What's in a Gravel Bikepacking Gear List?

n our latest video, Neil unpacks the ultralight fastpacking setup he used on his recent ride of the Arizona Trail 300. He details the importance of convenience on a rig like this, what kind of bike works best, and highlights essential items such as lights, water storage, calories, and much more...
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Hosted by Neil Beltchenko
Music by Ben Weaver (benweaver.net)
More at bikepacking.com
Mentioned links:
The Most Stable Seat Pack? Revelate Designs Spinelock VS Porcelain Rocket Mr. Fusion: • The Most Stable Seat P...

[@fa6106]

Can’t thank you enough for your vids!! I’m recently retired and the bike bug has gotten to me. Have never done bike trip but am really stoked to plan and do one. Really love ur videos. The last time I biked in any serious fashion was way before today’s modern technologies (1980s). Today I have such a bug to get back into the lifestyle and am grateful for all of your suggestions. May plan a trip to Smithville missouri from upper iowa as my maiden voyage (can’t wait).

[@edscoble]

Can you please make your content inclusive and accessible to everyone by formatting the auto captioning into closed captioning please? it is very hard to enjoy your content relying on only the auto captioning sadly (I'm Profoundly Deaf)

[@BrianRPaterson]

Hi. I just spotted this comment and i have a suggestion/solution. If you fiddle with the settings, Tube can auto generate subtitles in English. It does a pretty good job too. And it seems to work with any video. Hope this helps. Cheerz

[@wanderingpanda6556]

2 years ago you posted thus vid, still so relevant to those of us transitioning to bikepacking (in my case road bike and backpacking) I appreciate the insight. great vid

[@jc10747]

To add to my TP comment, there’s a lot more to this issue than a glib comment. Bikepacking in general needs to address proper human waste practices like hiking and canoeing have done. Wild camping necessitates “how to shit in the woods”. Done poorly and routes/campsites become like Boundary Waters was, years ago, with TP all over the place and disgusting sites. Even if it’s a credit card/convenience store route, that one dash into the bush to rid oneself of Pad Thai overload requires good hygiene + better gear list preparation. TP + pack out bags + trowel + sanitizer ...all together in larger zip lock. Similarly, what goes out has a nasty habit of going in again. While the hand to mouth fecal transmission route is well known with children, it still exists with adult adventures outdoors. The point of sanitizing hands and not touching the face is to reduce that transmission - but what else goes in or near your mouth? Those exposed bottles are collecting all kinds of road crud, esp in wet conditions. What we have learned from COVID is the ease of droplets going everywhere. So only spraying the liquid without touching the nozzle is still not enough to prevent transmission. Better is to keep bottles clean in the first place, before handling them. What does that mean for packing? Bottles with lids, covers, or stuffed into full frame bags for protection. Look, I don’t mean to be insulting. That’s not my intent at all. So I apologize if the language in this is too brisk. Gear lists and packing are interesting for a lot of reasons, one of which is the logic and reasoning that goes into solving the problems. I’m just suggesting that Bikepacking.com may need to examine whether the typical go-fast setup in a COVID/climate change/high-outdoor-usage world needs to present to the mass audience more robust viral/bacterial management strategies, especially in non-racing situations.

[@bike4fish241]

Correct. Leave No Trace offers excellent modern guidelines and free education for outdoor ethics. lnt.org/. I myself sit in the natural objects for TP category and dug to compost far from camp or water sources. Round river rocks work better then you would expect and are often easy to fine, but all sorts of things work depending where you live. That and a love for cold baths in lakes and rivers. Since cycling requires a bit more "care" to the ass and taint then other outdoor activity, i would suggest a pack it out system with some sort of wet wipe. cheers and happy and safe shit posting :)

[@skf957]

I'd be interested to know roughly how much your kit weighs. Amazing how much stuff is packed into such small spaces!

[@agelaonsoikea]

I always carry a small u-lock to lock my bike when needed. Sometimes I go hiking a bit to see some scenery and sometimes it is easier just to lock the bike and do a 2 km loop by foot over a boulder field. Usually there are some museums along the route.

