August 9, 2022

What do I absolutely need on my packing list for a multi-day bike tour?
Ultralight equipment for bike trekking: 

Here you will find the ultimate packing list for bikepacking

Dhe most important question: What is absolutely essential for your trip? In this guide, I will explain which outdoor equipment is essential for your multi-day bike tour and should definitely be on your checklist.

We will cover the topic of packing lists for bikepackers using various accommodation options. It makes a big difference whether you are staying in a hostel or in your own tent.

First of all, I will explain the individual items on the packing list in more detail and list all the products. This outdoor checklist can be used in large parts of Europe and beyond. I will go into more detail about the individual products so that you understand why you should choose this particular product for your bikepacking checklist. At the same time, I will also point out alternatives.

Finally, we will reveal our bikepacking outdoor hacks. We'll equip you with the best tips & tricks for your adventure.

Table of contents

• 1. all products at a glance:
  Must-haves for bikepacking
•     a. Big 4
•     b. Clothing
•     c. Equipment
•     d. Hygiene
•     e. First-aid kit
•     f. Additional equipment:
  Elektro Kramm
• 2. the complete packing list at a glance:
  Bikepacking packing list: What do I need
  for my cycling vacation?
•     a. Packing list bikepacking with
  Overnight stay
•     b. Packing list for bikepacking
  with tent or tarp
• 3. these bikepacking hacks will become
  your new life hacks:
  Tips & tricks for your adventure
• 4. closing words: Keep it simple

An important note right at the beginning: If you have to carry everything yourself, it makes no difference whether you are out for 3 or 7 days. You'll see, your rucksack will fill up pretty quickly and hiking is only half as much fun if you feel like a pack mule.

1. all products at a glance: Must-haves for bikepacking

An important note right at the beginning: If you have to carry everything yourself, it makes no difference whether you are on the road for 3 or 7 days. You'll see, your panniers will fill up pretty quickly and bikepacking is only half as much fun if you feel like a pack mule. 

a. The Big 4

The aim of ultralight backpacking or bike backpacking is to reduce the weight of the equipment we carry with us on backpacking and cycling trips without sacrificing comfort and safety. You can usually reduce the weight of your equipment the most if you concentrate on the four heaviest items of your equipment, the so-called Big 4.

>Bike bag
>Tent, tarp and/or hammock
>Sleeping bag
>Sleeping mat

Bicycle bag systems

What type of bike do you ride? But, nevertheless, your panniers should have the following features and be attached in such a way that they won't slip or fall off even when swerving or braking hard:

- A simple attachment system:
hooks or click system
- Waterproof
- Handle and shoulder strap
- Reflectors

Packing panniers:

Panniers should be stored as close to the bike as possible. This keeps the sports bike light and compact when traveling. When packing a bag, heavy items should always be placed at the bottom. For longer tours, it is advisable to divide the luggage between several bags. Around 70 percent of the weight should be at the back and 30 percent at the front. You should also ensure a good balance on both sides.

Tent, tarp and hammock

If you are spending the night outdoors and really want to have the lightest outdoor equipment with you, you should use a tarp or hammock. There are now ultralight hammocks and in combination with a tarp they are often even lighter than a tent. You can use a tarp from spring to fall, and if you are hardened, even in winter. You will literally feel the advantages of a tarp over a tent. It takes up much less space and weighs about a third of a tent. 

To keep the weight down, a tarp and hammock are a good combination.

Sleeping bag/hut sleeping bag

As soon as you sleep in a hut, you will need a sleeping bag, but not usually a sleeping mat. It can happen, but is very rare, that there are no mattresses in some self-catering huts and you also need a sleeping mat. The lighter and warmer hut sleeping bags are filled with down. Silk hut sleeping bags are lightweight but not insulating. If you are sleeping in a tent or tarp, you should opt for a down sleeping bag. If you want to know more about hut sleeping bags, read our blog post on "EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT HUT SLEEPING BAGS AND INLETS!

