Bikepacking Setup for Long-Distance Cycling Adventures: My Gear and Experiences

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🚴‍♂️ Welcome to my ultimate bikepacking setup video! 🚴‍♀️
Join me as I uncover the essential gear that has journeyed with me across thousands of kilometers around the globe. From the front rack to the rear rack, each piece of equipment and each bag suits my needs on this journey around the world. This bikepacking setup is designed for heavy long-distance riders who don’t want to miss out on comfort while traveling thousands of kilometers. I’ll walk you through my panniers, frame bag, top tube bag, snack bags, phone holder, and drybags. Whether you’re an experienced bikepacker or just starting out, i bet you’ll discover valuable insights into configuring your own bike for long-distance adventure.
Gear Breakdown:
- **Front Rack**: Ideal for carrying extra food supplies.
- **Fork Pack**: Convenient for storing occasional essentials.
- **Frame Bag**: Utilizes bike frame space for heavier tools and gear.
- **Top Tube Bag**: Perfect for quick-access snacks, maps, and essentials.
- **Panniers**: Side bags offering ample storage for clothes, camping gear, and my 'universal studio'.
- **Rear Rack**: Supports additional panniers and bulky items for a well-equipped journey.
Join me as I delve into each component, sharing tips on a long term bikepacking setup. This setup is tailored for long-distance bikepackers navigating diverse countries and climates-it's definitely not lightweight!
Cheerio, Goodbye, Salut & Adios
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00:00 Intro
00:33 A useful tool on the go
01:36 My Set Up
02:04 Fork Pack
02:59 Front Rack
03:35: Go pro mount, Aerobars, Phone holder
04:44 Snack bag
06:16 Top tube bag
07:38 Bottles
08:16 Frame Bag
09:41 Rear Rack, Panniers and Drybag
Some of these links above are affiliate links. If you click on them or purchase something through these links, I will earn a commission.

[@giantcheerio]

**The Sponsor of todays video: NordVPN** Get 4 months extra on a 2 year plan here: nordvpn.com/giantcheerio . It’s risk free with Nord’s 30 day money-back guarantee!

[@viop46]

Unfortunately, NordVPN does not have the ability to bypass Iran's internet and is practically useless in Iran.

[@thomashecht71]

So, jetzt muss ich es mal schreiben: Ich mag dich, deine Videos und deine Erlebnisse wirklich sehr. Mit all den Höhen und Tiefen, an denen du uns teilhaben lässt. Dein Fluchen und deine Freude - es zeigt ehrlich, dass nicht alles easy living ist, im Gegenteil. Manchmal sind es eben nicht nur steile Anstiege, Gegenwind und Grenzpolizei, gegen die man ankämpfen muss. Deine Stärke, dich durch Tiefs zu kämpfen, ist ein großes Vorbild für mich. Ich danke dir von Herzen. Und alles Glück für dich auf deiner nächsten Strecke, wo lang sie auch immer führt. 🧡

[@tomsitzman3952]

Nice very workable set up, for ever changing seasonal needs. I like how you have off season items packed separately. Front top rack is always a good choice., it gives you so many more options. On a long multi week or year tour you need options for reconfiguration based on the weather, season, roads, country. Clean water bottles are always a good idea. In the last two years I have switched from plastic water bottles to wide mouth double wall stainless steel. I can carry two one-liter bottles in the triangle and two 0.5 liter or larger in the handlebar bags. The water tastes so much better. I have also mounted four feed bags/ stem bags/ grub bags or whatever you want to call them on the handlebars two facing forward and two inward. What I carry in them changes almost daily: water, phone, figure food, bill fold, spray bottle. reflective shirt, flashlight/torch. Panniers make so much sense. They are easy to load and unload. Easy to get to what you need in a hurry.

[@JoePenaProductions]

So good to see an update from you. I watched one of your longer videos, then began the journey watching from the beginning of your trip. Wishing you, your pup and companion the best on your travels.

