There’s a lot to consider when planning a bikepacking trip—gear, routes, food, packing, and more. It can feel like a lot to figure out, especially if it’s your first time. But whether you're just getting started or looking to fine-tune your setup for your next adventure, with a little prep, bikepacking can be one of the most freeing and rewarding ways to explore outside. This guide covers everything you need to get started: from choosing the right bike and bikepacking gear to packing tips, route planning, and fuelling strategies. Here’s where to start:
- Choose your bike and get comfortable: Your bike is your home on wheels. Make sure it’s right for the ride, and that your setup feels good before you head out.
- Plan your route and resupplies: Decide where you’re going and how remote it is. That’ll help guide your food, water, and gear choices.
- Pack your gear and clothing: You’ll carry everything with you, so think light and efficient. A few thoughtful choices go a long way.
- Plan your meals and water: A good fuelling strategy helps make every kilometre more enjoyable—on and off the bike.
How to start bikepacking
If you're already active outdoors and comfortable on a bike, you're halfway there. Bikepacking combines cycling and minimalist camping, giving you the freedom to travel self-supported across trails, gravel roads, or pavement.
Start small
You don’t need fancy bikepacking gear or a remote route for your first trip. Try an overnight ride close to a campsite or friends house nearby and keep it mellow.
Pick your ride: Gravel bike vs. road bike?
Gravel bikes are a great starting point thanks to their blend of speed and off-road capability. They also typically have additional mounts, making it possible to run equipment like bikepacking racks. That said, a road bike will do the job, just make sure to plan your packing and route accordingly.
Ride a little loaded
Already biking a few times a week? You’re probably good to go. For longer trips, practice riding with packed bikepacking bags and try back-to-back riding days to get used to the rhythm of a multi-day bikepacking trip.
How to plan a bikepacking route
Planning your bikepacking route might just be the most fun part of the whole experience. The right route can set the tone for the ride, help you avoid surprises, and keep you feeling confident from day one.
Set your sights
Want quiet gravel roads, epic views, or a mix of cafes and campgrounds? Pick a goal that fits your preferences and skills.
Plan your route with apps and online tools
Apps like Komoot, Ride with GPS, Strava and Gaia GPS help you identify elevation, road types, and resupply points. You can also browse community routes on websites like Bikepacking.com.
Keep it realistic
Riding with a loaded bike is a different experience than your usual weekend spin. Hills feel steeper, and everything moves a bit slower. Plan shorter daily distances than you might expect, especially if it’s your first bikepacking trip, and build in extra time for breaks, snacks, and soaking up the views.
Consider food and water
You need to fuel well—both on the bike and off it. Think about how remote your route is and whether you’ll be stopping for meals or carrying everything. Map out where you can resupply food and refill water, so you’re never caught short.
What to pack for bikepacking
Your bikepacking packing list depends on your trip length, weather, and how much comfort you want to bring.
Basic packing list:
- Shelter: tent, bivvy or tarp
- Sleep system: sleeping bag and pad
- Clothes: riding layers, warm layers, rain shell, and something cozy for camp
- Food and water
- Toiletries
- Lightweight cook system (or go no-cook)
- Bike maintenance tools (i.e. multi-tool) and spare parts (i.e. tubes, chain links, etc.)*
- Navigation and lights
*Keep in mind that the more remote you go, the more robust of a toolkit you'll need
Wondering how many litres of storage you need for bikepacking?
For a one-night trip, aim for 30–40L of storage, depending on the size of your camping gear (ultralight gear will take up less space). Multi-day rides usually need closer to 50–60L. Don't forget to consider space for water in that capacity as well.
See our full bikepacking checklist for everything you might need.
How to pack a bike for bikepacking
Now that you’ve got your gear, it’s time to pack your bikepacking bags. Use bikepacking bags that are designed specifically to be fitted to a bike. MEC’s Provincial Collection has great options built for all conditions.
Keep things balanced to help with bike handling: put heavier stuff near the centre of the bike and lighter gear at the ends. Pack essentials near the top or in easy-to-reach pockets. While every rider is different, this list serves as a blueprint to help you with what to pack and where to pack it.
- Frame bag: tools, snacks, stove, heavy items
- Handlebar bag: tent or sleep system
- Saddle bag: clothing and soft goods
- Top-tube bag: snacks, sunscreen, charging cables
Smaller riders with less carrying capacity on their bike might also consider wearing a hip-pack or hydration pack to carry additional items. If you're looking to lighten your setup, check out: How to build a lightweight bikepacking setup
How to plan bikepacking meals and water
Bikepacking demands a lot from your body, so it pays to plan your meals and water strategy.
Look for compact, calorie-dense food that’s easy to eat on the go—think wraps, trail mix, jerky, nut butter, and instant oats.
Plan your meals for camp. Dehydrated meals are a lightweight, space-saving option that can be cooked quickly with a camp stove or even cold soaked if you’re skipping the stove altogether. They're great for refueling after a big day and require minimal cleanup.
Bring a water filter or tabs, especially if you’re riding remote. Plan to carry 2–3L minimum, and more in hot or dry weather.
If you’re looking to simplify or save space, keep in mind that you don’t have to cook. For shorter trips, you can skip the stove, and bring pre-made food, or opt for restaurants and shops if you're not venturing further afield. But hot meals and coffee at camp can make long days feel way more comfortable.
Bikepacking trip checklist: before, during and after
Before your trip
Do a ride with your bike loaded up the way you plan to carry everything. Your bike will handle differently, and it’s important to check that nothing is rubbing against your body or tires. Make sure you’re happy with where everything is packed, and adjust anything that feels awkward. It’s also a good time to make sure your bike is in solid working order. Be sure to wash your bike before putting bags on to avoid grit wearing through your paint where bags are strapped.
During your trip
Enjoy the ride! Take note of how your setup feels, and check in with yourself now and then—are your snacks easy to reach? Is anything shifting or bothering you? Small changes mid-ride can make a big difference.
After your trip
Give your gear some love. Washing your bags helps preserve their life, and the same goes for your tent and other waterproof gear. (Check out our waterproofing and tent care tips if you're not sure where to start.) Once you’re unpacked, it’s the perfect time to start dreaming up your next trip, and if you’re hooked, consider upgrading your setup to lighter or more dialled-in gear. We also have tips on building a lightweight bikepacking setup if you’re ready to take it to the next level.
