Bikepacking Packing List: The Complete Checklist

Everything You Need, Nothing You Don't

Packing for bikepacking is an exercise in optimization. Every item earns its place through genuine usefulness—there's no room for "just in case" thinking when you're carrying everything on your bike.

This comprehensive checklist covers every category of bikepacking gear. Use it as a master reference, then customize based on your trip length, conditions, and personal preferences. The goal isn't bringing everything listed—it's ensuring you don't forget what you actually need. As REI's bikepacking experts note, the key is "essential gear—and not much more."

For gear recommendations in each category, see our Complete Bikepacking Gear Guide.

Bags and Storage

Your bag system determines how you organize everything else. Get this right first.

Essential Bags

Frame bag - Main storage for heavy items (Best Frame Bags)
Saddle bag - Bulky lightweight items like sleeping gear (Best Saddle Bags)
Handlebar bag/roll - Tent, sleeping pad, quick-access items (Best Handlebar Packs)

Optional Bags

Top tube bag - Phone, snacks, small essentials (Top Tube Bags Guide)
Feed bag/stem bag - Easy-access food and drinks
Fork bags or cargo cages - Extra capacity for food/water (Fork Bags Guide)
Gas tank bag - Bolt-on top tube storage
Pocket/accessory bags - Small items organization

Bag Accessories

Dry bags - Waterproof liners for saddle/handlebar bags (Sea to Summit Ultra-Sil are ultralight and reliable)
Stuff sacks - Organization within larger bags
Compression sacks - Reduce sleeping bag/clothes volume
Waterproof phone case - Protection for electronics (Topeak Smartphone Drybag)

Sleep System

Your sleep system is the heaviest category after the bike itself. Choose carefully.

Shelter

Tent or bivy - Primary shelter (Best One-Person Tents, Bivys Guide, Hammock Guide)
Tent footprint - Ground protection (optional, saves tent floor)
Stakes - Verify count matches tent requirements
Guylines - Pre-attached or carry spares
Repair kit - Pole splint, spare stakes, tape

Sleep Comfort

Sleeping bag - Temperature rated for conditions (Best Sleeping Bags)
Sleeping pad - Insulation and comfort (Best Sleeping Pads)
Pillow - Inflatable, stuffable, or stuff sack with clothes
Sleeping bag liner - Added warmth, keeps bag clean (optional)

Sleep Accessories

Earplugs - Essential for light sleepers (Mack's silicone are reusable and effective)
Eye mask - Early morning light blocking
Pad repair kit - Patches for inflatable pads (usually included with pad, keep accessible)

Cooking and Food

Decide your cooking style before packing. Hot meals require more gear; no-cook saves weight. For complete food planning guidance, see our Bikepacking Food Guide.

Cooking Gear (If Using)

Stove - Canister, alcohol, or wood-burning (Stoves Guide)
Fuel - Canister, alcohol bottle, or rely on wood
Pot - 500-750ml sufficient for solo (Cookware Guide)
Lid - Speeds boiling, saves fuel
Pot cozy - Insulated sleeve for fuel efficiency (optional)
Mug/cup - Or use pot as mug
Utensil - Spork or long spoon
Lighter - Primary ignition (carry two)
Windscreen - Improves stove efficiency

Food Storage

Food bag - Odor-proof bag for bear country
Bear canister - Required in some wilderness areas
Bear hang kit - Rope and carabiner for hanging food

Water

Water bottles - Standard cycling bottles (2-3)
Hydration bladder - Optional additional capacity
Water filter or purifier - For backcountry water sources (Water Filtration Guide)
Water treatment tablets - Backup purification
Collapsible water container - Extra capacity for dry camps

Clothing

Pack less than you think. Bikepacking clothing works hard and gets washed rarely.

Riding Clothes

Cycling shorts/bibs - Padded for comfort
Cycling jersey or tech shirt - Moisture-wicking
Arm warmers - Packable temperature regulation
Leg warmers or knee warmers - Morning/evening chill
Cycling socks - Moisture-wicking (1-2 pairs)
Cycling gloves - Padding and grip

Off-Bike Clothes

Camp shirt - Lightweight, doubles as sleep layer
Camp pants or shorts - Comfortable, not cycling-specific
Sleep socks - Warm, dry socks for tent
Underwear - If not wearing cycling shorts (1-2)
Camp shoes - Lightweight sandals or slip-ons (optional)

Insulation Layers

Puffy jacket - Down or synthetic insulation
Fleece or midlayer - Active warmth (conditions dependent)
Warm hat/beanie - Evening and sleep warmth
Buff/neck gaiter - Versatile warmth and sun protection

Rain Gear

Rain jacket - Waterproof, packable (Clothing Guide)
Rain pants - For sustained rain (optional for short trips)
Waterproof gloves - Cold rain riding (conditions dependent)
Shoe covers - Keep feet dry (optional)

Sun Protection

Sunglasses - Eye protection
Sunscreen - SPF 30+ minimum
Lip balm with SPF - Prevents cracked lips
Sun hat or cap - Under helmet or for camp

See our complete Clothing Guide for recommendations.

