The ULTIMATE Bikepacking Gear and Packing Guide - What you need & How to pack for the Great Divide!

The exact gear I used for bikepacking the Great Divide Mountain Bike Route and how I packed it! Everything needed to get you going down the trail.
I really want to stress you can get out there and bikepack with whatever gear you have! Any bike in working order plus normal camping gear and you should be set to go! My first trip, I used plastic bags for waterproofing and have bought nicer gear over the years. I had this bike for riding single track and now have toured 26 countries on it! Don't let $ and gear be the limiting factor!
Thanks for Watching! Gear and Notes Below.
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⛺MY GEAR (updated 9.23.21) - [affiliate links]
Cycling Bags, 10% off with code “VincitaxKarl” - vincita.cc/?re...
Cycling Gear, 10% off with code “KARL” - storewonderlan...
🚲 BIKE REPAIR/GEAR
Crank Brothers Pedals - amzn.to/3rWeTEn
-Helmet - amzn.to/3q7RU8S
FiberFix Carbon Fiber Tape - amzn.to/3oxYSnr
Crank Brothers M19 Multitool - amzn.to/38tD2vA
Leatherman - amzn.to/2LFJ7vT
Lock - amzn.to/3broLBG
Tire Levers - amzn.to/35oMkab
Shrader to Presta Adapter - amzn.to/35vucf8
Tubeless patch kit - amzn.to/3mtsBNV
"Voile" strap - amzn.to/3nwKaf4
Stans is best! - amzn.to/3fWSRiN
Sewing kit - amzn.to/3t5dMUA (slim this down for travel)
📽 ELECTRONICS
Headlamp - amzn.to/3hWKqms
BD Storm (New headlamp) - amzn.to/3wwTGol
Bikelight - amzn.to/35tkycH
-Bikelight Rear - amzn.to/2XTTymc
Anker battery Pack - amzn.to/3numN5W
NEW - Anker battery Pack (Recharges in 1.5 Hours!) - amzn.to/3zDyzkz
Rav Power Power Pack - amzn.to/2XFL4LX
🚲 CAMPING AND BAGS:
Bear Spray - amzn.to/39TmkWP
Giant Nalgene - amzn.to/3fRJ0L8
Folding cup - amzn.to/3dMANoA
Spork Life (my favorite spork) - amzn.to/3fSegJU
Best water Filter - amzn.to/2XUvG1Q
Unbreakable tent stakes (MSR) - amzn.to/3wBVJYg
Tent - Big Anges: amzn.to/2LFLXkx
Stove - MSR Whisperlite: amzn.to/2LGSUlm
Previous Primus Stove: amzn.to/3nyrc7E
Ortlieb Frame Pack - amzn.to/3s6vXcl
RockBros Handlebar Roll - amzn.to/31U00Ij (different from bag in video)
Seat Post and Top tube bag - From Decathalon but might be out of stock
"Gas tank bag" - From Decathalon but might be out of stock
Feed bag - Decathalon but might be out of stock
Sleeping Bag - www.decathlon....
Sleeping Pad - amzn.to/39yILjl
Back Rack bag - www.decathlon....
📽 VIDEO MAKING GEAR:
Camera -
Rx100 VII - amzn.to/3byRxQC
Older version - amzn.to/2K0ztDK
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Drone newest version - amzn.to/3seUVGg
GoPro 9: amzn.to/3CI3Ogg
256 GB SD Card - amzn.to/3saOQuA
Microphone - amzn.to/3bsk5LY
Tripod - amzn.to/35vtMFA
🏕 CLOTHING
Shoes: Mens -amzn.to/2Mtxedx
Womens - amzn.to/3aUi76i
Leg Warmers: Mens - amzn.to/3uD8TD5
Womens - amzn.to/3r2OJAk
Banana Shirt - amzn.to/3knNOIg
light socks - amzn.to/2ZTlF2i
medium/heavy socks - amzn.to/2MqOb8e
Links to different Sections
Camping gear: • The ULTIMATE Bikepacki...
Electronics: • The ULTIMATE Bikepacki...
Clothing: • The ULTIMATE Bikepacki...
✵Logo design✵ - www.katjakroll...

