Essential Gear Bike List for Your Next Bikepacking Adventure

Embarking on a bikepacking adventure requires careful planning and, most importantly, the right gear. This list details the equipment I relied on for my own odyssey, offering insights into what worked, what could be improved, and why each item earned a spot on my bike. Whether you’re a seasoned bikepacker or planning your first tour, this Gear Bike list provides a comprehensive overview to help you prepare for your journey.

Bike and Accessories: The Foundation of Your Ride

Choosing the right bike is paramount for a comfortable and efficient bikepacking experience. My choice was the Kona Sutra ULTD, now rebranded as the Kona Sutra LTD, a bike well-suited for off-road travel.

Kona Sutra LTD (formerly Kona Sutra ULTD): This bike proved to be an excellent companion for challenging terrains. While the gearing was limited, favoring a lighter, more aggressive riding style, it handled my heavier, slower pace adequately. For those carrying heavier loads or tackling steep climbs, more gearing options might be preferable. Despite this, I thoroughly enjoyed my time with this bike.
Blackburn Outpost Cargo Water Bottle Cages: These cages were incredibly useful for carrying extra water bottles or gear. However, the metal did experience wear over time from rubbing against the bottles. Consider using protective tape or opting for cages made from more durable materials to mitigate this issue.
Generic Rear Rack: While functional initially, this rack unfortunately broke in several places during the trip. Zip ties offered temporary fixes, but investing in a higher-quality, more robust rack is crucial for long-distance bikepacking to avoid equipment failures.
Race Face Chester Pedals: These pedals provided excellent grip and durability throughout the journey, offering reliable performance in various conditions.
Selle Anatomica X2 Saddle: Comfort is key on long rides, and the Selle Anatomica X2 saddle delivered. Its ergonomic design proved comfortable for extended periods in the saddle, minimizing discomfort and chafing.

Bike Bags: Carrying Your Essentials Efficiently

Bike bags are essential for distributing weight and carrying gear effectively. My setup primarily featured Revelate Designs bags, known for their durability and thoughtful design.

Revelate Designs Ranger Frame Bag (Size Large): This frame bag was a standout. The burly zipper and robust construction impressed me. The size large fit perfectly within my 54 cm Kona Sutra ULTD frame, maximizing storage space within the bike’s triangle.
Sea to Summit Lightweight Dry Sack: To ensure my gear stayed dry inside the frame bag, I used this lightweight dry sack. Waterproofing is crucial, especially in unpredictable weather conditions.
Revelate Designs Gas Tank & Mag Tank: The original Gas Tank unfortunately fell victim to a squirrel. Its replacement, the Revelate Designs Mag Tank, along with the original, both performed admirably for top tube bag storage, offering convenient access to snacks and small essentials.
Revelate Designs Harness: This harness proved invaluable for carrying bulky items like my Bear Vault canister securely on the handlebars. Its sturdiness and versatility are commendable. For a more detailed look, you can check out my review on Gear Junkie.
Revelate Designs Egress: Added towards the end of my trip, the Egress bag served as a useful extension to the harness, providing extra storage when needed.
San Util Covert Hip Pack: For off-bike excursions and keeping essentials readily accessible, the San Util Covert Hip Pack was excellent. Its comfort was a major plus.
San Util Stem Bag: The San Util Stem Bag worked reliably, offering convenient storage for water bottles, snacks, or a camera within easy reach while riding.
Ortlieb Panniers: After 15 years of rigorous use, my Ortlieb panniers are still going strong. Their durability and waterproof construction make them a worthwhile investment for any serious cyclist.

Camping and Sleeping Gear: Comfort Under the Stars

A comfortable sleep system and reliable shelter are essential for overnight bikepacking trips.

