In a nutshell
- Planning a multi-day bikepacking trip? We’ll walk you through everything you absolutely need to bring — whether you’re camping with a tent or staying in accommodation along the way.
- So you always have our bikepacking gear list handy on the road, we’ve made it available as a downloadable Excel file — easy to edit and print before you head out.
- Investing in high-quality bike bags is really worth it — they carry everything you own, so durability matters. Good bike accessories are just as important to keep things running smoothly.
- We also cover what to pack for clothing, toiletries, and full camping gear if you’re heading out with a tent.
Bikepacking Packing List to Download
Our bikepacking packing list as a pdf download
We’ve put together our complete bikepacking packing list as a handy checklist you can download, edit, and take with you on the road.
Download the Bikepacking Packing List as an Excel File
Bike Bags
The most important piece of gear for bikepacking is a good set of bike bags.
Which and how many bike bags you need depends on how much you want to bring and how long you’ll be on the road.
Classic Bikepacking Set
- Handlebar bag
- Saddle bag
- Frame bags
- Advantage: You distribute the weight most evenly and can bring everything important.
- Disadvantage: It takes a lot of time to pack and unpack, and you can only bring the bare essentials.
Additional Bike Bags
If you want to bring more luggage than the classic bikepacking set allows, you have these extra bag options:
- Rack bags
- Top tube bags
- Fork bags
The Bike Bags We Brought on Our Bikepacking Tour
On our one-month bikepacking tour, we traveled with two rack bags, a top tube bag, and a small frame bag.
We used the two frame bags for bike tools and the rack bags for clothes and toiletries.
- Advantage: We could bring our laptop and always had quick access to all our stuff.
- Disadvantage: When riding uphill, we had a lot of weight in the back and it was seriously tiring.
Bike Accessories
There are some tools and spare parts you should always have with you when bikepacking — things can always break, and bike shops aren’t everywhere.
The right gear is essential for your safety and comfort on the road.
- Bike helmet
- Cycling glasses
- Phone mount for the handlebar
- Bike pump
- Water bottle cage (1–2x)
- Water bottles (1–2x)
- Lights (front and rear)
- Spare inner tubes (2x)
- Chain lube
- Tire levers
- Multitool
- Patch kit
- Zip ties
- Bike lock
- Phone + headphones (navigation)
Our tip: This list covers the bikepacking essentials. How much extra gear you need depends on where you’re going and how long you’ll be out. In remote areas, it’s smart to pack a few more tools just in case.
Clothing for Bikepacking
The most important thing is having the right cycling clothes. But don’t forget comfortable off-bike outfits too — you’ll be glad you brought them.
Cycling Clothes
- Cycling shoes
- Short-sleeve cycling jerseys
- Long-sleeve base layer
- Cycling pants (long and short)
- Rain poncho/jacket
- Cycling rain pants
- Cycling shoe covers (for rain)
- Gloves (summer and winter)
- Beanie
- Neck gaiter
- Leg warmers
- Cycling socks
- High-visibility vest (for night riding)
- Warmer jacket/windbreaker
Everyday Clothes
If you’re in the saddle every day, you’ll need fewer changes of clothes than if you’re taking rest days for sightseeing. Weather plays a big role too — plan on doing laundry roughly every ten days.
- Socks
- Underwear
- Sweater
- T-shirts
- Long pants
- Shorts
- Pajamas
- Swim trunks/bikini/swimsuit
- Flip-flops
- Sneakers
- Travel towel
Toiletries and Essentials
Toiletries
- Toothbrush
- Toothpaste
- Deodorant
- Razor
- Sunscreen
- Lotions/creams
- Tweezers
- Bug spray (if needed)
- Condoms
- Shampoo
- Travel medicine kit
- First aid kit
- Toilet paper
- Small travel detergent
- Earplugs
- Tampons/pads
- Hairbrush & hair ties
Our tip: Pack your toiletries in a zip bag. It saves space and keeps everything contained if something leaks.
Documents, Electronics & Essentials
- Wallet (ID, credit card, cash, passport and vaccination record if needed)
- Phone charging cable
- Portable charger/power bank (if needed)
- Entertainment (book, puzzle book, cards)
- Trash bags (as rain protection for clothes, shoes, etc.)
Bikepacking with a Tent
If you want to camp during your bikepacking trip, you’ll need additional camping gear — and you’ll be carrying more weight, so choose carefully.