Bike Repair and Tools

Mechanical issues happen. Be prepared to fix common problems. For a detailed guide to building your repair kit and understanding what each tool is for, see our Complete Bikepacking Maintenance Guide and Building Your Tool Kit.

Essential Tools

Multi-tool - With hex keys, screwdrivers, chain tool (Best Multi-Tools)
Tire levers - At least 2, preferably 3
Pump or CO2 inflator - Air source for flats (Pumps Guide)
CO2 cartridges - If using CO2 (carry 2-3)
Spare tube(s) - 1-2 depending on trip length
Patch kit - Backup for tube repair (Patch Kits Guide)
Tire boot - Fix sidewall cuts (dollar bill works)

Tubeless Specific

Tubeless plugs - Bacon strips or Dynaplug
Sealant - Small bottle for refresh
Valve core tool - Often on multi-tool
Spare valve cores - Cheap insurance

Extended Trip Additions

Spare derailleur hanger - Bike-specific, easy to break
Spare brake pads - Long trips with wet conditions
Chain quick links - 2-3 for chain repair
Spare spokes - Taped to frame or in bag
Spoke wrench - True wheels in field
Duct tape - Wrapped around pump or lighter
Zip ties - Various sizes, multiple uses
Small wire - Emergency repairs

Electronics

Modern bikepacking relies on electronics. Manage power carefully.

GPS cycling computer - Primary navigation (GPS Guide)
Phone - Backup navigation, communication, camera
Charging cables - For all devices
Power bank - Capacity based on trip length (Portable Chargers)

Lighting

Headlight - Primary front light (Bike Lights Guide)
Taillight - Visibility for traffic
Headlamp - Camp light, hands-free
Spare batteries - If using battery lights

Optional Electronics

Camera - If phone camera isn't sufficient
Satellite communicator - Remote area safety (inReach, etc.)
E-reader - Lightweight entertainment
Solar panel - Extended trips, weight penalty

Beyond electronics, carry backup navigation and safety gear.

Paper maps - Relevant sections of route
Compass - Basic orientation if electronics fail
Route description - Printed notes for complex sections

Safety Gear

First aid kit - Appropriate for trip length (First Aid Guide)
Emergency shelter - Bivy or space blanket
Whistle - Signaling device
Fire starter - Waterproof matches or lighter
Knife or multi-tool blade - Cutting utility

Visibility

Reflective vest or bands - Low-light visibility
Helmet light or blinky - Additional visibility

Personal Items

The small stuff that makes trips comfortable.

Hygiene

Documents and Money

ID - Driver's license or passport
Credit/debit cards - For town stops
Cash - Small bills for campgrounds, emergencies
Health insurance card - Emergency medical
Emergency contacts - Written backup

Miscellaneous

Sunscreen - Listed in clothing too, but essential
Insect repellent - Bug season necessity
Reading glasses - If needed
Watch - If not relying on phone
Small notebook and pen - Notes, journaling
Entertainment - Book, cards, small game

Pre-Ride Checklist

Before rolling out, verify:

Bike

Tires inflated to loaded pressure
Brakes working properly
Drivetrain clean and lubricated
Quick releases/thru-axles tight
All bags mounted securely
Nothing rubbing or interfering

Route

Logistics

Someone knows your itinerary
Check-in protocol established
Weather forecast reviewed
Emergency numbers saved

Physical Preparation

Fitness training for trip demands
Test rides completed with loaded bike
Know your daily distance capacity

Packing by Trip Length

Adjust your list based on how long you'll be out.

Overnight (1 Night)

Core focus: Sleep system, minimal repair, weather-appropriate clothing

Minimal food—can carry everything
Single change of clothes
Basic repair kit
Smaller power bank (5,000-10,000 mAh)

Weekend (2-3 Nights)

Core focus: Full sleep system, moderate repair, layering options

See our dedicated Weekend Bikepacking: 2-Day Trip Essentials guide for detailed weekend trip planning.

