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Bikepacking Kit List

Posted on Jul 26, 2020

The Intro

I’ve been doing a small amount if bikepacking and lightweight bicycle touring over the last 18 months or so. The distinction between bikepacking and touring is a somewhat hazy one, and there are plenty of Think Pieces about how to tell. Short form for me is that I prefer framebags to panniers and wider tyres to 25mm.

This is mostly a reminder list for myself, it’s not definitive and it’s not for everyone. There are also many, many versions of this post available, go read something by someone who’s better at it than me.

The List

I’m going to split this by bag location as that seems to be the most sensible. There are endless arguments about what should go where and how best to carry certain items, but this is what seems to work for me.

Handlebar bag

This is mostly clothes and ‘sleeping system’.

  • Alpkit Dual 20l - I just use the straps on this bag to retain it. Considering adding a front pouch at some point.
  • Sleeping bag - Slightly hydrophobic down. I’ll occasionally change this up to a bulkier, older 1000 fill down bag if it’s really cold. But if it’s that cold, I’m probably staying indoors. On the sofa.
  • Sleeping mat - This is a full size mat, I’ve tried half mats and don’t get on with them. I’ll take the weight /size penalty for a better sleep.
  • Pillow - see above.
  • Towel - small microfibre.
  • Change of clothes - This varies, I don’t always take anything. For campsite or more touring trips, it’s nice to have at least a lightweight change.

Frame bag

Lots of bits that don’t quite fit elsewhere.

  • Alpkit Possum Large - I don’t quite love this, but it works. The shape is both good and bad, depending on what you’re trying to fit in it.
  • Drybags - Mix of random ones, but small ones are useful for electrics, larger ones for clothes.
  • Tent poles - Custom carbon pole for the tent, as it’s designed to work with walking poles.
  • Long spork - Good for the dehydrated meal packets.
  • Spare tube(s) - Occasionally, even the right size for the bike I’m riding.
  • HipLock zLock - Handy for the cafe/shop stop.
  • Affix Shit Voile Strap - Strap shit together, support a good shop.
  • Power bank - Get something with ’trickle charge’. I’ve got a couple of sizes of this.
  • Charging cables - Usually a micro-usb and an iphone cable.
  • Toothbrush
  • Wallet
  • Keys
  • Sometimes a lightweight waterproof jacket - if it fits.

Seat pack

Cooking, food, extra layers.

  • Alpkit Koala - I have the older version of this. It’s not great, mostly works but is really fiddly to use with the extra straps.
  • Alpkit MytiMug 650 - Wrap the handles in Sugru and a patch for drinking from. I keep this in the mesh bag it came in as it stops any contents escaping.
  • Alpkit Kraku Stove - Teeny stove. Fits in the mug.
  • Small microfibre cloth - tea towel
  • 100g gas canister - I’d prefer to take a larger one, but this one fits in the mug.
  • Lighter - Got to make fire somehow. Fits in the mug.
  • Fire striker - Not ideal with the stove, it’s easy to knock over, but works even if the lighter doesn’t. Also fits in the mug.
  • Food - The larger sizes.
  • Breakfast Food - I make variations on this.
  • Head Torch - With the usb rechargable battery.
  • Kindle - Handy to have around
  • Tent and groundsheet - This is basically a clone of the Lunar Solo. It’s okay, but I’d not want to be any taller than me (178cm). Hopefully changing this soon.
  • Tent Pegs - Cheap titanium pegs. Helps to search for ’tent nails'.
  • Bivvy Bag and tarp - Alternative to the tent. The tarp is huge and is a 2 person one, I must get a smaller one at some point.
  • Jacket - Older variant on this. Synthetic so I care less if it gets wet.
  • Layers for during the day. The seat pack is one of the easiest bags to get to, so stick these at the top.

Top Tube bag

Snacks. Snacks.

  • Alpkit top tube bag - I have the older version of this I think. I quite like it, I can get my phone in it if need be.
  • Snacks - Bars / packets of sweets
  • Phone - Either here or my jersey pocket

Future changes

Things I’d like to change, but don’t have the time/money for:

  • New tent - I’m looking at this one but not sure yet.
  • Maybe add some bar/stem bags.
  • Change the front bag and seat back. Possibly Restrap or Apidura.