For those who are unfamiliar with bikepacking, it is basically a combination of cycling and camping. Bikepackers tend to travel long distances, with all their travel gear mounted directly to their bike.
Of course, knowing what accessories to take (and what fits on your bike) on a bikepacking trip can be challenging especially when you have to be prepared for all sorts of situations along the way. You want to travel light! But not light enough to leave you without an essential item.
With the Trans Am Bike Race currently in full swing and Tour Divide underway, we asked a fellow aussie bikepacker Ben (@benrides) who is currently riding the Tour Divide 2018 what are the 10 best bikepacking items every bikepacker should take when planning a bikepacking adventure.
1. Navigation
Preferably 2 types in case one fails, like Garmin and a phone or a phone and a map.... Maybe a Quad Lock ;-)
2. Sunscreen
Getting burnt out there can easily ruin any bikepacking trip. Lip balm too.
3. A Saddle You're Happy With
It should be one you've used before and are comfortable with. Enough said.
4. Coffee and Chocolate.
Bikepacking trips are usually about enjoying yourself, so treat yourself.
5. Spares
Spare tube. Spare tube for when the spare tube fails. A spare chain link and derailleur hanger too.
6. Electrical Tape
Put some around your pump or your frame, you never know what might happen and electrical tape can fix anything.
7. A Puffy Jacket
When you're tired you get cold easily so you want something warm to put on for when you get off the bike.
8. Wet Wipes
Clean the dirt and sunscreen off. A wet wipe shower can suffice for a night or too. Also great for cleaning a dirty chain.
9. A Buff
$20 or so for the best, most versatile piece of clothing you'll ever own. Keeps you impressively warm when it's cold. Soak it in water to keep yourself cool on a hot day. Use it to clean your sunglasses.
10. A Spork
A spork can be used to eat anything, a camp dinner, something from the supermarket or some last resort dinner from a service station. Plus you never know when you'll end up eating cold baked beans from the service station for dinner. Light my fire and sea to summit makes the best ones.
Thanks to Ben for providing us with all this valuable information! Follow Ben's Instagram to see more of his bikepacking adventures @benrides.