Sleeping mat

First of all, foam mats and inflatable sleeping mats belong in the category of the lightest sleeping mats. However, on a multi-day bikepacking trip where weight and space are crucial, you should use an inflatable sleeping mat. In this category, there are ultra-lightweight products that also have a very small pack size. We have a detailed guide to sleeping mats if you would like more information about the different types of sleeping mats: "ISOMATS GUIDE''. WHICH SLEEPING PAD IS RECOMMENDED?

b. Clothing

I will list the outdoor clothing with the number of items in order to make the packing list as detailed as possible. Our Ultralight Checklist really only includes what you really need. You can of course increase the number of items and adapt them to your individual needs. However, it is often the case that we take too much with us. As our blog post is designed for ultra-light equipment, it should really only be minimal and the most important things you need.
Especially if you can only take very little with you, it makes sense to think carefully about the items you bring with you. What kind of material, how much does it weigh, how does it feel with constant use and how long does it take to dry?

Underwear

Here it makes sense to wear underwear made of merino wool. The pelvic floor area and the thighs are not normally well ventilated. A lot of sweat collects in this area and there is a lot of friction. Merino wool absorbs moisture very well without immediately becoming smelly. Synthetic fibers have a smooth surface on which bacteria can adhere better, which is why they smell faster.

Wool underwear can be washed by hand in the evening, while clean underwear is used for sleeping. If your underwear does not dry overnight, you can attach it to your backpack while walking. In an emergency, simply turn the underpants inside out. If that's not enough, you can pack a third pair of boxer shorts so that you always have a clean pair of underpants to sleep in.

Quantity: 2 x merino underwear (or three if necessary) 

Sports bra

Two sports bras are usually sufficient. Merino wool or other skin-friendly fabrics such as 100% cotton are ideal for the skin, unlike synthetics. If you are exposed to friction in combination with sweat every day, your chest and cleavage will thank you.

Quantity: 2 x 

T-shirt 

You can do the same with a T-shirt as with underwear. You wear one during the day and use the clean one for sleeping. If necessary, wash the merino shirt by hand.
Why merino wool and not synthetics? Synthetics start to smell unpleasant very quickly. If you sweat a lot and are out and about for several days, the smell doesn't get any better. One of the advantages of merino wool is the self-cleaning fiber. Merino wool is also much more pleasant to wear. Synthetics 'stick' to the skin. Merino cools when it is warm and warms when it is cool. If you would like to know more about the positive properties of merino wool, read our blog post: Merino wool - the high-tech fiber from nature.

Quantity: 2 x 

Hiking pants or lightweight pants

Softshell trousers are quick-drying trousers. They are lightweight and protect you from the sun, cold and wet. You can roll up light, loose outdoor trousers so you don't have to wear shorts. An alternative would be zip-up trousers.

Quantity: 1 x 

Hard shell jacket (rain jacket)

You should almost always have a shell jacket with you. It serves as rain and wind protection. You can also use it as a seat pad for damp ground. In areas where it is very hot and humid, you can do without a shell jacket, even if it rains, it will still stay warm and a hat will be enough to keep your head dry. In hot and humid regions, a long shirt or shirt would be more suitable, also to protect your skin from the sun. 

Quantity: 1 x 

Down jacket

Thin down jackets are light and don't take up much space. If you don't need to wear them to sleep at night, they can also be used as a pillow. Especially in the evening it is usually cool in the mountains, combined with a long woolen shirt or merino sweater it is an even warmer combination.

Quantity: 1 x 

Thicker fleece jacket or merino jacket

In the evening, when it gets cooler, a down jacket is often no longer enough. If you spend the night outdoors, you will be cold with your 'normal' down jacket. Therefore, combine it with a thicker fleece jacket or a merino jacket. Since you have limited space, it makes no sense to take a winter down jacket with you that would take up a quarter or even half of your backpack or bike bag. It makes a difference whether you are in the mountains or traveling by bike and staying in a guesthouse. In the mountains and in the north, it is highly recommended to bring warm clothing. 

