Tips & Tricks Bikepacking: Off to adventure - bikepacking, but the right way!
Mirijam Pelikan
· 13.06.2024
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Bikepacking transforms every cycle tour into a minimalist adventure. You spend several days travelling by bike and travel light. The days of large saddlebags are a thing of the past. The equipment - tent, sleeping bag, clothing and food - is attached directly to the frame, saddle and handlebars in special bags. The appeal? Absolute freedom - bikepacking offers independence and flexibility on two wheels. While nature quickly passes by on the train or car, it is part of the travelling experience when bikepacking.
The right bike for bikepacking
Before exploring the world of bikepacking, you should ask yourself one crucial question: What drives me? The speed on the tarmac or rather the unspoilt trails off the beaten track? The answer will determine which bike best suits your needs. "For tarmac, I rely on my road bike, for gravel paths on my gravel bike and for challenging terrain I take my mountain bike," explains Sara Hallbauer, who rides bikepacking races professionally. "You shouldn't stress yourself too much at the beginning - the bike you already own is often enough." The trend among bikepackers is towards gravel bikes, the all-rounder. But be careful: if you choose routes with technically difficult sections, you shouldn't have too thin a tyre profile and should opt for a mountain bike.
What you need for bikepacking
"What you take with you always depends on your sleeping strategy," says Hallbauer. If you are spending the night in a hotel, you can of course do without the tent equipment. Hallbauer's ultra-light tent fits in the handlebar bag alongside her rain gear. Her clothing for the night usually consists of a long-sleeved shirt, trousers, warm socks and a hat. She packs all this plus a warm down jacket, first aid kit and sleeping bag in the saddle bag. Bars and electronics, such as a power bank, are then placed in the top tube bag. Heavy items such as food, tools and the water tank are stowed in the frame bag. "This shifts the centre of gravity of the bike to the middle and downwards. This means you are ideally equipped for off-road routes," says Hallbauer.
About the person: Sara Hallbauer, bikepacking pro
Sara Hallbauer came to bikepacking in a roundabout way: as a passionate sportswoman, she had a penchant for horse riding, mountaineering and skiing. But when her beloved horse had to be put down and a ski touring accident led to a broken ankle, she had to find a new hobby. Her doctor recommended cycling for recovery. Hallbauer immediately fell in love with this activity. The decision to cycle longer tours was quickly made. In 2020, she took part in the Bikepacking Transgermany Tour. A tour from the Rhine to Cape Arkona that leads right across Germany. Since then, the athlete has taken part in many official bikepacking races, including the Transcontinental Race, Northcape 4000 and Race across France. She also enjoys going on holiday by bike in her private life, albeit at a more leisurely pace. On her blog bikepackers.com Sara regularly reports on her latest bikepacking adventures.
6 bikepacking tips from Sara Hallbauer
1. slowly find your feet
The distance should not be too great on the first tour. Depending on your fitness level, 60-100 kilometres in one day is enough. "It's a good idea to visit family and friends and only gradually plan longer routes," says Hallbauer. "But don't worry, bikepacking is nothing more than cycling, anyone can do it." By the way, anyone planning their first bikepacking tour on a mountain bike can brush up on their downhill skills at DAV technique courses.
2. no excuses
The most important thing is to book an appointment in your diary and then actually set off. "You shouldn't be put off by rain. Bikepacking is fun even in bad weather," says Hallbauer. She recommends the Meteo Blue weather radar to take breaks during rain showers, for example.
3. not without my repair kit
If you're going to be travelling by bike for a long time, you need to master certain repair skills. Being able to repair the inner tube and tyre is essential - otherwise your bike tour will come to a quick end. Hallbauer recommends packing a tool kit, repair kit, an air pump, a spare inner tube and at least three tyre levers.
4. drink, drink, drink
On the bike, some people forget the time. Hydration is essential. Snacking on a bar every now and then also provides the necessary energy when bikepacking.
5. taboo: wild camping
"The term 'wild camping' immediately conjures up the romance of a tent in the countryside. But that's a big problem for nature and wildlife conservation," says Hallbauer. Wild camping is therefore not permitted in Germany. It is better to look for private land where you can pitch your tent legally or stay overnight on a campsite.
6. homecoming hacks
If travelling home by bike is not an option, you should make sure you have a space on the train in advance. Bicycle parking spaces are rare in summer. Hallbauer's trick: she has a foldable bike bag sent to her destination, removes the front wheel, folds down the handlebars and packs the bike into the bag. "That way it counts as luggage and is less bulky," says the expert. Alternatively, some places also offer bike shuttles, for example on Lake Garda. The bus takes cyclists and their bikes safely back home. Flixbus has also proved its worth for Hallbauer for the journey home.
Equipment tips: Useful things for bikepacking
- Cyclite panniers: robust food pouch, approx. 40 euros >> available here
- Weatherproof top tube bag, approx. 90 euros
- TOM 18 multi-function tool made of stainless chrome-vanadium tool steel from SKS Germany, approx. 17 euros >> available here
- Mini floor pump from Lezyne, 160 psi/11 bar, approx. 55 euros >> available here
- Ultralight tent "Lizard Seamless" for summer, spring and autumn by Vaude for 1-2 people, approx. 650 euros >> available here
- Lightweight "Rise" road bike helmet with quick-drying helmet padding from Uvex, approx. 120 euros >> available here
Bikepacking tour suggestions
With her wealth of experience from riding many routes, bikepacking pro Sara Hallbauer has curated two customised routes for us.
Route 1 (blue): For bikepacking enthusiasts
The classic route leads from Bad Tölz to the source of the Isar. It is around 80.5 kilometres long. If you are thirsty for more kilometres, you can start the ride in Munich and thus extend the route. Depending on your fitness level, it is best to plan an overnight stay at your destination so that you can tackle the return route the following day feeling refreshed.
Route 2 (orange): For bikepacking pros
The "Tour Royal" starts at the royal castle in Hohenschwangau near Füssen and takes you along Lake Tegernsee and Lake Chiemsee to Lake Königssee in Schönau. The route can be completed in three daily stages of around 100 kilometres each. Important: This tour is not for the inexperienced. It requires stamina and willpower.
Sara Hallbauer has put together her favourite routes on komoot: https://www.komoot.com/de-de/collection/2015167/saras-schoenste-schotterstrecken-graveln-im-toelzer-land
Tips for bikepacking with the e-bike
Ralf Reins from e-motion experts GmbH explains the most important questions about bikepacking tours with an e-bike.
MYBIKE: What are the advantages of bikepacking with an e-bike?
Ralf Reins: E-bikes reduce the effort required and increase the travelling distance. This is particularly beneficial for older riders and bikepacking beginners. In addition, the packing list can be more generous when bikepacking with an e-bike, as the motor absorbs the higher payload. Watch out: If you want to combine the e-bike tour with a train journey, you should pay attention to the weight of the e-bike.
Which e-bike is best?
Trekking and SUV e-bikes in particular are usually designed to meet the requirements of bikepacking. In addition to the classic models, there are many other systems that are suitable for bikepacking: compact or light e-bikes are particularly practical to handle, while full-power e-bikes deliver a good amount of power. No matter which e-bike you choose: In any case, we recommend that you test ride the e-bike yourself.
How do I manage battery life effectively on longer bikepacking tours?
High-quality motor systems show the remaining range in the respective assistance level on the display. To reach your destination as efficiently as possible, you can use the different motor levels cleverly and with foresight: Eco mode for flat stretches and turbo mode for steep sections. Very modern systems even have an automatic mode.
