Must Have Bikepacking Kit | Tips and Tricks | Cycling Weekly

James runs us through his bikepacking camping essentials, including tents, bivvy, tarps, hammocks, sleeping bags and much more! What's your camping must have? Let us know in the comment section below!
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[@BradWadeNL]

While discussing a shelter, sleeping gear and cooking gear, I would recommend people use what they have and invest in higher quality gear over time. When I did my first tour, I had a lot of heavy gear, but my experience was amazing. Over the years I have narrowed down my gear list and prefer comfort over being ultralight. Let's be honest, it's not about the bike or the gear, it's the places you see.

[@cgriggsiv]

Same thing slowly upgraded everything very slowly

[@Kevinschart]

yep. no sense in buying gear at a 4x premium before you even know what you like.

[@MaNi-cn7to]

Agree!

[@bikebrostouring]

I agree with you 100% 👍🏻

[@barrybogart5436]

Except that... you wind up paying more in the long term, swapping out gear. Gear such as Big Agnes is worth every bit. I have thrown away so much stuff after I upgraded, and the good stuff I have had for years. And if I were just buying it now it would cost more. You don't scrimp on your bike, do you? Get stuff good for ten years and listen to advice as you have seen here.

[@maquismark5852]

I just slice open the belly of a tauntaun and sleep in there. Saves me having to carry stuff.

[@hoser7706]

Truly ultralite and clever. Lol. Thanks for the laugh.

[@cobrien120]

And I thought they smelled bad on the outside

[@DilbertMuc]

Bad idea, but THEY STINK very badly!

[@SnootchieBootchies27]

Thanks to this, Tauntaun numbers are way down. Getting harder to find shelter...

[@kanosaunders]

I thought those things smelt bad on the outside

[@graceygrumble]

This is the kind of gear you get if you are already hooked. If you know you are going to be out there and bashing it, weekend after weekend and every holiday; if weight is essential, because you want to do the miles, AND you have the money, I wouldn't argue. However, if you are young and poor - get yourself a second-hand, gortex army bivi, and cobble together the rest. Happy days! Do not wait until you can afford this gear.

[@donaldthomson9411]

Love the way they portray camping in Britain as insect free, always, sunny conditions, similar to the South of France really.

[@dansos123]

In reality it's mostly just wet. Wet and gray. You get used to being damp most of the time.

[@suburbia2050]

@@dansos123 what a load of Crap. Who goes camping in November

[@suburbia2050]

Yeah no insects in South of France

[@dansos123]

@@suburbia2050 You get plenty of those days in spring and summer too. Outside of the annual 2 week heatwave, it's pretty much a roulette.

[@jamesbrennan9709]

@@dansos123 always keep it cash in hand

[@TheLivingstons]

I suggest an alcohol stove. Especially for longer trips. Easier to find fuel (denatured alcohol, Heet, or even everclear). It’s also lighter and takes up less room. And there are better water filters as well. The sawyer squeeze or the befree water filter is much easier to use and just better. When it comes to your shelter and sleeping kit comfort is king. A good nights sleep is necessary or recovery when doing big miles on a trip.

[@drewopal9283]

It's too bad they are illegal in California as far as I can tell, I wanted to take this advice

[@MrClimberdave]

Everclear for the win (95 proof)! Also, mix with water and add a nuun tab to make a tasty cocktail. Or use as a degreaser after futzing with your drivetrain. Or use as a hand sanitizer after a messy bathroom stop. Heck, even when I use a propane stove, I still carry a small bottle just in case. Heat (yellow bottle) makes a great alternative since it's found at every gas station under the sun, but sadly you can't drink it.

[@nblake101]

I’m a hiker/trekker so all this seems fairly easy to me, I’ve setup to do some bike adventuring just waiting to be allowed to travel more than 5km’s from home now due Covid. I would recommend that you use rear and front bike racks with good quality panniers( I’ve chosen dueter). Also you place everything in plastic bags to protect from moisture and dust. Use compression bags is better. You choose wisely on what you take as I don’t carry more than 15kg on my backpack so that’s a good guide when loading a bike. Also do day/night trial with all your stuff first as you will soon find out what works for you. Have some mechanical knowledge of your bike so you can at least fix a puncture yourself. Good luck Bike trekking!