[@jamesholbookridingaround]

I just subscribed Karl. I'm an experienced road tourer and looking forward to riding the divide. Great info. I'm looking forward to checking out your channel.

[@KarlKroll]

Thanks James, Hope you enjoy my other videos and best of luck with your GDMBR ride! It will be great!

[@selfplex]

"These are just some fresh clean boxers..." *Drops them on the dirt* LOL. Love the video and all your stuff. Great job.

[@KarlKroll]

Thanks Jonathan! glad you enjoy my "dirtbagness"

[@myfrequencies1912]

Many different grades of "clean" in the bikepacking world. lol

[@oot-n-aboot]

Haha…clean is relative when adventuring 😋

[@captaincoyote1792]

I’m retired now.....military and federal wildlife officer.....but you are the kind of guy I would hire or pick for a multi-officer team! (before everyone “bangs” on me, I’m 66 and I use “guy” generically...... I’ve hired plenty of women with the exact same attributes!). You are efficient, you come across as confident, you are prepared, you seem ready to “roll with the punches”.....and maybe most important....you seem genuine. Since I retired, I attempted to thru hike the Appalachian Trail....but an old Navy injury brought me “off trail” prematurely. So, my doctors/physical therapist recommended bicycling....and bikepacking seems a perfect match! So I’ve been preparing and training. Excellent video, amigo. And your personality is such that you are happy to find at the end of the day.....and more than willing to share a sip (or two?) of bourbon around the fire! Bravo-Zulu, sir.....great video, a job well done!

[@KarlKroll]

I don't think I've ever received a nicer comment, thanks for brightening my day! Sorry to hear about your injuries but yes, I agree that bikepacking can be a great way to continue human powered travel. My greatest advice is to listen to your body and not push through the pain when it comes. Take some time off and see if some adjustments to the bike will help. Best of luck and if we met by a fire I would gladly share a sip of bourbon, cheers!

[@briantruck2284]

Bicycle is best choice at least ride around town Sr

[@rickhancock-il7vt]

Capt Coyote, mind me asking where you're located? I live in Va and thru hiked the AT in 1980. I also enjoy bikepacking mostly on R2T's but fireroads, etc. I'm planning another thru hike 2025. I'll be 70 years old and the 45th anniversary of my thru. If you're in Va maybe we ca get together on a ride.

[@michaellane1316]

Agree wholeheartedly. I have the divide in my sights as well for maybe next year, 2024. Will be 69, retired at 67. I have been compiling videos of folks gear and this feller rings home.

[@Hastarl]

This was very useful. I love how you reuse and repair your gear. A lot of bikepacking channels makes an effort to demonstrate all the newest bikes and bags and other gear, which is exciting, but can get expensive if you think you need to be invested, so it is a nice change of pace to see someone who uses what they have and encourages others to do the same.

[@KarlKroll]

Glad you noticed that Hastarl! You definitely do not need the latest and fanciest gear to bikepack! Best to just keep it simple use what you have and go from there!

[@Hashslingingslasher-]

I didn't expect to watch more than 2 mins of this but I watched it all. Very thorough and useful info, thank you and goodluck in your travels

[@KarlKroll]

wonderful, that makes it totally worth it for me! happy trails!

[@OmniTierra]

Great little idea for separating charged and fresh batteries. You rock Karl 🤘

[@KarlKroll]

You rock! Glad you took away something useful from the video.

[@corvus400]

This is what I was searching for! The real deal, that is pragmatic.

[@KarlKroll]

Cheers! glad you enjoyed it

[@dirkokennedy8666]

Hi Karl this is great stuff very authentic, true, nothing fancy just the basic stuff to start touring I love it!

[@KarlKroll]

Thanks Dirk! Nothing too fancy needed to get into it! And even to do it for years like I have, many people out there are touring on even cheaper setups than me! The only limit is how big you are willing to dream - happy pedaling!

[@dirkokennedy8666]

@@KarlKroll Thanks Karl I will definitely be getting my bike ready to cycle again. I am not sure about the bike packing I still need gear for that ,but my brother is helping me to fix my bike hopefully I will be riding soon again. 😀

[@northdiver62]

Great video and very informative! It's so refreshing to see someone using things from Decathlon , repairing, reusing in a different way. Most of the videos I found before starting bikepacking involved 250 dollar bags and super fancy equipment. Thank you for showing what bike touring / bikepacking really is about :)

[@KarlKroll]

My pleasure! I always like to stress you don't need anything special to tour. Where there's a will there's a way!