[@michadudkowski6681]

So you just went through classic newbie bike touring, through bikepacking back to bike touring, but in experienced version ;)

[@giantcheerio]

Haha yes kind of. And I guess I will go back to bikepacking one day. Doing a little set up ping pong game

[@gazzberg]

For a Top Tube bag, I use a 1.5l Tailfin one, which flips open rather than zips. I love it, but it's quite expensive

[@krimoll]

Expensive is ok, when it is good quality. Tailfin is pure quality, thats my experience

[@gazzberg]

@@krimoll 100%, agree with you

[@fukawitribe]

I have the 1.1l version of the same bag, and have to agree. Don't regret the extra (still cheaper than some top tube bags TBF), can't see myself going back to zips anytime soon, very impressed with it.

[@bicweld]

Oscar inherited!))) Everything is in wool)) Thank you for the long-awaited video!

[@giantcheerio]

😂😂😂😂 that’s so true! I tried to get all these hairs off the bags but at some point I just gave up :D

[@Baese_R]

Hi Lara. Thank you for that video and all the other content you share with us.

[@giantcheerio]

Oh that’s so exciting! Enjoy your adventure! You will notice by youreself whether you packed too much. I mean we all went through the stage of having too much stuff & sending stuff home is always an option . Enjoy the ride!!

[@tomsitzman3952]

Eyelets are not a problem. there are other ways to attach equipment to the bike. Where there is no eyelet I attach hose clamps. You could use rubber straps, zip ties, My bike shop sells hose clamps with eyelets. I also use Velcro straps. A good source from them is at a physical therapy store.

[@tomh7708]

I really enjoy your travel videos, especially since you're traveling by bike. I'm impressed at the miles you've traveled over the years. This video was great, seeing how your set-up has changed over the years. When it comes to someone providing gear reviews, I feel I can trust your reviews. It keeps me from making mistakes by purchasing poor gear. Experience is a great teacher and you've got a lot of experience, so I trust your opinion. Oh, if I had to ask, could you review your bikes/s? Safe travels!

[@giantcheerio]

Thanks a lot for your words! As I tried quite a lot different options for bikepacking I guess it’s crucial to share my experiences. I am not sure whether I will do a bike review, as my bike is a prototype. But if you can check out the actual bike on the 8bar website. To model is called "Tflsberg" :)

[@emp-ty-g]

always the saddle that gets me. i made my own and it works better than anything i ever bought. super soft memory foam cargo saddle with extra foam on top. to stop me from sliding forward's. i slide a little bit but its better than ass pain. i just need to keep my legs parallel with the frame, and all is god. 10+ hours a day without any pain. its a upright position.

[@outtatrex]

Thanks, I love how your bike setup becomes better and smarter all the time. I agree, sometimes it is better not to know how much your bike weighs. What you don't know, can't hurt you 🙂 The only thing I wonder about is that you do not have fenders on your bike, but I suppose that shows you like to ride in good weather. ( I am from Holland, where it rains all the freaking time). Cheers.

[@giantcheerio]

Haha yes it’s true that I prefer riding in good weather but within the last 3 years I did have my unpleasant weeks & months of rain. I am not using any genders because my bags function as fenders.

[@DameEdnaBrown]

Great set-up Lara

[@giantcheerio]

Thanks !

[@AncarMolleur]

The variety of textures in the kislux pack is impressive. From smooth leather to textured suede, there's something for everyone.

[@Kevin_geekgineering]

pleas also talk about a good touring bike, and if suspension is good to have, what kind of handlebar to get, still frame or aluminum, all these stuff in more details , thanks

[@adammackenzie]

😊 awesome..ride safe everyone

[@michaelvikhman7926]

Hi Lara from Virginia USA. I went and looked at some of your first video, you face is got so thin. You have great personality and love to watch your video. Keep going!!!