[@stephenimsong3462]

how do you lock your bags? or do you just leave them and hope nothings gets stolen

[@agelaonsoikea]

@@stephenimsong3462 I carry my bags with me. Carradice is easy to carry. Framebag stays in the frame.

[@frazergoodwin4945]

Two things I carried on a 9 day trip from Brussels to Sweden not on this list: 1 - more complete wash kit including laundry detergent so that I could wash kit & carry less, plus a towel and flannel. 2 - "lite lock gold" that wrapped around seat pack. Traveling through western Europe meant I didn't need to carry food on the bike and could shop daily or eat take out. Other than that (and less camera gear) my set up is pretty similar...

[@Tovenaarsleerling]

Hey, did you also take a lock with you?

[@Cog_In_The_Gear]

Thanks for bringing up aero. I’m getting the Switch Aero System from Redshift Sports to go between my road and gravel bikes. They can laugh all they want about aero on gravel, but on the 75th mile of a hundred plus mile rails-to-trails ride, I’m usually begging for a different hand-position option (even though drop-bars already offer three). Good video and great breakdown of your approach. Some takeaways will work for me, and some will work for others!

[@cosinus_square]

You should def invest in a dynamo hub.

[@tlarent6330]

Great detail on a ride that I would like to do! Did you carry a bike lock? Also, where do you keep all of your bikes and equipment?

[@get_outdoors]

Just getting into Bikepacking, really enjoyed your video. What’s the make of tool keg holder your using? Many thanks

[@thecappy]

Oh man I just picked up a mechanical warbird. Couldn't find the Di2 version, anywhere. Looking forward to the BA tent review when you're allowed.

[@ronsterboi]

hi, have you thought of using rechargeable batteries? I think that would be better for you. nice content bro

[@bryanwadd]

Thanks for the video. Do you use a bike lock when you’re going into shops or cafes etc?

[@willnoterase]

I wondered the same thing.

[@byoffer]

I always carry a small combination luggage lock when I ride. Certainly not nearly as safe as a true bike lock, but something to add security when I pop in and out of shops.

[@pro353]

i may have missed it, but did you mention whether you carry a lock?

[@samiant5199]

Always wondered this

[@elPedro666]

Personally I tend to use a either a ZipLock or if bivvying, a long, very light retractable wire cord which also loops through the drybag that sits next to me. Obviously no defence against a serious thief, but saves things wandering...

[@coreygolphenee9633]

A hip pack with this feature is great for this if ur more of the 3-5 day kinda person

[@edgit69]

One thing I use is two large zip ties with a stainless steel center for just entering a convenient store. Great deterent..

[@coreygolphenee9633]

@@edgit69 hey you could sell that for a 100 dollars like Ronnie romance lol

[@micdavey]

Really great video, thanks! Do you think you'll put up your route? I'm in southern Minnesota and have been thinking about a trip like this for next year.

[@MyopicAdventures]

Great video with useful tips, thanks! I always wonder about bike security, what do people use on solo trips to make sure their bike is secure? IE: you need to go into a grocery store or some other place you cannot keep an eye on your bike.

[@ricardowirrer2512]

I have a Lock with an alarm in it.

[@gbcycle6026]

Shout out Kwik Trip

[@jamisonswift8320]

I just bought that same cookset this year and LOVE it. Perfect size, and packs down great.

[@nikveldkamp8630]

How do you fit this (or any other pot that's higher and larger in diameter than the bag width) into your frame bag like Neill did without chafing your thighs? I usually put it into my front roll or in the saddle bag.

[@tomsitzman3952]

I like to carry a little food on a trip, Instead of relying on finding a place to eat on a day when you run out of light or run into a storm. I like to rinse out my padded liner in camp every night. I'm old school and still use panniers., that are twice the age of the young riders. This week I'm taking off on a ride carrying my Seva 123 white gas self pressurizing stove. For the first time I will be carrying alcohol based sanitizer. In an emergency it is a good fire starter. Everything I carry must have two or more uses or it stays home. My knife is a a two blade , small Swiss Army knife, with a Philips screw driver. I have tents but have used tarps over the years.

