Whether or not heading out for a fast sub 24hr overnighter, a weekend bank card traveling, or a week-long ultra-endurance race – the fitting bikepacking equipment could make or destroy your journey. Past the motorcycle… baggage, racks, slumbering package, and numerous small necessities could make bikepacking extra relaxing. Listed here are our height selections for the most efficient presents for bikepackers together with body baggage, racks, mounts, cooking equipment, and different issues we use on our personal bikepacking journeys.
The entirety right here has been confirmed on- and off-road via our editors. They usually’ll all make nice presents in your favourite randonneur, motorcycle tourer, or bikepacker!
Absolute best Presents for Bikepackers – On-Motorbike Luggage
The outsized saddlebag is most likely the core of a real bikepacking setup, and it’s one thing nearly each bikepacker already has, however…
If you’re looking for a brand new bikepacker or somebody browsing to step up their sport, the 13L water-proof Ortlieb Seat Pack QR ($195 at Amazon) is rather distinctive. This saddlebag handiest suits on conventional-railed saddles and takes a minute to determine how one can mount its fast liberate. However when you put it for your motorcycle, you’ll surprise why extra baggage aren’t connected like this. It’s additionally one of the vital strong setups whether or not part empty or filled complete. It builds in an invaluable fender. And it’s one of the most easiest to suit on a dropper seatpost. Ortlieb’s Handlebar Pack QR ($160, at REI) is some other nice option to temporarily strap equipment onto and rancid the opposite finish of the motorcycle.
After a saddle bag, the most efficient position for numerous stuff is a body bag. We in point of fact just like the smaller Apidura Backcountry Body Pack ($65-108, bought direct), which is available in 1L & 2L sizes that you’ll even have compatibility onto some mountain motorcycles. They usually don’t get in the best way of your common water bottle cages on wet motorcycles. The Backcountry packs are mild, water-proof & sturdy, and can also be had in all sizes. There are even larger 2.5-6L Complete Body Packs if you’re browsing to hold extra equipment.
The brand new Tailfin Most sensible Tube Pack ($60-80, bought direct) is a smaller and extra reasonably priced option to raise equipment at the motorcycle. What it does in point of fact neatly, is a modular mount that both straps-on or bolts at once in your toptube, growing one of the vital strong & safe connections to the motorcycle that we’ve examined. It is available in 2 opening types and three sizes. Our crew prefers the smallest ones to attenuate rubbing onto your legs. (The most important model is sort of comically outsized.)
The Sea To Summit eVent Compression Dry Sack (from $27.96, at Amazon) gives an excellent stability of 2 of bikepacking’s core necessities: water coverage & low weight. It’s a particularly mild compression stuff sack, and it’s water-proof in need of complete submersion. Plus, the eVent backside panel replaces cumbersome air liberate valves, with an air-permeable base that shall we out the air as you compress the bag, however received’t let it again in. To be had in 5 sizes from 6L to 30L.
Mounts & Racks
Bikepacking could also be a “rackless” philosophy to fashionable traveling, however nonetheless many racks, mounts & cages lend a hand us raise our equipment extra securely.
The Tailfin AeroPack ($430, bought direct) is costly, evidently. But it surely’s an all-in-one bikepacking rack & bag device this is mild and full of suave options, particularly to be used on a full-suspension mountain motorcycle the place there are few just right choices. Thank you to 2 units of bushings and pivots, the rack strikes along with your motorcycle’s suspension, taking into account sway-free packing that received’t hang you again at the path. The alloy model comprises accent mounts for panniers, bottles, or, yep, an The rest Cage. The incorporated 20L water-proof bag sits on height, however the rack itself will hang as much as 27kg and 66L of overall garage, because of this room for your entire equipment.
The Salsa The rest Cage HD ($35 at REI) is just about a benchmark for wearing bikepacking equipment. It even has given us the identify for the 3-bolt set of triple braze-on mounts that you just’ll to find on nearly all gravel and journey motorcycles in this day and age – from fork legs to below the downtube. Clutch two to stability left & proper at the fork, or throw one in entrance of your backside to stay equipment weight low in case you have the distance.
