Meet Krystel
Krystel has always considered herself a cyclist—on both road and dirt. In recent years, she’s pushed into new territory with ultra-distance running, trail running, and Nordic skiing. For her, it’s all about testing limits. Now, as a new mom, she’s passionate about inspiring other mothers to find their own ways to stay active and adventurous with little ones.
Bikepacking is a physical undertaking that takes a lot of preparation and care if you want to see the journey through from the moment you step on the peddles, until your bike is back on its rack. But first, what is bikepacking? It’s, well… backpacking, only with the added element of cycling. But this not-so-small addition to your gear adds several new factors to how you prepare. When it comes to bikepacking, every ounce counts.
Table of Contents
Questions That’ll Determine Your Approach
Where am I going? Who am I going with? What’s the geography and weather like? Are there amenities to fall back on?
To ensure you pack the correct gear, consider these key questions—but don’t let this planning phase discourage you. Bikepacking is an accessible sport for just about everybody. Krystel was in her third month of pregnancy when she and her husband went into Central Asia to embark on their cycling journey, suffering inclement weather from hail to rain and crossing the uneven and mountainous terrain of Kyrgyzstan.
We’ll cover essential packing items and Krystel’s top gear choices for a comfortable bikepacking experience, guaranteeing a memorable trip, regardless of whether it’s your first or next.
The Bikepacking Essentials
Sleep & Shelter
Tent
To reiterate, every ounce counts. For this reason, you’ll want to opt for a 3-season ultralight tent that’s durable, weather-resistant, and easy to set up.
The Big Agnes 3-season is a trusted classic for backcountry and front country campers alike. It features robust recycled fabrics and a waterproof finish without the intentionally added PFAS, making it both great on weather-resistance and the environment. Krystel and her husband found quick shelter during a hailstorm their first night, all thanks to the tent’s simple setup. Plus, a tent with an easy setup allows the opportunity for midday naps.
Price: 0.00$
Brand Name | Product Type
Brand Name | Product Type
The Big Agnes 3-season is a trusted classic for backcountry and front country campers alike. It features robust recycled fabrics and a waterproof finish without the intentionally added PFAS, making it both great on weather-resistance and the environment. Krystel and her husband found quick shelter during a hailstorm their first night, all thanks to the tent’s simple setup. Plus, a tent with an easy setup allows the opportunity for midday naps.
Price: 0.00$
Mattress
Getting enough sleep allows your body to recover and prepare for the next day. For a comfortable sleep, a sleeping mat is key.
Inflation is quick and easy with 3 full shots of the inflatable bag, eliminating the need for your breath or a pump. Another key feature is its internal separator. It reduces disturbance from restless sleepers and provides customizable firmness options.
Price: 0.00$
Brand Name | Product Type
Brand Name | Product Type
Inflation is quick and easy with 3 full shots of the inflatable bag, eliminating the need for your breath or a pump. Another key feature is its internal separator. It reduces disturbance from restless sleepers and provides customizable firmness options.
Price: 0.00$
Sleeping Bag
Selecting a sleeping bag requires careful consideration of several key factors, including temperature rating, insulation type, and packability. Pregnant and bikepacking at high altitudes, Krystel needed something lightweight, warm, and well-cushioned for optimal comfort.
Rab’s Mythic Ultra 360 Sleeping Bag prioritizes weight reduction without compromising on the warmth and comfort provided by its Thermo Ionic Lining and 900 fill power RDS-certified goose down. Even during the day, Krystel used her sleeping bag as a blanket to relax because of its exceptional comfort and warmth.
Price: 0.00$
Brand Name | Product Type
Brand Name | Product Type
Rab’s Mythic Ultra 360 Sleeping Bag prioritizes weight reduction without compromising on the warmth and comfort provided by its Thermo Ionic Lining and 900 fill power RDS-certified goose down. Even during the day, Krystel used her sleeping bag as a blanket to relax because of its exceptional comfort and warmth.
Price: 0.00$
Ultralight Backpacking Pillow
It might seem frivolous, but we can’t stress sleep enough. A packable pillow can improve your sleep quality, so it makes our list.
This NEMO pillow at just 3 ounces and packed smaller than a soda can features premium PrimaLoft® insulation for an impressive comfort coupled with an interior baffled air cell to help retain the desired shape.
Price: 0.00$
Brand Name | Product Type
Brand Name | Product Type
This NEMO pillow at just 3 ounces and packed smaller than a soda can features premium PrimaLoft® insulation for an impressive comfort coupled with an interior baffled air cell to help retain the desired shape.
