Guide: Everything You Need to Know About Bikepacking

Originating from the United States, bikepacking has grown significantly in recent years. As a result, the range of equipment has expanded, allowing more and more nature and cycling enthusiasts to venture off the beaten path.

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Bikepacking or Cycle Touring?

Bikepacking is more about challenge and exploration compared to cycle touring, which offers more comfort by carrying more gear and allows for a smoother introduction to outdoor experiences.

Bikepacking is a more athletic practice with a minimalist approach to bike travel: it’s about reaching wilder places while skipping the unnecessary.

But what is bikepacking? This practice isn’t as new as it seems, but it has grown in popularity over time. Whether you’re heading out on your own or with company, no matter the destination, it’s crucial to carefully choose your gear and consider its weight, as this will affect how manageable and stable the bike is.

This philosophy is about traveling in a minimalist way, carrying only the essentials to explore unknown places and being able to stop wherever and whenever you want. Bikepackers don’t hesitate to leave paved roads and venture onto less conventional paths.

As for the type of bike, it’s better if it’s lightweight, durable, and versatile. You can start with your current bike and later invest in a gravel bike or mountain bike.

Advantages and Disadvantages: Everything You Need to Know Bikepacking offers something for everyone. Although there are countless advantages to practicing this activity, we shouldn’t forget that there are also potential downsides to consider. Let’s take a look at both sides now :

Advantages : 

• Long live freedom! Get off the main roads and explore trails, tracks, and less-traveled paths for a better adventure experience and outdoor freedom. Choose your own route and stop wherever you want to make the most of your unique and personalized journey.

• A better connection with nature Get closer to nature by riding through diverse landscapes (mountains, forests, rivers…), while observing the wildlife and flora, and enjoying nights under the stars.

• Good long-term cost-effectiveness Here’s a great economic solution: in addition to avoiding accommodation costs (since you can generally camp in wild camping areas or stay in hostels), you’ll also save on transportation expenses.

• A sustainable form of travel With a relatively low environmental impact compared to other modes of transport, it reduces carbon emissions and contributes to environmental preservation.
• Great flexibility in terms of routes
  Whether it’s in terms of routes, duration, or destination, you can travel at your own pace and according to your preferences

Disadvantages : 

• Logistical planning that can be complex You need to plan for the right camping gear, trail navigation, as well as managing your water and food supplies since it can sometimes be difficult to find potable water or food in certain remote areas.

• Limited comfort Compared to other forms of travel, bikepacking can often be less comfortable. Cyclists usually sleep in tents or basic shelters and may face changing weather conditions. You also have to consider that outdoor sanitary facilities can be limited, which may make it less comfortable for some travelers.

• Initial costs when starting out While it’s true that, in the long run, it doesn’t cost much, you still need to invest in equipment to get started (bike purchase, panniers, camping gear, navigation tools, and other accessories…)

• Lower safety Traveling in remote areas or on less frequented trails can present safety risks. One must be aware of dangers such as bicycle accidents, wildlife, extreme weather conditions, and more

In the end, it is important to consider these potential advantages and disadvantages and to prepare well in order to minimize risks and make the most of this experience. Careful planning, good physical condition, navigation skills, and appropriate safety precautions are essential for a successful bikepacking experience.

Different types of bikepacking panniers
The goal is to attach various panniers to the bike in order to get as close as possible to the center of gravity, keeping the bike manageable and stable throughout your adventures. This is especially important if the weather conditions are challenging, such as when there is a lot of wind.

a. The saddlebag: The essential item

Probably the first item we would recommend for bikepacking. In addition to offering a practical place to store your tent, sleeping bag, jacket, etc., this pannier is more ergonomic than a rack and will allow you to navigate narrow and technical trails.

To know which saddlebag to choose, there are several important factors to consider, including volume, waterproofing, weight, and mounting systems...

• Volume: It depends on the type of trip you plan to take, the terrain you'll be cycling on, and the gear you want to bring. This pannier is ideal for bulky but not too heavy equipment. It allows you to carry the most cumbersome items to avoid any imbalance on the bike. You should choose a volume that is sufficient for your trips, depending on the type of outing (the duration of your ride, whether you're doing off-road or staying on well-established trails, etc.).

• Waterproofing: Some panniers are "only" water-resistant, which is why the Lyo team advises choosing one that is fully waterproof. While the price may be higher, it's worth it if you want to keep your gear dry in all circumstances! To know if the waterproofing of a product meets your needs, don’t hesitate to check its Ingress Protection (IP) rating. For example, Ortlieb products can have protection classes up to IP67. For more information on this topic, feel free to check our article "What do IPX4, IP68... mean? Definition of the IP Protection Rating".

• Weight: To maintain balance on your bike and avoid swaying, place the heaviest items as close to the seat post as possible, to bring them closer to the bike’s center of gravity.

Advantages: Large storage capacity, no loss of maneuverability, fits almost all types of bikes.
Drawback: If not secured properly, the pannier can sway and cause instability.

Our recommendation: Ortlieb Seat-Pack QR saddlebag

b. The frame bag: To use the empty space in your frame triangle

With the center of gravity being relatively low, you can store your heavier items inside: tools, dense food, water bladder, fuel for the stove, etc.

Some frame bags can be custom-made to fit your frame and usage perfectly.

