Bikepacking Setup Guide - Essential advice and tips for your first adventure

[@7551820dd]

Well done Dave. Food: I recommend dehydrated stuff like oats, biltong or dried wors (dehydrated meat), protein powder meals, Back Country freeze dried meals, powder milk etc. Just add hot water, no cooking required.

[@treyquattro]

that Grizl does look like an excellent gravel/tourer

[@billwelsh7489]

Good work on the video, as a light setup. If you have to cook or even heat water, you'll needa pot and stove/fuel. I just came back from my 1st backpacking trip and I carried way more than your video showed. My tent took up a lot of space and I brought multiple changes of cycle wear and minimal street clothing. I was forced to use a rear rack (tent & poles) and one large pannier. For food, I only brought two dehydrated meals and some on board snacks for riding. I have toured (road) with 4 panniers and a handlebar bag, so this setup was much lighter, but did not compare to the cargo capacity of the aforementioned setup! I did road and trails with my gravel bike rig. My gravelbike is all steel and is not as light as your beautiful Canyon for sure. I agree, that bikepacking is fun and if you have the means, you should try it. I'm 64, and I did!

[@julesnfriends]

9:20 he does mention the stove

[@billwelsh7489]

@@julesnfriends thanks, you are correct. I don't know how I missed it!

[@BTcycle]

Great video on explaining the bags. I'm starting to look into gravel and bikepacking and this helps alot.

[@jonathangreen7111]

I agree with earthstick about rack & rack-top bag. Extra weight, only 300-500 grams, is easily compensated by stability and accessibility.

[@fatamorgana288]

Thanks a lot. You took a lot of weight of my back. I ordered the same bike in al. I havent even gotten it yet and am already on planning the luggage. I have a big tent that is my biggest concern. But thanks to you i have gotten the knowledge how to pack :)

[@grumpy-dad3701]

I'm going to go bikepacking this year on my Scott aspect.

[@JibbaJabber]

Great bit of real in depth experience. More of this please. Well done. BTW. There are brackets/holders that can help stop the saddle bags 'wagging':)

[@GarethTyrrell]

Sorry Dave, but the best footwear and pedals for bikepacking are obviously Birkenstocks and whatever flats the local bike shop stocks. #lachlandiditbest #flatsarefast

[@DomenicoSaretto]

Great video! Though, I would start a multiple day adventure riding a bike equipped with mudguards. Enjoy!

[@austynhughes134]

Great video! It really helped me out.

[@kmtb2011]

since starting bike packing iv given up on mountain biking trails,. bike packing is so much more fun and adventurious

[@thecalsolaroart]

whats the difference between the two?

[@zacurrya9485]

​@@thecalsolaroarta biking trail is a set path, bikepacking is going wherever you want to, and typically camping whilst you do so

[@twatts4436]

I would highly recommend that on your first trip you stay in a hostel. YHA is about £10 a night in most places. You can then save on buying (and carrying) - stove - tent/shelter - sleeping bag - roll mat My first two were like this. You get most of the fun, but much less weight and initial expense.

[@Bungle2010]

I'd rather have the comforts and privacy of a hotel tbh. Premier Inns let you keep your bike in the room.

[@twatts4436]

@@Bungle2010 it's a good option if you have the budget!

[@robertjackson2069]

very nice video well done and thank you for sharing.

[@Johann-4354]

Thank you. Good thoughts.

[@stuartclarke1090]

Awesome vid mate great info for a newbie like me

[@beholderlt]

any chance you could give the size of your Grizl and the frame bag as well?

[@kevingilmour4542]

I take it you never found out the size of the frame bag ? I was interested as well.

[@desertisland1920]

great vid! thanks!

[@scruf153]

I will be using a state 4130 all road building it my self hopefully will be ready in two months I trust steel more over anything else I am hoping to get more people on a bicycle

[@saf1999]

Thank you for the info

[@Oleh_1st]

Thanks ❤

[@jasboehlke]

Which tent and sleeping bag? I am all in for three of those bags. have a top mount bento for my Aspero.

[@Thedavekable]

Why not regular hiking/outdoors shoes with good straps on your pedals instead? Its just way more convienient and versatile.

[@GoldenGod69]

Because you lose power and efficiency doing that

[@2secondslater]

​@@GoldenGod69are you concerned about power and efficiency on a bikepack trip, is it a race?

