Yes, bikepacking can be a very expensive hobby. Starting with a bike, there are many more things needed for an overnighter outside of your city, a crossing of a new country or even tackling a new self-supported bikepacking race. I put a list about the most essential things to start with bikepacking together.
Bike Accessories
Pedals, helmet, lights and a lock are the very essential you will have to start with
Pedals: BLB Flatliner Road Pedals
Helmet: Giro Agilis
Front Lights: Zebralight Headlamp
Rear light: Brooks Femto
Lock: KryptoniteKepper 512 Combo Cable
![BLB flat pedals](https://cyclingrapha.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/flat_pedal-amr-atlas_mountain_race-ultra_distance_cycling-1024x684.jpg)
Sleep System
I assume most people plan to go bikepacking in good weather. Saving some money in sleeping equipment and put on a few extra layers on your body might be a wise decision. Clothing is needed anyway, so it is advisable to always have an extra layer.
Shelter: Alpkit Hunka XL bivvy bag
Sleeping bag: Sea to Summit Spark 0 (comfort: 14° C/ 57° F, lower: 10° C/ 50° F, extreme: -2° C/ 28° F)
Sleeping mat: Sea to Summit Ultralight Sleeping Mat
![](https://cyclingrapha.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/things_to_start_bikepacking-sleep_system-sea_to_summit-mattress.jpg)
![Sleeping on a Table](https://cyclingrapha.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/things_to_start_bikepacking-sleep_system-sea_to_summit.jpg)
![Overnighter in Brandenburg](https://cyclingrapha.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/things_to_start_bikepacking-sleep_system-sea_to_summit-alpkit-bivvy_bag.jpg)
![Bikepacking in Brandenburg](https://cyclingrapha.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/things_to_start_bikepacking.jpg)
Clothing
Merino is the way to go. It’s not the cheapest fabric, but it’s absolutely worth it. Also, you can wear it in daily life. Other than that, I really like the Gore clothing. Sure, this comes with a high price, but again, rather investing a bit more money on high quality fabrics than spending money on cheap products that most likely will have to be replaced in a couple of months. Brands that I would recommend from my own use: Patagonia, Gore, PEdALED, Craft, Rapha (in this order).
Camping Equipment
Depending on the level of isolation and duration, the amount of camping equipment can vary a lot. This list is for a simple overnighter/ two days trip, with higher expectations on foot and comfort, i.e. it´s more “glamping” than camping.
If money is a matter, you don´t have to buy this stuff. Look for a sleeping spot that is close to a small restaurant/ kiosk or a supermarket. With a bit of creativity, you can create some amazing dinners. Besides after a long day in the saddle almost everything is a welcoming dinner.
Gas can: any gas can from your local shop is fine
Stove: BRS 3000-T, smallest, cheapest and best stove I have ever used
Pot: Sea to Summit Alpha Pot 600 ml
Cutlery: Sea to Summit Alphaset 3pc cutlery set
Personal care: Sea to Summit Alloy Pocket Trowel
Nutrition
Never forget electrolytes on longer rides. Your body needs them! If you have camping equipment (a stove and a pot), I highly recommend the dehydrated expedition food from Firepot. I have tried a lot of expedition food that is not tasty, difficult to prepare and expensive. But the people behind Firepot create a food, that could easily be served in a restaurant. It’s more expensive than junk food, but they only use familiar ingredients you would find in a kitchen cupboard.
Technical Equipment
For a start you don’t really need much electronical devices. Everyone has a mobile for navigation, communication, weather, music and whatever you use it for. A battery pack for recharging lights and your mobile is recommended. There are many other gadgets, but for a start, a battery pack should be fine.
Efest battery pack 18650
Tools and Repairs
A spare tube, pump and tire levers should be taken with you in all trips. Other than that, a multitool helps in almost all situations.
Spare tube: Schwalbe Tube No. 19A extralight
Tire levers: no special brand recommended
Pump: Lezyne Micro Floor Drive HV
Multitool: Topeak Mini 20 Pro
Lock: Kryptonite KryptoFlex 815 Combo Cable
Got stoked? Fell free to check my kit lists of the Silk Road Mouuntain Race and Atlas Mountain Race.