ALPS Mountaineering Lynx 1 Tent: This economical and rugged tent served me well for eight years of demanding use. While the zipper finally gave way at the end of this trip, its longevity and reliability were impressive for its price point. RIP beloved ALPS Lynx!
Thermarest Prolite (Size Small): My Thermarest Prolite sleeping pad continues to perform after many years, providing essential insulation and comfort.
Foam Thermarest Cut to Core Size: In the desert, this foam pad proved incredibly useful. Used under my inflatable pad, it offered extra warmth and a degree of puncture protection.
Kelty -15 Degree Down Sleeping Bag: Despite its age, this sleeping bag remains a reliable source of warmth in cold conditions.
Biolite 750 Headlamp: This headlamp doubled as both a front and rear bike light for occasional night riding, offering versatility and convenience.
Bear Spray: Essential for safety in bear country, providing peace of mind while camping in the wilderness.

Cooking, Food, and Water: Sustenance on the Go

Staying hydrated and well-fed is crucial for energy and morale on long bikepacking trips.

MSR 10 Liter Dromedary Bag: Extremely useful for desert camping, this bag allowed me to carry a substantial water supply in arid environments.
2 x 1.5 Liter Nalgene Water Bottles: These durable water bottles are essential for carrying water on the bike, complementing the Dromedary bag for ample hydration capacity.
Solo Stove Lite & 900 Pot: The Solo Stove Lite is my absolute favorite stove. Its twig-burning design is efficient and eliminates the need to carry fuel. Paired with the Solo Stove 900 Pot, it’s a compact and effective cooking system. Read more about my experiences in my review for Adventure Cycling.
Lighter: Essential for starting the Solo Stove.
Montbell Alpine .5 Liter Thermos: My morning coffee ritual is non-negotiable, and this thermos keeps it hot. Learn about my coffee routine in this Adventure Cycling article.
Titanium Long Handled Spoon: Lightweight and durable, a long-handled spoon is ideal for eating meals directly from pouches or pots.
Sawyer Squeeze Water Filter: Still my preferred water filter for its reliability and ease of use. However, the bags are prone to ripping, so carrying a spare is advisable.
BV500 Bearvault Bear Canister: Camping in bear country requires secure food storage. This canister provided excellent security and doubled as a desk, chair, and more, adding versatility beyond food storage.

Clothing: Adaptability for Varying Conditions

Clothing choices should prioritize layering and adaptability to changing weather. Thrift stores are excellent resources for affordable and functional outdoor wear.

Bedrock Sandals: Great for walking, riding in warm weather, and comfortable around camp.
Lightweight Hiking Boots: Versatile for both riding and hiking, providing ankle support and protection.
Merino Riding Socks & Alpaca Socks: Merino socks are excellent for riding, offering moisture-wicking and odor resistance. Alpaca socks provide extra warmth for sleeping.
Showers Pass Merino T-shirt: Merino wool’s properties make it ideal for cycling, offering breathability and odor control.
Spandex Leggings & Long Fleece Pants: Versatile layering options for warmth and comfort.
VOORMI Long Sleeve Baselayer: My favorite baselayer for its warmth and breathability.
Mid-weight Fleece & Down Jacket & Light Insulated Jacket: Layering is key for temperature regulation. These jackets provide varying levels of warmth for different conditions.
Outdoor Research Sun Hoodie: Lightweight and rugged, this sun hoodie offered excellent sun protection.
Gym Shorts, Sports Bras, Underwear, Pearl Izumi Sugar Shorts: Essential cycling and base layers for comfort and hygiene.
Wool Hat & Sunglasses: Essential for sun protection and warmth.
Showers Pass Refuge Jacket & Transit Pants: Excellent for cold and wet climates, providing waterproof and windproof protection.
Cycling Gloves & Midweight Gloves & Dish Gloves: Gloves for varying temperatures and conditions, with dish gloves providing a waterproof layer.
Produce Bags: Used as vapor barriers inside shoes in wet conditions.
Bontrager Solstice MIPS Helmet: Essential for safety, protecting against head injuries.
Lightweight Stuff Sack: For organizing clothing and gear.

Communications and Mobile Office: Staying Connected

Staying connected can be important for safety and communication, even in remote areas.