[@barrybogart5436]

NO racks, NO panniers is the lightweight way to go. That's what bikepacking IS.

[@nblake101]

@@barrybogart5436 Not sure what you mean? You need to carry plenty when going more than 10kms from your cafe 😂

[@abatecruento667]

@@nblake101 (sorry for necroposting, maybe it will help someone ) so there's this made up difference between bike touring and bikepacking. they're basically the same thing, but bike touring is more prone to long, comfortable trips, and it requires a bike that can mount racks and panniers. Bikepacking is trying to pack up everything you can on a bike that may or may not have any kind of mounts, that's why you need to stay super lightweight and usually people don't do huge trips while bikepacking

[@nblake101]

@@abatecruento667 No that's fine for explaining the difference, I've just moved my experience with hiking onto Bikes so for me choices were easy after using one pack. I see many people using the lightweight packing but it looks insane to me as the ergonomics of packing your stuff into so many different bag's looks difficult to too control and organize.

[@AndrewBlucher]

IF you want a good night's sleep? Sleeping mat inside bivvy is an old snow camping trick.

[@chrlmlln9018]

A very big THANK to you, sir, for your fine choice of bike back packing camping essentials! Wishing you safe cycling trips and stay blessed! All the best wishes from Sweden!

[@stevesproul1627]

I'm going to forgive the socks on account of the fantastic looking bike?

[@graxburg4412]

Is that a question or a statement.

[@henrygonzalez3076]

I really liked the stove it is so tiny but useful, It will be awesome to go for a bikepacking rode...

[@hoser7706]

Great, concise gear bivy. Would love to hear about your clothing and food choices as well.

[@junreaksaa]

Wow. That single front ring is massive.

[@mkdy218]

Really helpful vid . Clearly you know your stuff , and very enthusiastic.... what’s not to like? Thank you 😊

[@BenBrawn]

Those purple components really look sweet!

[@allanwells4886]

Ray Jardine's tarp (about 500g from memory) is an awesome shelter which I've used since 2007 in the Australian bush with no problems. I also use Ray's quilt as a 3 season 'bag' (down to about 0 degrees Celsius). Weighs less than 1kg. Stove? Drink can alcohol stove which you make yourself(look up Zen Stoves). The burner weighs about 11g.

[@fluorescentblack4336]

Thanks for the video! Good checklist for all the essentials.

[@redpilledpatriot8484]

That is one sweet looking ride.

[@TrailsofCalifornia]

Great advice! Thank you for this video!

[@moi7748]

Great video! Obviously there are cheaper alternatives, just as there are probably much pricier options, but just as an insight of what to take with you this is really useful, thanks 👍👍

[@FollowThomas]

You have excellent bike packing kit. I noticed that I'm storing the stove kit the same way, also I have a little foldable cup under fuel canister, since I like to drink a tea while I'm eating my food.

[@robertbotta6536]

Superb. Many thanks.

[@PedroDVC]

Beautiful bike!

[@lloydy187]

Loving that Kinesis with all that purple! 👌😁

[@doyourawesome4116]

I wish I would have enough will to buy one. I just think they are too pricey.

[@amir378]

Great video, 😊 thanks.

[@GravelFilmsDivision]

A helpful vid, covers all you need for a successful trip. Thx. :-).

[@LesCyclopreneurs]

Thanks a lot for your videos, really appreciate!!

[@miketitus3592]

great stuff, thx!

[@chrisandsamlivingthedream]

Awesome buddy... cheers Chris & Sam

[@RigGames4]

Love the socks! :D

[@timshanemelton]

I know many people prefer glamping over camping & living in a urban city has changed my outlook on fishing & hiking.

[@briandaly9095]

Great video. Clearly you love bike packing and have learned a lot over the years!