[@2secondslater]

Hiking sneakers and flat pedals work well.

[@raoultomaselli7099]

really THANK YOU

[@cyclingdane101]

This looks like a Ultra racing setup. I have some of those bags that i use for racing.

[@silcas]

I didn’t catch what you said about shoes and pedals?

[@dant.6364]

So for somebody getting into this hobby how much would it cost total for the exact same setup: Canyon bike, di2, apidura accessories, Silca tools, computer, same shoes and clothing - $10,000?

[@nicklewiscycling]

Yep, thereabouts. Maybe a little bit less.

[@dant.6364]

@@nicklewiscycling thanks! God forbid that it gets stolen while at the 7-Eleven lol

[@ili4707]

5000€ would be a better fit. In General Bike cost + 1000€

[@MrRay645]

@@nicklewiscycling that’s a real concern, I just can’t seem to fit a proper chain/cable lock into the bags on long trips and it sucks not being to stop and do anything you can’t bring the bike along. Best I managed was wearing a bike chain and lock around my waist like a mad max fashion belt...worked for shorter days and on level ground, don’t think I could do anything to hard with the extra weight and discomfort

[@Michaelsmith21588]

The Grizl costs 4700€ with Di2. I don't think the bags and stuff cost more than 5k :-)

[@johanduplouy9943]

Hello, great video. It would be helpful to know what is the size of your grizl bike and the apidura bags. I have also a grizl bike and I’m wondering what size I have to buy.

[@gabrielmarias972]

Hi David! Please can you answer if the handlebar bag of apidura its confortable and can use the bar in climb position (hands on the middle of the bar in upper position) Other models have some foam to get more clearance with the hands,and with this model not sure if its enough and comfortable. Thanks

[@larrymcardle]

I disagree that the 'essence of bikepacking' is about 'streamlining your setup as much as possible to keep the weight as low as possible'. That's the essence of BACKpacking, if not ultralight backpacking. One of the great things about bikepacking is that weight doesn't matter nearly as much. You can save money by taking heavier gear (rather than spending 2x or 3x as much to shave off a kg or two on a tent or sleeping bag) and by using gear you already have. And you can pack more creature comforts on your bike to make your experience more comfortable and enjoyable. To each their own, I guess.

[@vaughanbbrean71]

TOTALLY agree, I have ridden my trusty Dawes Super galaxy thousands of miles with sturdy rear carrier and low rider front bags, dont worry too much about weight as its surprising just how well the bike handles properly loaded like guys worked out decades ago :-)

[@Bungle2010]

On the bike the lighter it is the better. That's just a fact.

[@larrymcardle]

@@Bungle2010 Thanks for chiming in only to move the goalposts. I never wrote that heavier is better. I wrote that I disagree that "the essence of bikepacking" is "streamlining your setup as much as possible to keep the weight as low as possible". That's an opinion, and one that might not be so widely shared in the bikepacking community. The lighter the gear, the more expensive the gear. That's just a fact. Bringing along extra gear, like extra rain gear or wool socks, may help you through difficult days and nights on the road. Bringing along more creature comforts, like a camp chair or a waterproof Bluetooth speaker, may increase your enjoyment and encourage you to bikepack more often. The essence of bikepacking is to enjoy yourself, not injure yourself, and have a good time so you continue the hobby. That's an opinion. Other than being a complete non sequitur, your comment was spot on, I guess?

[@carlwilliams9624]

I did a bike packing tour last September into October and I was trying to go as light as possible and last min decided to hell with it and took extra gear / clothes/ and boy was I relieved I did .... it was crazy cold one of the nights and I had every piece of clothing on..... On my next tour I'm a bit wiser again and will defo scrap the light weight race.... I have to say tho I absolutely loved it...

[@chrism5433]

I still got my rear ortlieb panniers .since 2007 .still going strong. First trip back then . absolutely had to much crap .but what a 6 month trip to Europe. Cycling is so fantastic.cheers to having fun 🚲🍺

[@kidShibuya]

Note quite, if you want ultimate get a tailfin.

[@hippyswift]

good video chap ;) ride safe

[@tiptoptigger]

Can you tell me the model of helmet your wearing in this video please?