[@colinperkinson4745]

Wait...we're lubing the chain every single day?

[@henk-janvanboven7463]

Probably wax, not oil.

[@Ming3r]

I normally lube my chain every 100 miles or so, so depending on conditions I wouldn't be that surprised?

[@linechaay6430]

I mean it can't be that bad to do

[@uzaxbike4934]

When your doing long trip it's better to keep it clean and well lubricate

[@Ddigzdirt]

I blast mine with wd40 once or twice a year 😂 but my stuff is junk in comparison to his

[@johnhickie1107]

Just saw this one. I live in Western Canada and have tons of relatives and biking friends in Iowa. Curious about your route as I may want to do a ride like this some day.

[@christianhuber4054]

Excellent thanks for the detail! answered all my questions

[@rickmason2579]

Good coverage. I've done a lot of on road touring with a traditional pannier set up, and thinking of trying off road Bikepacking. I'm trying to figure out how in the world I can do long (multi week) bike packing trips using bags that only hold half the volume. This video is helpful, though I'm still scratching my head a bit...

[@Eklipze]

As a novice road commuter. What's holding you back from using panniers for gravel road bikepacking?

[@rickmason2579]

@@Eklipze Nothing if all it is is gravel roads. I'm thinking more about rougher routes. My concern there is primarily the durability of the pannier attachments and rack welds and attachments.

[@Eklipze]

@@rickmason2579 Oh that makes sense. I assume you'd wreck them through tight single tracks. Pannier for the road touring perfect over saddle bags

[@dhimmel]

Surprised to see that you stuff your tent next to your sleeping bag without a moisture barrier. Does that cause issues after rain or condensation? A stuff sack would solve that, although decrease the combined packability somewhat

[@BIKEPACKINGcom]

I've done it this way for years, I've never had any issues. The sleeping bag always goes in first, as I pack that while I'm in my tent, followed by that is my sleeping pad and then my food meals. That creates a nice divider between the sleep system and the tent. After coffee and some food, I then place the body of the tent in, which does not hold as much moisture followed by the fly. If I can, I'll get some sun on the fly and try to get as much of the moisture off as I can. Worked

[@bike4fish241]

modern synthetic bags insulate when wet, its just uncomfortable. They lose some value if extremely wet but a little damp is ok. No one likes setting up a wet camp after a long cold day but sometimes thats when you will appreciate modern gear the most!

[@MrTallJesse]

Thank you! Is there a posted map of the route you took?

[@jamesbicknell4706]

Dude, thanks for the info which was well presented and very informative. :-)

[@BIKEPACKINGcom]

Glad you enjoyed it, thanks James.

[@theejoeylee]

Nice...I'm thinking about riding across Minnesota from Wisconsin, TO Iowa . Ive got a 94 RALEIGH MT400rsi Technium , going to make a Frame bag from thrifted backpacks, waterproofed by 303 brand outdoor umbrella protectant

[@nihilistmarmot]

"Heartburn pills" -- ha. I'm very familiar with berry-flavored Tums. Did you do wash the bibs at all? If so, was drying-time an issue? I tried wool bibs on a hot bikepacking trip once -- bad idea.

[@BIKEPACKINGcom]

No washing, thats why I had an extra. If need be, I could do a quick soak in a stream but didn't need to. As far as drying, thats pretty climate dependent. Living in Colorado for years, I had things dry out in minutes, living in the midwest....that never happens.

[@barrybogart5436]

I have the same issue and use (reluctantly) a proton pump inhibitor which is the only thing that works for me....

[@benwigginsbikes]

I love this video and this channel. I have been mountain biking for decades but I am just now getting into bike packing. Very helpful video. Did I miss which your choice of water filter however? Also, can that Inreach mini let me upload where I am for friends to follow my journey?