[@erics9214]

Good info. Very realistic gear selection for the non-racer who wants a reasonable amount of comfort.

[@KarlKroll]

Glad it was helpful!

[@bethw5998]

Thanks for including women's specific gear in your list. you're a good man!

[@KarlKroll]

Of course! I've bikepacked with plenty of badass women out there, it will be fun to get around to editing those videos!

[@paperboi4311]

So, let me get this straight. "I think running a suspension fork or ridged are the best options." That's great! So people cannot use type of suspension on the bike they have as an excuse not to ride the GDMBR! Brilliant! It just doesn't matter! Of all the things that one really has to plan for, the outcomes of very few situations hinge upon what type of suspension one has. Thank you for providing real world experience to the debate over type of front suspension for expedition bikepacking on the GDMBR.

[@KarlKroll]

I totally agree, way too much $$ is put into buying bikes for specific things. My bike I am touring on was my Mountain bike before I started touring. Is it perfect, no but it definitely gets the job done!

[@Liljoozy]

@@KarlKroll Do you have a suggested travel range? I am thinking about 100mm or 120mm, as 130mm seems too much and would add weight for a beefier fork. I'm interested in GD, Baja Divide, and Colorado Trail.

[@scenesfromearth4666]

Great video. One of the elements that slots into place during a trip and when has become experienced is one's place for everything on the bike. Each piece of gear finds its natural/ideal location in the rig. Makes it so much easier to access each thing and for camp set-up/tear-down.

[@KarlKroll]

Well said! there is always room for improvement but my kit changes less and less as time goes on

[@eloimauri6235]

Currently planning a bikepacking trip from Barcelona to Bakú for 4-5 months, so videos like these do come in handy. Thanks for the ideas!

[@jetlifex4355]

good luck i wish i could do something like this

[@KarlKroll]

That sounds like an awesome trip, Glad the video was helpful!

[@NoBandwidthHere]

It was a real pleasure watching your tips. You have a terrific setup. I wish you many more amazing adventures!

[@KarlKroll]

Thank you Joseph! many amazing adventures to you as well!

[@bikinbeyondboundaries4716]

Your set up so much like me; funky and junky. There's nothing better than rolling in somewhere and being able to find exactly what you need without having to think about it. One of a kind! Looks like you got it all covered. I'm pretty much runnin' around town loaded up like that daily. Never know when I might just want to peel off out into the desert for the night. Unfortunately my health no longer permits me to go out on lengthy excursions like the Great Divide or anything like that. Thanks for providing a bit of vicarious trail blazing. Be safe and have a blast out there in God's great big beautiful backyard. Happy trails brother! Tucson, AZ

[@KarlKroll]

Happy trails my friend and thank you for watching. Wish you the best of health and many more adventures. I always ride with a few too many bags on my bike as well because you never know where you are going to end up once you head out!

[@bravopeters]

Great idea with the red and blue tape. Love the 🍌 banana shirt!

[@KarlKroll]

Bannana shirts will save the world! Trust me 🤟

[@unfi6798]

This is the best rig ever& logical advise on necessities. Ride on brother.! A new fan from Christmas Island.

[@KarlKroll]

Thank you for watching! And Christmas island!? What a cool spot to live 🤙

[@samuelmjlfjell]

This summer, I'm going cycle touring Catstkill scenic trail. Then I am starting in Wilkes Barre to Trenton to get on the Delaware and Lehigh rail trail on the Lehigh river. I use a small folding stove with pellets. I have it in a clear bag with the lighter. Thanks for the good tip.

[@KarlKroll]

sounds like an awesome trip! and my pleasure

[@Anticitizen2501]

Great set-up. I can watch videos of people showing what's in their bags all day and never get bored. 😂

[@Hootyhoo-jq9vq]

You are a beast! I would die in that sleeping bag. Much respect!

[@KarlKroll]

😂 cheers!

[@ignoreaprevisao]

Let's ride everywhere!! Hello from Brazil man!

