Bikepacking, where to begin?

Let's start with a question that worries everyone. How can I put all my things in these seemingly small bags ?!

Yes, in some ways, bikepacking implies the rejection of overall things and replacing them with lightweight and compact ones. But is it so bad? Our life does not stand still, and as we change every year, so does our equipment. Manufacturers in this regard are ahead of time. Ultra-light and compact sleeping bags, sleeping mats, the size of a half-liter bottle, dishes that fold into itself and do not take up much space appear. And all these things are not only compact, but also comfortable. And travel comfort is sometimes so necessary.

If you are going on a long trip, you may have to give up some things from your personal wardrobe as well. But this is also a plus. Think about how often you took something you didn't want on a hike. Bikepacking will not only not allow you to take too much, but it will also make it clear what exactly you need and what you can do without. And those empty 100 grams or even kilograms, a few centimeters of free space, will certainly play a role in the future.

Explore your gear! It is not necessary to run to the store for a new mega thin sleeping bag, or to take a summer sleeping bag with you in cold weather just because it is lighter. Not! Try to fit all the equipment in bags; there is a chance that it will all fit. Each, in fact, has its own set of necessary things. And your choice is up to you.

Begin distributing things from heavy and oversized to light and small. So, for example, a sleeping bag, an inflatable rug and a tent, it is better to distribute it in a roll or seatpost bag. In addition to what is already there, some of your clothes or personal hygiene items and a first-aid kit will surely fit into these bags. In the front-mobile bag on the steering wheel, you can put important things, documents, maps, a camera. In the intra-frame triangle, provisions and any other things can easily fit. And the flasks for water that were in this place before, it will be most convenient to fix on a bicycle fork. A gas tank bag or a small bag under the saddle will perfectly serve as a bag for a repair kit. Well, handbags or feeders pockets, speak for themselves. There are no restrictions, put what you like.

By my own example, I can say that when we were going on our first bikepacking trip to Greece, we meant to take small backpacks with us. However, when all the things were packed, it immediately became clear that our backpacks would be empty, therefore we only took waist bags, and then in order to put documents, a wallet and a phone in them. While traveling, the phone also migrated to a handbag on the steering wheel. Since he often had to get it to take a photo.

To summarize, I can say that it’s worth trying bikepacking in order to appreciate all its advantages. And we, as experienced cyclists, will help you with this!