[@keithiekins]

What's the litreage on that fine fine fanny pack? I've got a mini-pelican case that is badass, but gets in the way of a really refined bikepacking setup.. I've got the same camera + lens selection, so wondering how big to go (also in China, so finding this stuff in person to try isn't as easy as I'd like... Outdoor pursuits is kinda new so finding equipment ain't straight-forward)

[@jp93309]

Did you have to lock up your bike when you went into stores? Or is that not a concern?

[@BIKEPACKINGcom]

Lots of questions about this and I answered many below. I think I have only carried a lock on a few trips and no longer carry one. I guess it depends on each individuals comfort level. That being said, I do use my helmet as a deterrent by clipping it in the front or rear wheel to make it more challenging for someone to ride away with. I'll do that when I have a greater concern.

[@7gibbens]

Aero bars are a must for any extended distance riding. The alternative for me was 6 months of finger numbness after a 1000km MtB race in New South Wales, Australia.

[@Timberius]

Pro tip: doctors say that regular soap works just as well as hand sanitizer. How about kljuat carrying some liquid (dish or any other) soap, for washing oneself, washing dishes, hands, etc.

[@WiggleWaffle]

What’s the name of those Aero Bars?

[@mwoolner]

Looking to do a first trip soon. This has been monumentally helpful in giving me ideas for what I may need for a one night out and back. Curious what you might do about securing your bike at night or when you stop at stores along the way.

[@Tony-tu7gq]

Thank you very informative Nice clothing! Just starting out and looking to get away from the Lycra. Some info on the clothing side would be great what works/ doesn’t, thanks again.

[@BIKEPACKINGcom]

Great idea, I'll keep that in mind. Thanks for watching, Tony.

[@davidadamus177]

Lycra is your friend, learn to embrace it. It is great for wicking sweat, supporting your muscles, and providing cushion in delicate areas.

[@levinpugsley9256]

Platypus filter all the way, gravity fed, no pumping,fill it and leave it

[@brandrunway]

It's good to be clean, but it's also good not to compromise our immune system, it must have challenges.

[@gravelsasquatch6430]

Thanks Neil for always serving up the good stuff! I love my MSR Trailshot.

[@crystalkovacs1111]

Thanks for the great video! I can't wait to hear more about the tent!

[@KurtMueller]

Anybody know what aerobars he's using?

[@brianbassett4379]

Panniers: Garage, 13.7 lbs. (Left front) - photos.app.goo.gl/wtBkagW4fbfQxnJn7 Primary Sleep System, 12 lbs. (Right front) - photos.app.goo.gl/s4ZwacKEVL7obUGv6 Kitchen, 14.5 lbs. (Left rear)- photos.app.goo.gl/WnqJj7b6UxGNSvjg8 Bedroom/Bathroom, 11 lbs. (Right rear) - photos.app.goo.gl/Psj6sHpoiy7jq3JY7 Handlebar & bar-bag evolution: Double-ended bar-bag, 6 lbs., Handlebar bag, 13 lbs. photos.app.goo.gl/owx61e75m2nsSdjJ8

[@jeneliebenberg5778]

What brand down jacket do you recommend

[@Vince-ur7oc]

Great video! What is the brand of your fanny pack?

[@BIKEPACKINGcom]

ATM Goodtimer Hip Sack. bikepacking.com/index/hip-packs-for-bikepacking/

[@alfred1925]

I have a long seat bag like that but I'm wondering how to get on and off the bike as I won't be able to swing my leg over. Do you have to to the rolling version where you stand on the pedal, or is there a stationary way to do it?

[@revystoked]

I lean the bike toward me until I can easily get my leg over the top tube, step over, and then tilt the bike back upright and away I go! I learned this from a lady who had broken a hip, and could no longer swing her leg over the seat to mount up. This technique also works when you're in tricky conditions, like deep snow with a narrow packed track [i.e. fat biking].

[@alfred1925]

@@revystoked cheers, will try it

[@sarkisbenliyan1180]

I need a packing (and shopping) masterclass to get me kitted.

[@VenturosoSolo]

when you find one, pass that down!

[@moyolenovo3914]

Hi. I saw the same exact rear flash light as I got. It works with two removable batteries? Right? But instead of being some fancy Portland designs ( probably costs more than my old mtb) it is 1$ noname light from AliExpress. I'm definitely not smarter than somebody else , I just feel cheated when companies created business buying stuff from China and putting their name on the product.

