Bikepacking (Bike + Camping)
Combine mountain biking with lightweight camping for self-supported wilderness expeditions on two wheels.
Bikepacking uses specially designed bikes (gravel or mountain bikes) with lightweight bags to carry camping gear, food, and equipment. Unlike traditional bike touring with panniers, bikepacking uses frame bags and backpack-style harnesses, keeping weight low and centered for better handling on technical terrain. Multi-day trips explore remote backcountry using trail networks, fire roads, and single-track. Growing sport with thousands of established routes and a vibrant community.
How to start
- 1Buy or adapt a gravel or mountain bike with bikepacking bag mounts
- 2Start with day rides to test your bike setup and comfort
- 3Plan an easy overnight trip on established bikepacking routes
- 4Learn lightweight gear selection and bike repair basics
- 5Progress to multi-day expeditions in increasingly remote areas
What you'll need
- Gravel bike or mountain bike with bag mountsEssential~$800
- Bikepacking bags (frame, handlebar, seat bags)Essential~$200
- Lightweight tent and sleeping setupEssential~$200
- Repair and maintenance toolsEssential~$50
- Lights and navigation (GPS or map)Essential~$100
Where to learn more
Plot twists
Ways to spice this up when the basics get boring.
- Bikepacking races and timed route challenges
- Winter bikepacking on snow and ice
- Photography expeditions documenting remote landscapes
- Multi-week cross-country bikepacking journeys
Constant physical exertion paired with route-finding and scenery changes maintains engagement. The combination of cardio activity with camping tasks creates varied stimulation throughout each day.
The Great Divide Mountain Bike Route spans 2,745 miles from Canada to Mexico—one of the world's longest bikepacking routes. Some riders complete it in under two weeks at an average of 150+ miles per day.