[@evanlouis8853]

Thanks for the gear tour. I love following your channel. You made me laugh at the end about not weighing your kit...I'm sure everyone wanted to know...but it makes sense not knowing. I was just beginning a trip this summer across the USA...I had so much stuff that I bought a trailer. I have sleep apnea and have to carry a cpap machine and some batteries. I went on a test run and pulled a couple of muscles. So now I am watching more youtube videos. I'm 67, but the way. I'll get it together and try again. Wondering...do you ever break spokes with all that weight? Stay safe and thank you for all the wonderful videos. The best of luck to you.

[@tomsitzman3952]

A friend told me the best way to say a few grams or ounces is to take your change out of your pocket. People get to bent out of shape over a few pounds. Take what you need. Remember you can travel light and freeze at night. Or carry what you really need and enjoy your journey.

[@PMK7734]

Great video! Great ideas! I never thought of the auxiliary bags on the back panniers. Ortleb makes great gear. I bought a pretty much complete set up for my new Surly Bridge Club.

[@giantcheerio]

I added these tiny bags along the way. Bought them after bumping into someone who was traveling with those. I really do love these "baby-pockets"

[@PMK7734]

@@giantcheerio They will be among my next Ortlieb purchases.

[@antonpastor7963]

Hello lara always ride safe especially your travel useng you bike❤❤❤

[@clickbaitnumberone1403]

good one

[@shivsnorman]

Great video! New subscriber here 👍

[@Wids41]

Hi. ✌️ You are talking alot about your bagsetups. But whats about your bike? Which one are you driving right now? Comparing old vs new and things like this would he amazing. Keep on, you are amazing. 💪

[@jackthomas23]

Hi Lara, I hope you're doing well. I'm curious to know what kind of bike you're currently riding. Do you have any role models or authorities in cycling that inspire you and from whom you draw knowledge? Best regards, Jack

[@sharkmentality9717]

Sun tan lotion, chain lube, many differents oils help zippers.

[@giantcheerio]

Great point!

[@LetsRideOn]

As well as having the water bottles, would you be able to have a bag of water added somewhere, with a straw to drink from, perhaps from a backpack?

[@giantcheerio]

I am using a 4L Ortlieb water bag too

[@desmonddart5163]

Where do I get a bike with such a nice curved frame like the very first one from giant? I cant find it in Giant's store.

[@mangethegamer]

How your experience been with the Go Pro? I find that mine overheats frequently and also get corrupted files somewhat often.

[@giantcheerio]

Had the same issue when Iwas using the go pro 9 with the blue batteries. I switched to a go pro 11 and after a little research exchanged the blue batteries with the white ones. Ever since no problems!

[@Expertzero6Dingley]

Really clean setup! I’m also wondering what is a rough estimate of the cost of all the various racks and bags ?

[@FreeSoul.7]

Thank you so much . I like your stuff . Wat is your bike ? Is that handmade from Germany or wat ? thanks

[@alimehraein6811]

Thanks for your nice videos. In my opinion, you deserve a lot more attention and subscribes. I'm not sure, but if you more often talk straight to the camera or in its front and/or have your friend(s), people you encounter in different countries, etc. do so, your audience may find your videos more interesting or even intriguing, as they might see for themselves the reports of the voiceover or even instead of the voiceover.

[@grahames9228]

That's a nice set-up. You didn't mention a sleeping bag, do you use one?

[@giantcheerio]

Yes I forgot to mention that I carry my sleeping bag in one of my panniers

[@alirezafarshadroo]

If you are still in Iran, come to the city of Bandar Anzali, just search its name and you will realize how beautiful the main structure of the city of Anzali was built by the Germans during Hitler's time.😂❤ I will be happy to come and show you the city

[@Just4Gordon]

For your Top Tube Bag try: Revalate Designs Mag Tank flip top bag. Great bag and company. Sounds like what you’re looking for. You’re doing great on your trips, thanks for sharing. Keep it up!

[@giantcheerio]

I will check it out ! Thanks !