For those who aren’t but bought on a complete handlebar bag setup or favor the flexibility of dry baggage, the brand new Musguard Handlebar Harness ($49, bought direct) could be proper up your alley. This easy & mild recycled plastic harness can raise the entirety from a slumbering bag, a tent, a stuff sack of drugs, or perhaps a package of tinder in your campfire. After which, you’ll simply roll it up out of the best way when there’s not anything left to haul.
This little Restrap Bumper Bar ($60, bought direct) is a mix of a miniature rack and coverage in your headtube & cables. Designed to stay loaded-down handlebar baggage from bouncing in opposition to your exterior cables, headtube, or rubbing your entrance tire, it merely slips in between headset spacers below your stem. Plus, it doubles as a mountain level for lighting, equipment, or will also raise a small instrument bag or rain jacket by itself.
Bikepackers continuously notice that handlebar baggage make it laborious to mount a biking laptop off the entrance, so we adore Ok-Edge Adjustable Stem Mount ($40 at Amazon) because it puts it your GPS over the stem. The adjustable perspective is helping it have compatibility quick or angled stems, or simply intention it so it’s simple to learn.
Transitioning Off the Motorbike
One of the crucial actual secrets and techniques of bikepacking is day without work the motorcycle can also be simply as necessary as using. Whether or not that’s popping into a store to refuel, lounging round camp, or actually suffering up climbs too steep & tough to pedal. That’s the place specialised transition equipment will save your butt.
Our favourite this yr for probably the most distinctive (and area of interest) piece of bikepacking equipment is the Restrap Hike-A-Motorbike Harness ($80, bought direct). It’s actually only a set of padded backpack straps in your motorcycle. As a result of infrequently it’s important to hike-a-bike. And infrequently it’s in order that steep and lengthy that you just want you didn’t need to push your motorcycle anymore. So, strap it in your again. Now not everybody wishes this. However in case you’re at all times afraid when your favourite bikepacker plans the path, you understand they might put this factor to just right use.
Any other very other but in addition adaptable on- & off-bike resolution from the UK-bagmaker is the brand new Restrap Software Hip Pack ($143, bought direct). Strap it round your waist for 6L of water-proof roll-top garage with a few small mesh aspect wallet. Or fold the waist belt at the back of the inventive padded again panel and it transforms right into a small handlebar bag.
If you’re searching for one thing extra common in enchantment, glance no additional than the Apidura Packable Musette ($44, bought direct). Nearly each bicycle owner has a few of these not unusual cotton shoulder baggage. However this feature-packed little Apidura bag is lighter and extremely water-proof. It packs down so small in its personal pocket that it is going to at all times be there out of the best way at the motorcycle. Then it has quite a few room within for a fast grocery/snack run. plus, it has a velcro height flap to stay sweets within and a pass strap to get it strong for the journey to camp for dinner & beverages:
And while you get to camp, get away the Quoc Restrap Sandals ($130, bought direct)). In any case day in biking footwear, those light-weight packable sandals are the very best option to let your drained toes breathe. Pack them over your saddle bag with the QR hooks at the mid-foot straps. And transition from vintage 3-strap sandals to slip-on slides with the inventive rear strap design.
Any other large a part of transitioning on & off the bikepacking motorcycle is having a couple of items of clothes that paintings in camp, whilst using, and when popping into the shop for mid-adventure provides. For cool climate, I in point of fact like the straightforward light-weight Ornot Alpha Day by day Vest ($186, bought direct). It options my favourite fuzzy Polartec Alpha Direct insulation at the within that’s tremendous comfy, wicks neatly, and dries speedy. Best for using in worsening climate, or as an additional layer to stick relaxed after you prevent pedaling for heat. Plus, the remainder of its materials also are bluesign-certified materials, it’s made in the US, and weighs simply 285g.
And for a little bit extra coverage from chilly climate, do this distinctive Ibex Wool Aire Hoodie ($285, bought direct) light-weight hooded jacket. Maximum puffy jackets we stumble upon are both down (doesn’t do neatly within the rain or while you sweat so much whilst using) or artificial stuffing mimicking down (by no means appears to be heat sufficient.) However the Ibex Hoodie fills its puffy baffles to stay you heat with a proprietary expanded merino wool insulation. Loopy, proper… a wool puffy jacket? It is also bluesign-certified and will get a PFC-free shell that’s water and wind-resistant to stay the elements out. And it nonetheless manages to weigh handiest 322g, and pack down into its chest pocket. Best for when it’s important to raise all of it day at the motorcycle to stick heat while you prevent using, or when the clouds roll in.