[@mikegluckman3132]

Nice video Bracey! Always a class act

[@Karla-Flr]

Very good tips !

[@dougshankle7946]

I have that same tent it's fantastic.

[@vadusa]

Agreed All stuff has light weight and pretty socks. Everything good.

[@DaemonViews]

Tip, get a titanium spork. Bit of a cost at first. But after sitting on a spork and accidentally destroying another on a week long hike, I can promise that the titanium ones are worth it :D

[@alipaulstagram]

Second this. Had two weeks of eating with half a spork before I learnt my lesson.

[@beriribe]

Thx for ur info. Re5pect from Croatia

[@WtfYoutube_YouSuck]

Have you ever even ridden that bike offroad? 😅 Gorgeous frame

[@jamesbracey6560]

Yep, so many times:) Rode it along a 3 mile beach today!

[@tiger2too18]

I like the Tailfin rack S series on the bike.

[@HTS888]

Thanks for the video that helps me :)

[@marlonwallace9087]

Thank you for the video. I would like to know what kind of clipperless shoes you use

[@azsamsasho]

The sound quality of this video is remarkable

[@philmclitoris2304]

Love your socks mate.

[@SmellyBones]

Your list is awesome, but I wonder why you didn't include information about bringing a chamber orchestra. What kind of stuff/compression sack do you use, and how do you keep the violins from getting crushed?

[@geoffdillon4637]

Big Agnes now has a bikepacking version of the Fly Creek tent, with 12-inch poles. So it packs down to 32x14cm with just an added 100g in weight. I’ve just ordered one. And I’m very excited! Great to get your endorsement that it’s a fab tent.

[@dardanh245]

Well? How is the bikepacking tent? Recommend?

[@geoffdillon4637]

@@dardanh245 I haven’t used it overnight yet but have set it up in the garden. But yes, good space and quite quick to set up. The material is very thin, but for the price should be tough. I’ve got some secondary glazing material to use as a footprint - a cheap hack instead of spending £70 for a BA one. You might also want to look at the Alpkit soloist - seems to be back in stock in the UK. One man tent but otherwise similar shape, weight and pack size to this one but at a third of the price.

[@dardanh245]

@@geoffdillon4637 thanks for the recommendation. I'll check it out now. What sleeping bag do you use/ recommend?

[@geoffdillon4637]

@@dardanh245 I’ve got a Terra Nova Elite 250. It was one of the cheapest down sleeping bags I could find. Down is better than polyester because it’s warmer and packs smaller.

[@alastairlamb8142]

Hi James, under your rear saddle bag you have some sort of support/stabiliser which looks really cool and extremely practical and light. what is it ??.

[@JoyJasonRides]

Check out Tailfin.

[@roberthuxoll8500]

I would like to know your experiences with the Tailfin Rack - durable enough in the carbon fibre version and any problems with it?

[@hollycow123445]

Are those hope hydro calipers with GRX levers? Cool.

[@void-if-scratchediii250]

How comfy are the 🐆 print socks? Look at the lanshan pro 1 or 2. Similar weight as the hunka + siltarp but insect proof and loads of space. It does need trekking poles but these can be used to joust pedestrians when not holding up the tent.

[@salzhaltigersalzhaufen586]

A good thing to cary are zipties to fix stuff and to strap things onto your bike/bags and another trick (not my idea just copied it so I want to give credit to Fritz Meinecke) is to wrap some tape around your lighter. I think thats great cuz it barly adds any weight or volume and you got some tape to fix stuff on the go wich is a good thing in my opinion

[@YouTubeSpareTime]

Firstly, your bike is absolutely beautiful. I am in the market for a tent and I quite like the one you showed in this video. Does anyone know if a 6’5 guy would fit in it?

[@seasidesweden7029]

Love your rims, what size/model is it? thanks

[@guidojt]

Great info. Thank you! How wide are your handlebars ?