[@krimoll]

Take a look at the Tailfin product line

[@charlesdgrinstead2114]

What is the current bicycle you're riding?

[@sashaantidot2444]

And what about Bike and components? Does Brooks saddle suits u better now ?

[@farhad_353]

waiting for more video of Iran welcome btw

[@ethecyclists8189]

Hi have been following you from day one I live here in Ireland and love watching you on your journey .Can you tell me what your bike gear ratio is I see you use a single front crank called one drive. ? You hav losted quite a lot of your body weight since day one so I hope you are eating well take care and stay safe.await your reply .from a Fellow cyclists tourer.

[@giantcheerio]

From day one! That is such a long time! 1x11 is perfect for these kind of travels with heavy loadings as I most of the time don’t need the highest gear. The ratio is either 11-40 or 11-42 i always try to keep it in my head but I always forget:D

[@possessionfriend946]

What brand and model of Tent ? - and where do you carry the stray dog 🙂

[@possessionfriend946]

What make and type is the petrol stove ?

[@kahsini]

What kind of tires you ride?

[@Simonprivat-zb2vn]

Hello, wie zufrieden bist du mit deinem Bike von 8bar?

[@b.griffin317]

What rear rack do you use? Also what do you use for a sleeping bag or quilt? Thanks!

[@giantcheerio]

Front rack is pelago. Rear rack is the Ortlieb rack three. My sleeping bag is currently an Alpinloacker sleeping bag. For mild temperatures. Using an inlay as well cause when the temperature drops below 8 I am freezing my a off

[@cyclemad-e]

Does that sleeping bag go in your back panniers? Love your honest inspiring videos

[@giantcheerio]

@@cyclemad-e yes it does. But it is quite bulky

[@queraxe1504]

Hey was für einen Fahrradständer hast du? Ich bin momentan auf der suche. Mein gravelbike hat aber keine guten anscharuabpunkte und den den ich jetzt hab kommt mit dem ganzen gewicht nicht klar.

[@giantcheerio]

Meiner ist "no-name". 6€ aus dem Iran

[@tiffanynichol7765]

Please drop the name of that tent (or if anyone else has recommendations lmk too)

[@giantcheerio]

I am using a Wechsel Exogen 2

[@Killik001]

Neat

[@maryamfatolah5970]

Hey there I hope you enjoying your travel in Iran😊 If you decide to travel to Tehran, I can give you a tour.

[@reaganpurdy5000]

Love the setup. What bike do you ride?

[@giantcheerio]

I am riding the prototype of the 8bar Tflsberg

[@albert2395]

Good to hear your name, at last!😂😅 Lara. I hope I spelt it right?😊 Is that the same name as the heroine in Thomas Hardy's, 'Far from the madding crowd?' Or maybe I'm getting mixed up with somebody else.

[@QuirkyAvik]

Hello! I enjoy your video but I have a suggestion. Make longer videos either by filming longer videos or just stitching together already made videos into a large one. I download videos to watch when I am off the internet, I tend to download the longer ones over the many parts that a lot have. I hope you consider this.

[@DAVID-m2r]

THANK YOU FOR CONTENT

[@harryvenables2623]

How do you get on and off your bike safely and without dropping it when it is fully loaded?

[@detharp]

she has 6th dgree in yoga mastership❤

[@giantcheerio]

I got used to the bike, the weight and all the bags. So 99,9% of the time the possibility of dropping it or falling is pretty low. And if it falls, it has some kind of airbag due to all the bags ;)

[@poida84]

i been through 2 air matress annoying leaks that you cannot find over time.... gave up ended up using tarp folded up in way it was comfortable... but might get folded up matress like you have 😁 few friends highly recommend them so ill see 😃

[@giantcheerio]

I also got sick of trying to fix punctures and still waking up on the ground. This foldable thing really does the job for me

[@kayasper6081]

I see you're half way back to panniers😂

[@phillipcowan1444]

North America next year?

