Planning a bikepacking trip? Here’s a checklist of essential kit to help make your ride smoother, safer and more enjoyable.
Before packing your bags, choosing the right bike is just as important as the gear you carry. Bikepacking usually means long distances, mixed terrain and extra weight, so bikes built around stability, comfort and versatility tend to work best.
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, helped by their wide compatibility with luggage systems. Each section below covers a key part of your setup, with direct links to the categories riders tend to need most.