Bikepacking stands for freedom, adventure and traveling with minimal equipment. Instead of heavily packed bikes and fixed accommodation, bikepacking is all about being flexible on the road by bike, experiencing nature intensively and discovering new routes. However, the start can seem overwhelming, especially for beginners: What equipment do you really need? How do you plan your first tour? And what should you pay attention to so that your bikepacking adventure doesn't turn into an ordeal?
To ensure that your first bikepacking tour is just that - a real outdoor experience and not a logistical tour de force - you will find tried and tested bikepacking tips for beginners here that will get you off to a safe and well-prepared start to your adventure.
Table of contents
What is bikepacking and why is it the perfect adventure on two wheels
Bikepacking packing list: What equipment do you really need?
How do I plan my first bikepacking tour
Where can I stay overnight while bikepacking?
How do I prepare physically for a bikepacking tour?
When is the best time for bikepacking?
What are the special challenges of bikepacking?
Summary: The most important bikepacking tips for beginners
What is bikepacking and why is it the perfect adventure on two wheels?
Bikepacking means going on an adventure trip by bike - light, flexible and independent. In contrast to classic bike touring, bikepacking does away with heavy luggage racks and large panniers. Instead, special bags are attached directly to the frame, handlebars or under the saddle. This keeps the bike maneuverable and easy to control even off paved roads.
The bikepacking adventure combines a sporting challenge with an outdoor experience. Whether gravel paths, forest trails or remote country roads - bikepacking transforms every bike tour into an unforgettable experience. For many, it is precisely this mixture of movement, minimalism and freedom that makes bikepacking so special. In the world of bikepacking, it's not speed that counts, but being consciously on the move on two wheels.
Bikepacking packing list: What equipment do you really need?
Beginners in particular are faced with the question of what equipment is really necessary for bikepacking. The answer is: as little as possible, but as much as necessary. Minimalist equipment saves weight, keeps you in good shape and makes riding more fun.
The most important bikepacking bags
Bikepacking involves the use of special bags that are attached directly to the frame:
- Saddle bag for clothing or sleeping bag
- Handlebar bag for tent, sleeping mat or light equipment
- Frame bag for tools, snacks or electronics
These bags sit securely on the bike, hardly affect the balance and make pannier racks superfluous. Bags directly on the frame have been specially developed for bikepacking and offer sufficient storage space at a low weight.
Essential equipment for beginners
The basic equipment includes
- Sleeping bag and sleeping mat
- Lightweight tent or bivouac sack
- A change of clothes and rain jacket
- Repair kit with spare inner tube, repair kit and air pump
- First aid kit
- Power bank and lighting
You can find a tried and tested bikepacking packing list here:
👉 https://www.owayo.de/magazin/bikepacking-de.htm
It is important to test all equipment before the tour. What feels good at home can quickly become a burden on the road.
How do I plan my first bikepacking tour?
Your first bikepacking tour should be well thought out. Realistic planning prevents excessive demands and ensures that the adventure is fun.
Route and daily stages
Plan your route so that it suits your fitness level. For beginners, 50-80 kilometers per day is a good guideline. The altitude, terrain and weather play a decisive role. You should avoid routes with technically difficult sections at the beginning.
You can find helpful tips on route planning in the guide
👉 Bikepacking tips for beginners
From short to longer tours
Start with an overnighter tour or a weekend. This will teach you how the bike behaves with luggage and what equipment you really need. As you gain experience, you can plan longer routes and try your hand at multi-day bikepacking tours.
Compact outdoor equipment, such as lightweight cooking and drinking accessories that take up little space, is suitable for on the go:
👉 Outdoor equipment
Where can I stay overnight when bikepacking?
There are various accommodation options for bikepacking:
- Campsites
- Trekking or bivouac sites
- Huts or simple accommodation
Important: Wild camping is therefore not permitted everywhere in Germany. Find out about the applicable rules in advance and use legal alternatives. You can find a good overview here:
👉 Wild camping in Germany
Apps and maps can help you find suitable places to stay overnight. Flexibility is crucial when bikepacking - sometimes the perfect place to sleep is only found on the road.
How do I prepare physically for a bikepacking tour?
A good level of fitness is essential for longer bikepacking tours. Train regularly with your bike and get used to the additional weight of the equipment early on. Short training rides with luggage help to optimize your riding position and balance.
Energy when bikepacking
Make sure you have enough energy. Energy bars, nuts or dried fruit are easy to stow away and provide quick energy. Sufficient water is also important, especially in warm weather.
When is the best time for bikepacking?
In principle, bikepacking is possible all year round, but spring and fall are considered the ideal seasons. The temperatures are moderate, nature is particularly attractive and the trails are less crowded.
Longer bikepacking tours are popular in summer, but require good planning in terms of water and sun protection. In winter, bikepacking is more challenging and is recommended for experienced riders.
A realistic assessment of the weather is important. Learn to interpret weather signs correctly:
👉 Interpret weather signs correctly
The right clothing based on the onion principle ensures comfort in changing conditions. Functional outdoor clothing offers protection and freedom of movement:
👉 Outdoor clothing
What are the special challenges of bikepacking?
Bikepacking poses special challenges. The correct adjustment of the saddle and handlebars is crucial, as incorrect strain quickly becomes noticeable on tours lasting several days. Mental strength also plays a major role: breakdowns, weather changes and exhaustion are all part of bikepacking.
Those who accept these challenges experience bikepacking as an intense adventure that is not only physically but also mentally enriching.
Summary: The most important bikepacking tips for beginners
- Bikepacking combines cycling with adventure and maximum freedom on two wheels
- Minimalist equipment and special bikepacking bags are crucial
- A well-thought-out packing list with sleeping bag, sleeping mat and repair tools is essential
- The first bikepacking tour should be realistically planned and adapted to your own fitness level
- Overnight stays range from campsites to bivouac sites - wild camping is limited
- Physical preparation, proper nutrition and knowledge of the weather increase the enjoyment of the tour
- Spring and fall are ideal for getting started with bikepacking
If you follow these bikepacking tips, nothing will stand in the way of your first adventure on two wheels. 🚴♂️🌿
