Get Wild on Two Wheels with Bikepacking

Ever dreamt of pedaling through pristine wilderness, camping under a blanket of stars, and waking up to breathtaking vistas? Then bikepacking might just be your next big adventure! Forget crowded highways and stuffy hotels. Bikepacking is all about embracing the wild, exploring remote trails, and connecting with nature on a deeper level

Picture this: you're cruising along a winding trail, surrounded by towering trees and the sweet scent of pine. You conquer challenging climbs, navigate thrilling descents, and discover hidden gems that can only be reached by bike. As the sun sets, you set up camp under a canopy of stars, cook a simple meal, and drift off to sleep to the sounds of the wilderness. This is bikepacking.

It's about freedom, self-reliance, and pushing your boundaries. It's about trading traffic jams for tranquil trails and swapping the city's hustle for the harmony of nature. Bikepacking isn't just a sport; it's a mindset. It's a way to reconnect with yourself, challenge your limits, and experience the raw beauty of the wilderness. So, are you ready to answer the call of the wild? Your adventure awaits!

What is bikepacking

Simply put, it’s the intersection of mountain biking and lightweight camping. It's about loading up your trusty steed with just the essentials – minimalist camping gear, snacks, and a thirst for adventure – and hitting the trails for a weekend or weeks-long expedition. We're talking off-road routes, from thrilling singletrack to rugged backcountry roads, spanning anywhere from a quick overnight escape to epic multi-month journeys.

"Bikepacking is an intention toward the appreciation of landscapes, the chance to interact with strangers, a qualified but genuine self-reliance, a quietude of spirit, an escape from hyper-constructed environments in favor of trees and mountains," writes Joel Cruz, in his beautifully illustrated history of the sport. "Bikepacking is a self-aware contrast with bicycle touring on paved roads or mass-start bicycle racing. Bikepacking is a lucid aesthetic with forthright values, and “dirt” is a metaphor for these values."

Origins of bikepacking

While the word "bikepacking" might only date back to the 1970s, the spirit of it? That's as old as the bicycle itself. Consider this: the moment someone hopped on two wheels and realized they could set off and see the world, the idea of bikepacking was born.

In essence, the history of bikepacking is the history of bicycling. Imagine those early adventurers, setting off on clunky high-wheelers, loaded down with gear, ready to explore the unknown. We're talking as far back as 1886, when Thomas Stevens, a bold Englishman who lived in the States, decided to pedal his way around the world, starting from San Francisco. He was indeed a bikepacking pioneer.

Fast forward a bit, and you'll find cyclists hitting the trails, not just for a quick spin but for immersive journeys. They weren't just riding; they were experiencing. It was Dan Burden who appears to have coined the term "bikepacking" in a 1973 National Geographic article. In it, he recounted the adventure of cycling from Alaska to Argentina with 30 other cyclists, clocking an incredible 3,103 miles on two wheels.

But here's the thing: as roads got paved and cars took over, cyclists faced a challenge. Suddenly, the narrative shifted. Roads, once open to two-wheeled adventurers, were now viewed as primarily for cars. Cycle touring, while still alive, struggled to maintain its foothold in the way it once had. Yet, the desire to explore wilder spaces never faded. Bikepackers, even before they had a name, were out there, seeking quieter, more adventurous routes.

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The freedom of bikepacking

"On my first trip, I traveled from Oxford to Amsterdam on a bike that cost £50, with a ukulele, very basic borrowed camping equipment, and zero training," recalls Saoirse Pottie, a bikepacker from Northern Ireland. "Prior to that, the furthest I had cycled was 5km." Describing herself as "a champion of say yes now, figure it out later," Saoirse's mindset appears to reflect the mindset of many bikepackers, one that accepts the call to adventure with a learn-as-you-go approach. "Don't overthink it," she implores. "Sometimes, you have to put yourself out there to see what's on the other side."

Since her first adventure, Saoirse has done a considerable amount of bikepacking: six weeks cycling through Ireland, over three months cycling through a long list of ten African countries, and this winter, she has powered through Chile and Argentina and is now currently in Colombia. So, what inspires her to keep on going? "I really enjoy connecting with people, hearing their stories and learning about places, cultures and communities," notes Saoirse. "Bikepacking forces you to travel slower, connect with the landscapes, travel and stop in small towns you wouldn't normally go to. It gives you a unique insight into a place."

It's interesting to see how her approach to traveling this way has evolved over time. "Mostly, when bikepacking, I average 5/6 hours of cycling a day. Sometimes, I feel like challenging and pushing myself. But increasingly, I'm finding more joy in taking it slow," Saoirse observes, "and if possible, adding days for flexibility where I can stop if I want to and enjoy a place or hike along the way."