Food for duration or resupply planned
One riding outfit, one camp outfit
Complete repair kit
Medium power bank (10,000-15,000 mAh)

Week-Long (4-7 Nights)

Core focus: Durability, resupply strategy, comprehensive repair

Resupply stops required
May need extra socks/underwear
Extended repair kit (spare hanger, brake pads)
Larger power bank or solar panel

Extended (1+ Week)

Core focus: Reliability, replacement capability, town strategy

Regular resupply required
Laundry at town stops
Comprehensive repair kit
Multiple charging options
Mail-drop or replacement strategy for worn items

Weight Optimization Tips

Heavy Items to Reconsider

Extra clothing beyond what's listed
Full-size toiletries (decant to small containers)
Heavy entertainment (books, games)
Excessive tools (home workshop vs. field kit)
Duplicate items where one works

Light Swaps That Matter

Heavy Option	Light Alternative	Savings
Paperback book	E-reader or phone	6-12 oz
Full toiletry kit	Travel sizes	4-8 oz
Heavy flashlight	Ultralight headlamp	3-5 oz
Cotton clothes	Merino/synthetic	4-8 oz
Multiple tools	Quality multi-tool	6-10 oz

The Two-Week Rule

If you haven't used an item in your last two trips, consider dropping it. Carry what you use, not what you might use.

The Shake Test

Before rolling out, lift your loaded bike by the handlebars and give it a firm shake. Listen and feel:

Rattling? Something's loose inside a bag or your tools are banging together
Shifting weight? Bags aren't packed tightly enough
Rubbing sounds? Straps or bags contacting frame or wheels

Fix these issues at home, not five miles into your ride. A few zip ties and some repacking solve most shake-test failures.

The "Walk Away, Come Back" Method

After packing, leave your gear for an hour. Come back with fresh eyes and ask:

What did I forget that I'll definitely need?
What did I pack that I definitely won't use?
Is there anything I'd regret not having at 2am in the rain?

This simple reset catches more packing errors than any checklist.

Printable Checklist

Copy this condensed version for pre-trip packing:

BAGS
□ Frame bag  □ Saddle bag  □ Handlebar bag
□ Top tube bag  □ Dry bags  □ Stuff sacks

SLEEP
□ Tent/shelter  □ Stakes  □ Sleeping bag
□ Sleeping pad  □ Pillow  □ Pad repair

COOKING
□ Stove  □ Fuel  □ Pot  □ Utensil
□ Lighter (x2)  □ Water bottles  □ Filter

CLOTHING - RIDING
□ Shorts/bibs  □ Jersey  □ Socks
□ Gloves  □ Arm/leg warmers

CLOTHING - CAMP
□ Camp shirt  □ Camp pants  □ Sleep socks

CLOTHING - WEATHER
□ Rain jacket  □ Puffy jacket  □ Warm hat
□ Sunglasses  □ Sunscreen

REPAIR
□ Multi-tool  □ Tire levers  □ Pump/CO2
□ Spare tube  □ Patch kit  □ Tire boot

ELECTRONICS
□ GPS device  □ Phone  □ Cables
□ Power bank  □ Headlight  □ Taillight
□ Headlamp

SAFETY
□ First aid kit  □ Emergency shelter
□ Whistle  □ Fire starter

PERSONAL
□ Toothbrush  □ Toothpaste  □ Soap
□ TP  □ Trowel  □ ID  □ Cash  □ Cards

FAQ

How much should my packed kit weigh?

A reasonable target is 15-25 pounds of gear (not including water and food). Ultralight setups can hit 10-12 pounds; comfortable setups may reach 30 pounds. Your bike and bags add another 5-10 pounds.

What's the most commonly forgotten item?

Lighters (or running out of fuel), spare tubes, and phone charging cables top the list. Also: remembering to actually pack the food you bought.

Should I bring a repair item I don't know how to use?

Only if you'll learn before the trip. Carrying a spare derailleur hanger helps nothing if you can't install it. Practice repairs at home.

How do I fit everything?

If it doesn't fit, you're bringing too much. Bikepacking forces efficiency. Re-evaluate what's actually essential versus comfortable versus unnecessary.

Start Packing

This list represents the complete picture—not a requirement to bring everything. Your trip length, conditions, and personal preferences determine what actually goes in your bags.

Start with the essentials from each category. Add items as experience shows you need them. Remove items that consistently go unused.

For detailed gear recommendations, see our Complete Bikepacking Gear Guide and Beginner's Guide.

Pack smart. Ride far.