[@jamesbracey6560]

46cm

[@undard]

1.spare intertubes 2.air pump 3.chaintool 4.sunglasses 5.carmex 6.bikeshorts 7.bicycle

[@pushpindersingh8101]

Nice video.👍

[@MartinPGrindrod]

First aid kit!!!

[@thelostroadie]

Do you have info on the bike? Looks like a great piece of kit.

[@s.5732]

Nice Video! What is this metal construction called (Brand, type) you have attached to the rear road?

[@jackomahoney75]

I had a light my fire spork and it snapped the first time I used it. Great value for money but maybe carry 2.

[@mendyviola]

Step #1 - be able to condense down to this when car camping first. I’m definitely not there yet, but working on it. We’ve downsized from an 8’ long truck bed to a mid-sized sedan in one season. You know, skyrocketing gas prices. 😂

[@cgriggsiv]

Very good choices on your gear Except for your water filtration I highly suggest you go and get the Katadyn be free 1.01L that water filtration system will save you a mass load of time and it is a lot easier to deal with

[@YuunaAndCuddles]

I kinda took this idea of bikepacking into my return-to-office gear. Instead of camping supplies, I bring my laptop, chargers, notes, toiletries, change of clothes, a titanium cup (for coffee in the office), a titanium spork, and tools. All distributed in 5 bags around my bike.

[@Oldsparkey]

I'm a Ultralight (basic gear under 10 pounds ) Backpacker and when Bike packing I use the same equipment. Everything ( including food & water) fits in the two Panniers on the rear rack of my mountain bike. My sleeping arraingment is a good Jungle Hammock. The hammock doubles as a chair , or lounger when I'm not sleeping in it. Over the hammock is a Warbonnet Mini Tarp in the Bushwhack camo pattern. Since trees are always available with dead wood I use a titanium backpacking wood burning stove.

[@barrybogart5436]

If you are riding with a rack and panniers your are a roadie with a mountain bike. Are you using the Vargo Ti stove? If so you are saving a few ounces when your bike is overweight. Bikepacking is about going light.

[@jenellsaphid]

@@barrybogart5436 you're gatekeeping

[@amyheath8261]

What made you choose a wood burning stove over gas?

[@grimmar80]

Instructions for Alpkit stove state NOT to use windshield. It's size makes proximity to gas container too close if you remove airflow. (canister's top does get hot if you shield it!)

[@seangavin4829]

What about a water supply when a natural water source is not available? I’m in Southern California where water has to be packed in anywhere. Thanks

[@Dziku888]

One big commercial of not necessarily stuff. For bikepacking (which was an alternative for panniers becouse it was cheaper) you have to have: bicycle, backpack or waterproof bags (those sailors sack might do the trick) and some kind of straps (old inner tube is fine). And ofcourse a map of place where you are going to be. That's all. Have fun :D

[@barrybogart5436]

NO. Bikepacking bags are not cheaper than panniers and it is popular because it is LIGHTER and minimalist, simpler. Like long-distance backpacking rather than a day hike or hut-to-hut trip.

[@GiovanniDeAngelisPMP]

actually, this is a very good video in terms of recommended things to bring, the brands recommended are a bit expensive though. Anyway, which handlebar is that???? I want to know!! Please does anyone knows?

[@the_nondrive_side]

I take shrink wrap and a decent knife. You'd be surprised how well insulated you can make of a shelter with shrink wrap and sticks

[@hempmayor6639]

What about filling a sleep mat with water? Will it stay warmer overnight?

[@greg_mid_tn3150]

Hi! What is that rear rack? Does it work with thru axles?

[@frazergoodwin4945]

And Big Agnes make a special bikepacking version of the same tent (that I use) that has very short section poles so it packs shorter and you can mount it on your front bag and it fits between the drops...

[@frazergoodwin4945]

I'd add a pillow too. Inflatable ones take up very little space and are very light - but increase your comfort no end. And on the same vain I'd recomend a "sleep kit" like you get on long haul flights - an eye shade and ear plugs - it can be particularly useful in campsites with random lights and neighbour noise to contend with...

[@jamesbracey6560]

Yeah, seen that one but I already had this and couldn’t justify the extra!! Might try and get the poles separate.

