Bikepacking 101 bag configuration

[sparky33]

Can someone tell me about packing for bikepacking? What bag configuration do you recommend for short trips?

I've never done an overnight camp by bike, though I do hike/car camp frequently. I want to try going by bike this summer. My idea is to sandwich a night at a campground or wild-camp between days of riding. That seems beginner doable.

None of my bikes take racks, so it would be bikepacking style bags
(saddlepack, frame, handlebar, 3pack, etc). I have a 10L seatpack, could buy others.

Bike would likely be my Lauf True Grit gravel rig for my intended gravel route. Lauf's 3-pack fork (https://www.laufcycling.com/product/lauf-jaf) might be an upgrade. Are 3-pack mounted bags useful?

Packing list is roughly:
2nd day bibs/jersey/socks
jacket/vest
gloves, beanie
thermal baselayer
shorts and shirt for off-bike
flipflops
1p tent
mummy bag & air mat
headlamp
maybe a Jetboil or pocket stove, maybe not
cup, spoon, compact food.
tools and basic 1st aid
battery bank
Kindle
snacks

[JAGI410]

3 pack mounts are handy, but you don't need to swap your fork. Get these https://www.sks-germany.com/en/products/anywhere-without-topcage/

Your packing list looks good, but the kindle throws it off. Get a small paperback or use the kindle app on your smartphone.

The beauty of bikepacking is that each trip brings new knowledge. What works for me might not work for you and vice versa. Take a trip, learn some stuff, then try again. It's one night at a time!

[SlowPokePete]

I like Oveja Negra's stuff.

And the fork bags do help.

You will run out of room for stuff quickly.

This is a rabbit hole !

Check around a bit here ==> https://bikepacking.com

SPP

[Ken Robb]

A huge saddlebag (like my Rivendell Hoss) hung from my Brooks B-17 and a medium bag (Rivendell Little Joe) on my handle bars would probably do this.

[Jaybee]

I took my first bikepacking trip this year doing the last 130 miles of the Colorado Trail over 4 days.

My first instinct is to say that you have too much stuff for 2 days, 1 night -weight matters.

If you're just camping and don't need to be presentable, then you can shed a lot. For example, your thermal baselayer can also be your off-bike shirt. I used a pair of non-chamois tights for campwear/pajamas. You probably don't need a 2nd jersey, just rinse it out if you think conditions will allow it to dry overnight. Do take an extra set of bibs - saddle sores suck. A warm meal is nice if you're going to be out for a few days, but you could shed a lot of volume and weight (stove, fuel, dehydrated food) if you just went with no-cook foods. Don't underestimate your calorie needs. If you've got access to potable water throughout the route, you won't need a filter. If you've got access to filterable water, on the regular, you only need 2 bottles. Take the jacket, you won't need a vest. Get the idea?

I'd make a goal to carry nothing on your back. That helps a lot.

[sparky33]

Get these https://www.sks-germany.com/en/products/anywhere-without-topcage/
I like that. A good way to try it out without breaking the bank.


Check around a bit here ==> https://bikepacking.com

This site is addictive.

A huge saddlebag (like my Rivendell Hoss) hung from my Brooks B-17 and a medium bag (Rivendell Little Joe) on my handle bars would probably do this.
Carradice bags are great. Dangerously cavernous.


but you could shed a lot of volume and weight (stove, fuel, dehydrated food) if you just went with no-cook foods.
I'd make a goal to carry nothing on your back. That helps a lot.
Good points. No backpack is a goal.

[Ken Robb]

I like that. A good way to try it out without breaking the bank.


This site is addictive.


Carradice bags are great. Dangerously cavernous.


Good points. No backpack is a goal.

I have 3 Carradice bags too but the ones I have are smaller than the Hoss bag.

[weisan]

Less is more

[Louis]

or wild-camp between days of riding

What's your plan for water?

[sparky33]

What's your plan for water?


One is never far from potable water in VT, plenty of places to fill 3 bottles for overnight. I probably won’t bring a filter for this.