[@KarlKroll]

Welcome aboard! Hello!

[@OmmerSyssel]

Impressive arrangement! Nothing but essential equipment. German SON dynamos has a very good reputation. Gloves are highly recommendable for protecting your hands, if crashing. Bon Voyage and stay safe ✌🏻

[@KarlKroll]

thanks for watching, happy trails!

[@drvivekjog]

nice elaboration on every useful item!

[@KarlKroll]

Glad it was helpful!

[@rbrADV]

Thanks for the video. I also rely on a gas stove and avoid disposable cannisters.

[@KarlKroll]

better for waste and finding fuel in strange places!

[@buckroger6456]

Fantastic video! I'm blown away by just how much stuff you are able to carry in those few bags. This let's me know that I can just get away with a rear rack with bags and a frame bag and be more then good enough.

[@KarlKroll]

Thanks for watching Buck! Yeah I'm always amazed too! If I didn't have video equipment I wouldn't even need my front bag.

[@mswarrior932]

I think it's funny how people hang their food in trees to keep it from bears, but they put it right at perfect eating height!!!🤣🤣🐻

[@wesleycwagner]

I love the way you say bag. And I’m pretty sure you said “never invite a beer to a campsite” which is a no go.

[@KarlKroll]

Cheers Wes, I personally love accents so it is nice to hear someone out there get a kick out of mine! Happy trails!

[@wesleycwagner]

@@KarlKroll You should always invite a beer to a campsite.

[@josephhaddakin7095]

I heard the same thing. I thought to myself, "Joe, you need to get a beer bag."

[@josephkelly4893]

Your setup is one of the best. You can tell you have refined it with great experience. Thanks for sharing your world bro. Peace Love Harmony from Australia

[@KarlKroll]

Thank you for the compliment and y pleasure to share Joseph, Happy trails down under!

[@jimbojet8728]

Thank you Karl, it’s great to see what those who are actually doing it, are using and carrying in their bags. Insightful and extremely useful. Thank you.

[@KarlKroll]

Glad you found it useful, ride safe!

[@desperadodeluxe2292]

You could use hose clamps on those water bottle cages you got on your forks.

[@KarlKroll]

True, I worry a little about abrasion but with every type of diy attachment there are always abrasion issues

[@gurgenmakaryan4428]

Happiest man in the world!!!

[@KarlKroll]

Cheers Gurgen! hope you are staying happy and active out there too!

[@gurgenmakaryan4428]

@@KarlKroll 😃, sure, at least go-back to work on the bike!

[@DameEdnaBrown]

Thanks for that great info

[@KarlKroll]

My pleasure!

[@henrymathenge8723]

Hi Karl, today we had encounter on your way to northern Kenya... Nice meeting you brother

[@Michael-rz7ic]

I really appreciate your organization of packs, thanks for taking the time to share your experience.

[@KarlKroll]

My pleasure Michael! Thanks for checking out the video.

[@SnootchieBootchies27]

I really appreciate the effort that goes into filming your adventures. Every time I watch a gear/bags breakdown, it makes me glad that I'm not packing around 10 lbs of electronics. Also, every time you say pannier, I get a weird craving for Indian cheese.

[@KarlKroll]

😂😂 Thanks for noticing! My electronics take up so much space it is pretty crazy. Basically the whole front bag and triangle bag.

[@jimmccorison]

Great video. I'm just getting ready to dive back into bikepacking again and this is a good update for me. A lot has changed in the almost 50 years since I did it as a teenager, mostly in the reduction of weight and having high tech materials available. Thank you for the time and effort in doing the video.

[@KarlKroll]

Thank you for checking out the video Jim. A lot has changed but a lot is still the same! Enjoy the whole process of getting ready and especially the trip!

[@curlcurllocal]

This looks like a lot of fun. I get excited just riding 50km after dinner would love to head off like this one day 👍

[@KarlKroll]

Go for it!

[@joehuerta6985]

Thanks for making this video. I am making the move for bikepacking.

[@KarlKroll]

Thanks for watching! Have fun!

[@unfi6798]

Love your Banana Bear shirt. You might also want to try Pineapple shirt or a Red & Yellow Chilly shirt, not only it is visually effective, it also has a mental effect on drivers especially on coming trucks & big machine operators. This can be a challenge project on your next trip. Stay safe brother & positive thinking.!