Absolute best Presents for Bikepackers – Cooking & Consuming Tools
There’s a superb opportunity your favourite bikepacker additionally loves espresso. We nonetheless love the Kuju Espresso Pocket Pourovers ($14.95 in keeping with 6-pack at REI) for his or her simplicity, and for the truth that they make superb espresso with out the effort of prep or cleanup. They even have a longer shelf lifestyles than common espresso because of the single-serve design (to hand in case your bikepacking adventures don’t occur that continuously). They’re ethically sourced and are available mild, medium, darkish, and single-origin types.
It could now not have the cachet of a titanium spork, however the HumanGear GoBites Duo ($8 at REI) is an invaluable aggregate of a spoon and fork. Higher but, while you mix the 2, it makes for an extra-long utensil, best for buying to the ground of the ones dehydrated meal pouches with out getting your arms grimy. While you’re executed, the BPA-, PC- and phthalate-free high-temp nylon cleans up simply and shops compactly.
For dehydrated foods and making scorching drinks at camp, the Sea To Summit X-Pot Kettle is the most efficient pot to boil water ($45 for 1.3L or $55 for 2L, bought direct). Extraordinarily mild, and collapsing to just about flat, it takes up minimum room on your package and boils water extraordinarily speedy because of the laborious anodized 6063-T6 aluminum base. The BPA-free, food-grade, heat-resistant silicone higher handles boiling water neatly, simply don’t let the flames out of your camp range flare up the aspect of the kettle.
There are heaps of choices with regards to camp stoves, however the MSR PocketRocket Deluxe Range ($80 at REI) is ultra-light, dependable, and robust. Higher but, it has an built-in push-start ignition so that you aren’t pressured to wave a lighter overtop of the range as you crank up the gasoline. It weighs simply 83g and is suitable with usual 80/20 mix canisters of isobutane and propane.
Absolute best Presents for Bikepackers – On a regular basis Raise & Prerequisites
For those who sweat or poop within the wild, Surviveware Biodegradable Wipes ($15 on Amazon) will have to just about be in each package, hydration pack, and many others.
The Uncharted Provide Co. Triage Package ($40 on Aggressive Bicycle owner) is some other must-have. It’s tiny however has the necessities packed into a difficult water-proof pouch with simply sufficient room to suit a couple of customized extras you may want (like meds).
Prior to you strap on a collection of bikepacking baggage, stick on a Restrap Bicycle Coverage Package ($12 from Chain Response). They’re simply vinyl stickers to stay from scratching your motorcycle, however they appear beautiful neat too. Restrap Speedy Straps ($15-20 at Chain Response) are then a safe option to if truth be told strap equipment to the motorcycle, made from tricky non-stretch Hypalon with locking buckles.
Driving all day in rainy climate, an Ass Savers Win Wing Gravel ($28 at Amazon) fender does an incredibly just right activity of retaining your butt dry, and also you satisfied. Many bikepackers suppose they don’t desire a fender since their large saddlebag assists in keeping numerous avenue spray off their rear ends. However then, while you cross to unpack your equipment you discover a rainy, muddy mess it’s important to dig thru to get your dry garments. The Win Wing assists in keeping your baggage and frame blank whilst being one of the most few answers as much as the stresses of off-road bikepacking and nonetheless suitable with large baggage.
Each and every bikepacker wishes a camp knife they may be able to depend on, and we now have two favorites on both finish of the fee spectrum. The easy & safe twist-locking Opinel No. 8 (from simply $18 at REI). It has a chrome steel blade and beechwood take care of. There are even smaller variations for weight weenie bikepackers.