[@davidarthur]

It’s a Giro Helios and there’s a link in the description to find out more 👍

[@tiptoptigger]

@@davidarthur Thanks David👍🏻

[@Jack-on4hx]

Did you not take a sleep bag?

[@grumpy-dad3701]

Going on my 2nd ride this North downs way in 6 days time. Panniers for me, my kits is cheaper, bit heavier.

[@Bungle2010]

I just got back from doing my first bikepacking trip the other day, the Cantii Way. I took panniers (convertible trunk bag), because that's what I already had. It worked pretty well for that route as it consists of a lot paved surfaces, but on the (fairly tame) off road bits there was a lot of rattling. I suspect that on a ride with a majority of off road, especially rougher (and narrow) stuff, bikepacking bags would be better.

[@grumpy-dad3701]

@@Bungle2010 how was it? I got quite emotional when I finished my 1st ride.

[@joachimchigozie951]

does it come ready to ride?

[@SenorGonzo]

Where’s the cup?

[@Bungle2010]

Where?

[@julianhawker7672]

Bog roll!!!!! Can tell you didn't grow up in the country Dave! Dock leaves are for when you get "caught short" as you put it.............. ;-)

[@michaelmather7352]

Julian hawker, dock leaves are for nettle stings.

[@Lykapodium]

What's wrong with a cheap $30 backpack and eliminate all those other frame bags? Am I missing something here?

[@ammoniumchloride1047]

It would totally work to just get a backpack. The issue is just that backpacks get really uncomfortable if you're wearing them for a long time. Not great for your back either if you have a bike where you ride in a bent over position like this guy.

[@Bungle2010]

A rucksack is ok for a day ride, but I wouldn't want to wear a necessarily heavy one for days on end.......

[@samuraioodon]

David, if I have carbon rails on saddle, is it safe to tie rear bag on it with additional weight?

[@TheMrDannyGee]

Follow his advise of putting the heavy items towards the seat post and you will be fine. Consider that even carbon saddles are designed to carry riders that weigh ~110kg, and 5kg in the saddle bag, will only contribute little to the total load on the rails.

[@samuraioodon]

@@TheMrDannyGee thx just saw your comment. Didn’t get notified!

[@randycallow3736]

I think people should put lots and lots of weight up high!! Don't worry about the center of gravity!! And like people holding their phone up to their head like a 1960's transistor radio..lol..now the way you bag up your stuff and where doesn't make you feel like you are riding a touring bike!! Just get panniers and stop w all the fashion!!

[@Bungle2010]

@@vaughanbbrean71 And you went off road with that did you?

[@vaughanbbrean71]

😀😀agree 100%, this is just a silly fad, carrier bolted to the frame, panniers small medium or large mounted low, worry less about the weight carried and more about centre of gravity, it was all worked out decades ago and will still be the best way to carry gear long after thei nonsense has gone out of fasion

[@vaughanbbrean71]

@@Bungle2010 No I use a modified Giant Escape hybrid with front lock out suspension, rear carrier bolted to the frame, 700x38C tyres and a handlebar bag and Panniers, I have 3 sets, small medium and large depending on how much weight I want to carry, keep the weight low

[@2secondslater]

I don't really care about travelling light, I think there is a bit of bias toward ultralight backpacking or road biking snobbery. I'd rather be in comfort and get there slowly, carry a heavier load and have the items that enable multi-day trips, without having to rely on being around a pub for a feed. Your setup suits your cycling agenda and isn't necessarily good advice for others.

[@dariopicc]

Do you not travel with a lock?

[@Bungle2010]

Decent locks are heavy. I think most people just carry a lightweight one that only has opportunist deterrent value.

[@focusfocus-ok4cn]

Hello Can you write your height and leg length.I wants to but this bike but I have a size problem because I have long legs

[@Destide]

Proper common sense budget suggestions

[@SnootchieBootchies27]

I get a feeling that you run on mostly flapjacks

[@keithreeves7463]

When showing the contents of the bag which contains what he might need during the day, the food comprised one flapjack. Hope he eats a massive breakfast😊.

[@dianayount2122]

expensive bits there...demo with less would be more convincing

[@Bungle2010]

Less?

[@falcoperegrinus82]

Ugghhh so expensiiiveee! 😭

[@harrylook7810]

COVID isn't transmitted via surfaces. On the other hand, I wonder if the next pandemic will be antimicrobial-resistant bacteria.