Quantity: 1 x (in the mountains and cold seasons)

Cycling shorts

High-quality padded cycling shorts are a must-have. If you sit on a bike saddle for hours on end without padding, you are not doing your soft tissue any good and it is important to wash out your cycling shorts regularly to prevent bacteria and fungi from forming.

Quantity: 1 x

Well-padded cycling shorts are essential

Cycling jersey

On my bike tours, I have a cycling jersey and a merino T-shirt with me. Cycling jerseys are often made of pure plastic, which means they dry super quickly, but are not as comfortable on the skin as a merino T-shirt. That's why I like to alternate between the jersey one day and the merino wool T-shirt the next. Of course, you can also use two jerseys or even just one and rinse it out briefly with water in the evening. If you are staying in a guesthouse or hotel rather than outdoors, you will often have a hairdryer at your disposal. This is really handy for laundry that hasn't dried. Padded cycling shorts in particular often don't dry overnight. To ensure that bacteria and fungi don't stand a chance, you should definitely blow dry your cycling shorts. 

Quantity: 1 x (possibly a second one for changing)

Sun or rain hat

Basically, sunny days are extremely positive! However, if the sun beats down too hard in the mountains and when cycling, it can be unpleasant with sunburn and, in the worst case, sunstroke. A good sun hat is the best way to combat this. I use a comfortable hat that I can use as a sun and rain hat. If you are permanently exposed to the sun, the only thing that usually helps is to wear something long-sleeved. 

Wool hat

Whether you need warm headgear depends very much on the weather conditions and the area in question. At higher altitudes and in the north, you should definitely have it with you. In the fall, it's quite cold again at night. Actually, you almost always need it, except in midsummer when the sun is beating down on your head and you wish you could wear a cozy merino hat. A thin merino hat also fits under a climbing or cycling helmet if it does get chilly. 

A 2-layer merino beanie keeps you warm without adding bulk. It even fits under your helmet.

Buffer (scarf)

The advantage of a buffer is that it can be used as a scarf and as a headband. It doesn't take up much space and can also be worn under a helmet. 

Sunglasses

Your eyes should also be protected from direct UV radiation. For cyclists, the bigger the sunglasses, the better. Glasses with side protection and a gray or brown tint are particularly recommended. They not only protect you from the sun, but also from small animals flying around in the air, which can literally hit you in the eye. 

Socks

Dear cyclists, we also use merino wool here. The absorbent fiber binds moisture and draws it away from the skin, so that the skin stays dry for a long time and there is no wet feeling as with socks made of cotton, synthetics or normal sheep's wool. Thanks to the great properties of merino wool, two pairs of socks are completely sufficient for a multi-day tour. If they do smell unpleasant, wash them out with water and a little soap.

Quantity: 2 pairs

Gloves

Very few people think about gloves, but you will need them sooner than you might imagine. In contrast to other parts of the body, hands are unprotected. It is therefore advisable to always have a pair of gloves with you, not only on summer tours but also on mountain tours. Because, especially in the mountains, sudden falls can occur. If you are a mountain biker, gloves should be standard. In the event of a fall, they can prevent or at least soothe abrasions.

There are now lightweight and warm gloves that allow you to use your smartphone without taking them off. 

Jogging shoes or clipless pedal shoes

I don't wear road bike shoes on long bike rides either. If you ride with clipless pedal shoes, in most cases you have to carry another pair of closed shoes such as jogging shoes or other sneakers, plus the flip flops you need for showering. To save yourself a pair of shoes, use light jogging or trekking shoes for cycling. Low shoes are perfectly adequate.