Price: 0.00$
Clothing Layers
Merino Base Layers
You likely know the 3-layer system: a base layer to wick moisture, an insulating mid-layer, and a weatherproof outer shell. To regulate her body temperature and wick away moisture, Krystel wore merino wool base layers, including a t-shirt and long-sleeve top. Plus, the odour-resistant nature of merino wool is convenient when you’re far from the reach of a laundromat. Krystel also brought along merino socks, as well as a Buff merino neckwear.
Cycling Bib
You can’t expect to head out the door for a bikepacking trip without a bib. Bibs enhance mobility, minimize chafing, and, lacking a waistband, alleviate stomach pressure, improving breathing.
This bib made Krystel’s entire trip comfortable and easy. Its comfy chamois and unrestrictive design make this bib easy to remove for bathroom breaks. The extra cargo pockets included meant Krystel always had her phone ready to photograph the amazing panoramic views.
Price: 0.00$
Brand Name | Product Type
Brand Name | Product Type
This bib made Krystel’s entire trip comfortable and easy. Its comfy chamois and unrestrictive design make this bib easy to remove for bathroom breaks. The extra cargo pockets included meant Krystel always had her phone ready to photograph the amazing panoramic views.
Price: 0.00$
Jacket & Pants
Outer layers are important if and when the weather takes a turn. During Krystels trip, she experienced the madness of the mountain with everything from hail to snow, and rain. For this reason, water and wind-proof jackets, as well as water-resistant pants help shield you from inclement weather, while also providing additional insulation.
The Patagonia Down Sweater Hoodie was the perfect choice to bring for its warmth-to-weight ratio. Lightweight, but with an 800 fill power of RDS-certified down and a PFC-free DWR finish makes this jacket both windproof and water-resistant.
Price: 0.00$
Brand Name | Product Type
Brand Name | Product Type
The Patagonia Down Sweater Hoodie was the perfect choice to bring for its warmth-to-weight ratio. Lightweight, but with an 800 fill power of RDS-certified down and a PFC-free DWR finish makes this jacket both windproof and water-resistant.
Price: 0.00$
Sandals
Bringing along a pair of sandals can help relax your aching feet after a long day of cycling.
Birkenstock is a trusted brand for casual styles of sandals designed to make your feet and you content. With an anatomically-moulded footbed made from EVA, this sandal naturally contours your foot for optimal comfort. It’s also lightweight and washable.
Price: 0.00$
Brand Name | Product Type
Brand Name | Product Type
Birkenstock is a trusted brand for casual styles of sandals designed to make your feet and you content. With an anatomically-moulded footbed made from EVA, this sandal naturally contours your foot for optimal comfort. It’s also lightweight and washable.
Price: 0.00$
Essential Accessories
Helmet
You can’t go bikepacking without a helmet, and you shouldn’t be cycling in general without one. Helmet-hair be damned, it’s about safety. Especially in rougher terrains where things can go wrong and there are a lot of hard surfaces.
POC is renowned for creating simplistic yet highly protective helmets that can absorb a substantial amount of shock. This helmet combines a crafted breathable and durable design, making it more comfortable to wear for longer periods of time.
Price: 0.00$
Brand Name | Product Type
Brand Name | Product Type
POC is renowned for creating simplistic yet highly protective helmets that can absorb a substantial amount of shock. This helmet combines a crafted breathable and durable design, making it more comfortable to wear for longer periods of time.
Price: 0.00$
Sunglasses
Crossing a mountain you can expect some mean elevation gains. At higher altitudes, the sun is stronger. When doing it on two wheels, it also means there’s more chance of kicking up debris. For this reason, a pair of sunglasses is needed to not only shield you from UV rays, but dirt, rock, or even a stray bug.
Oakley's Prizm technology is prized for crafting unique lenses that fine-tune colours and contrast to accentuate the smallest details of a terrain. Plus, their frames are designed for optimal grip and fit for comfort.
Price: 0.00$
Brand Name | Product Type
Brand Name | Product Type
Oakley's Prizm technology is prized for crafting unique lenses that fine-tune colours and contrast to accentuate the smallest details of a terrain. Plus, their frames are designed for optimal grip and fit for comfort.
Price: 0.00$
Water & Filtration
A water bottle goes without saying, however you don’t need to overthink it. For Krystel, a simple Nalgene bottle was enough for her to use for cooking and drinking and just large enough to fit on her bicycle for easy access.
