Bikepacking Essentials With Sean Conway | What To Take Bikepacking

Simon is joined by Sean Conway, a man who doesn't do things by half, and reveals what he takes with him on his bikepacking adventures.
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What would be your essential items to pack? Let us know in the comments 👇
Sean Conway is an extreme endurance athlete, he completed the world's longest triathlon, 85 days! He's also raced around the world, yep, the world!
Find out what he takes with him on his adventures, it's remarkable what can be packed away. His cycling pannier bags are certainly something to delve inside of.
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Watch more on GCN...
5 Roadside Hacks | Maintenance Monday 📹 gcn.eu/5RoadsideHacks
What's In A Pro Cyclist's Suitcase? With Team Sky's Ian Boswell 📹 gcn.eu/BoswellCase
Photos: © Bettiniphoto / www.bettiniphoto.net/ & ©Tim De Waele / www.tdwsport.com
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Leave us a comment below!

[@ntfntd0]

Cut tooth brush off into half to save a few grams, then brings a liquor flask. Love this guy.

[@FilthyAsFuck]

I also cut my toothbrush in half for bikepacking, but that was so it'd fit in my little first aid/hygiene bag :P And never forget the whiskey!

[@AdelaideBikeFreeway]

me too

[@manysnakes]

Yeah, it's rarely about weight. Just space-saving.

[@jeffgorrie]

my kind of guy

[@lobomalsano]

replace liquor flask for weed joint kit

[@Grudxx]

It is a good thing he finds time to cycle around the world in between Game of Thrones shoots

[@TheDklasse]

brilliant underrated comment.

[@DorinaRoams]

Rodolphe Mannessier bahahahahahaha made my night

[@samsanders3150]

and making friends

[@pepijnishier]

Giants actually, Tormund Giantsbane = Tormund Giantsbabe.

[@briantruck2284]

😆😂🤣

[@dingof4147]

has aero wheels, but a beard the size of a parachute

[@telkanuru]

Wizards don't have to worry about drag

[@tro7e]

nor drugs

[@Asgath]

Best comment of the ever. Sean Conway is a dude.

[@willbert7715]

made my day :D

[@brisfocus3648]

if a Lion rode a bike it would look like Sean...

[@bobcr]

Si's face everytime he pulls something from the pack is something like: "Oh God, please, let it be clean"

[@briantruck2284]

😆😂🤣

[@TryggHavet]

Global Bikepacking Network ? Yes, please !!

[@chris_noswe]

Alexandre M. Z. You should check out Bicycle Touring Pro here on KZbin.

[@hippyswift]

Alexandre M. Z. I have been offering this for ages

[@hippyswift]

Alexandre M. Z. for a more real experience try my videos

[@jacksquat2067]

"That day, for no particular reason, I decided to go for a little ride. So I rode to the end of the road. And when I got there, I thought maybe I'd ride to the end of town. And when I got there, I thought maybe I'd just ride across Green Bow County. And I figured since I rode this far, maybe I'd just ride across the great state of Alabama! And that's what I did: I rode clear across Alabama. No particular reason, I just kept on going. I rode clear to the ocean. And when I got there, I figured since I'd gone this far, might as well turn around, just keep on goin'. When I got to another ocean, I figured since I'd gone this far, might as well just turn back, keep right on goin'. When I got tired, I slept. When I got hungry, I ate. When I had to go, you know...I went." "And so...you just rode!" "...Yeah!"

[@findermanimages]

Ride, Forest, ride...

[@felsal20]

I'm tired. I think I wanna go home now.

[@markconnelly1806]

That's classic. You and he should make a commercial for a bike company.

[@murphragous]

"Woah man! You just rode through a huge pile of dog shit!"

[@DariusRamelis]

Awesome! Can't wait for my 600 miles ride this May 😃😃😃

[@luismedeiros7139]

Was this a job interview cause Sean would make a great Endurance Channel presenter :D "Welcome to ECN"

[@literoadie3502]

I love this guy what a legend!

[@mboyd1959]

Lite Roadie Saw him this weekend, he rode the Fred Whitton and now he's popped up on GCN bizarre! :)

[@hippyswift]

Lite Roadie he is a legend for sure

[@splashstrike]

An essential missed out would be a water filter, allows you to get water from streams.