[@Sebastian-wd1vu]

Und ich habe mich so auf ein loadout gefreut..Aber ich hätte auch keine Lust alles wieder einzupacken.

[@giantcheerio]

Load out wird kommen!

[@Luigi13]

This is your full time job? I am sure you do meet many other cyclists on the road doing the same thing. it is a loaded bicycle and yes better not to know about the weight. Cheers and good luck.

[@kelvingrover4043]

May God be with you on your journey

[@DemiGod..]

I don't think he rides bicycle.

[@thomashecht71]

@@DemiGod.. 😂

[@krimoll]

@@DemiGod..He does though 😅

[@CadetKinslow]

I don’t miss a day a week kislux This show..

[@martijnrakers7301]

You named everything, except the brand of your bike haha. What's the brand and type, thanks!

[@m0cna]

Are you sure it's your final setup? :)

[@giantcheerio]

Hahaha no :D

[@AmaBossBeYourOwnBoss]

❤

[@kai_lemke]

schade...das gesamtgewicht hätte mich ja wirklich mal interessiert 😕 ich glaube da kommt echt schon enorm was zusammen...wäre vor allem auch sehr interessant weil ja irgendwie mittlerweile alle bikes mit nem zulässigem gesamtgewicht angeboten werden...da hat man mit dem setup wohl kaum ne chance 😅

[@giantcheerio]

Also um ehrlich zu sein glaube ich, dass ich komplett beladen (mit essen, Wasser, Hundefutter und co) locker 60 kg auf die Wage bringe. Der ganze Technikkram ist schwer, 2 Gepäckträger und und und. Ich hoffe ich kann es bald mal wiegen(denn einbisschen interessiert es mich schon ;D)

[@kai_lemke]

@@giantcheerio da geh ich auch mal stark von aus...50 - 60 kilo werden das locker sein...gerade weil du ja auch wirklich einiges an technik mit an bord hast 😅 und da kommt halt echt der interessante punkt mit den neuen bikes und ihrem zulässigem gesamtgewicht...keine ahnung seit wann diese angaben verpflichtend sind...aber demnach ist es ja nahezu unmöglich ein bike zu finden wo man da "im grünen bereich" ist...da kriege ich allein ohne gepäck schon probleme 🤣 verrückt wie sich das alles entwickelt...

[@Spanderson99]

Your zipper comment reminded me of the time a rodent chewed through the zipper of my brand-new Apidura frame bag to get at my trail mix while I slept. Ruined the bag, as well as the trail mix!

[@matt281075]

👌👍

[@user-ud5gw4eb5v]

❤❤❤❤🎉

[@advmotorrad]

What about your seat?

[@giantcheerio]

Currently riding a brooks

[@advmotorrad]

@@giantcheerio thanks

[@advmotorrad]

@@giantcheerio right now are you in india or pakistan?

[@advmotorrad]

@@giantcheerio may i know whats brooks model do you suggest for touring or whats your brooks model

[@JieunsFashion]

Iran's Nord VPN works badly, amnezia vpn is good for Iran

[@nikolapavlovic5689]

👍

[@DemiGod..]

Is it my imagination or have you lost weight? You don't bring a sleeping bag?

[@giantcheerio]

Maybe I forgot to mention that my sleeping bag is inside my "closet pannier"

[@huawei755]

=Consumerism=. Paid commercial.

[@giantcheerio]

Exactly! Well observed!

[@thomashecht71]

This guy again 🤮

[@huawei755]

@@giantcheerio Shop till you drop..

[@Just4Gordon]

Helps pay the bills…making content for you rag on isn’t cheep! You can always make a contribution to help defray costs…just saying 😱

[@DAVID-m2r]

THANK YOU FOR CONTENT

[@DAVID-m2r]

THANK YOU FOR CONTENT

[@DemiGod..]

Heard you the first time.

[@DAVID-m2r]

THANK YOU FOR CONTENT

[@DAVID-m2r]

THANK YOU FOR CONTENT