8 Tips For Your First Bikepacking Overnighter

[@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)

[@stuminnis4050]

Tip 1: Convince a buddy with a cargo bike to ride along...just in case.

[@justmils6653]

Best tip ever

[@JDR71326]

Cargo bike ?

[@Incorruptus1]

I will never take nice slimy people serious ever again.

[@jacobwang1915]

BRING SUNSCREEN OR SUNSLEEVES!! With all the extra gear you will invariably take longer than you will expect which means more time in the sun. On my second bike packing trip (BCT) we forgot to bring sunscreen and my Polish friend turned Lobster red. It was so bad we had to end the trip a day early.

[@davehoover8853]

My hat is off to you. You just covered a very wide range of topics and provided an excellent overview for bikepacking. You did it all in a very short time, clear messages and emphasis on using what you have and having fun. You didn’t go down the rabbit hole!! Subscribed just for the excellent delivery.

[@advanturest]

Tip number 9. Make your bike is as heavy as possible, that way you’ll know your 2nd trip will be easier 😂😂😂 well that’s what I did. It was good fun until my legs stopped working 😜

[@carmader6269]

Same🤣

[@advanturest]

@@carmader6269 glad I’m not the only one 😂

[@bartmullin8018]

Recently I was told Every bikepacking trip is a 'shakedown' trip; essentially one is always fine-tuning their gear. Seems to be true in my 'noob' phase of bikepacking; am a veteran mountain-biker (since '89) but, adding camping equipment, safety gear (Garmin Inreach or Spot), navigation units/skills with paper maps/compass, supply logistics, camp site selection, and rethinking how one thinks on a long run is a trip. Additionally, coming from a non-camping background (crewed with my dad on many a day sail and Catalina Island weekender but that was more 'glamping' than camping so to speak...) the learning curve is steeper and was quite nervous my first short bikepacking trip-bears/fears of cloud-to-cloud lightning going vertical and incinerating the forest around me that night. That bring said, am looking forward to a much bigger trip Spring '22; more gear refinement, a hair less weight/bulky unnecessary gear, and more safety gear (older Delorme unit).

[@russello7311]

I bike in michigan on rails to trails. Lot of little towns for resupplying. Thanks for your video. 72 and biking.

[@lewism8276]

Great trail!

[@oldshovel]

Great tips my friend. Awesome.

[@gregorybraithhunter]

Cool to know there's an Old Shovel / Bikpacking.com connection--enjoy both!

[@charliedevine6869]

If you wear a backpack while riding a bike you just lost the game.

[@barriobarranco]

Depends on what kit you have... I bought a Military grade winter bag(synthetic, waterproof base too) which is bulky but just over 2kg and in a rucksack maybe 3kg total, barely notice it- if I tried stuffing that into a bar bag or seat pack no chance, leave that space for heavier items

[@philgoodwin67]

Tell someone your route and planned times - txt them when you get home...

[@selfplex]

New game: drink every time you say 'bikepacking.' I do enjoy sticking a few bikepacking beers or a bikepacking whiskey in my bikepacking bags along with my bikepacking socks, bikepacking toothbrush, and bikepacking sunscreen. I always wear my bikepacking helmet, but sometimes forget my bikepacking underwear! Just busting your balls, buddy ;-) Good video. I know it's BIKEPACKING DOT COM!

[@Incorruptus1]

I'd be through the bottle in an afternoon..on my chatty days..

[@Jesse-bb4qj]

"trying new things is hard" Glad this was posted today as yesterday was the first time I ever tried to set tubeless tires. Also without a compressor 🤦 Thanks to the local bike shop it's all 😃😃😃😃😃😃 Great vids by the way👍

[@pablovillar686]

"If you have a bike, use that bike" Me: Packing up my carbon fixed gear to climb up the Pyrenees.

[@carmafluxus]

Check the forecast twice before leaving the rain cover of your tent at home. It might sound tempting, but if you get surprised by some rain over night, you're completely done for. Happened to a friend of mine and we ended up cutting the entire trip short due to it.

