Bikepacking equipment: Bags, cycling clothing, accessories for bike tours

Bikepacking principle: Only the bare essentials!

The most important basic rule regarding luggage and equipment is the same for bikepacking as for all outdoor activities: "As little as possible, but as much as necessary!" The problem with this formula is its relatively wide scope for interpretation. What's more, unlike a rucksack, a bike can carry a kilo too much when hiking in the mountains, for example; you don't have to carry it all the time. And also in terms of packing volume: globetrotters stow a considerable 120 litres on their bikes, backpackers on foot rarely carry more than 80 litres on their backs; so you have a little more freedom on a bike.

However, large panniers have been on the decline in recent years. "Bikepacking" is the name of the trendy concept that allows you to store your belongings on your bike. The minimalist packing concept - with lots of small, lightweight individual bags distributed around the bike - is particularly advantageous on sporty bikes without a massive rear pannier rack. If you can do without one or two things, bike handling is definitely better. How much storage space and weight you take with you is determined by the type and length of the tour, weather, programme and infrastructure as well as the capabilities of the bike.

5 questions about packing for bikepacking

So it depends on what you attach and how. A complete issue of MYBIKE is not enough for comprehensive packing lists and a market overview of all bags and pouches. However, we would like to provide as many helpful insider tips as possible and present the products that we have found to be particularly practical. Every biker who goes on tour should always ask themselves the following questions when putting together their equipment and making any new purchases:

1. Which Weather situations What can I realistically expect, and am I still prepared with all the possible combinations of my clothing if, for example, a set has become wet due to rain or I have sweated heavily on the way uphill and have to start the descent straight away?
2. Am I prepared for eventualities such as Breakdowns, defects and crashes? Even if you can't do it yourself, you should have a basic stock of repair and repair tools with you, because other cyclists will always help you.
3. Do I not only lead sufficiently Provisions and drinks but are the latter also so easily accessible that I can drink regularly during the journey? Dehydration is one of the most common reasons for running out of energy.
4. Are my electronic devices and is my charging current sufficient? This also means the charger for the pedelec. The camera and other items need to be stored differently to underwear, for example. And a navigation device with an empty battery can be a real horror when it gets dark.
5. Are my bags not only big enough for all these items, but do they also protect the sensitive contents against water, knocks and dirt? Do the Bags and attachments still firmly in place even after the third pothole, and do they not interfere with pedalling or steering the bike?

Tips for saving money on bikepacking equipment

The best way to save packing volume and weight is to ask yourself about the likelihood and importance of using an item, to carry equipment such as a pump, blanket or first aid kit only once on group trips or to give items multiple uses, such as for example the "Vario PS" below. The functional fibres of jerseys, shirts and cycling shorts dry so quickly that you can wash them out in the evening, dry them overnight and wear them again in the morning. You are also better off with modular clothing in the truest sense of the word; so it is better to wear a long shirt and waistcoat as a jacket or a warm and rainproof layer separately than a thick rain jacket. And if you like to go to a museum or restaurant while travelling, you don't have to take a complete "civilian" outfit with you. Lightweight cargo trousers, preferably with zip-off legs, are both rideable and wearable.

Packing or packing?

Positioning, fastening and support are the three key words when it comes to bike bags. Few things are as annoying on long journeys as a bag that swings back and forth or one that you bump into with every turn of the cranks. For this reason, heavier and sturdier items should be placed in bolted bags, while clothing should also be placed in bags with Velcro straps or similar. Bags without any stiffening should always be full to bursting, because without a taut cover they will neither keep their shape nor stay one hundred per cent in place. Incidentally, bag fasteners for wrapping are much more variable here. Newcomers to touring should test the bag setup two or three days before departure for 30 minutes with the planned load.

Bikepacking bags at a glance

Good solution: Ortlieb Vario PS

For city trips or day trips. The Ortlieb Vario is a fully-fledged, waterproof pannier with an ergonomic rucksack carrying system on the back, which we have already tested in the Single test could convince. The unused attachment is covered with a dirt-proof cover! Price: 199,95 Euro >> available here.

Low position: Zefal Z Adventure Fork Pack

The small, elongated bags increase the load volume of the bike by six litres each, but hardly affect the rideability due to their low position along the steering axle. The holder can be mounted on the fork threads or with cable ties and the bag can be quickly removed with two buckles. Price: 64.95 euros each >> available here.

Boot: Vaude Offroad Bag S/M

Due to the seat post mounting, you can only load two or three kilos, but without a rack this is otherwise unused space, and the contents are fairly well protected from vibrations. The Clickfix holder is stable and the bag is removable. Ideal for a camera or as a "boot" on a sporty bike. Price: 90 Euro >> available here.

Very variable: Acepac Bar Roll handlebar bag

The handlebars are a sensitive place for mounting luggage, the centre of gravity is high here and the bag has to be "steered". The small Acepac is not only the perfect size (8 to 16 litres) thanks to the roll closure on both sides, but also has the tightest fit of all its kind to date. Tip: Order the frame spacer at the same time. Price: 69.99 euros >> available here.