Samsung Galaxy A53 Phone & iPad Mini: For communication, navigation, and entertainment.
Mint Mobile & Visible Phone Chips: Inexpensive phone services utilizing T-Mobile and Verizon networks, respectively.
Otterbox Cases & Supershieldz/KTC Screen Protectors: Robust protection for valuable electronics.
Zagg Flex Universal Keyboard: A portable keyboard enhances productivity when using the iPad for writing or communication.
Sony Bluetooth Earbuds: For calls, podcasts, and entertainment.
Peak Design Out Front Bike Mount & Universal Adapter: Secure and convenient phone mounting on handlebars.
Waterproof Phone Cover (Ziploc Bag): Simple and effective waterproof protection.
Kindle Ereader: For entertainment during downtime.
Vanja & Rankie USB Adapters: Essential for connecting various devices.
RECJOY Mini Voice Recorder: For notes and audio recording.

Power and Charging: Staying Powered Up

Keeping electronic devices charged is crucial, especially for navigation and communication.

Biolite Charge PD 80 & Anker Powercore Power Banks: Portable power for charging devices. The Biolite offers substantial capacity, while the Anker is more compact.
Flex Solar 15 Watt Solar Panel: For off-grid charging, although it was a bit bulky.
Various Charging Cords: Essential for connecting devices to power sources.

Camera Equipment: Capturing the Journey

Documenting your adventure through photos and videos enhances the experience and allows you to share your journey.

Fuji X100V Camera: A compact and functional camera for high-quality photos.
Generic Padded Camera Case: Provided excellent protection for the camera, even surviving drops.
Kodak 42” Portable Tripod: Compact and lightweight, ideal for travel photography, though not the most durable.
Backup SD Cards: Essential for storing photos and videos.
Sea to Summit Dry Bag: Waterproof protection for camera equipment.

Repair Kit: Being Self-Sufficient

A comprehensive repair kit is crucial for handling mechanical issues on the road.

Topeak Alien 2 Multi-tool: A versatile multi-tool for various bike repairs.
Extra Allen Key: For specific hard-to-reach bolts.
Standard Leatherman Knife: A multi-purpose tool.
Spare Tube, Orange Seal Endurance Sealant, Oneup Components EDC Pump, Stans No Tubes Core Remover Tool, Valve Cores, Genuine Innovations Tubeless Tire Repair Bacon Strips, Park Tool Emergency Tire Boot, Patch Kit, Super Glue, Zip Ties, Upholstery Thread, Tenacious Tape, Duct Tape, Tire Levers, Sram Link, Spare Shifter Cable, Spare Spokes, Seam Sealer, Safety Pins, Rag, Chain Lube, Small Bike Lock: A comprehensive list of items for tire repairs, minor mechanical fixes, and general maintenance. Refer to this Bikepacking.com article for more detailed information on bikepacking repair kits.

Toiletries and First Aid: Personal Care and Safety

Maintaining personal hygiene and being prepared for minor injuries is important.

Toiletries: Small shampoo, contacts/solution/glasses, sunscreen, biodegradable soap, toothbrush/toothpaste, nail clippers, brush, camp mirror, shea butter, hair ties, Diva Cup, Pee Style, TentLab Deuce Trowel.
First Aid: Ibuprofen, Povidone Iodine Swabs, Benadryl, Emergency Antibiotics (Cipro), Gauze Pads, Gauze Tape, Antibiotic Ointment, Bandages, Alcohol Swabs, Medical Tape.

Personal Items: Essentials for Comfort and Security

These personal items add comfort and security to the journey.

Notebook and Pen, Thank You Cards, Casio Watch, Wallet, Passport.

Climate-Dependent Gear Adjustments: Adapting to Conditions

Gear adjustments are necessary to adapt to changing climates.

Sun hats, warm gloves, varied water bottles, thrift store tank tops/shirts, small backpack, Adventure Cycling Camp Mug, face buff: These items were cycled in and out of my gear based on the climate and conditions encountered.

This gear bike list represents my personal setup and what worked for my specific journey. Your needs may vary based on your trip duration, terrain, climate, and personal preferences. Use this list as a starting point and customize it to create your perfect gear bike setup for your next bikepacking adventure.