[@PariahSojourner]

Damn, helluvalot more than "8 tips" there. You should put those into tips into a nice pdf handbook. Great vid for this semi-newb!! Thanks!!

[@ReemerFeddes]

Or make a website dedicated to bikepacking!! ;-)

[@PariahSojourner]

LOL, YEAH!!!!!

[@leonline3424]

Nice tips, i like the tip on use what ever bike you have, many bikepackers are snobs when it comes to bikes, well done. This video was very helpful for me. Thanks

[@BMad-we6qf]

“You don’t need a specific bike…” I just did my first bike packing adventure; just a couple nights on the Great Allegheny Passage in PA. I used my Cannondale Women’s Adventure II. 35lbs for just the bike. But the suspension fork and seat post and 1.25” tires with stock tread were perfect for the packed gravel in drizzling rain. ( just gotta drop some weight- the bike, my gear, or me - doesn’t matter LOL)

[@simonh6371]

Great guidance and motivation bro, I like your completely not a gear snob attitude! As you say if you have a bike you can start, although it might be a good idea to invest a few quid/dollars/euros in a rack for the back that you can put a crate on or strap bags to, until you decide whether to go the panniers or bikepacking bags route, or a hybrid of the 2. I went bikepacking (didn't know it was called it though) in the Netherlands when I lived there on one of those old Dutch sit up and beg bikes with no gears and a backpedal brake, which had a rear rack, and a front rack with a milk crate bolted to it, when I bought it. I bought some cheap panniers for the back, and put a daysack in the milk crate and off I went with a tarp, sleeping bag and trangia stove with an old Germany army mess kit, had a great time!

[@MyopicAdventures]

These are great tips, thank you! Can you guys go over personal hygiene while on a extended trip, 2+ weeks? Do I need to bring 2 pairs of cycling shorts, or get away with 1? Chamois cream tips. Etc. Not exactly glamorous, but definitely necessary!

[@BIKEPACKINGcom]

Great idea! To help you out now, I like to bring two sets if the trip is over three days, swapping after on the fourth day to a fresh set. I actually avoid any cream due to the fact that over days of use it not only stretches out the bib but it also saturates the chamois which makes it useless. If I have a rash, A&D diaper cream works wonders and you can find it at many convenient stores.

[@MyopicAdventures]

@@BIKEPACKINGcom , good tips for our sensitive bits, thank you!

[@coreygolphenee9633]

If you take extended trips often switching to something like a brooks is a good idea

[@onemorekayaker1934]

Hammock camping is ideal, if you have trees (and it's not too cold). A hammock, straps, and a light cover take up much less space than a tent, sleeping bag, and sleeping pad.

[@novacolonel5287]

Great tips, and I really love your optimistic attitude, as in "the bike you already have is suited". Now all I need is some actual nature to go bikepacking into. I live in a part of the world where there's a village every 2 kilometers at least.

[@pedroclaro7822]

Me too, but tbh I'm halfway to the highest peak in my country, and if I can easily take the route in between villages all the way to the peak. Villages are usually at bottom of valleys, and I am starting to bikepack this way - along the mountain ridges, taking doubletracks from farmers. There's always creeks for water and if I need some supplies I can easily plan that same day a little detour to a small grocery store. I'll have to go a long way too when I eventually want to be absolutely alone. It's easy to avoid people this way, and it's rather safe too as opposed to biking in the middle of nowhere

[@Perception_]

What I've been thinking of is having fail safes, especially for things that hold your gear attached to your bike. If something snaps or breaks when you're in the middle of nowhere, that can quickly become a big deal. That's why I firstly have thought of those bags you attach to your post and seat. Personally I don't want to use that as a main solution, as having all that gear at this point will function as a pendulum while doing any kind of terrain. Personally I want a rack. My idea is to purchase a drybag and seatpost solution where I simply mount the bag to the frame rack instead, and the hardware for mounting it to the post and seat I will pack into the bag. This way I have a fail safe for if the rack should break and snap right off or something of that nature, and I can simply fix the problem right off the bat. ... or if someone you are traveling with should end up having that issue, you can come to their rescue instead.

