Bikepacking refers to the method of carrying things on a bicycle, which involves using a variety of bags instead of one large backpack on the trunk.
The ideology of bikepacking
The concept of bikepacking includes three basic ideas – low weight things, biking, and the use of many bags of small volume. The trip involves complete self-sufficiency. There is no additional transport in which any items are carried.
The main difference with the use of bicycle pants is the transportation of the essentials. A lightweight bike that is easy to handle is able to cover long distances. The rider will be able to accelerate smoothly, which cannot be done with the use of bicycle pants and trunk.
Ease of operation and light weight have brought bikepacking great popularity. Gradually, more and more cyclists are thinking about switching to multiple bags instead of two-hundred-pound pants. Most riders don’t need much autonomy; food and water can be bought at the nearest community.
Varieties of bags
The largest bikepacking bags are located inside the frame, on the handlebars and under the seat. The rider places food and water supplies and basic gear in them. These 3 categories are the backbone of bikepacking.
The seat bag is secured to the seatpost. The outer one is fixed either on the handlebars or with a cargo platform, where the cyclist places the germo bag. The intramural bag engages the entire triangle in the center of the bike. Other types of bags are used in bikepacking as well.
The tool bag is designed to be attached to the top tube. Russian cyclists prefer to put there the tools for repair and maintenance of two-wheeled vehicles, which is why the bag got its name. It is convenient to store a multi-tool, small parts, first-aid kit.
Another category of bags is the gas tank. Here the cyclist places a snack for the walking day, fastened in the seat area. This bag provides the rider with quick access to things, here it is recommended to store a camera, water. The outer pocket is used in conjunction with the bag or the corresponding cargo platform, also provides quick access to the contents.
Underframe bag, secured with specific holders. Characterized by a small size so as not to cling to bushes and not to interfere with the control of the bicycle. Used in situations where riders need to take more things with them and there is not enough space in the main bags.
Standard arrangements of things
The repair twist is similar to the tool bag, used to expand the volume for tools. It’s usually used to store a spare bike tube.
Bikapacking is just evolving, over time there may be other versions of bags, additional pockets. There is a standard pattern when placing things for bikepacking.
If going out on a bicycle does not imply long journeys, overnight stays suit suit a normal backpack for the back. There you can put the tools of the day, such as a multi-tool, a small snack and water. Alternatively, the trunk with a bike bag.
Most riders who do not ride far from home, make do with a saddlebag with a volume of about 10 liters. If the rider needs to take more things, it is recommended to use a subframe bag, it is not necessary to fill it completely. Most people prefer to buy oblong models to accommodate flasks of water.
When traveling for several days of things in the rider increases, you need to use another scheme of packing the necessary things. In this situation, a handbag is added to the previous scheme. A multi-day bike ride involves the following packing pattern.
Pros of Bikepacking
This method of travel is becoming popular because of the good efficiency and lack of discomfort when traveling There are several major advantages of bikepacking.
- The volume of bags is limited, the rider takes less stuff. Few bags are needed for a day or two day hike.
- Such bags are less demanding in quality, they do not have a heavy load, especially on small bike hikes. Suitable budget models.
- If the budget is very limited output will be to buy only one bag to mount on the bike and put there the heaviest things. The rest can be put in a backpack.
- The main advantage is a quick change of bags. If suddenly one begins to tear, you will not have to spend a lot of money to buy a new one.
- With the second layout of bags you can comfortably travel for several days or even weeks, the only drawback – you need to periodically buy more food.
- If the rider needs more autonomy, you need to hang an additional bag on the fork, which will include food and water. For a long hike, it is recommended to stick to the following pattern.
In a situation where there are many settlements along the way, the rider can get by with 3 bags.
Disadvantages of bikepacking
The disadvantages of this method include the fact that the rider will have to give up some things on a long trip. You will have to think through a plan beforehand, what to take with you in the first place, and what can be neglected. You can load a lot of things with your bikepacking pants.
Bikepacking forces you to give up some of your gear, but it becomes easier to handle the bike. The weight of the load is also reduced. For long-distance racing, bikepacking is the best option.
For bikepacking owners, you’ll have to spend extra money to upgrade to lots of smaller bags. For beginners who want to ride a few days on the bike, there is no such disadvantage.