Don't go bikepacking without these essentials

Bikepacking is hot right now, but the real thing is people have been getting out, and living outside, with their bikes for decades. Being able to take everything you need, but have nothing to do, is a liberating way to approach your trip to the trails. But bikepacking doesn't have to be all about self-indulgence. While it's great to be able to camp on the trail, don't be discouraged if you're not serious about camping. You may choose to book accommodation for boarding – or if you're really in the know, reduce your sleeping arrangements to a bare minimum.

No matter what your path may be during this extended period of time on the trail, there are a few important things to consider on a bikepacking trip – whether you're just starting out or moving forward.

Make a plan

Every good trip starts with a plan! But you want to take this seriously. If you are going to be away from home for a night or more, leave the plan with a responsible person. Explain your planned route, where you live, and when you expect to see each other again.

You can plan this route on a map, or plan it online. While route downloads from your GPS are great, be sure to have something fail as well. A physical map is a good option, or you can use a range of map apps that allow you to download maps for offline access. Google Maps is not your friend if you don't have reception. As for how far you can ride each day – do what you're comfortable with, but remember even if you're carrying some clothes and staying in hotels, you still have more gear than usual. Don't set the longest distance you've ever ridden – it's fun!

Appreciate a full stomach

If you're fighting for space, don't eat food – just get something high in calories! If you are going to work and be outside all day, you will need more food. Depending on your route this may mean more cafe stops. But it can mean packing enough food. It's easy to overpack before you leave, which also means you have less to do. When camping, a few simple extras like hot chocolate bags go a long way at the end of the day.

A good night's rest

Think carefully about sleep, as if you have a big day and have one or more after it, sleep is important. You can carry a lightweight tent, or a bivy bag for your sleeping bag and mat – or go for a fly-style shelter or tarp. But there's no reason not to use a hotel, bar or hostel if it suits your itinerary. There are no 'rules' about where you live. And staying in brick and mud huts can reduce the need for extra gear if you don't have a compact sleeping bag, mat and tent.

If you are camping outside – consider the important things. I know someone who does a lot of challenging hikes. He doesn't take shoes and has little luggage – but he does take an inflatable pillow and a quality sleeping mat as important to how he sleeps. Tarps and bivy bags should be reserved for the more experienced. Plan a route around accommodation that you can book if it's your first accommodation – you might as well enjoy it!

Carry your gear with ease

Whether you're riding to the bar and back, or crossing the Great Divide, you'll need to carry more than you normally would on a day trip. But – there's no need to go out and order custom bikepacking bags from someone like the Big Bag Dude (yet, anyway!). Using a small backpack or any small saddle bags you already have is a great way to start. Especially if you ride to a bar or hotel and back, where your gear load won't be too big.

You can also find racks that work for a range of bikes, such as those from Aeroe or Tailfin. If you're willing to do more, you'll enjoy getting the weight off your back and onto your bike. This is where distributing the load between a bar roll, a large saddle pack or rack and a frame bag makes sense – but just ease into it with the gear you have. There are great off-the-shelf bags around, but custom ones may be the ultimate goal if getting outdoors becomes your next favorite adventure.

What bike?

Maybe this is the one you have. Choose a route that suits what you like to ride, and where you want to stay. A dirt bike will be better suited to long, smooth dirt roads. But I always love my mountain bike when it comes to real mountain riding. There is no shortage of great mountain bike backpacking trips, the only limit is your imagination when planning a route.

The main takeaway here is, don't put yourself off going on an adventure year because you think you need special gear. Just adjust the route to suit what you have and your idea of ​​fun. That would be an arvo pedal from Beechworth to Yackandandah before staying at the hotel and riding back the next day. Or it could travel the Brisbane Valley Rail Trail from Ipswich to Yarraman to stay at the theatre, before returning the next day. Or maybe, going up to Falls Creek for a few days of riding, staying at a chalet and going down to Mount Beauty with the Fainters. Maybe you just want to ride from Branxholm to the Bay of Fires and stop at the Weldborough Pub in between. There are so many adventures out there – start small, have fun… and tell someone where you're going.