[@davidcawthorne7115]

Just go camping as practice run. Then next time go camping and take your bike with you. 😊❤

[@BIKEPACKINGcom]

Love it!

[@mazzky1093]

Awesome video, thanks! I'd love to see a bikepacking specific video on using tools like Gaia GPS for route planning (what map layers, reading terrain, etc. Essentially getting the most out of digital tools.)

[@BIKEPACKINGcom]

That’s on the list, I know some others suggested that in the past. I’ll get it done.

[@williamgrissom9022]

Cool that bike-packing became a thing. I used to do that in the late 1970's in grad school, going on national forest dirt roads north of Houston, TX on my 26 x 1-3/8 5-speed for overnight camping. Many thought that odd, but covered more distance than back-packing. Even earlier, ca 1970, we raced around sandy trails in the N. Florida woods on an old 26 x 2.125 "girl's" bike, since our skinnier tire bikes bogged down in the sand. Those later became "beach bikes" and "mountain bikes". My go-to meal for back-packing was Tuna Helper, w/ the tuna in light foil packs. Much cheaper than freeze-dried camping foods, and tastes better as others with those would beg to trade. If you must carry the water, I never got the benefit of freeze-dried.

[@jimbojet8728]

Cold instant coffee? Is just a more disgusting version of instant coffee, a small Ti stove to ‘brew up’ with, or heat a dehydrated meal with, is essential for me. Ok just an overnight race ride? I’d leave the stove at home. On any other occasion, I get very good coffee when I want it, the same goes for a hot meal. Great advice in this vid, as usual. Thank you

[@bikepackingnewzealand3149]

Thanks for this very informative video. Check up your great work.

[@jameslopez958]

Cool 😎. Thanks again brother for sharing this information 😁✌️. Tucson Arizona Desert 🏜️

[@avenpace]

Sometimes I don't even take tent or bivy, simply sleeping on a lightweight mattress and down sleeping quilt, so I think I will try some hammock next time

[@lkb3rd]

I did my first few trips this fall on a Canyon Endurace with 33mm cyclocross tires. I appreciate the advice to run what you got, I had a great time and it worked fine. I learned a lot and have been assembling a rig for the spring now that I know better what I want/need.

[@hristiyan90]

what kind of terrain did you ride the Endurace on? I am considering this bike for bikepacking, but not sure if it can take on rougher terrains which one might encounter on a bikepacking trip. I am planning 35mm gravel tires.

[@lkb3rd]

@@hristiyan90 I used it for dirt roads and road. My bike is rated for 32mm and 33mm barely fit, not sure if the newer models fit bigger tires. So my overall impression is that it worked fine for shorter trips and minimal gear. I was somewhat concerned with its durability, not riding, but if it fell over.. which it did once, and luckily was fine. Mine is the CLX layup, very light and thin carbon. I think if you're buying from scratch, you could get something better suited, with some fork brazeons maybe for some cages..Even rear rack brazeons. Maybe aluminum or steel.

[@TheLivingstons]

Love this channel!

[@billoneill6114]

Awesome tips and a great rundown/ summarization. Thanks Neil! Sending to some friends I want to get out.

[@Oldsparkey]

Good tips and the subject matter was covered quite nicely. As a Backpacker it was easy to switch between Canoeing , Kayaking or Bikepacking. The same basic items are needed except for Bikepacking , tire repair patches and not ones for foot blisters.

[@connerdux8207]

I cannot wait until I can afford a new bike and to go camping and de-stress

[@10xZ00M]

How does a full frame pack stop the contents settling to lowest point; making a bulge (9.17) which could impede pedaling?

[@YardgamesHERO]

Love. This. Channel! More Live Content please!

[@BIKEPACKINGcom]

Good idea, it’s been awhile!

[@microMobilidade]

How about that friend that might not be fit but wants to bring an ebike to join the trip?

[@jeffk433]

Seems like a bike overnight would be a good start. It's the battery life question, right? I'm with a group trying to figure out how to work ebikes into some longer rides.

[@carlose6010]

I think practice gaining distance, using eco mode and keeping a good spin. A spare battery may be nessesary.

[@qnsboromerch]

Solar power charger?