Precise: Ortlieb Packing Cubes For Panniers

If you have a good pannier rack, you should also use large, solid panniers, just make sure you can find something in them! The inner bags from Ortlieb are a huge help here, with 6.6 and 5 litres you have two handles to keep even small items close at hand. You also don't have to empty the bag completely in the tent. Top product! Price: 45 Euro >> available here.

Waterproof: Jack Wolfskin Morobbia Fork Bag

The holder of the 7-litre bag made from recycled material is attached to the fork with firm TPU straps and should not twist. Even cleverer is the Fidlock magnetic fastener, with which the Jack Wolfskin Morobbia Fork Bag can be attached to or removed from the holder in a second. The bags are waterproof and compressible, great bikepacking equipment! Price 99,95 Euro >> available here.

"Ass rocket": Restrap Saddle Bag 18 litres

Roll-up panniers under the saddle are super practical, but removing and readjusting them is not. This saddle bag consists of a very fixed part on the bike and a removable lightweight bag, which fits perfectly and facilitates quick access. Despite its 18 litre capacity, the "ass rocket" hangs confidently on the saddle. Price: 155,99 Euro >> available here.

Optimal: Ortlieb Trunk Bag RC

Due to the high centre of gravity, large bags on the rear rack are out, but the small, quickly removable bag from Ortlieb makes great use of this space. For valuables, for example, which you can also take to the shop thanks to the quick-release fastener. 12 litres is great, but please don't go over the maximum 10 kilos... Price: 115 euros >> available here.

Good fit: Aeroe Spider Rear Rack / Heavy Duty Drybags

The frame can be securely and reversibly attached to virtually any frame and can be fitted with one to three of the super-robust 12-litre changing bags. The first test rides delivered the promised good fit, and it also looks great. Price: 135 euros or 59 euros each >> available here.

Clothes bring joy

If you exclude bike tours with a tent and those away from civilisation, clothing is the most important item on the equipment list. And even if some people may not find it aesthetically pleasing, the linchpin of a good touring outfit is a pair of trousers with seat padding. Anyone who sits in the saddle for much longer than usual can hardly avoid them. These are available as tight tights that follow your every move, as shorts with inserts or as casual shorts with integrated shorts and inserts. The rest is more like weather protection. Cyclists of all levels tend to wear thin clothing on their legs, but keep their upper body, arms and especially their neck warm. In addition to insulation and breathability, good textiles for bikepacking tours are characterised by their small pack size, crease resistance and bike-friendly cut.

Clothing for the bikepacking tour

Two in one: Mammut Runbold Zip Off Pants

Another hybrid piece. Trousers like these, which can be transformed into shorts with a zip, are two in one. When it gets cold, both can be worn over cycling shorts or as part of a night out look. It's important that the trousers are stretchy enough and don't stretch when you bend your knees, and that the seams and zips don't rub against your skin. Top with bike pants. Price: 140 euros >> available here.

Compressible, chic: Vaude Batura lightweight thermal hooded jacket for women

Compressibility is (almost) everything when it comes to efficient packing. That's why such puffy quilted jackets have proved their worth when a really warm layer is needed. Fleece with a similar warming effect, for example, needs about three times as much space. Bonus: Such chic tops are also fully suitable for social occasions, saving half the cost of a going-out outfit. Price: 250 euros >> available here.

Longer back: Jack Wolfskin Bike Commute Mono

The Bike Commute Mono jacket from Jack Wolfskin, which is cut more like a hoodie, is also windproof and waterproof up to 10,000 mm water column. With a slightly longer back, it also covers the loins when you lean over the handlebars. The cut is casual, but not so loose that it flaps in the wind - important! Incidentally, the high-tech fabric is part of a 100 per cent material cycle. Price: 299.95 euros >> available here.

Variable: Vaude All Year Moab 3-in-1

Different concept, similarly variable: combination trousers like the Vaude All Year Moab were made to cope with changes in the weather on long days in the backcountry without additional equipment. The short softshell trousers and the long splashproof tights can also be worn on their own. In combination, they provide highly mobile weather protection and don't show the wearer's silhouette quite so openly. Not cheap. Price: 200 euros >> available here.

Fashionable: Vaude Neshan IV

A shirt instead of a jersey? Hardly anyone knows that such fashionable shirts are also available in quick-drying, sports-suitable fibres. This of course has the advantage that, in addition to the casual look on the bike, it also cuts a good figure off the cycle path. With a shirt like this plus a waistcoat, you are usually ready for most city trips. Price: 80 Euro >> available here.

Stylish and functional complete outfit from POC

An expert in function AND looks has put together a bikepacking outfit from POC that is versatile, suitable for touring and discreetly chic. Why POC? It's the only brand that offers tights that aren't black or sponsored. Their good padding is the basis, plus the airy shorts in a colour that goes well with everything. A shirt instead of a cycling jersey loosens up the look, but is tight enough for cycling. Waistcoats are the second core element, depending on the weather, the thickly lined Coalesce or the sporty, packable Pro thermal. No long trousers, but a warm, flexible jumper made of breathable fabric and a rain jacket, both with a high collar, for tough weather changes.

