The Difference Between Bikepacking & Bike Touring Explained

What's the difference? And which one suits you better. By watching this video you'll learn all about the differences between the two types and find out which one is right for you.

[YuunaAndCuddles]

So, given those definitions, I got myself a 'touring' bike, converted from my XC bike. Not only I've changed and added parts, like panniers and a rigid fork, but I also invested on good bags that can double as work bags, whenever I'm called to the office. For the bags, I got 2x 24 L pannier bags, 2x 6 L fork bags, a small triangle frame bag (limited since I'm using a ladies' bike), and a repair pouch.

[lostinature]

Great video! For someone new to travelling with their bike, this gives a great startingpoint as for which mindset to approach the riding and packing situation with. Coming from the hiking world, my preferences gravitate towards bikepacking in regards of sleeping comfort, route choice etc.
After some years of experimenting, I've ended up with a combined setup of bikepacking bags and small panniers. I like to ride fast and be able to venture into a forest or similar, but also prefer the easy access and packability of panniers.
there is also (to me at least) some challenge in seeing how little I can bring and still enjoy the trip greatly

Thank you for a great video

[filipedeataideramos]

Bikepacking for me, using a gravel bike, with a saddle and handle bags (AGU) and, as you mention it, I do use lots of shock cords. I would carry a waist bag (minimal). I´m a recreational tourer, I do sleep in hotels/airbnb, eat at local restaurants and carry energy food. Also I don´t ride long distances at a time, more like sightseeing/bike friendly routes. :)

[michaelkellner]

I´d like to add another crucial advantage for panniers. I learned that during my motorcycle trips: safety. And by that I mean safety to the bike :) With 2-wheelers, be it with or without engine there is one thing for sure. At some point you will drop or crash the bike. And - rumour has it - 99% of the time the bike will land on the side, potentially not only damaging the handlebar or the frame, but when in uneven terrain also fork and disc brakes. With Panniers in comparison to seat-, handlebar- or frame bags you have that additional protection (buffer) to both sides that in case of a crash help reducing thee damage done to your bike

[AndrewMarritt]

Great video. Another option which I really enjoy is to use a trailer like a Bob Yak. We got one when we were touring with 2 toddlers when we needed panniers and extra space - one child was on a seat attached to the frame, suddenly we had a 4 man tent. As the trailer is attached via the rear axle it gives you more flexibility of what bike you can use. It's also a bit more stable than 4 heavy panniers - I typically still use two but can put the heavier things in the Yak.

[PiranhaKiller]

Never travel with bikepackers, they will ask you to carry parts of their gear or food beacause their bags are already full

[rlm]

As someone who has done a lot of commuting and touring with a pannier setup, bikepacking rigs seem like a nightmare to me. They seem very kludgey and impactical. If I'm going to be camping, I'm running panniers.

[FlowJunkie]

Great info and questions, Mike - thank you! I've actually been asking myself these types and other questions to decide whether to just use my vintage hardtail mountain bike for bikepacking AND road touring, or trade/sell some of my other mtbs and a road bike for a proper road touring bike; and, I really like the Kona Sutra a lot. I'm just in the planning/deciding stage right now for a multi-day trip in the summer. Cheers!

[rogervansimpsen]

Good job Mike...I started out with a bikepacking set of AGU consisting of saddlebag, framebag, steeringrol and upper bar and snack bag....didn't work out for me. Currently trying the Ortlieb gravelpanniers on the Ortlieb quickrack, framebag 4L, Ortlieb handlebar bag wich I use also as snackpack and until now I'm satisfied with it....the bike is a medium Ridley KanzoAdventure. ...Grtz from Flanders....👍🏻👍🏻

[Redheaded_Cycle_Path]

Thank you thank you thank you . I have been going down a wormhole just trying to figure out which bike to buy . At least now I am certain of which style I need.

[michaelganshirt]

You have made a nice, comprehensive comparison here. I have both a backpacking setup and a full touring setup as well. It's a toss-up on which setup I prefer. The gravel bike with bikepacking gear is much faster and far more maneuverable but I sometimes really appreciate the built-in excuse to go more slowly on the touring bike.

[IronFreee]

There's no rules, both terms describe a bike with some bags or packs attached to it... Just avoid putting too much bags, because you could be temped to fill them. Some people try to make a distinction but it's just to sell you more useless stuff.

I do a lot of off-road and I use a traditional bike with a customized handlebar to change the position of my hands and two rear paniers (only one in summer). The tent is strapped on the rear rack with a tensioner. Just make sure everything is protected from the rain. If your bags are not water proof, just use a plastic bag inside for the things you want to protect.
Unless you never cycle when the path is wet, you should get some mud guards, otherwise your back will get wet and dirty.

Unless you get some joy from wasting your money, don't buy expensive bikes or gears.

[xZM]

I've recently added a fork frame( Passport Lug-Cage) to my bikepack set-up. It can carry tent, or similar shape kit bag, secured with straps. It's proved sturdy and stable on trails.
Enjoyed your vid, as it points up the different/difficult choices, when reducing carrying capacity.

[keaixiaomeinv]

Jättebra video! Blev genast riktigt taggad på att bygga en touring bike nu.

[reeceholmes]

comfort touring for me Mike, thanks for sharing your knowledge with the world, great stuff

[________]

spot on Mike! I maxed out my Surly LHT's tire clearance to 1.75" with the Schwalbe Smart Sams which makes the touring bike much more off/bad road capable...and more comfortable too!

[steveinjava]

One big advantage of a carrier is you can buy things late in the day (food) and just strap it on the rack without worrying how heavy it is. Those bikepacking rear bags are stressing the saddle already so adding tins or water weight is not ideal. I would go with a carrier and either saddle bag or rear panniers every time. But I prefer roads and hate complicated packing so this suits me specifically. Ride safe everyone!

[megandavid]

Great video once again; very professional, helpful and inspiring. Thanks!

[edlaws]

Tack Mike. I like to mix and match, my Tailfin rack is versatile for both situations, although I did bend it a bit when I crashed off my MTB.
Much Love Ed

[cryptolikeaboss]

You answerd my question well.... Thanks man!