[@shamanbeartwo3819]

I have an REI one somewhere in my earthquake kit. I lived outside for a year two different times and used it to drink out of a lake. They are quite small. One can also find some pretty decent drinking straws that are great filters just not designed to fill a pot or jug.

[@maxcrowe]

Life straw!

[@Ryan-ud3kk]

There should be regular episodes called "Where in the world is Sean Conway" where you all check in with him and see his latest adventures. He's a really good presenter and seems like he has been and will ride some pretty cool places.

[@dingane]

I really want to see 'GCN goes bike packing'!

[@DorinaRoams]

dingane yes please

[@hippyswift]

dingane 100%

[@mrdavecee7248]

dingane Yep.

[@jeffgorrie]

I would kill to see this series!!

[@khaki.shorts]

Ayyy my child they heard you!

[@MrPoldekrosmol]

YES YES YES YES YES YES YES FINALLY a video from GCN about Bikepacking! WOOHOOO!

[@MrPoldekrosmol]

Damn it myself, you got to excited! A racing gramnerd is NOT they kind of bikepacking I like to do :) altough this could help me if I want to start to do more endurance cycling.

[@Anony3141592]

Same...though "intend" rather than "like", but I am pleased to see a large beard is 'permitted' :-) [I don't have the budget for being a gramnerd in any case. My bike weighs what his entire kit comes to :-\ ]

[@hippyswift]

MrPoldekrosmol yeah finally lol

[@raoulkoopman9408]

I realize that GCN is 'hard' at work with the triplet hour record, but what would have to happen to get a three part series of the presenters bikepacking for a weekend?

[@JS-tb9hu]

Great idea!

[@DanThemes]

That'd be awesome!

[@hippyswift]

Raoul Koopman I think they should do it, I love it and covered over 21k miles so far

[@coryhoffmann9847]

YES! This MUST happen!

[@matthewlewis2072]

They'd all have to grow ridiculous beards and be too poor to stay in, say, a hotel

[@AnthonyLock92]

my parents do a lot a cycle touring usually 1 or 2, 2 to 3 week trips a year and they go with the opposite approach. They don't really care about speed and have trailers. they just really enjoy cycling and seeing people. I did my own. trip a couple of years back and loaded up 2 paniers and a front box. and that was ideal in my eyes. enough comfert and enough speed. I guess what I'm saying is that there is no right formula, just get out and try a trip!

[@ernestsmiles111]

more of this pls

[@hippyswift]

Ernest Smiles have a look at our channels dude

[@DevonCycleBoy]

check out some of my vids, I have one coming soon of my complete bikepacking kit

[@jeffgorrie]

Subscribed to both! I need more bikepacking channels! Thanks, lads.

[@armandrebello3381]

GCN presenters bikepacking challenge! In the format similar to the commute challenge and top gear. That would be a great gcn episode.

[@PaldoEs]

love it! I think Sean needs to take the GCN crew out on a bike packing long weekend adventure! That would be a great vid!!

[@trelosenario]

A new world !! The face of Simon is priceless ......

[@TheVelomobileChannel]

That was interesting! I'd like to see more of this kind of content, bikepacking and endurance cycling.

[@grumpy-dad3701]

"Keep smiling adventures" is a great channel He rides all over the UK. I started watching bikepacking videos about 3 months ago, within 2 weeks I had arranged my 1st solo bikepacking trip. It was amazing already planning my next trip. If you haven't been bikepacking I would say plan, buy and then do it.

[@chrisjong8412]

You need to make more video's with him, what a great guy, so down to earth and informative

[@CallMeDr.T.]

"We have solved many world problems,... and forgotten them on the next hill". Thanks. That was a great fun to hear. :)

[@jordanstebbins1949]

This is absolutely incredible! Well done GCN, keep up the great work, I watch every single day! Love the channel!

[@jakefairley6993]

Love seeing you guys talking about touring, I'm a more into bikepacking than I am straight up road bikes but I still watch all your content, so it's awesome seeing you guys talk about something a bit different :D

[@misomonster]

Love this vid, more of Sean please, such a cool guy.

[@ryand141]

Si's face when he says mascot is f...g priceless. Nuts.

[@dingof4147]

When Sean's beard is bigger than your future

[@Dehibernation]

Dingo F Some say, Sean uses his beard as fire tinder in the wilderness.