[@jameslopez958]

Excellent packing information Brother 😎✌️. Peace ✌️ and Love 💕 from Tucson Arizona Desert 🏜️

[@helomynymiseldee2806]

what is your bike lock?

[@kevindean9613]

Thanks for the video ,I would suggest that paracetamol is safer than ibuprofen . Ibuprofen can cause problems with liver & kidney as it did with myself .

[@23skido]

Anybody suggest a sleep bag that can handle about 20 degrees F and up ( that’s the low end). How small can they get? Till now, I’m using this cheap Chinese down sleeping bag but I buffer it with down pants, down jacket, and down socks. I’d like this because I can wear all the clothing on my body while cooking and milling about camp. I would want that anyway and it helps keep the bag small

[@mindakota1]

I cant keep my gear that clean...

[@2cigyJ]

Really interested in what shoes you are wearing at 6:40? Also thanks for all the great videos! Loved seeing you biking in snow in Minneapolis. Brought me back home after moving a while back:)

[@mendyviola]

When did “analog” bikes become electrically controlled? Right off the bat on this vid had my eyebrows go up. My only bike electronics is lighting and my phone. Really surprised. I feel really old now, but at the same time glad I don’t have to rely on electricity to ride my bike. There is no way I could fit the that saddle bag on my bike. The space barely fits a small saddle tool bag. If I need extra carrying space back there, I have to use a quick release rack with a bag attached to it. I must be super short.

[@rschreck876]

You guys make this out to be way more complicated than it is.

[@pgreenx]

This is extremely helpful for those like me that dont know any of this stuff

[@hornet224]

What is the total weight? No lock?

[@AdventureWidely]

Great walkthrough... Your comment about the InReach though - my wife would be very upset if she wasn't side by side with me on the trip... Get her out there with ya! :)

[@LeoInterHyenaem]

The WarBird is so beautiful! It is ironic that all that bikepacking gear conceals some of its beauty.

[@perserventia]

I have an Ergon saddle to sell lol. Can't use my top tube bag with Diverge future shock 😬

[@berendotto]

I've heard it's unhealthy to use ibuprofen when cycling. Better use paracetamol.

[@agelaonsoikea]

I like Brooks C17 all weather saddle, Ace Pac 16 liter handlebar sack, Ace Pac 5 liter frame pack and Carradice 20 liter saddlebag. No tent. I am a minimalist.

[@GR_BackingTracks]

Favorite padded underwear?

[@stevepark6363]

Please review the inReach!!! Been looking at sat units for trips....

[@BIKEPACKINGcom]

Working on an outline as we speak.

[@barrybogart5436]

Look at a Spot X for half the price.

[@djepocofficial]

Mind sharing what brand tool keg you have and what mount you have under the downtube using the velcro straps?

[@68greg19]

never seen a "bikepacker" actually need the clearence around the wheels, you just bring all the weight to the top for nothing. this fad will pass

[@literallyanythingelseother]

Lol that's crazy

[@KalvinLo]

Do you leave your garmin gps on the whole time you ride like how it’s used on the car? Or toggle screen on when needed?

[@jonamcc]

id on that Adidas shell? I still use the little plastic case that my snowpeak stove came in. But seeing how nicely your pocket rocket fits in your cookset makes me think I could just ditch it!

[@mikepilapil6387]

Which bike is best for bike camping, the aluminum or full carbon?

[@GraydenMacLennan]

What is your strategy for sun protection? You didn't list sunscreen among your items that you were carrying.

[@MrParacristo]

Man I am pretty sure that you have the new bikepacking blackbird hotel tent... I look forward to seeing your review

[@marciooki5820]

You don't bring any bike 🔒 with you? Thanks

[@BIKEPACKINGcom]

typically not, not.

[@jennk2199]

magnesium tables are GREAT for leg/muscle cramps!