[@nathanmace3936]

I feel like that's what a e bike is made for. I rode with a 75 year old champ that had a new ebike. I'm 40, and he just like to ride at a faster pace with his old buddies that were in a little better shape. I say if it gets them out riding come with it!

[@Galactico42]

On fuel, I'd also recommend a variety of macro nutrients. My first overnight I relied way too much on nut butter for snacks and just wasn't getting the carb hit I needed. I ran out of gas not because I didn't have food but because I didn't have the right food. I know this is second-nature to a lot of cyclists, but I wasn't coming from a heavy endurance background.

[@buckroger6456]

Very good point. Lots of people don't know just how important good nutrition really is for long days of riding back to back.

[@mark-anthonykroezen7335]

I don't like things strapped on my forks it feels harder to streer are there other places to strap tings like the back wheel tings. I forgot the name

[@pooperprime5459]

You look just like this guy who works at a bike shop in SE Portland Oregon loo

[@marksadventures3889]

My mtb is fine - due to the suspension system, bike packing and frame bags are not going to work. My cockpit is coming on. I'm more of a slow rider. I find the front rack is best and bar bags too, so much better. Right now it is super hot for us in the UK. I now use, foam rolls instead of inflatable pads which can get punctured. I make my own dehydrated meals. BUG NET! Take a bug net - definitely in Scotland, those little blighters will be after you from the get go, keep yourself safe. Yes check the weather, not just for one day for as long as you'll be out. Keep hydrated, I take 2 litres of water and my filter life straw, in the UK it is unlikely you will be far from any water source, especially in the North. First aid kit : - plasters, bandages, pain relief, bite/sting preparations, water purification tabs. I'd rather have it and not need it than need it and not have it - within reason.

[@yumyumhungry]

My first overnighter, I thought 2 big water bottles would be enough. It was not enough. Consider at least 4 bottles worth.

[@uraniumjoe]

Critical gear = a water filter system and knowledge of local water sources. Two bottles is enough, provided we continuously refill them! 💦😋

[@JaYGoasT]

This is great info!. i just started riding and working my way up to being able to make a long trip that you could call bikepacking. Cycling saved my life and now i am documenting my rides on my channel. thanks for all the great info. i didnt even know the website had a youtube page

[@mountainsmoore3657]

I have always loved riding bikes, but sort of got away from it as we were raising kids. Now that the kids are grown, I find myself getting back into it. Last summer I picked up a vintage 1986 Trek 8200 that is in amazingly original shape. I also have a 30+ year newer Marlin 7, but I want to make a gravel/bikepacking bike out of the '86, but keep it as close to original as possible. Any tips?

[@Rsfarmerbob]

Hey man love the vid! @4:15 you have different handle bars/grips/fore arm rests. As you can tell I have no idea what I am talking about but I what them for my bike. Can you help me out with correct terminology? After a few hours on the bike I start leaning forward and my wrists take a beating. Thank you!

[@barriobarranco]

I did 120(mainly off road) miles in 27 hrs with 6,000ft climbing in the Scottish Highlands, just cold food for the overnighter. Old steel "on-One" Inbred rigid MTB( 22/36 by 12-36), with Schwalbe Marathon Plus "Tour" tyres that are bombproof.... Would love to do more bivvying and tarp set up but midges can be horrendous here depending on time of year.... Next trips will be based around the "bothies" (mountain huts, free to use) so I can go lighter maybe just a silnylon 2mx2.5m tarp and my bulky yet warm bag(waterproof base).

[@mattdelcomyn8012]

Really good stuff! Love this channel.

[@Loco-gm8te]

Awesome content you produce...I'm getting back to mtb but I would like to get trek fuel ex 5 ...kinda do it all..cause I have serious problems with lower back pain ..so I would need a bike rack plus mudguards...was also thinking about marlin 6 gen 3 with a seat post suspension plus b17 seat...could that work...please help...thank you

[@BurningtunaDC]

I am researching my first one or two night trip in Maryland and West Virginia. Y'all can have all that eating out of an envelope. I'm gonna try some of the local eateries along the way. Sampling different foods is awesome and it is a chance to charge your phone. Awesome video! Thanks for shooting and sharing. I would love to know more about the physical requirements. Sure, everyone is different but can you be off a bike for say six months, go out for 12 miles one day, then put together a series of 40 mile days later that week? I am being impatient as it's getting cool in the Mid Atlantic. Be safe everyone!