The Benchmade 535-3 Bugout ($300 from Blade HQ) on a regular basis raise folding knife is solely 57.27g because of its milled carbon fiber take care of. It sheds weight, now not options, although, giving you an identical 3.24″ drop level blade made from CPM-S90V, excessive vanadium metal with extraordinarily excessive put on resistance so it’ll keep sharper, for longer. For those who’re counting grams however don’t wish to surrender rugged capability, that is the EDC knife you need for each biking journey. Did we point out it’s carbon-freakin’-fiber?
The Silky Noticed Pocketboy 130 ($40 from Amazon) is a compact, light-weight noticed that’ll minimize thru any department or log comfortably. Use it to transparent a trail or make firewood, it’s an incredible instrument for any journey.
Absolute best Reward for Bikepackers – Garments & Driving Package
At the motorcycle, many people favor shorts as opposed to bibs for multi-day adventures. The Venture Workshop Professional Quick ($205, obtainable direct in males’s and girls’s) have nice make stronger, at ease and supportive fabrics, and small aspect wallet over Dyneema aspect panels that’ll hang as much as a wipeout. Reflective hits stay you more secure, too.
A large number of us additionally love to bikepack in much less pro-cyclist-looking equipment. So, continuously vintage biking jerseys are out. And unfastened have compatibility technical t-shirts are in. However… that implies you lose pocket house – even with all of the shipment shorts. Input, the Apidura Expedition Waist Belt ($50, bought direct). It’s necessarily an ultra-low-profile mesh hip pack that offers you again the misplaced rear pocket space for storing from a just right out of date jersey. https://bikerumor.com/tiny-apidura-expedition-waist-belt-adds-jersey-pockets-to-any-riding-kit/
House is at all times at a top rate on a motorbike day out, and Ombraz Shades ($150, bought direct) have nice polarized lenses, however ditch the fingers so you’ll tuck them as regards to anyplace with out being worried about breaking them. And sure, they’re unusually relaxed and keep put method, method higher than you’d suppose.
A cap is vital, and there are 3 we adore: The Chrome Biking Cap ($25 at Chrome Industries) is hyper-reflective, water-proof, and just a little looser than maximum, so it received’t constrict your mind like such a lot of others, making it tremendous relaxed on all-day rides. In case your bikepacker is headed off to a scorching & sunny locale, the Detour Cloud Cap ($28 from Ass Savers) provides a tail flap to stay the solar off their neck. And for off-the-bike, the Tommy Breeze Trucker Caps ($34, bought direct) conceal that helmet hair with amusing, pleasant designs that at all times get a praise.
And if they’re headed out on an extended on-road journey that can stretch into the night time, take a look at the Apidura Packable Visibility Vest ($58, bought direct). With out proscribing their motion or overly flapping within the breeze, it is going to be sure that they’re observed whether or not using between Paris-Brest and again, or racing the Transcontinental. Or simply a night shuttle house from paintings.
The rest?
How about The Bikepacker’s Information ($20 at Bikepacking Roots) as a useful how-to? Now in its Second version, this guidebook breaks down trip-planning and on-tour talents that can make bikepacking extra relaxing. Plus, path pacing/journey period estimators and four key packing checklists will lend a hand your day out cross off with out a hitch, whether or not for inexperienced persons or seasoned adventurers. An added bonus, proceeds from the sale of the instruction manual make stronger persevered path building, repairs, and advocacy by the use of Bikepacking Roots. https://bikerumor.com/how-to-bikepack-Second-edition-bikepackers-guide-available-now/
Retaining units charged up is at all times a priority, however this Ulanzi Battery Maintain Grip ($50 on Amazon) solves the ones issues and extra. It packs an enormous 10,000mAh battery within, letting you price two units (telephone, GPS, lighting, and many others.) with its USB-A and USB-C ports, however that’s only the start. It’s a digital camera grip with a tripod base and has 1/4-20 and GoPro mounts, which makes it nice for putting in place first light time-lapses, selfies, or simply letting it hang your telephone when you watch some YouTube. The slender form makes it simple to stuff in a body bag or handlebar bag, too!
As at all times, don’t put out of your mind your Native Motorbike Store! Reward certificate from a neighborhood store can also be one of the crucial easiest presents for motorcycle packers since they lend a hand to stay it native and lend a hand your rider get the ones last-minute snacks, tubes, and equipment all of us put out of your mind till simply sooner than it’s time to roll!