[@randallmiller3842]

Thanks for the look at your gear. I had the MSR Pocket Rocket in my plan to replace a 40 year old Coleman, but bought the Whisperlite instead. It was the disposable canister that changed my mind. I found I had to drive to our local landfill to properly dispose of them.

[@smaxvarese3518]

I’ve owned the whisperlight for years. It’s an outstanding stove!

[@encore159]

What I don’t get is how I should handle things if I go into a store or go to eat-> then my bike with all the stuff is outside and my bags could get stolen?

[@markreese6092]

No bike lock?

[@bennetthasty7886]

I have the Cowchipper on my Salsa Vaya & love it 😍

[@shandke]

I’ve been seriously considering this! Now that you’ve used it a while, what are your thoughts?

[@bennetthasty7886]

@@shandke love it great fit, comfort even over long rides

[@arcoulant87]

Nice one Neil,chapeau

[@derics682]

What is the tool kit called and is it just held in by a waterbottle cage?

[@justinwalker9056]

Comment

[@kaisailor1]

What about a lock? I just got my bike and am setting it up now. I think I'm going to do the Erie Trail first, its like 385 miles.

[@BIKEPACKINGcom]

bikepacking.com/gear/secure-your-bike-while-bikepacking-video/

[@kaisailor1]

@@BIKEPACKINGcom Thanks very much.

[@hippyswift]

very well presented video dude ;) great information & tips throughout, just what we wanted. If you're ever in the UK lets ride together. peace

[@pgreenx]

Does the pronghorn interfere with hand positioning on handlebars?

[@ashlandbikeco]

Thanks for sharing, seems I serendipitously came upon a very similar setup for my DWR ride. Do you ever leave the tent behind and go for a bivy? Also, what about the overall weight of your setup you have there?

[@samuraioodon]

What’s the tool box on underside of downtube?

[@Frankiez220]

Throw the tablets bud, you don’t need them and they won’t do you any good

[@FullDepiction]

Saw the tool water bottle cage by the crank. What would you recommend I grab for that? I also snagged a warbird and took a trip last week and saw that the tools and tubes took up more room than I was expecting.

[@guillermoelias2853]

Which profile design aero bars are these? N

[@BIKEPACKINGcom]

T2 but they have since been discontinued.

[@AFGautonompunk]

quite insightful, thanks for sharing!

[@bikedad7432]

Great gear list. Thanks for the look.

[@kddonath]

What kind of aero bar are you using in the video?

[@BIKEPACKINGcom]

I think they were a customized version of the Profile Design T2, which I believe are discontinued. I cut a piece an old carbon handlebar (the part that gets clamped), drilled two holes on the ends and zip-tied it though the holes in the aero bars. It worked really well. I still have them!

[@losFondos]

Nice setup! Where can I find these bottom tube bottle mounts?

[@itshardgettinganame]

Helpful advice 😊👍 I have my first bike packing trip coming up in a few weeks

[@beauwilliams-orser3204]

Thanks for the vid! Wondering what model bottle cage and tool pod Neil is running under the downtube?

[@Sooperhans3636]

You have great taste in chain lube!

[@holyfox94]

Question from, obviously, not a gravel cyclist:🤔 Why not use a rack with regular Ortlieb backrollers or a dry sack on it? Can’t be aerodynamics, because the front handle bar bags are far away from that. Is it a question of style, trend and fashion? Question 2: What will be the next trend in cycling, after Gravel? Anyway, have fun and ride your bike.

[@kylebaker8502]

Mostly a weight thing, also racks tend to break on rough roads.

[@scottrok13]

Excellent explanation and breakdown🎉

[@bannerzur]

Thanks!

[@BIKEPACKINGcom]

Thanks so much!!!

[@whirving]

Doing the OTT this July, trying to sort our gear. Trying to do a faster run on this, still don't know what mileage we may make per day. I know Neild runs a light setup and that's what we need to do. Wondering what kind of clothing you'd suggest, I'm from Alaska so I tend to overdo it or under do it lol.

[@rolo8916]

What bike is this pink beauty? :-)

[@BIKEPACKINGcom]

Salsa Warbird.