Looking at her Instagram, you'd think that bikepacking was something that Saoirse was always destined to do. So, it begs the question of whether she has found herself through these adventures. "I think the person I am was here all along so I'm not sure if I've 'found' myself," notes Saoirse. "But I've definitely found community (through bikepacking), which has helped me develop my skills and confidence and inspired me to take on bigger adventures."

What to pack

Feeling inspired? Before you go trying to balance everything you own on your bike frame, let's talk about packing smart. Remember the golden rule, straight from the bikepacking legend Lael Wilcox herself: "Take only what you think you absolutely need. And then only pack half of that."

This isn't just about saving space; it's about embracing the minimalist spirit of bikepacking. It's about freedom, agility, and enjoying every single mile. It makes sense as a lighter bike means easier climbs, more nimble handling, less wear and tear on your gear, and a journey that's way more fun than a slog. For every item, ask yourself, "Could I get by without this?" If the answer is even a maybe, leave it behind.

There's plenty of advice out there on what you absolutely must and mustn't bring, but bikepacking is truly about doing it your way. "Packing is a balance between comfort and weight," says Saoirse. "One person's luxury item may be an essential item for someone else. I don't think there's any perfect way to do it. It's unique to each individual and I think that's what makes it so cool." So, with that in mind, here are some things to consider when packing for your first trip.

Clothing

Think layers when it comes to clothing. Pack versatile pieces that can be mixed and matched depending on the weather. A lightweight rain jacket is pretty essential, even if the forecast looks clear. Unexpected downpours happen, and staying dry is crucial for morale and safety.

Camping

For your sleep system, opt for lightweight and compact options. A bivy sack or a lightweight tent, combined with a sleeping bag and pad, should do the trick. Consider the climate you'll be riding in when choosing your sleep gear.

Food

When it comes to food, prioritize calorie-dense, lightweight options. Think dehydrated meals, energy bars, nuts, and dried fruit. Plan your meals carefully to avoid carrying excess food. Remember, every ounce counts.

Safety

Don't forget the essentials for bike maintenance and first aid. A small repair kit with tools and spare parts can save your trip. A basic first-aid kit is also crucial for dealing with minor injuries.

Gear

Finally, navigation is key. Whether you prefer a GPS device, a map and compass, or a combination of both, make sure you have a reliable way to stay on course.

Packing light is a skill, and it takes practice. Don't be afraid to experiment and refine your kit over time. The more you bikepack, the better you'll become at identifying what you truly need and what you can leave behind.

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Planning a route

A well-planned route can make the difference between an epic adventure and a total suffer-fest. But don't worry – it's not as daunting as it sounds. Here are nine key things to consider:

• First things first: where do you want to go? Dream big! Do you envision yourself conquering mountain passes, cruising through lush forests, or exploring vast deserts? Once you have a general idea, it's time to get down to the nitty-gritty.
• Consider your experience level. Are you a seasoned bikepacker or giving it a try? Choose a route that matches your skills and fitness. Don't bite off more than you can chew on your first few trips. Start with shorter, less challenging routes and gradually work your way up to longer, more technical adventures.
• Next, dive into the maps. Topographic maps are your best friend for bikepacking route planning. They'll give you crucial information about elevation gain, terrain type, and water sources. Online mapping tools like Komoot, Strava, and Ride with GPS are also invaluable. They allow you to explore existing routes and create your own.
• Download your maps to your Polar watch. Streamline your bikepacking experience even further by downloading your maps from Polar Flow and transferring them to your Polar watch so you can use them offline, no matter where you are.
• Don't only rely on digital tools, though. Old-school paper maps can be a lifesaver, especially in areas with spotty cell service. Plus, there's something incredibly satisfying about unfolding a map and tracing your finger along your chosen path.
• Think about the type of riding you enjoy. Do you prefer smooth gravel roads, challenging singletrack, or a mix of both? Your route should reflect your preferences. Remember, the goal is to have fun.
• Consider the logistics. Are there resupply points along your route? How about water sources? You'll need to plan your food and water accordingly. Also, think about campsites or other accommodation options if you're planning a multi-day trip.
• Don't be afraid to ask for advice from other bikepackers. Online forums, local bike shops, and cycling clubs are great resources for finding route recommendations and getting insider tips.
• Finally, be flexible! Even the best-laid plans can go awry. Be prepared to adjust your route if necessary due to weather, trail closures, or unexpected challenges. Embrace the unexpected and enjoy the journey!

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The call of the open road

Encouragement for readers to try bikepacking, whether a weekend trip or a transcontinental journey.

So, while the term "bikepacking" might be relatively recent, the heart of it – the yearning for adventure, the connection with nature, the self-sufficient spirit – has been burning bright since the very first pedal stroke. It's a legacy of exploration, a testament to the enduring allure of the wild, and a reminder that sometimes, the best adventures are found off the beaten path.