Flip flop or sandals

You should take a second pair of shoes with you so that your feet have a bit of variety and can take a deep breath. Flip-flops are particularly practical for hygienic reasons, as they can also be used for showering. 

c. Equipment

Tool

Don't forget to pack a few important tools and spare parts in your saddle bag. A multitool and puncture repair kit are good to cover the basics. Two common problems are bent derailleur hangers and broken chains - these are easy to fix with your multitool if you have a spare of each.

Spare tube

The journey is the destination. If you have enough time, you can also take a repair kit with you. A spare tube can be changed much more quickly than one for patching. It's best to have both with you in case the spare tube goes flat.

Small pump

If you have a spare tube and repair kit with you, you should also take a pump. If there are several of you, it is enough if someone has a pump with them. It makes sense to divide up your tools and equipment anyway.

Helmet

Safety first. It also protects you from the sun's rays. 

Headlamp (flashlight)

It's not just those who spend the night outdoors or in a tent who should have a headlamp with them. It often happens that you are surprised by the darkness because you have misjudged your route. If you don't want to take one with you, you can also use your smartphone. 

Ultralight gas stove, lighter or igniter

If you are camping in the open air and have a gas stove with you, one of the most important things is that the cooking system is easy to use. It should be as simple as possible to use. The second point is the weight. A lightweight gas stove weighs around 200 - 400 grams, including a small cup or pot in which to boil water.
There are countless outdoor igniters on the market. If you want to learn survival strategies, you can also take a fire steel* with you. It is small and fits in every pocket. Please practise beforehand! However, there is nothing wrong with a conventional lighter or igniter. 

* What is fire steel?

Fire steel or fire iron is made of high-carbon steel and is a component of the percussion lighter. It is used to ignite sparks quickly and easily to start a fire.

Titanium cutlery

We explicitly include titanium cutlery on our packing list because it is very robust and incredibly light at the same time. Titanium is hard and at the same time has a low density. These advantages make titanium cutlery a clear winner over other products. It is a material you can rely on. High-quality plastic might be an alternative. But plastic still can't match the hardness and durability of titanium and secondly, it's, well, plastic. For the sake of the environment, we should do without it as far as possible.

Titanium cutlery set of three

Water bottle

The water bottle should also be made of an environmentally friendly, lightweight and robust material. Titanium or stainless steel are of course also recommended here. Stainless steel is a lot cheaper than titanium, but nowhere near as robust as titanium. Glass is ideal for everyday use, but it is too heavy for trips lasting several days and for outdoor use and can be dangerous if it breaks.

Quantity: 1-2 bottles

Water filter

Outdoor water filters allow dirt particles, suspended particles and pathogens, including viruses and bacteria, to be successfully filtered out of the water. There are different filter systems. Which one you need depends on your destination. For example, the activated carbon filter, which is also available as an attachment, removes heavy metals and organic compounds from the water.

The following water filters are available:

1. Compact mechanical filter
(bacteria, protozoa)
2. Pump filter (bacteria, protozoa)
3. Pump filter against viruses
(bacteria, protozoa, viruses)
4. Electroadsorption (bacteria, protozoa, viruses)
5. Boiling (bacteria, protozoa, viruses)
6. UV light (bacteria, protozoa, viruses)
7. Chemical agents (bacteria, protozoa, viruses)
8. Flow-through filter (bacteria, protozoa)
9. As an attachment: activated carbon filter

In our latitudes, a simple mechanical water filter is normally sufficient. However, if you want to filter viruses, you need a special pump filter against viruses.

Important: Make sure you drink water from springs that flow directly from the mountain. In dry areas, such as the Pyrenees, there are many dead animal carcasses that can contaminate the water. However, this is often not visible.

Simple pump filter system

Knife or pocket knife

A knife is a universal tool and can be used for many purposes. It is suitable for repairs, making fires and splitting wood. If you find yourself in a prolonged emergency, a knife can be essential for survival. 

Bivouac (rescue blanket)

The bivouac provides wind and rain protection in adverse weather and prevents the sleeping bag from becoming damp and losing warmth in rain and/or dew. If you are traveling with a tent or tarp, you should have an emergency bivy with you. Very small and light emergency blankets are now available. If you are traveling as a couple, there are also special bivouac sacks for 2 people, which save you some weight and storage space.