What you should consider more carefully is the water filtration system. There’s one key difference between filters and purifiers: filters filter most bacteria but not viruses, while purifiers combat most bacteria and viruses. If you’re travelling to more remote or underdeveloped countries, a purifier is always the safer option. Krystel used a UV light purifier since it’s small and easy to use. The choices are many, but remember to always follow the directions and proper safety precautions.
Bikepacking Bags
Arguably the most important accessory you’ll need for a bikepacking trip. Bikepacking bags are essential for storing all your gear. Depending on the length of the legs of your journey, you’ll need to determine the right sizes.
During her week-long Kyrgyzstan trip, Krystel used two bags, distributing items between the bicycle’s front and rear. Made with durable, waterproof fabric, Arkel bags are some of the best on the market for bikepackers. The rolltop closures allow for quick and easy gear access, and attaching or reattaching them to your bike is simple. Smaller, added pockets offer easy access to snacks, a handy bonus.
Price: 0.00$
Brand Name | Product Type
Brand Name | Product Type
During her week-long Kyrgyzstan trip, Krystel used two bags, distributing items between the bicycle’s front and rear. Made with durable, waterproof fabric, Arkel bags are some of the best on the market for bikepackers. The rolltop closures allow for quick and easy gear access, and attaching or reattaching them to your bike is simple. Smaller, added pockets offer easy access to snacks, a handy bonus.
Price: 0.00$
GPS & Satellite Communicator
Satellite GPS devices are essential for safety when venturing into the wilderness. The InReach by Garmin and similar devices come with remarkable features like compasses, breadcrumb trails, SOS functions connected to IERCC (International Emergency Response Coordination Center), and 2-way texting to update rescue personnel or family on your whereabouts and safety. A GPS and satellite communicator can give you some much needed peace of mind; include one in your kit.
Cookware
Fuelling your body with warm meals while bikepacking is essential for both physical and mental well-being. A compact and reliable burner is a must-have for preparing hot food and beverages on the go. For bikpacking, you want to consider weight, ease of use, and how much fuel you might want to bring depending on your journey.
Krystel kept it simple with a PocketRocket from MSR. Just 2.9 oz, this ultralight stove was the perfect choice to accommodate weight restrictions. The pressure regulator can continue to boil water fast in cold weather, even with lower fuel levels. It’s easy to use and easy to store, and can prepare most meals from morning coffee to pasta dishes, and dehydrated meals.
Price: 0.00$
Brand Name | Product Type
Brand Name | Product Type
Krystel kept it simple with a PocketRocket from MSR. Just 2.9 oz, this ultralight stove was the perfect choice to accommodate weight restrictions. The pressure regulator can continue to boil water fast in cold weather, even with lower fuel levels. It’s easy to use and easy to store, and can prepare most meals from morning coffee to pasta dishes, and dehydrated meals.
Price: 0.00$
Other Bits & Baubles
With these foundational items, you’re well on your way to planning a stellar bikepacking trip, no matter where you pedal off too. We’ve included some extra items that you should consider bringing that aren’t listed above:
- Swim suit: whether to swim in or bathe in. Plus, it can act as an extra pair of undergarments.
- Microfibre cloths: Bring these quick-drying cloths to help wipe away things, clean dishes, or yourself.
- Headlamps: Convenient for getting around at night, or if you’re pushing the extra kilometres before setting up camp. Definitely a must-have.
- First-aid kit: Don’t leave home without one.
- Multi-tool: Useful in the wilderness.
- Entertainment: If you’re solo-journeying in a remote area, you need to keep your mind busy as much as your body. If you can spare the weight, bring something to do at the close of the day.
Krystel’s Tips & Tricks
Packing Tip
If you’re solo, you want to keep your tent stored at the front of your bike with your sleeping bag. If you’re travelling with a companion, this is a great chance to share the load. Have someone take the tent, while you carry the sleeping bags or vice versa.
Keep snacks close by in easy-to-access compartments of your bikepacking bags or even in your outer layers or bib for quick refuelling.
Secure Your Gear
Krystel and her husband lost their stove fuel on their first day because it wasn’t properly secured, meaning they went most of their trip eating dried ramen noodles. When you head out on your bike across uneven and bumpy terrain, double-check to make sure everything is secure.
Just Go
Planning is important, but don’t waste too much mental energy on it. Remember that material things are replaceable. Adventure is often unscripted.
Pedal Safe
Start drafting your checklist of bikepacking essentials for your next grand adventure. Remember to take time to take in the vistas, explore the local culture, and meet others. Tackle your next cycling journey with confidence, challenge yourself, but most importantly, make it memorable and fun.
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