Planning a bikepacking trip? Here’s a checklist of essential items to make sure your ride is smooth, safe, and enjoyable. But first...
Bike & Bikepacking Gear Compatibility!
Before packing your bags, choosing the right bike is just as important as the gear you carry. Bikepacking typically involves long distances, mixed terrain and carrying extra weight, so bikes designed for stability, comfort and versatility tend to work best!
Want our expert advice? Many riders choose gravel bikes, hardtail mountain bikes, or adventure-focused hybrids for bikepacking, depending on route choice and surface type. At Team Cycles, Trek and Cube are popular choices for bikepacking - not to mention their wide compatibility with bikepacking luggage systems!
Bikes aside, each section below highlights a key category of gear you’ll need on the road, and the collection beneath includes all the products our team recommends for 2026 adventures.
Bike & Riding Gear
- Bike in good condition with proper gearing for terrain
- Helmet
- Gloves
- Hydration system or water bottles
- Bikepacking bags (frame bag, handlebar bag, seat pack)
- Lights (front and rear) and reflectors
- Lock and security items
Tools & Maintenance
- Multi-tool with chain breaker
- Spare tubes or patch kit
- Mini-pump or CO2 inflator
- Lubricant and cleaning cloths
- Tire levers
- Spare derailleur hanger if needed
- Portable chain lube
Electronics & Navigation
- GPS device or smartphone with maps
- Chargers and power banks
- Bike computer
- Headlamp or portable light
- Emergency beacon or personal locator (optional)
Clothing & Personal Items
- Weather-appropriate cycling kit
- Rain jacket and lightweight layers
- Extra socks and base layers
- Sunglasses and sunscreen
- Personal hygiene items
- First aid kit
Use this checklist to ensure you have everything needed for a successful bikepacking adventure in 2026. (If you’re unsure about setup, sizing or compatibility, our team can help you prepare your Trek, Cube, or any other bike for your next adventure!)
Below is a curated collection of products recommended by our team to make your trip safer, more comfortable, and more enjoyable.