A small, lightweight bivy sack is standard equipment in every outdoor travel bag. Even if the tour is short, an emergency can occur, which at the very least means waiting for rescue. The bivouac sack, which is wind and water repellent, offers protection from the cold and a certain degree of security.

d. Hygiene

Microfiber towel

Microfiber towels are particularly suitable for our Ultralight Equipment Checklist because they are quick-drying, antibacterial, small, lightweight and have good moisture absorption. 

Buttock cream (seat cream) for cyclists

Even trained cyclists on high-quality saddles can suffer from unpleasant pressure points, skin irritation and sores on their bottom, inner thighs and pubic area after several hours of cycling. If you continue cycling with a so-called "wolf" (chafed skin), you risk inflammation and boils, which can be very painful.

Just like cycling shorts, a lubricating cream is therefore a must for cyclists. The creams are applied directly to the buttocks and genital area or to the seat pad of the cycling shorts before cycling. The cream forms a protective film, making the skin more elastic and at the same time more resilient - thus preventing sore spots. Seat creams also have an antibacterial effect. Your bottom will thank you!

Toothbrush

If you want to save space, use a children's toothbrush or cut the toothbrush in half. 

Toothpaste or tooth tabs

I mention tooth tabs here because I have often seen toothpaste tablets in trekking videos. Personally, I don't find them very useful. They are individually wrapped and produce unnecessary waste. I also find it inconvenient that the tooth tabs have to be chewed. This makes brushing your teeth a bigger job. There's really nothing to be said against good old toothpaste. They are now available in mini formats.

Sun cream

Areas of skin that are exposed to the sun should be covered with sunscreen. The sun is usually even more intense in the mountains. Use a high protection factor. Long, thin shirts can also provide relief if applying sun cream is no longer helpful and the sun is already burning your skin.

Degradable soap for hair, body, clothing and washing-up liquid

Use a biodegradable soap that can also be used as a dishwashing detergent and as a detergent for clothing. If you have outdoor clothing made of merino wool, it is usually sufficient to wash the garment with water to rinse out the aggressive body salts. Vaude has a universal soap that can be used for all these purposes. 

e. First-aid kit

Tape (kinesio tape, physio tape or muscle tape)

Tape is a type of highly elastic fabric plaster. It is not only used for injuries or inflammation of muscles, ligaments or joints as stabilization without restricting mobility. Tape is versatile. Instead of lugging around countless plasters and bandages, you can use tape for the following

- For blisters instead of carrying
blister plasters
- For emergency repairs to tarp, tent,
or clothing such as down jackets.
Tape is ideal
for mending tears. Sleeping mats should
always have their own patching equipment
included.
- For open (superficial) wounds 

Antiseptic

To prevent wounds from becoming infected in the first place, it is important to have a wound infection with you. It can also be used for burst blisters and other open areas. If it is possible not to tape the area, it can heal better and faster. Clean regularly and then treat again with antiseptic. 

Tiger balm 

What is tiger balm and why is it on this list?

Tiger balm is a natural painkiller.

Tiger balm is best known for helping with sore muscles and is used for neck and shoulder tension. It is interesting for us because it is so versatile that it can easily replace 5 creams.

We have its natural ingredients to thank for this. Camphor, which has anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties, so that pain caused by muscle tension can be relieved. Menthol, which can be used to relieve itching caused by a sting. In combination with camphor, menthol develops its decongestant properties, which are useful for cleansing the bronchial tubes.

