About to head on your next bikepacking adventure and wondering: “What do I need to bring?” Fear not. The bike pros at deuter have put together a comprehensive checklist as part of your trip preparations, with all the gear you need for your next bikepacking adventure.

So whether you’re a fan of the minimalist approach, or like to head into your weekend trip fully tooled up – the key to getting the most out of your biking adventures is in the planning. Careful consideration of everything from your tent to your toothbrush, having the right bikepacking gear can make the difference between a fun adventure and needlessly hauling around too much gear. So grab your bike, your pack sacks and your bike bags for bikepacking and head out to explore the world on two wheels – all packed up with the right gear!

+ Spare jersey
+ Spare pants
+ Rain jacket & rain pants  (depending on forecast)
+ Race cap / Buff / headband
+ Sunscreen
+ First aid kit & small travel pharmacy
+ Toiletry bag (travel shower gel, toothbrush & toothpaste, small travel towel, tissues, ear plugs)
+ Food for the trip
+ Bike tools
   o    Multitool
   o    Spare innertube / tubeless sealant
   o    Puncture repair kit (for inners or tubeless)
   o    Mini pump
   o    Cable ties
   o    Multistrap gear straps
   o    Tire levers
   o    Quick links
   o    Spoke wrench
   o    Adhesive tape/ duct tape
   o    Chain lube
+ ID, cash, bank card, charging cable
+ If you’re camping: 
   o    Sleep mat
   o    Sleeping bag
   o    Tent / bivouac bag

         Tip: Stow your tent poles up against your bike frame (top tube).

+ Lights
+ Bike lock
+ Water bottles

Tip: Make sure your frame bags and water bottles don’t get in the way of each other. Consider using a bike-specific hip bag that has its own bottle holster, like the deuter Pulse Pro or a bike backpack with hydration system.

If you’re going on a longer bike trip you can extend the bikepacking packing list. For instance, you’ll need more food. And the following items might also be helpful, even on a shorter bike trip:

+ „Camp clothing for after your day’s riding: underwear, socks, thin pants, t-shirt, warm pullover / jacket
+  Laundry detergent
+ Map 
+ Cycle computer / GPS
+ Headlamp
+ Power bank / spare batteries
+ Small trash bag or Dirtbag

Tips from the pros for bike touring:
+ Antibacterial cream or ointment (chamois cream)
+ Gummy bear sweets to keep spirits up

If you’re on a fully self-supported bikepacking trip, then consider cookware – you can refer to our trekking packing list.

Depending on how long your bike trip is going to be or how you like to travel, you can pack you gear in seat bags, handlebar bags, frame bags and/or top tube bags and strap them to your bike. The general principle is as follows: Heavy items should be packed close to the frame, so that the weight doesn’t affect your riding. Lighter items and gear that you need close at hand can be packed on the outer edges of the bags, in pockets or attached to the frame itself. Any other bags can be attached to the rack at the back of the bike but remember that it will make the bike heavier.

A lightweight waterproof drybag-style bike bag on the handlebars or seat post is ideal for clothing and your sleeping bag. For better organization of your gear, you can pack individual items or sets of items, in packing bags. And make sure you stick to your system and pack items in the same place each day, or even use stickers to indicate what goes where. The most important thing is to keep everything compact and make sure it’s safely stowed. Using ultralight gear that packs down small is helpful. Depending on what bike bags you use for bikepacking, you should reckon with needing 30 to 60 liters’ volume.

The total weight of all your gear for bikepacking should ideally be less than 15 to 20 % of your own weight. As a general rule, aim for your bags weighing up to 10 - 15 kg, depending on how long your bike trip is and the terrain you’ll be moving through. The lighter your set-up, the easier it will be to ride, especially on long days or moving through mountainous environments. Packing light is key to keeping the weight to a minimum and therefore keep your riding efficiency as high as possible. But it’s also about how fit you are and what kind of cycling you’re looking at. If you like to travel in comfort with panniers, frame bags and maybe even an e-motor, then you’ll have more with you than your ambitious road cyclist.

deuter has a range of lightweight bike backpacks and practical bike accessories. So, with the help of our biking gear, there’s nothing standing in the way of your next bikepacking adventure.