[@KarlKroll]

Hahah i actually have used a pineapple shirt before 🤣

[@ShawNshawN]

Pretty cool setup. Ya I have shock forks and was dreading tossing them just to get better water bottle/bag space. Easy solution with tape, kind of ruins the look of the bike, but after 1000s of miles that should be the least of worries. Great video.

[@아우빠]

So glad you are back

[@KarlKroll]

Me too! I will have a video from my travels in Europe for you soon!

[@아우빠]

@@KarlKroll By the way, in Villa O'higgins you had the tradicional pedals with traditional straps but now you have mixed pedals? I have cross-country competitions pedals and shoes but they are not good when I explore and the fire roads are crazy muddy and I have to carry the bike or climb/walk down rocky parts. I don't know whether to buy mixed pedals and shoes, or put some vintage pedals with straps and wear my boots or running shoes... Thank you for everything

[@RyanSarka]

This is solid! Thank you! I'm getting ready for another long ish distance off road tour and this is super helpful, love to see the gear others are using.

[@KarlKroll]

Glad it was helpful!

[@paperboi4311]

Marking each of your bags in some color-coded way to help with habitualization of packing your items and your memory when looking for stuff is definitely a best practice. That's one item for one of those webpages with a title like "15 tricks to make your multi-day bikepacking trip easier." Add to the list the liberal use of "biners" to attach everything hanging on the outside of bags. That best practice item alone indicates to me that Karl has done significant time in the saddle. It's only after one has lost so much stuff which has fallen to the road, you start to say " *uck that!". Even if it takes a few extra grams, one usually benefits from having confidence in both their setup and their cockpit. Just as important, the camp and the sleep system also have to become second nature and your safe comfort home at night. IMHO - The little extra weight items or comfort things can come very important to you over a long tour. This point is something that many of the few-days-to-a-week trippers who think minimalism and light weight are the most important considerations will find difficult to appreciate. It's fine to be "tough" for a few nights, but that poorly outfitted behaviour isn't very conducive to weeks and months on the road. Gear packing is so individual, but there are best practices. Thanks Karl for your longer term real world subject matter expertise.

[@KarlKroll]

Thank you for watching, In a video soon to be released I put a raincoat on the back of my bike without a biner. Fine for smooth roads but once I hit rough gravel it must have fallen off. One of those lessons you learn the hard way after a few rainstorms!

[@randallgd]

Great job showing us your set up!

[@mark-anthonykroezen7335]

Nice video really interesting to see u wanna do that to a road trip arround the world

[@oot-n-aboot]

Love it, amigo. And I can confirm that bears don’t like bananas. 🤣Keep the rad spirit and adventuring. Dirtbags unite! 😋

[@MundoCiclismo]

Very nice Karl! Thanks for sharing your way of touring! Happy and safe ride out there! Peace ✌🏾

[@KarlKroll]

Thanks for watching, Happy trails!

[@Shawnpady]

Great description in detail. Perfect

[@KarlKroll]

thanks! It is hard to catch everything so I know I missed one or two things.

[@Shawnpady]

@@KarlKroll I am also a KZbinr Travel Vlogger. At present traveling in TURKEY. I was planning to get like 100$ bike and travel around Turkey. At the end or in the middle just donate it. Waiting for the winter to end. Best of Luck.

[@KarlKroll]

Sounds like a cool project, I will make sure to check out your channel!

[@SaltyBeard_Adventures]

Excellent! I always like to see how others pack - I always get ideas of how I may alter my set up.

[@KarlKroll]

100% agree, even if you get only 1 new piece of advice for packing you are still improving

[@felipericketts]

Ready for all occasions! Good info. I am starting on my bike packing adventures soon. I can see the experience in what you share with us. Everything is practical! Take care and stay well :-)

[@KarlKroll]

Awesome Felipe, you will love bikepacking!

[@clorenzetti]

Thanks for sharing, great insight!

[@KarlKroll]

glad you liked it Carlo!

[@turtlecrawford6468]

New sub and bikepacking rookie in WV, well done.

[@KarlKroll]

Thanks for subbing enjoy the ride!