[@cgriggsiv]

And the price is absolutely ridiculous

[@frazergoodwin4945]

@@cgriggsiv Yep - must be at least 4 nights worth of 3* hotel stay - so sure, REAL expensive

[@DilbertMuc]

@@frazergoodwin4945 Pillow is a good fleece jacket which you carry with you anyway. Ear plugs are a no-go! You won't hear the thief at night or worse, the wolf or bear going through your stuff.

[@Edders574]

Sure I spy some mint sauce bar tape very nice

[@DiegoCamarero]

how do you lock and secure you bike while sleeping in the tent? just curious...

[@b.brauner7500]

light and enough for that purpose

[@mrcarlincool]

nice hopes!!!!!

[@nicolaellerton8920]

Lovin your socks 🧦 where are they from ? X

[@sylvanhemingway9459]

How does the water taste after the filtering?

[@markowsley4954]

Nice setup. What tailbag are you using.

[@jamesbracey6560]

It’s a Tailfin AeroPack S

[@Element_lifestyle]

Hi, what tires does your bike has,?

[@jjjj5452]

I'd like to know the gear you have. What bike rack and bags are you using?

[@JoyJasonRides]

The rear rack is by Tailfin.

[@billyboy8534]

Sir, can you recommend the styles of bikes that are good for trekking?

[@robingood62]

In the mountains below tree line you definitely go way better with a light tarp+ hammock-setup. In steep terrain it is always hard to find a flat palce to put a tent, with a hammock you never have any problems and the choice of beautiful views directly out your bed + the best relaxed sleep ever. BRS Stove and Sawyer filter is in my opinion the better and cheaper choice.

[@johnreed9435]

Nice video Napoleon Cyclomite

[@MaNi-cn7to]

Thx and nice kit. What bike you use? frame set brand? have you try Alpkit solo tent? best M

[@jamesbracey6560]

Kinesis Tripster ATR. Not tried the Alpkit tent but it looks pretty decent

[@hijabionafatty4691]

Hi sorry, can i know what's the bag at the back that you unfolded?

[@Purosistematic]

Hi. What is that black bar thing at the back of the bike, that is supporting the backpacking gear??? It looks wicked! :) :)

[@derekgamblin]

It called a tailfin. It’s similar to a Pannier

[@KB-re4ku]

What’s the rear support on the rear for the trunk bag?

[@stum5033]

What handlebar harness is that?

[@RoboKodas]

What is the name of the rear luggage rack on the bike that attaches to the lower frame and seat post?

[@CaptainPupu]

Add a swiss army knife there like the huntsman or a swiss champ, a power bank for charging and you got everything needed.

[@canoecycle7005]

This is the of the best videos on this subject. I have just subscribed

[@leothimme38]

What frame bag are you rocking?

[@goyacar]

What calipers do you have on the bike?

[@clonie9963]

Just get some panniers job done 👍

[@cynthiamgentles6781]

When I camp in bear country I pack a portable electric bear fence. 2.4 lbs for peace of mind.

[@arnoldplamerspikedvodka]

What brand is the handle bar bag ?

[@bieniek_mario_18]

Which brand is the handlebar bag?

[@bob58bois]

whats the rear bag called? thanks

[@elviragoesrandom2456]

What's the size of your tires? is that a gravel bike?

[@SanketKambli]

you guys make bikepacking sound like an expensive hobby

[@barrybogart5436]

Bike touring is an expensive hobby.... until you look at the price of motels, restaurants, cars..... It's more a lifestyle than a 'hobby'.

[@DaxPlusPlus]

Seems that no one is bike packing with mudguards. I don't understand how that works - do people just not care if they're kit gets covered in mud\water or is it just not an issue? That if it's raining your kit is going to get soaked anyway, on the outside at least? When commuting long distances, day in day out, through all weathers, for many years, mudguards really helped keep me dry and the bike in a much better state - so yeah, really confused and making me doubt myself over needing mudguards for bike packing.