[@briantruck2284]

😆😂🤣 sadly true

[@BikeItUK]

Hats off to you Sir, proper touring beard and matching coloured frame, respect!! I'm just getting into touring and will be sharing my adventures on here. Great helpful video! Thanks all the best Andy

[@guy5paris]

More vids on this subject please. Its so versatile - basically on any kind of bike. Info on what to pack where. Becomes a bit of a camping series as well really!

[@harrisonthompsonabdullah4877]

I love this video.. Really inspires me to continue my adventure cycling this coming November..

[@mattmcdougall869]

So RAD! Great production, awesome tunes, and major stoke to get out and explore. Thanks

[@nanaofthefaintsmile]

I've been waiting ages for bikepacking/touring info on this channel. Super pleased.

[@TheWaxChainFanClub]

Sean Conway - gram nerd. 13kg of hair on his head.

[@user-tb1im9wu4z]

Hahah

[@BillOweninOttawa]

Not to mention all the shampoo.

[@solangebrugnatelli]

Loving Simon's expression throughout the video :D

[@Jace_Roams]

Thanks for doing a bikepacking post! I've been hoping you guys would do one!

[@krazykat3063]

Great advice! Thanks for uploading!

[@davidfletcher9403]

good work GCN, what a top video with a top bloke, his books are well worth a read.

[@sanderkommeren2848]

Super awesome to see a video like this guys! Excellent, looking forward to more! :)

[@itsdave92]

This got me very excited to do my tour of the Catskills this July!

[@insideout2600]

like that guys attitude , stellar

[@chriscolabella880]

Lovely bloke and truly inspirational video!

[@jamesd5241]

More interview stuff with these people. A GCN podcast with sean conway wouldve been amazing

[@dncsmedia]

I loved the video. Haven’t but can’t wait to go on my first bike packing trip. It’s actually something I’ve wanted to do life long. Earlier in life, I thought motorcycle, but it never happened. Now I know it’s a bicycle. Have considered a cargo trailer and this video shows maybe that isn’t the best idea. I need a trailer to carry packages to the post office. (I’m in e-commerce) thanks for another great video. Si, You’re the man! 🚲🚲🤙🏼✌🏼❤️

[@bodhievel9503]

that dudes smile is amazing. You can tell he is really happy.

[@MikeTheBike2010]

Brilliant, what a lovely natural guy!

[@constancerudert4830]

There are quite some moments when Simons face expression is absolutely priceless! Then again, cycling in Straya is most of the time warmer then in Northern Europe...

[@stevelachappelle8571]

I have that same set-up on my bike. I have gone on many adventures on it. it's crazy how much you really need to travel.

[@rafaeldegiacomoaraujo8778]

Sean Conway is a fantastic speaker. Great video!

[@IceReef]

What a legend Sean is - inspirational

[@ColonelBummleigh]

What an incredible chap.

[@garshaw8404]

Really like Raoul's suggesting for a GCN bikepacking special! Really interesting video and have to take my hat off to Sean, a very robust and resourceful man

[@laurenthenault-brunet9369]

Need more of this!!!

[@justinfloyd7511]

Nice suprise to see @Conway_Sean on the show, last saw him as he finished JOGLE, not on a bike but running

[@adammackenzie]

Excellent Video ! thanks

[@BikeBodyMind]

Is there a list floating around anywhere that covers exactly what tent, sleeping mat, pillow, etc., he is using?

[@btmilner]

His hair doubles as a pillow

[@williamhilliard7386]

Speed not important, weight on the level same 25 lbs +water and filter . just GO.

[@ChristopherClaudioSkierka]

...this guy really shows how much we over think of what we need, I think the issue is cycling is big business and we get told ,,we need this or we need that. glad I came across this

[@BenGeorgeWALES]

Awesome vid! Thanks guys!

[@eduardoremedios2573]

superb. many thanks.

[@CallMeDr.T.]

Loved the video. Thanks!

[@ayisa001]

Awesome, thanks Sean! (and Simon)

[@mediumrick7667]

I never thought GCN would go bikepacking. Very cool. And I love the Brits answer to Forrest Gump too. Thanks for stepping out a bit GCN, well done.

[@FlatSpinMan]

Never had any interest in bikepacking, but this guy made it sound easy and fun. Nice having such an engaging guest. May have to try this.

[@hayovandijk65]

Really Nice! Something completely different for a change. And a great guy, he can have his own gcn adventure show!

[@juliandevilliers6435]

Great interview! I'm pumped to do this!

