Bikepacking: 9 totally superfluous things that nobody needs on a tour - or do they?
Sandra Schuberth
· 20.06.2025
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Let's be honest: some things are simply superfluous. Unnecessary ballast. Especially when bikepacking, it's better to travel light. It's important to scrutinise every piece of equipment. Do I need this? Do I need to take it with me? Can I leave it at home?
The answer, as so often, is: it depends. A lot depends on personal taste, perceived need or your own quirkiness. Some people don't need a coffee maker when bikepacking or can do without a corkscrew. For others, it's standard and always in their luggage. Here we present 9 things that nobody should really take on a bikepacking tour... hm, or maybe you should?
Totally superfluous? 9 things that should not be missing on a bikepacking tour ... right?
Instead of a jacket: 2-in-1 sleeping bag with poncho function
The collaboration between Specialized and Fjällräven has not only resulted in bikepacking bags, but also a whole range of other equipment such as the Sleep Poncho. This is a kind of sleeping bag that can be quickly converted into a poncho. "Seriously? I've got my jacket with me anyway" we hear critics say. But somehow the item is also practical. We tried it out on a guided overnighter from Brother-Cycles - an overnighter with a camp character.
It was colder than expected and many people were envious of my unusual garment. I left the thick jacket at home, as I only need it for riding in the depths of winter. With the poncho, I was warmer and could also wrap my legs in it. When I checked the expected minimum temperatures (7 to 9 °C) beforehand, I wasn't worried, as the comfort zone starts at 8 °C. It turned out to be 2 degrees and it was rather chilly. However, the pack size of this cosy comfort upgrade is quite large. Also available e.g. from Vaude >>
Sandals, but especially for bikepacking
Hands up, who has ever transported sandals or other shoes on top of the arse rocket and at the end of the day there was only one of two shoes left? Or, next question: Who has discovered single and lonely shoes along the way?
Shoe manufacturer Quoc has teamed up with bikepacking bag expert Restrap to develop the Bikepacking and adventure sandals have been developed. They can be quickly connected to each other and then safely transported with saddlebag straps, without any fear of loss.
Bike hook: Carrying aid for your bike
Why should I carry my bike, I want to cycle and not hike? Many people do, others want to get to more remote places with their bike. It is not uncommon to have to carry the bike. The rougher the terrain, the better it is to have two free hands as well as two legs. For this Restrap the Hike a Bike Harness developed.
The design allows the bike to be placed on the back like a rucksack. When not in use, the harness is rolled up and transported on the top tube.
But quite useful: mini-lock
A mini mini-lock won't keep thieves out, it can be dismantled by such bad people within seconds. Nevertheless, many people rely on such a lock to deter petty thieves and opportunist thieves. This is particularly practical on bikepacking tours to prevent the bike from being driven away quickly. But it's also a good idea to secure your bike when you're stopping for a bite to eat on a day trip. If you want to be more secure, take a look at our Bicycle lock test to.
>> Mini cable lock from Rose >> available here
Book tip: How to shit in the Woods
Taking a book with you? You can, but it weighs a lot and there's a good chance that it will be pretty tattered after the tour. Nevertheless, we can recommend the book How to shit in the Woods. How often do you see handkerchiefs, toilet paper or even turds lying by the side of the road? Leave no trace looks different. You should definitely familiarise yourself with this topic before embarking on an outdoor adventure. The book can help. Or, if possible, stop off somewhere and use the sanitary facilities there. >> You can buy the book here .
Bandana: The Headscarf
In times of buffs and other tube scarves, nobody really needs a bandana any more. The bandanas, which are tied at the back of the head, are nowadays only good as a distinguishing feature among gangsters or as a pirate costume. Er, no. A bandana has timeless advantages. It can be worn every day and rounds off an outfit, whereas the tube scarf is too warm, especially on hot summer days. The bandana can also be used as a drying towel for the body or dishes when nothing else is available. Rose has beautiful single-coloured bandanas made from merino wool, Pedaled has Cloths designed specifically for bicycles on offer.
Who needs a mini tool?
What? Why shouldn't I take a multitool with me? Quite simply:
- With the short Allen keys from Minitools, you can't reach one or two screws on the bike
- Many mini or multi-tools lack important functions.
It may therefore be better to buy the right Allen key for your own bike individually and also a Chain riveters to pack. Or you can look for a tool like the Blackburn Wayside Multi-Tool, which combines individual Allen keys with a multi-tool. But the same applies here: check beforehand whether the tool fulfils all (hopefully unneeded) functions and whether all screws can be reached
In theory this makes sense, but in practice I've always had a mini tool with me on my tours so far. But there have been times when I've cursed it because I could barely reach the screw I needed to get to. - Sandra Schuberth, online editor
Compressed gas: CO2 cartridges
The individual cartridges weigh a relatively large amount and are intended for single use. This means that you may not be able to fix the next disc because the cartridge is empty. So you pack an additional mini pump or don't use one at all. For long tours, many even choose a mini floor pump. We tested five models in 2018. With 8 out of 9 points, the Topeak Turbo Morph G and the ZEFAL Profile Mini scored best.
Lightweight racing shoes or racing bike shoes
Road cycling shoes and gravel racing shoes are too stiff and too sensitive for bikepacking tours. Racing bike shoes and their click systems are good for cycling, but dangerous when walking. They often offer little support. The cleats wear out more quickly when you walk on them and the carbon sole is also affected.
Gravel shoes or MTB shoes for racing also often have a carbon sole. This can quickly lead to a lack of grip on demanding pushing sections. And the carbon sole quickly looks like this:
It is better to opt for a shoe with a rubberised sole. If you can do without the stiff sole, you can also gain in terms of comfort.
In the Gran Tourer XC from Quoc, for example, the carbon sole is completely coated with a grippy TPU, "the ultimate off-road shoe", as the manufacturer describes it. Whether it will fit your own feet is something you have to try out for yourself.
More comfort and less stiffness is offered by the Scott MTB Shr-alp Boa Evo, which, by the way, was included in our test "12 Mountain bike shoes for trails and tours" won the test.
3 other unnecessary things on a bikepacking tour
- Glass straws - are good for evening campfire romance with a glamping feeling, but have no place in a bikepacking bag. They are simply too fragile. If you need drinking straws, they are also available in stainless steel.
- Callus plane - beautiful feet are important, no question. But on the bikepacking trip, the two of them already have enough work to do. What's more, nobody wants to accidentally ruin their heel and therefore their tour.
- Shower room Anyone who uses cleaners in nature is committing an environmental sin, see below. Biodegradable soap. BUT: do not use in the water, but at least 60 metres away from it.
Even a little soap can change the pH value of the water and disturb the habitat of millions of living organisms. - Soap manufacturer Dr Bronner
Sandra Schuberth
Editor