[@erickozokas]

Great video. Thanks for sharing.

[@KarlKroll]

Thanks for watching!

[@SirBobbyDuncan]

My first bike lock was just a regular key lock with a long u. I'd lock a spoke, the chain, and the frame bar. (If someone stole it, they'd brake a spoke plus get the chain, gears, and frame to fight.)

[@KarlKroll]

nice! you dont need much

[@stetf4651]

Great tips video ! Thanks !!

[@KarlKroll]

Glad it was helpful!

[@dyunkamus4502]

My ultimate dream is to travel around using my bicycle.... thank you for sharing your tips and i probably do the same once i decided to go on for my bikepacking adventures in Philippines.... Stay Safe

[@KarlKroll]

my pleasure! and go for it!

[@josephhaddakin7095]

I found that the phone sized solar chargers are crap. I don't think it would work on your lighter weight setup but I use the bigblue 28W foldable panel across my back rack/panniers when riding & outside my tent on days off. It has been working great for charging my battery pack which I use to charge my lights & phone. I have the same Nitrider light & Copper Spur tent(1p) as you. I used to use a Triangia alcohol stove but switched to the MSR Dragonfly. You've got a nice setup.

[@adiebob4632]

jst started bike-packing/ touring this has helped immensely to choose my gear. When you said that 'everything has been replaced..at least once' reminded me of this legendary comedy sketch - kzbin.info/www/bejne/a2fcf2WwfdminK8

[@johndee68]

Good video. Loved the clothing choices.

[@KarlKroll]

Thanks John!

[@omare_biketonature]

Subscribed! I’ll use this video as a reference to get everything ready for my next ride. Cheers!

[@KarlKroll]

thanks for the sub and enjoy the trip!

[@desert.mantis]

Glad you're back, Karl.

[@0Stella]

This is rad! I'm about to do my first bikepacking trip across Canada as an album tour so I have panniers and a Bob trailer. Really loving the idea of a full or half frame bag though!

[@KarlKroll]

sounds like an awesome trip! best of luck and have fun!

[@0Stella]

@@KarlKroll Thanks so much!!

[@stephenjwprior6358]

Brilliants video to understand how to wear the right gear - Am looking forward to commutering to London 😎

[@KarlKroll]

Awesome! Best of luck!

[@lightracer8632]

Odd, my experience with dynamos and talking with others have had great experiences. I went with the Son which is a higher quality unit which maybe adds to its reliability. I never worry about lights or charging. Very efficient. Nice video and good luck to you.

[@KarlKroll]

Thank you! I actually had a company reach out to me after this video so I will be putting out review video for a new type of dyno for bikepacking soon. All the best!

[@willek1335]

How many km or miles have you put it through?

[@TheOneZenMusic]

Awesome, so much great stuff here. Subbed and looking forward to making my way through your other vids. Also, I see those outers came from the red side. Where are your cold weather gloves? hahaha

[@KarlKroll]

Thanks for the sub Zen! This was my Great Divide kit so didn't include really warm gloves, currently I'm up in Alaska and I use wool gloves/mitts (they are fingerless gloves with a mitten part which can be folded out of the way or over the fingers) underneath the liners and find that gets me through all temperatures I've encountered so far!

[@TheOneZenMusic]

Thanks for the reply Karl! The Gore-Tex looks pretty darn warm itself, so I was mostly kidding, but I'm glad to hear you've got the wool ones too. I love that half-mitten design. Cheers

[@felipewa]

VERY useful! thanks a lot

[@KarlKroll]

Thanks for watching!

[@andreasdumke5075]

Great video...well done, Karl👍👍👍 Thanks for all the useful informations. Some really excellent und simple ideas (e.g. red and blue straps) 👍😅 Take care!

[@KarlKroll]

Cheer Andreas! glad you were able to take something useful away from it!

[@havefunandbikestuff]

Subscribed! I dig your style! Best to you comrade!

[@Crazybird920]

thanks 4 sharing karl.

[@KarlKroll]

thanks for checking out the video!

[@cynthiamgentles6781]

For bear country camping best to use a portable electric fence. 2.4 lbs of small kit for huge peace of mind.

