Planning for bikepacking trips are the best. It can be very strategic or effortless. Over the years I’ve developed a someone what decent, and streamline way to my packing list. Some things to consider are duration, location/ terrain and weather. By designing your packing list around these four essential variables you will begin to see things fall into place. I tend to layout all my gear on my floor a day or two before departure. This can change based on the length of the trip. For extended touring/ bikepacking more than two weeks, always plan ahead.

A little about the trip. This is a New England weekender. A short Vermont brewery bike tour Beginning in Londondale, VT, looping through country roads for on & off road dirt touring. The route passes through Hawks Mountain, and up to Bridgewater for Brewery stops before making it to camp at Coolidge State Forest. The total loop is a short 81miles and can be done in a day or two.

The Hilleberg Akto tent I’ve used for 3 years now, and it’s held up excellent through multiple conditions. I’ve used it in the winter, spring and summer. It’s a bit on the warmer side in summer so I usually pack less clothing to compensate for the warmth. Often times I find myself sleeping on top of my sleeping bag.

My sleeping bag I picked up last minute before I rode the Kokopelli Trail. I needed something lightweight and packable that would fit inside my saddle bag. The EcoPro 50 fit the bill. It’s a great little bag that can be opened up all the way and used as a blanket. I like to do this on hotter days.

I used to ride with my Therm-a-Rest RidgeRest sleeping pad for years. However, I’ve since retired the RidgeRest and included the NeoAir XLite to my arsenal. It’s a game changer. Not only is It lightweight, but it’s extremely comfortable. After long hours on the saddle, you’ll thank yourself for the investment as you gaze at the stars in awe that you switched.

These bags will all be packed in my Revelate Designs Viscacha seat bag, Sweetroll handle bar bag, Tangle frame bag, and Gas Tank. In terms of distribution of items, I put my sleeping system in the handlebar bag, clothing food and sleeping bag in saddle bag, bladder in frame bag, and camera and snacks in the gas tank. With this setup I have plenty of more room for food, clothing and other paraphernalia if needed.

Pack List:

Sleeping System Hilleberg Akto EcoPro 50 Degree Synthetic Sleeping Bag

Thermarest NeoAir XLite Sleeping Pad

Clothing on bike Endura MTB Shorts

Merrell Wicking Tech Shirt

Clothing in tent/ sleeping Thermal bottom Thermal Top Patagonia Nano Puff 1 Pair Merino Wool Socks

1 Pair Tech Boxer Short

Cooking Snowpeak 3-piece Titanium Cookset Titanium Spork Lighter Camp Stove

Fuel

Tools Spare Tube Patch kit CO2 Cartridge Handpump Multi-tool

Knife

Electronics Point & Shoot Mobile Phone (Maps)

GoPro

Misc First Aid

Toiletries