[@RoadyPacking-CyclingAdventures]

Cheers for this dude! I'm just getting my weighting on the bike right with balancing between comfort and weight...... or am I kidding myself and it will never be 'just right'!! hahaha See you on the road

[@Offwekid]

Guys, I need your help and advice. I’m planning a bikepacking trip this summer, from Barcelona to Rome. Previously I did only one day rides on mountain bike, that’s it. But I’m pretty confident in myself. Did some research, by time, I assume it’s going to take me something around 25 days. What sleeping bag should I take? Maybe you have some advice about sleeping pad, affordable tent and it’s preferred weight? About navigation, I’m planning on buying Garmin Edge 530, any suggestions on a smart route planning? Where is a better place to take a stop for a night, camping sites? Any food buying and prepping recommendations? Any safety advices? Maybe there could be some things I can miss to take care about? Please, share your thoughts, it would be appreciated🙌🏻

[@siemk6658]

Never ever use a backpack it is stupid, never used one in 25 years.

[@grumpy-dad3701]

Just get out there. Start small, don't be afraid. I finished my first journey last year. And I've got a couple planned 2023. A solo ride in Kent and then I plan to take my son out for the evening

[@kmtb2011]

we used this website to do our first bike backpacking in dorset using their route, was amazing experience! cant wait to do it this year

[@carlanderson9873]

What shoes are those brown/tan ones you're talking about. I love my 5.10 freeriders for flat pedals, but I'm looking for a new bikepacking friendly SPD shoe with good walkability.

[@barryschnoor7300]

Also consider hammock camping, if you're in a place with trees, or posts, or street lights, or high-school football bleachers. If you're in the great basin of Wyoming, a hammock won't do you any good. A hammock with a rain fly weighs less, and takes up less space than a tent and pad. And you don't have to worry about level ground, rocks or roots.

[@irishman3375]

Do you have a favorite solar charger ?

[@fa6106]

Great very informative videos! Thank you a bunch for all of them and your expertise! I’m learning a lot and working towards achieving my first bike pack adventure!!

[@wietzevanderwijk3169]

Thank you! I'm going on a bikepacking trip from the Netherlands to Sweden. I'm really looking forward. Hopefully covid allows it

[@overland_adventure_nz]

Hi thanks for a very informative video about help for one's first overnight trip.

[@BIKEPACKINGcom]

Thanks!

[@industryrule-4080]

What sort of things do people do at night when bikepacking for light at night, assuming campfires are not allowed? Head lamps and bike lights?

[@tprider6944]

i am the only stupid guys how plan a 5000km first bike packing but it will be easyer because i will have a guide car

[@RF33MUSIC]

Top Tips From A Top Chap. Great Words My Friend.

[@aaronvianzon]

Diggin the vids! Can’t wait to get out there. Excited for the snacks!

[@BIKEPACKINGcom]

It’s all about the snacks!!!

[@davidcalderon6188]

Yes to less hype and more bike-ing. Work with what you have and have fun!

[@grahamkay8711]

Park patches fix anything and very small I have used them for years

[@woodscraftlindsay789]

You all do same videos not what we you need to see tire size best size for long trips and weight

[@jeremywilson2086]

Very helpful video! Thankyou!

[@BIKEPACKINGcom]

Thanks for watching.

[@MokuNui808]

Do you have a video on day riding tips and gear reccomendations?

[@justinian963]

Is Bikpacking when you are bikepacking without an ebike?

[@RogerEcks]

Great video thanks for the details, looking forward to me next trip on my bike

[@MoBugs1]

It’s been awhile since I’ve been out, thank you for the great refresher video. Also, thank you for reminding me to have fun!

[@Spirouist]

9:14 Name of the Bike? Brand?

[@trdtrek3717]

Great if you have the funds or financially able!