[@steveretiredandcycling]

Excellent information. Thank you for sharing your setup with us. All the best, Steve

[@KarlKroll]

my pleasure Steve, cheers!

[@TheHarley883r]

really informitive and well done Bro... thanks for sharing ride safe and be well !!!

[@KarlKroll]

my pleasure, stay safe and enjoy the ride!

[@kevinle1489]

subbed, great content. Thank you.

[@KarlKroll]

Awesome, thank you!

[@zerobucks9]

bro. This is the video I have been looking for. No shop I have been to seems to understand the type of cycling I am trying to get into. How would your bike be categorized? Gravel bike packing? Thanks for the vid. subscribed.

[@KarlKroll]

Thank you for the sub! I guess I would call it hybrid bikepacking? I don't worry too much about labeling it, the biggest thing is to just get out there!

[@marcosmorales266]

Awesome description, thank you for all the info!

[@KarlKroll]

My pleasure!

[@outsidelife5411]

great info! thanks

[@KarlKroll]

Glad it was helpful!

[@KowalskiVanishing_Point]

Give me a rear rack and that old school handlebar bag any day of the week over new bikepacking gear.

[@briancramer7659]

Awesome rig Karl. What kind of handlebars do you have?

[@KarlKroll]

Hey Brian I just use the original which is a 700mm Salsa Flat, with cheap climbing bar ends I "tried out" and never took off during my first big tour years ago. I've been meaning to try something new and rode a Jones bike recently and really like the Jones bar

[@tomsitzman3952]

A very sensible set up that solves a lot of space problems on the bike. I'm not one for the next great idea. If it works I keep using it. Some of my stuff I have been using for 50 years. Still using my old reliable stoves like the Seva 123 and the Optimus 00. Layering instead of one item for each temperature zone is a better solution, it saves is a lot of room in your pack. light weight Leg warmers take no space when packed great addition. I like to carry a light weight merino sweater to wear in place of a raincoat. I would rather be wet and warm instead of dry and clampy. wool retains 80% of it warming ability when wet.

[@KarlKroll]

Your kit sounds great Tom. As I always say just do what works for you and be open to new ideas

[@tomsitzman3952]

@@KarlKroll No to trips are the same not. No to times of life are the same. there is the young me the middle age me and the old me. At each age we have different intersts and desires. As we age our body changes, and we need to set up our bike different to accommodate the now me..

[@BillCadmus]

Well thought-out gadgets and pack location assignments! I always forget where I placed things that are needed!

[@KarlKroll]

it helps after spending over 2 years straight touring 😂 and I still misplace things sometimes

[@danmitchell3758]

Really like the gear out!😎 I planning my first bike tour. Building salsa Marrakesh. Plan to ride from Anchorage to Atlanta if Canadian border is open or Seattle to Atlanta if border is closed. Thinking northern tier to MI and south or Great American Bicycle Trail. Like the content

[@KarlKroll]

Enjoy man! sounds like a great trip plan, I have heard good things about he Northern Tier as well. Let me know when you reach Minnesota!

[@Mario7p]

Lama approved content

[@KarlKroll]

You have to trust the Lama!

[@SwErTiN777]

GREAT VIDEO EXCEPT WE USE GALLONS OR CUBIC FEET... NOT LITERS

[@gadiambe-lures]

Man you rock, this is great! I'll be curious how you prepare your route dear

[@KarlKroll]

it really depends on where I am, sometimes it is studying a map and looking for small roads, talking to locals etc, other times like on the Great Divide Route there is already a proven route!

[@gadiambe-lures]

@@KarlKroll thank you!

[@Bikepacking]

GOOD SETUP

[@merittmarks9525]

Love the video, but that lock won't stop anyone from stealing your beautiful steed.

[@KarlKroll]

Very true! I never rely on it, it is only for slowing down theft in remote places. I even bring my bike inside stores while resupplying 😂

[@tomsitzman3952]

Simple is good. Take what you need and leave the rest at home. As of 2022 all auto fuel in the world is now lead free and usable in camp stoves. Your waterproof orange bag makes a real good washing machine. An alternative to a suspension fork is to run your heavy-duty touring tires softer.

[@мидер7]

Thanks for the video

[@KarlKroll]

Thanks for watching!

