Bikepacking has become popular in recent years thanks to the availability on the market of specific bags that allow you to load the necessary equipment on your bike without compromising the bike handling.

A bike that is well equipped for bikepacking must remain agile, allow us to have fun on trails and dirt roads and not be overloaded to the point of turning it into a camping van.

Bikepacking differs from biketouring precisely because of the type of bags used. The classic biketouring bike is equipped with a luggage rack and side bags whereas the bikepacking bike has bags that are placed under the saddle, on the handlebars and inside the frame.

There are many companies that produce specific bags for bikepacking, and various shapes and sizes make it possible to equip gravel bikes, fully-suspended mtb’s as well as fat bikes.

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Obviously, the condition of the bike is essential, it must be fully functional and well tuned. The best bike for bikepacking is probably the one you already own; if it works on trails, dirt roads or paved roads, with small adjustments it will be perfect to accompany you on your bikepacking adventures.

Like with all outdoor equipment, there is a correlation between the cost and the weight. Consider your choices carefully and remember, the lighter your setup the more fun you will have!

Start with what you already own and with experience you will figure out what your priorities are in terms of gear.

A lot depends on where you will go on your next bikepacking adventure. I live in the Dolomites, a mountainous environment, and the equipment I bring with me when enjoying adventures here is different from what I would use on a Strada Bianca in Tuscany or along a river in Europe.

Load your bike by placing the heaviest equipment on the center of the frame and in the lowest possible position: this will greatly help to avoid upsetting the bike’s rideability.

You can use one frame bag or more than one, by layering them. Keep in mind that frame bags are often incompatible with bottle cages.

I place the stove, gas and bike repair kit just above the bottom bracket while water, tent poles and camera gear go in the bag under the top tube. In the saddlebag, I place food (closest to the seat tube to increase the stability of the bag), sleeping bag, spare clothing and clothing to use for the night as well as cookware.