What to pack for your first bikepacking holiday

Some might think that a bike holiday is too demanding physically, and packing for it is too hard, but really, everything is easier than it might seem.

Of course, if you are not into riding a bike, I will be hard for me to change your mind, but if you are reading this it means that you are probably curious about how this works :)

First of all, it all has to be about ADVENTURE!

If this is your first bike holiday, immerse yourself in a new experience that will stay with you forever.

A bike trip is something that will make you feel like you are part of the scenery around you, you are in direct contact with nature: you are not looking at it from a windscreen.

Of course, you will have to do some concessions in packing, for example no high heels or cocktail dresses (it would be all wrinkled when it comes out of the bags anyway). Remember you are leaving for an adventure, not going to Hollywood :)

The second aspect has to be “FRUGALITY”: you need to pack the essentials only: you will be most of the times in biking clothes, so it needs to be something comfy, and to that you should add some evening clothes.

Here’s a short list of what you should pack for a 3 days tour:

• Bike helmet

• Riding gloves

• Sunglasses

• 1 bike shorts

• 1 microfiber long-sleeved shirt

• 1 microfiber t-shirt

• 1 thermal sweater

• Biking shoes or trainers

• 2 pairs of underwear

• 2 sport socks + 1 for the evening

• Evening shoes

• 1 pair of jeans / trousers for the evening

• 1 t-shirt for the evening

• 1 evening sweater

• Slippers

• Swimming suit

• Pajamas

• Toothbrush and toothpaste

• 1 small face cream

• Basic meds

• Phone charger

• 1 tyre sealant spray

• 1 air tube (of the right kind for your bike)

• 1 tyre repair kit

If you are leaving for a 5 days tour, you should add to this list:

• 1 bike shorts

• 1 long sleeved shirt

• 1 t-shirt

• 3 pairs of underwear

• 2 socks

• 1 t-shirt for the evening

Prefer technical wear, like fleece or microfiber shirts that will take up fewer space, are easy to wash and will keep you warm.

Here's 5 things you must not forget:

1. Use purpose-made bikepacking gear, so you won’t ride all day with a heavy backpack that will hurt your back in the long run.

2. When packing, try to balance the weight between the bags, so your bike won’t get unstable while riding down or uphill.

3. To keep good maneuverability, it’s better to have more weight in the back than on the handlebars. Try to use all the available space efficiently, even the space inside your shoes.

4. Remember to keep your raingear, the air tube and the repair kit in a place which will be easy to reach in case you need them ;)

5. If you add a backpack for the small necessities, and to use it in the evening, remember to keep it light, your shoulders and back will thank you for that!

Now that you are all packed, it’s time to leave for a new adventure, discover new places and have fun. You will come home with new emotions and experiences and you will wonder “why didn’t I do this before!?”

Good Trip!