[@snowggirl]

As always, a great show. Seeing the challenges you faced and overcame just made it more interesting and enjoyable.

[@kathardt-holoch4361]

Little bit of Mike Myers there on "when the sh*t hits the fan."

[@ellerybice3787]

Who are your students¿ Certainly not adults.

[@logout1337]

Did I spy Matt Acker in the video?

[@BobvanT]

Thanks for all the good advice !

[@nickmcalinden5661]

Sensationally informative video. ❤

[@sikadwabad1655]

Very informative!! Salute

[@daledoesmtb7402]

Did I see a Marji Gesick on your back wall? Hardcore. Marji destroys.

[@BIKEPACKINGcom]

I did the out and back a few years ago, fun stuff.

[@spendlove57]

Haha dropping the subtle “cops are evil!”

[@roddyeskew3909]

typo in the title FYI

[@Jesse-bb4qj]

Maybe on purpose.... I had to sound out the title slowly to catch Bik Mitchum 🤣🤣

[@markovich88]

Great video as always

[@BIKEPACKINGcom]

Thanks Mark.

[@Foodmeow]

Splatter top tube bag?

[@effyleven]

Good tips. Nice man.

[@robertjackson2069]

thanks for the info

[@thebr0wnhornet]

Bike packing with annoying friends? Just ride faster/slower and you won’t have to talk to them until you get to the campground

[@jays3438]

First Aid?

[@BIKEPACKINGcom]

That’s a whole other video. Thanks for the suggestion.

[@erikiskandermeon9999]

you're nice

[@tdaubner]

Great tips thanks

[@Liljoozy]

who made that top tube bag

[@BIKEPACKINGcom]

Throw in a time stamp, I feature a bunch in this video.

[@sz1917]

Were you in the Bee Gees?

[@BIKEPACKINGcom]

which one am I? www.google.com/search?q=bee+gees&sxsrf=ALeKk00sJz64XOLPj66bY6sAvi8LpasSXg:1620828483651&tbm=isch&source=iu&ictx=1&fir=WP3M6ZHzxHTAkM%252CEMHkJBkFKHDEkM%252C_&vet=1&usg=AI4_-kTM0ulEbdd7mgiWhOKqEawnacFyVw&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwjIx4nQqMTwAhUVHM0KHeQbBgkQ_h16BAhDEAE#imgrc=WP3M6ZHzxHTAkM

[@bezgin78]

I am planning to go out for my first overnighter soon now that I got all the camping stuff I need. However, my biggest concern is the idea of sleeping outside. I have never camped before so I am pretty sure that I will have zero sleep during my first night in the tent, which makes me very nervous because I will be all tired after a long ride and won't get proper sleep if any at all and have to ride back home the next day all messed up. Any suggestions?

[@billoneill6114]

Hopefully you will be tired enough to conk out after a long days ride but maybe bring a comfort/luxury item with, you sometime to read maybe. Or some whiskey or a beer🥃 🙂 Good luck and have fun! You'll be fine!

[@vitaflo]

If you have a yard, sleep in your tent in your back yard to try it out. If not, find a local campsite that you can drive to for an overnighter. Basically, don't have your first time sleeping outside be your first bikepacking trip! Same could be said for riding your bike with all the gear on it. Do that around your neighborhood for a while so you can get used to it. Then you will be familiar with all of that before you set off on your bikepacking adventure.

[@bezgin78]

@@billoneill6114 Whiskey sounds intriguing :) Thanks!

[@bezgin78]

Thank you,@@vitaflo

[@jakethurston5962]

:) you can do it! I had the same fear my first time. I laid to rest nervously but fell asleep peacefully. Your body will be tired. Let it sleep from sun down to sun up and have a great day!! You’ve never seen this day.

[@rollandjoeseph]

As a person who removed alcohol from their life for health reasons , I find it annoying every time I come on bikepacking yt site to watch a video I'm constantly reminded about bringing alcohol , drinking alcohol etc..I know one person may not make a difference to their total viewership but I'm never relying on this site again. Maybe an adult can tell it instead.😒

[@orbit6881]

Not any bike is good for bikepacking