16 Really Useful Things for BIKEPACKING

You never know what's going to happen while bikepacking. Here's a list of cycling things you might want to consider taking. Thanks Garmin for sponsoring this video, you'll see 3 of their products used as examples.

(none of these are affiliate links)

The following companies (that you'll see in my content) support me either financially or with free stuff, so huge thanks to these guys for helping the channel thrive:
Attacus Cycling,
Wilier Triestina,
MET Helmets,
Shimano,
fidlock,
Hutchinson Tyres
Tailfin
GT85

#cycling #bikes #bicycle #bikepacking

[MattSwain]

Disposable gloves, again take up no space but handy for keeping your hands clean if you end up needing to do emergency bike maintenance as you are unlikely to have anywhere to wash any oil off afterwards

[stuartpotter]

I highly recommend a packable pillow. I've been on trips and assumed I can use something else I have with me to roll up under my head - spare layers, down jacket, saddle bag... inevitably I get a rubbish nights sleep. An inflatable packable pillow takes up very little space but makes a big difference to your sleep and, therefore, you're recovery and energy the following day.

[bnorberg]

I've been bike touring for 50+ years. And I clicked on this not expecting to agree or find much useful information. I was wrong. Great recommendations and nice video. Thanks. Subscribed and a comment to help the channel

[shekton]

Spare rear derailleur hanger for your bike. I recently had to cut and bike packing trip short as I'd bent mine. When my new one arrived it took me 5 mins to replace the old one. Something I could've done roadside and continued my adventure.

[HanOfGod]

WolfTooth Quick Link Pliers, flat and light. Stores 2 pairs of quick/master links.
Electrical Tape.
Woolly or fleece beanie, for cold nights.

[AnthonyLock]

Zip ties are amazing! My pannier snapped on some cobbles on a bike packing trip. fixed it with 5 zip ties. Held so well did not move at all in the next 1000km

[JakeMay]

Head torch would maybe be my addition. So useful being hands free putting up your tent or trying to do whatever in the dark

[discbrakefan]

A good head torch (if camping). It’s the only light source you need and keeps your hands free.

[stormeporm]

An extra long titanium spoon! Especially with the dehydrated meals. The bags are to high for the spoon to reach the bottom comfortably. Also works really well with the big yogurt cups. Not heavy and easily pack-able. For the zip-ties you can store those in the hollow axle of your crank. I always have a bunch there even on regular rides. Saved me quite a few times.

[tandemoniousd]

Wrap a few meters of gorilla tape around your pump handle or a flat piece of cardboard. It's small and light and can fix a lot of issues!

[georgetate]

When i ride either my mountain bike or road bike i all way carry a spare derailer hanger and a spare chain joiner link.

[KowalskiVanishing_Point]

Tension straps, puffy jacket, zip ties, dehydrated food, multitool, feedbag are 6 of the things you mention that are on all my trips. But, I'm doing shorter ones in Northern Ontario on and off road. A thing I never go anywhere without is black electrical tape. Stuff is great for all kinds of repairs. Even saved our backsides on a snowmobile trip doing engine repair. Bear spray is never wrong as bears are a very real risk here.
One thing I noticed on the picture for the video was your rear rack setup. Basically, what I see in a lot of bikepacking is a move back to more conventional bike touring rear racks while trying not to make it look that way. I use an old style cheaper rack and no panniers but some dry bags strapped horizontally if needed. Good video.

[JakeMay]

Actually my main recommendation is a charger with multiple USB slots. Being able to charge three things – e.g. your phone, a light and your bike computer – all at the same time for the hour you have access to power when you're in a pub or whatever, is so useful

[jantown]

Packable daypack was my #1 addition to my bikepacking gear last summer. 4 oz, and fits in my hand when packed down. Allows us to get more snacks if there's a gas station/store near where we're camping. Bonus, we've added a packable *cooler* this summer (5oz? also small) Fits into the backpack with 6+ drinks and room for extra food. Is it the best cooler? Of course not. Can I have a cold beer 4 hours after reaching camp on a 90 degree (F) dat? Yes.

[markus]

Another tip for the Garmin Varia:
I had trouble mounting it to my big 16L Ortlieb Saddle Bag when Bikepacking,
turns out you can just put it securely in your jersey (I put a few energy bars in the mid pocket and the Radar in front of it).
It works as well as if you mount it on your bike.

[larrymcardle]

So glad you mentioned a powerbank! This is the ultimate bikepacking device for me. I have an Anker 20000 mAh with two outputs. I can recharge my phone, headlight, tail light, GoPro batteries, etc, during the night. This also negates the need for a GPS head unit for me, as I can use my phone exclusively. It's a great device for bikepacking, backpacking travel, and if SHTF.

[eolle]

Great list. I would add baby wipes (or equivalent) can be used for nature breaks as well as camp clean up.

[mdude]

Pro tip: you can find reusable zip ties now, just as cheap and good as regular ones but have a small extra tab you can push to reopen them

[breathestrongcycling]

Hotels instead of a tent....it's lighter because you don't have to carry it..👍
Pub food instead of bars and gels....because it's just more tasty and you don't have to go far for a beer...👍
...or am I missing the point of bike packing...🤔

[thebikepackingadventurer]

Black diamond ski straps are a must, strapping on lunch, clothing when it gets hot can strap to the outside and extra water bottles are great. Go round the tailfin a treat. I have the sawyer 105 water filter which is tiny and works well. I always have cable ties and also a small roll of electrical tape, just in case on the fly repairs are needed. Tyre boot/s is a must too if running tubes obviously, I also recommend buying a contact lens case and putting some sudocream in it, takes up no room at all really, but if you get cuts, saddle sores etc this comes in very handy