[@jnatiw]

Hey Karl! New to bikepacking and this video is great. Lots of great info. One question, about how far do you put your food from your tent? And do you also cook away from your tent? Thanks!

[@KarlKroll]

It really depends on how bears are in the area. I generally hang my food in a tree if it is bad. Recently in Alaska there weren't any trees so I would just go 100m away with the food in waterproof bags. If a bear gets the food at least they don't get me... If weather permits I cook a small (50m) distance away but if it is between cooking inside and hypothermia with freezing rain outside I will cook in my tent. Not ideal but I am just being honest..

[@keithc5729]

Bears do not like bananas.

[@KarlKroll]

I'm just going to assume you are a scientist studying the banana/bear relationship and quote this as fact from now on

[@mendyviola]

I’m just watching this to better prep for a 4 hr+ trail ride while camping from a base camp in case it goes south and it takes longer than expected.

[@KarlKroll]

Awesome! Hope the ride went well

[@alias8125]

What in your opinion are the advantages that avoiding at all cost a pair of little panniers brings to your riding? Anyway thanks for the video, always nice to see a good and skilled setup.

[@KarlKroll]

If you have them you will fill them up 🤣 but also I had plenty of storage for the GDMBR with this setup, no struggling to carry everything whatsoever. For Hike-a-bike panniers are a big pain as well. So really depends on where you are riding. And if you need extra storage ride with panniers off-road, I've certainly done the majority of my touring that way!

[@willek1335]

Based on my experience of 2000 km touring with a 10kilo setup, without panniers: • A full pannier setup can weigh 10kg without anything in it. I believe less weight equal less stress on my bike. • Weight is forced to a minimum, this pays dividends uphill. • There's significantly less drag on the flats and downs. • The narrow profile can easily slip past busy highways, when panniers claim the whole road. • Panniers require maintenance tools and time. I easily save 50-25% effort/burden, in my own estimation. FeelsGoodMan. 😁👍

[@cindywalsh183]

I have the same lama than you do !! :D

[@KarlKroll]

It's a good lama! 🤣

[@cindywalsh183]

@@KarlKroll haha that's right! Mine is from Ecuador too, only purple

[@comfycozygamer3892]

Does your bike have front suspension? Never mind you answered.

[@Heliseväkeiju]

Hieno pyörä.

[@firdenico]

GOOD

[@Mike-vd2qt]

Hi Karl, thanks for video. I'm planning to ride the GDMBR from Roosville at the border since Canada is still closed. What time of year did you ride it? My clothing kit is about the same, but thinking of skipping the rain coat and rain pants since I'l be riding mid July through August. I'm content to wait out rain under cover, or use the tent fly with emergency blanket to duck under for a while. Riding in rain always winds up wet and muddy :-) Great video!

[@KarlKroll]

First off best of luck to you! Don't stress too much and enjoy the ride. I started mid August. Although it was pretty dry I did get a few half day's of rain as well as one day of slushy snow, which I booked it and ended up waiting out with a host in Colorado for an extra day. My raincoat and rain pants get used every cold night for warmth so they aren't single purpose. And I consider them to be a safety item as well for that reason. Cold is one thing but cold and wet is a whole different story. I've heard of people touring without headlamps (which seems crazy to me) so I won't say anything isn't possible, just I wouldn't do it myself, and would feel uncomfortable knowing I could get stuck on the top of a pass without proper rain gear. I'm about to put out a video from Chile where I lost my rainjacket and it was one of the most miserable parts of my trip for that reason, so maybe I have just been wet and cold too much. Best of luck!

[@Mike-vd2qt]

@@KarlKroll Thanks for feedback Karl, much appreciated. I won't be stressing it, riding at touring pace, retired, road toured across US a few times. Will take rain jacket w poly puff vest. Happy trails!

[@Hashslingingslasher-]

Best reply ever

[@GameplayerSolCley]

Thanks

[@KarlKroll]

No problem

[@warducky]

Great video! When you are in a city and want to go to the supermarkt or something, do you just leave all your stuff on your bike?

[@KarlKroll]

depends on where I am, Normally I grab a few valuables quickly. If in a smaller town/city I will just leave everything on the bike. Asking a security officer in larger cities to watch my bike has worked well for me too