[@philipsimister3151]

Si's expression for the entire episode is priceless.......Sean is a legend. Well done all.

[@slumberjer78]

Yeah..i'm into this...more content on bikepacking..

[@OscarRios]

Holy cow! Moses... !!! finally saw him

[@tommyharrold287]

Best video ever by GCN ! If you could make more touring video's that would be grand. Although you may want to take SunCream if your coming to Australia.

[@neilbuddo9297]

Great vid, thank you!

[@hippyswift]

I am also a bikepacking addict & only last week I cycled from Suffolk to Yorkshire for 'Mike Halls' funeral where luckily enough I bumped into Sean myself. I'm glad you guys finally done a bikepacking video as people can enjoy the combination of cycling and camping when going a long way. if anybody would like to come bikepacking with me please leave a comment or message me, peace

[@spammy3164]

I know I'm really late to this comment, but I really need some advice from someone experienced. Looking at camping for a few short trips with a couple friends. How many litres of storage roughly would you say I need for a 3 day round trip please?

[@hippyswift]

@@spammy3164 I normally get away with very little at around 25l of storage, plus bit of food in small hip bag 👍

[@spammy3164]

@@hippyswift thanks for the speedy response! Another cheeky question I have is where the bulk of the storage should be, like do I get a 10l saddlebag and smaller bags elsewhere or bigger frame bags etc and a smaller saddlebag? Thanks once again, this whole thing is super exciting

[@MikeBertelsenDK]

What a BEAST! Mad respect

[@whitej85]

more videos with Sean please, cheers

[@sycarter2024]

THIS GUYS BRILLIANT I RIDE WITH HIM ANYTIME AND IL LEARN LOADS OF HIM..THANK GCN

[@Mio-Vita]

What a great guy , top video thanks

[@juliewalls5804]

Awesome, not your everyday Joe but so what! Looks like a fun way to tour!

[@robertburns6579]

I went on a three week british cycling tour many year ago with simliar but in those days heavier "luggage" on my bike. I would add however a swiss army knife with can and bottle opener is handy

[@tankieboy2]

Brilliant, what a Legend.

[@mucklark6943]

so cool ! really enjoyed that !

[@2klatte]

Surprised you'd have cycling touring stuff here. Glad to see this!

[@stustjohn]

Great video! Sean is a really winsome guy - makes me want to just go out and ride from Lands End to John O'Groats! +Global Cycling Network, can you get him to come back and do a whole session of his hacks and bodges - I'm sure he's used plenty as he's gone around the world. That would make for a great episode!

[@rpx1979]

Bloody Hero. Sean - good work!

[@mboyd1959]

Saw you on the Fred Whitton in sunday Sean. Good Effort!

[@kivriel2660]

Loved this one!

[@md1967gb]

sean conway, what a gem!

[@alsonee]

great guy. keep travelling!

[@austinvickymoore3656]

This looks so dam fun!!!! I would love to set my old road bike up for this!

[@simonbrunner9972]

Would be interested in more of this stuff.

[@jaycollins6792]

fully loved that gcn nice one

[@jasonhearne1174]

Great vid!

[@davideldred.campingwilder6481]

...jst did a big ride myself camping wild thru France, Spain, Portugal, Morocco, Spain, Sardegna, Corsica, Italy, Slovenia and finally Croatia. Wet wipes is the most valuable item! For sure...And they can (Arguably) double up as deoderant wipes...

[@DougMorley1]

A nice refreshing and amusing change for GCN. One missing though essential area - kit for having a dump in the woods?

[@airmagic2199]

Great Vid

[@JasLeGoff]

Dude is a legend!

[@odenwaldcyclist8182]

What a cool Guy!

[@wallacedavidg]

Thanks for this segment. Recently I've watched some KZbin videos on adventure biking and it does sound sort of interesting. My idea would be to have my wife follow in our 4x4 as a chase vehicle, at least to start.

[@martinhollamby3532]

saw him at the Fred Whitton this weekend!

[@andersuhrvik4744]

Nice and amusing video!

[@hari-zz2ge]

To the topic of stoves. I just bulid one with a Pullmoll can and a few screws.

[@zacwarren1797]

This video was awesome! Maybe more bike-packing videos are in order?? Somebody say "yes".. please!

[@mtbmac2692]

Guys a legend.

[@topsetjewellery]

Sean would be a terrific GCN presenter. Good vid.