Prices: Coalesce waistcoat: 170 euros, Pro Thermal Vest: 170 Euro, Motion Rain Jacket: 175 Euro, Rove Cargo Bib: 180 Euro, Mantle Thermal Hoodie: 75 Euro, Transcend Short: 80 Euro, Air Tee: 65 Euro

Bikepacking packing list for clothing: Thought of everything?

• Tops: Even for a tour lasting several days, two shorts and a long-sleeved shirt are enough in this country. Doesn't have to be spandex fabric, but at least not cotton. Can be used individually or in an "onion combination" from warm to cool.
• Jacket/vest: The best results are achieved with a warm waistcoat and a thin rainproof jacket, under which the waistcoat should still fit well, too wide jackets or ponchos cost a lot of energy on the bike.
• Trousers: We recommend tight-fitting trousers/underpants with padding, "camouflaged" by shorts or a cargo if desired. Long trousers for under or over are practical, rain trousers are rather superfluous.
• Gloves: In cold, damp weather, long gloves can keep your hands feeling good. The short ones, by the way, are less for good grip and more to prevent injuries if you fall on your palms.
• Shoes/socks: Special cycling shoes with or without clipless pedals are definitely a comfort gain for daily stages of five hours or more, for "connoisseurs" the ratio of benefit to weight and packing volume is worse here.

The problem solvers on tour

If you don't call yourself a MacGyver and wouldn't need any help even in the wilderness, a few tools can avert a few problems or even prevent them from arising in the first place. As mentioned above, tyre repair tools, a set of spanners and a pump should be in every group's luggage. A cloth and a bottle of oil are also handy, as are cable ties and gaffer tape. You should also always consider the power supply for sat nav, mobile phone, lights etc. Of the many problem solvers on the market, the following seemed to us to be the most sensible and promising.

More bikepacking equipment

For head and eyes: Alpina Ravel & Turbo

On tour, you need the same protection as in the city, but more ventilation and more comfort, which is why sporty bike helmets with less weight and significantly more openings are clearly better for long periods of wear. The Alpina Ravel is one of the airiest helmets here, but is still affordable. Price: 129,95 Euro >> available here.

Eye protection is also extremely important, and not just against the sun: the wind and foreign objects alone can dry out the eyes and damage them over time. A good fit, ventilation and freedom from fogging are important, and cycling glasses like the Alpina Turbo break without sharp edges in an emergency. Price: 69.95 euros >> available here.

Air supply: Zefal EZ Max FC

This Zefal bike pump is exactly what was described in the opening text - as variable as possible in a small space. The telescopic pump hides the hose attachment in the housing when not in use, and a CO2 cartridge can be screwed into the other end to save pumping, which is also great for abrupt pressure build-up on tubeless tyres. Cartridge included. Price: 44,95 Euro >> available here.

Does it all: Garmin Edge 1040 bike sat nav

Riding by map is exciting, but long outdated; most touring bikers today are guided digitally. Mobile phones work too, but they consume power, get hot and are not robust enough. Bike sat navs, such as the top model from Garmin - the Edge 1040 - can cope with the weather and potholes and also work offline. You should definitely invest 150 euros. Tip: The Edge Explore II comes with an optional power adapter for e-bikes. Price 1040: 599.99 euros / Explore II: 299.99 euros.

Everything under control: Topeak Plug`n Tool Mountain

One of the discoveries at Eurobike was a tool set that fits perfectly into the two handlebar ends. On board are various Allen, Torx, Phillips and slotted bits for the socket spanner as well as a tyre repair kit, although so far only for tubeless tyres. We like the fact that you always know where everything is, rather than the space-saving feature. Always in the handlebars! Price: 59.95 euros >> available here.

Problem solver: Zefal Bike Taxi

Also Eurobike Award winner: The two metre long rope, stowed in a saddle bag with automatic retraction, is actually designed for towing or assisting others by bike. Simply pull out the sling and rope and hook it onto your own stem. Up to 95 kilos can officially be attached to the minimally elasticated rope. A great idea and often one less problem. Price: 49,95 Euro >> available here.

Unfold, secure, load: Restrap Framestrap

Although it is only a 40 cm long Velcro strap, originally for carrying spare tubes on the frame, initial tests have shown us that it will always be with us in the future because it allows you to attach things flexibly, even if it's just the wobbly bag on the top tube. Cool: The Restrap Framestrap can also be used as an emergency bottle holder. Price: 23,99 Euro >> available here.

Just in case: Vaude First Aid Kit Waterproof

Scrapes, dirty wounds or other injuries can always occur when cycling and are usually not serious, but would be if you don't treat them straight away. In the completely waterproof Vaude set size M there is space for emergency equipment as well as a medicine, and everything is stowed away completely waterproof! Price: 33 Euro >> available here.

>>More bikepacking equipment, especially for multi-day adventures, can be found here <<

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