Like any trip or bike ride, there are essential items you don’t want to forget. Based on our years of experience, we’ve created a guide listing everything we take on every bikepacking adventure—plus a few optional extras (marked with an asterisk).
If you’ve been cycling for a while and enjoy the outdoors, you probably already own most of the items on this list. But for beginners, we’ve included links to both budget-friendly and premium options for each item. Both types work well, so you can choose what suits your needs.
We’ve learned the hard way that if something is slightly out of your budget, it’s better to wait and save up. Buying cheap often means the item won’t work well or will need replacing soon—costing you more in the long run.
For tech-related advice, like choosing between clipless or flat pedals, check out our other articles on the site.
If you’re planning a longer trip, we’ve shared details about the gear we used during a two-week bikepacking adventure across Central Europe. This included wild camping and exploring cities. You can also read about our journey from Budapest to the mountains of Slovakia.
If you love documenting your trips, consider bringing one of the best bike or helmet cameras.
Clothing Essentials
Since you’ll be spending a lot of time on your bike, high-quality cycling clothing is a must. Even in summer, you’ll need more layers than you might expect.
Dawn is the coldest part of the day, and the bright morning light will make it hard to stay in your tent or bivvy bag. You’ll need warm clothes to start your day comfortably.
Even if you’re not camping, stopping in exposed areas can make you feel cold quickly. Trust us, you don’t want to be unprepared. After lots of trial and error, we’ve narrowed down the most packable and versatile clothing for various conditions.
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When Can I Go Camping? A Detailed Guide