To increase the effect of the ointment, it also contains the following components:

- mint oil, for its pain-relieving effect
- cajeput oil, for its decongestant effect
- eucalyptus oil, for its
anti-inflammatory effect
- cinnamon tree oil, for its invigorating effect

Important: Tiger balm should not come into contact with the mucous membranes.

g. Additional equipment: Elektro Kramm

Cell phone + charger

A phone is useful for communicating with other group members (on bike tours, for locating each other and finding lost persons) and for alerting the mountain rescue or emergency services in an emergency. If you don't want to take a camera with you, take your smartphone to take photos.
If you only want to use it for safety reasons, leave it switched off so that it still has enough battery and can be used in an emergency. Another practical feature is the flashlight function. 

2. the complete packing list as a table at a glance: Bikepacking packing list: What do I need for my cycling vacation?

Tick in brackets (✔️) means that it does not necessarily have to be on your vacation packing list. It depends on: Season and travel area 

If you also carry a rucksack when bikepacking, make sure that the heavy items in the rucksack are placed close to your back. 

3. these bikepacking hacks will become your new life hacks: tips & tricks for your adventure

Tape

Like adhesive tape, only thicker and stronger, Gorilla Tape (textile adhesive tape, gaffer tape) is versatile. Seat post slipped? It can be fixed with adhesive tape. Rattling water bottle cage? Don't take a whole roll with you! Instead, wrap a 3 m long strip of tape around your air pump or other round objects. 

Dog waste bag (bag for the poop) 

   Yes, you read that right, dog bags are among our outdoor hacks and it can be very unpleasant when shoes no longer dry. It is often not possible to dry shoes because it is constantly raining. In an emergency, put dry socks in the dog waste bags and then in your shoes. This won't dry your shoes, but it will keep your feet dry!
Dog waste bags are extremely light and tear-resistant and they are even free.

Why are dry feet important?

- The wetter the shoes are, the better
the bacteria can thrive in this environment
and cause excessive perspiration
.

- Leather instead of plastic shoes: leather is very good
sweat-absorbent compared to plastic.

- Only use merino or cotton socks:
Thin merino wool socks beat all
synthetic socks tenfold.
The same principle applies here as with
synthetic shoes. In addition, unlike synthetic
socks, you can use
merino socks for days on end.

How to pack: The art of packing correctly

If you are also carrying a small rucksack as a bikepacker, it is important that the heavy items are close to your back.
Heavier items placed on the outside of the rucksack pull backwards and downwards.
You can read about how to pack bike bags correctly above under point 1. a. Big 4, Bike bag systems.

Strap it to the handlebars

Anyone with a sleeping bag can go on a bikepacking tour using this very simple technique. Almost any cylindrical object can be strapped to the front. A tent, a sleeping bag, a dry bag, a sleeping mat, etc. and almost any type of strap is suitable. 

Attach across the pole in a waterproof bag. 

Cable ties 

Cable ties are the lifeline of cycling. What cannot be repaired with adhesive tape can be fixed with cable ties. Cable ties can be used to tie a shoe, insulate a hole in a tube, screw on a missing chainring, attach equipment, fix a light and much more. You get the idea: they fasten things. Take some with you.

Wear clothes that are long and thin

When choosing clothing for your multi-day tour, opt for garments that offer UV protection. Merino wool, for example, has natural UV protection. The merino fiber absorbs some of the UV radiation and keeps it away from the skin.

Comparison: A classic white cotton shirt has a UPF* of 10. Even synthetic fiber shirts do not achieve such a high UPF value as merino shirts, and if they do, then often only with the help of chemical UV blockers. The UPF of merino wool clothing is between 30 and 50. A UPF value of 40, for example, means that more than 97.5% of the rays are blocked.

*The UPF (Ultraviolet Protection Factor) indicates how much ultraviolet radiation (UV) a fabric blocks.

4. keep it simple!

Although month-long trips through Central Africa sound epic, and they are, that doesn't mean you have to embark on a huge escapade to have a good time to get your money's worth; long weekend getaways can be enough to satisfy the craving. Adventure is often closer and easier to reach than you might think. The best adventures are often right on our own doorstep. Have fun!

Our ultralight bikepacking products:

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