Give bikepacking a try: These items will get you started (it takes less than you think)

You already own most of the stuff you need to go bikepacking. Here are a few key items that will finally get you on the trail.

Don’t let bikepacking be that thing that you plan to try someday. Now is the time! Heading out for an overnight mountain bike ride is easier than you think, and you probably already have most of the gear you need. Fill in the gaps with these hand-selected items that bikepackers love, from bags and racks to clothing and electronics. The great thing is that you can use most of this gear off the bike and for regular rides too.

Fenix HM65R-T V2.0 Headlamp

Fenix HM65R-T V2.0 Headlamp

$137.00 | $104.95 sale

Bikepacking friends rave about this light for its brightness and long battery life. Pro tip: Remove the strap and zip tie it to the front of your helmet for a secure, lightweight setup.

Buy from Fenix


Club Ride Men's Shaka Brushed Stretch Riding Flannel

Club Ride Men’s Shaka Brushed Stretch Riding Flannel

$89.95

You might think that flannel shirts are just for looking good, but we’ve found they’re especially versatile for bikepacking. Roll up the sleeves and unbutton the top few buttons (or all of them) for climbing during the day. And when the sun goes down, you can batten down the hatches to stay warm.

Buy from Club Ride


Dry bag shown sold separately.

Aeroe Spider Rear Rack + Cradle

$149.00

Take your full suspension bike with the long dropper post bikepacking with the Aeroe Spider Rear rack. This rack will hold more gear than you need, and everything stays secure for singletrack shredding. Fits most frames, no frame mounts requried. Read more.

Buy from Backcountry



NEMO Dragonfly OSMO 1P Tent

NEMO Dragonfly OSMO 1P Tent

$429.95

This 3-season compact tent weighs less than 3lb and will keep you dry even in the wettest conditions.

Buy from REI.com


Trek Farley 9

Trek Farley 9

$3,999.99 | $2,799.98 sale

The Trek Farley 9 is a bikepacking bike in a box. Includes the racks shown and the custom-fitted frame bag. Strap on your regular tent and sleeping bag, then pack clothes, hydration, and some snacks and you’re ready to go!

Buy from Trek


Sawyer Squeeze Water Filter System

Sawyer Squeeze Water Filter System

$40.95

Water is the heaviest thing you’ll need to carry bikepacking. Plan to refill at natural water sources along the way using this straightforward filter system. Read more.

Buy from REI.com



Chrome Doubletrack Feed Bag

Chrome Doubletrack Feed Bag

$40.00

We love strapping a feed bag (or two) to our handlebar for easy hydration and snacking along the way. Constant fueling is the key and makes for a much happier ride! Read more.

Buy from Amazon


7Mesh Cypress Hybrid Vest

7Mesh Cypress Hybrid Vest

$150.00 | $90.00 sale

Keep your core warm for early morning starts and long descents with the packable 7Mesh Cypress vest.

Buy from Jenson USA


AeroPress Go Travel Coffee Press

AeroPress Go Travel Coffee Press

$49.95

It’s important to minimize weight for bikepacking, but we also recommend splurging on at least one creature comfort for the ride. This portable coffee press is just the ticket.

Buy from REI.com



Garmin inReach Mini 2

Garmin inReach Mini 2

$399.99 | $353.55 sale

Send messages no matter where you roam, keep loved ones posted on your progress, and call for help in an emergency.

Buy from Amazon


Specialized Pizza Rack

Specialized Pizza Rack

$90.00

This front rack should fit most bikes with fender fork mounts, giving you a stable platform for holding sleep gear like a tent and sleeping bag while keeping your handlebars and controls free and clear.

Buy from Specialized


PEARL iZUMi Pro Barrier Packable Jacket

PEARL iZUMi Pro Barrier Packable Jacket

$150.00

If you don’t already own a good packable jacket, the PEARL iZUMi Pro Barrier is a good choice. The jacket blocks wind to keep you warm and is water-resistant too. A women’s version is available too.

Buy from PEARL iZUMi



Portable Battery Charger

Portable Battery Charger

$29.99 | $19.99 sale

You’ll want a little extra juice to charge your phone, lights, and GPS along the way, and a battery pack like this one is a good choice. We did the math comparing a battery charger vs. a dynamo hub, and the battery is the more efficient energy choice for 2-3 day trips.

Buy from Amazon


Restrap Saddle Bag

Restrap Saddle Bag

$164.99

Bikepackers love Restrap bags, and this saddle bag is an excellent choice thanks to its design and solid construction.

Buy from Competitive Cyclist


Outdoor Research Helium Bivy

Outdoor Research Helium Bivy

$225.00

A bivy is a good choice for fastpacking trips where you don’t plan to sleep much, or for mountain bikers who aren’t too picky about where and how they sleep. Pros: it’s super lightweight and compact. Cons: not a lot of room for moving around, and it can feel stuffy on warm nights. Read more.

Buy from REI.com




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