is right up your street. It's not about breaking records or celebrating high-tech equipment - it's about simply setting off. Get on your bike, pack a few things in your bags and discover new trails. Whether you're setting off for the first time or already have a few trips behind you - here you'll find tips, equipment recommendations and a checklist for your next tour.
What is bikepacking actually?
It's a combination of cycling, adventure and minimalism. You are out and about with light luggage, mostly off the beaten track - on forest paths, gravel roads or trails. The aim is not to get as far as possible, but to experience as much as possible. Unlike classic bike touring, the focus here is not on kilometers, but on being outdoors and experiencing nature first-hand.
Touring: Longer trips with lots of luggage and classic touring bikes, mainly on roads.
Bikepacking: Shorter trips (a weekend or a few days), focus on nature and adventure, with minimalist, carefully packed equipment.
Cycling is meditation in motion.
Which bike is right for bikepacking?
The choice of bike is crucial for your adventure:
Gravel bike: Ideal for mixed terrain, from asphalt to gravel. Light, fast, comfortable.
Mountain bike: Ideal for rough terrain and challenging trails. More suspension, more control.
Important questions when choosing a bike:
- What surface do I want to ride on? Wide tires for gravel & forest, narrower tires for more speed on the road.
- Do I want suspension? Full-suspension bikes offer comfort, rigid bikes save weight and are low-maintenance.
The right equipment: what do you need?
Less is more! When bikepacking, pack smart and functional.
You need these bags:
- Frame bag (frame pack): For heavy, compact luggage (tools, spare parts)
- Handlebar bag (handlebar pack): Ideal for light, bulky items (sleeping bag, sleeping mat)
- Saddle bag (Seat-Pack): Perfect for clothing, toiletries, snacks
- Rear pannier: For medium to heavy, bulky luggage (e.g. tent, food supplies, additional clothing)
Make sure your bags are waterproof and fit tightly - jolting is hugely distracting when riding.
>> Find the right panniers for your excursions!
The ideal outfit for your bikepacking tour
Your outfit plays a bigger role in bikepacking than you think - after all, you're sitting in the saddle for hours, sweating, freezing or getting wet. The solution: layering! Opt for functional, breathable clothing that dries quickly and supports you in all weather conditions.
- Baselayer (e.g. merino underwear): Wicks away moisture, warms or cools as required.
- Jersey or functional shirt: Lightweight, breathable and comfortable - preferably with a zipper and pockets.
- Cycling shorts with padding: Your best friend on long rides. Make sure they fit well and have flat seams.
- Wind & rain jacket: Ultralight, packable and absolutely weatherproof.
- Tube scarf: Use it as a scarf, headband or hat.
- Cycling shoes or clipless pedal-compatible models: With good grip and comfortable enough for walking.
Our tip: look out for reflective elements - for safety at dusk and at night. And: less cotton, more function - so you stay pleasantly dry even in the rain and sweat.
Must-haves for Bikepacking
Whether it's a short trip or a tour lasting several days - these items should not be missing:
- Functional gravel bike clothing (breathable & quick-drying)
- Bike helmet
- Bikepacking bags (frame bag, handlebar bag, saddle bag)
- 1-person tent
- Sleeping bag
- Water bottle(s) or hydration system
- Snacks & energy bars
- First aid kit
- Multitool, repair kit, spare inner tube
- Headlamp or bike light
- Toilet paper & bin bag
- Change or debit card
- Shoes for a stop in between
Conclusion: Start your bikepacking adventure now!
Whether you just want to get away from it all or are looking for the ultimate outdoor freedom - bikepacking takes you out, down and further. The mix of minimalist travel, sporting challenge and nature experience is what makes this form of adventure so special. Start small, try it out and find your own rhythm. The perfect moment for this? Clearly: now!