Full-frame bags fill the entire frame, while partial bags attach to the top tube. The advantage of partial bags is that they allow access to your water bottle holders.

Advantages: Low center of gravity, allowing you to store your heaviest items, weight is better distributed in the middle of the bike, suitable for all types of bikes (MTB, hybrid, gravel, road bikes, etc.).

Consideration: It’s important to choose the right size for your needs, as the bag shouldn't interfere with your pedaling.

Our recommendation: Ortlieb Frame-Pack RC (6L) or Ortlieb Frame-Pack RC Toptube (4L).

c. The Handlebar Bag: Popular Among Many Bikepackers
Not always the easiest to install on the handlebars, the handlebar bag sits alongside your GPS, light, cables, and other accessories. However, once installed, it certainly offers several advantages.

The handlebar bag must remain light to maintain good maneuverability, in addition to not being easily accessible. You can store items inside that you won’t need during the day but may be cumbersome, such as your sleeping bag, extra clothing, etc.

Be mindful of the size you choose for your bag, especially the diameter (which must be smaller than the distance between your handlebars and your wheel) and its length (to leave enough space to comfortably grip the handlebars).

Advantages:

• Allows you to store bulky and lightweight items
• Large storage capacity
• Minimal loss of maneuverability

d. Front and/or Rear Wheel Bags: An Optional Solution
Although the essence of bikepacking is to travel light (and without a rack), which is more akin to cycle touring, everyone equips themselves as they wish!

In addition to being stable gear, some bags attach and detach easily, saving both time and space. Mounted on the front and/or rear of the bike, it is more complicated to navigate steep paths with this type of equipment.

Advantages:

• Stable equipment
• Allows you to store a lot of gear and various items

What Gear Is Needed for Bikepacking?
This depends on several factors: the length of the trip, weather conditions, planned routes, and personal preferences… However, it’s important to consider a basic list of essential gear that will definitely be useful for bikepacking:

1. The Bike and Waterproof Panniers
   As discussed above.

2. Camping Gear

• A Tent or Lightweight Shelter: To sleep comfortably and protect yourself from the elements at night, you’ll need a tent, hammock, or tarp.
• A Sleeping Bag: Suitable for the season and expected weather conditions, it’s essential to have one to stay warm overnight. For bikepacking, to save weight and especially volume, many opt for a quilt (a blanket-style sleeping bag).
• A Sleeping Mat: Inflatable or self-inflating. It’s essential for isolating yourself from the ground and staying warm at night. Even the best sleeping bag will be ineffective if you don’t have an insulating layer. The foam mat, useful in cycle touring, is much less suitable for bikepacking.

3. Cooking Equipment

• A Stove and Fuel: Essential for cooking your meals during the trip. Ultra-light alcohol stoves or small gas models allow you to have hot meals without taking up much space.
• Food and Water: The lifeblood of bikepacking. It's crucial to study your route in advance to anticipate places where you can resupply with food and water, and those where you’ll need to be fully self-sufficient. Ultra-compact water filters can be a good solution if you're isolated but there are rivers or streams along the way. Make sure to carry enough food and water for your journey, considering the availability of supplies along your route.

4. Appropriate Clothing: Choose clothes suited to the weather conditions (waterproof, merino to avoid sweat odors, warm and breathable clothes, etc.).

5. Repair Tools: A basic repair kit is necessary to quickly handle any emergencies with your bike. It’s essential to prepare it well and practice using the tools to change a tire, a chain link, etc. More and more organizations offer repair workshops to help you become more self-sufficient.

6. Maps, Compass, and/or GPS: Navigation tools are essential for orienting yourself along your bikepacking route. With modern tools that require energy and the trusty paper map, it's up to you to choose what works best for you!

Best Bikepacking Routes in France
Finally, we couldn’t leave you without mentioning some of the best bikepacking routes available in France. With numerous options across the country catering to different levels of difficulty and travel duration, you’re sure to have some breathtaking adventures, whether you're a seasoned athlete or a casual traveler.

• The Grande Traversée du Massif Central (GTMC): This route crosses the Massif Central from Clermont-Ferrand to the Mediterranean, passing through forest trails, ridge paths, and mountain bike tracks. You’ll experience varied bikepacking terrain through beautiful landscapes, picturesque villages, and forests of pine and oak trees.
• Les Chemins du Soleil: This bikepacking route links the French Alps to the Mediterranean, passing through mountain trails, pine forests, and picturesque mountain villages. It offers panoramic views of the Alps and Provence, along with technical descents for mountain biking enthusiasts.
• Les Volcans d'Auvergne: This bikepacking route allows you to explore the volcanoes of Auvergne, a region in the Massif Central, featuring mountains, lakes, and forests. It offers varied mountain bike trails and panoramic views of dormant volcanoes.

It is highly recommended to conduct thorough research, consult maps, and guides to plan your route effectively..

In conclusion

This form of bike adventure is becoming increasingly popular in France. Indeed, bikepacking offers many benefits, including the freedom to travel autonomously, discover beautiful landscapes, experience camping in nature, and challenge yourself physically and mentally.

To fully enjoy your bikepacking experiences, it's essential to equip yourself properly. With the growing range of ultralight gear, it's important to test your equipment on micro-adventures that will help you find the ideal setup.

Happy prepping !