Bikepacking: What could be nicer than going on vacation? That's right, go on holiday with your bike. Cycle tours have always offered the perfect change from everyday life, because active holidays and relaxation can be perfectly combined. On top of that, you are completely self-sufficient and can enjoy the freedom that cycling definitely has to offer.
While bike tours used to be tackled with a classic trekking bike, there has been a type of bike for a few years that is being used more and more for these trips. We're talking about the Gravelbike, a racing bike-like bicycle with tires suitable for gravel for all-round use. Gravel biking is no longer just a trend, but has been a new cycling discipline with many different facets since this year at the latest. It doesn't matter whether the focus is on the sporty character, downhill fun or adventure, you can have everything with the gravel bike. In the slipstream of gravel bikes, the topic of cycling tours or bikepacking also picked up speed and is becoming increasingly popular.
It doesn't matter whether it's a long day trip or even a real bike tour. For many, the special attraction is to get from A to B without any frills and to be as independent as possible. Here in particular, the gravel bike offers the perfect platform, because with the profiled, yet narrow tires and a general frame geometry, you don't have to just move on asphalt like with a racing bike, but can really enjoy the independence and just start riding. Nevertheless, you are much faster on the paved roads than with a classic mountain bike. So if you are looking for a sporty contrast program to the annual club holiday or just want to dare a new adventure, you will certainly have a lot of fun on such a bikepacking trip and will be able to gain many new impressions.
Similar concepts with big differences
In order for these trips to be a success, you need not only a suitable bike but also the right bikepacking equipment in order to be able to stow your luggage on the bike and also the right approach when packing. There is a special bag solution for what feels like every free centimeter on the bike. The concepts are similar at first glance and usually come with basic equipment consisting of a bag on the saddle, one in the frame triangle and a bag in the handlebar area. Nevertheless, there are big differences in terms of pack size, fastening systems or material. There are also various concepts that cannot simply be built onto every wheel, as they require the appropriate eyelets for attachment. For example, for fork bags you need the right mounting options on the fork of the bike in order to be able to attach them. These are pre-drilled holes in the fork or frame, which can then easily be used as an attachment point for the respective bags. Therefore, before buying a gravel bike, you should find out exactly what options it offers if you are planning to embark on a bikepacking adventure.
The bags and how to pack them!
On the one hand, as already briefly mentioned, there are different bags for almost every imaginable point on the bike. However, in order to be able to be relaxed and comfortable on your tours, it is important that you know exactly how to pack your bags correctly. Because with just a few tricks you can optimize the weight distribution on the bike and thus get a very natural riding experience without feeling like a pack mule.
The Saddlebag
Starting at the rear end of the bike, we want to start with the saddlebag, which is also affectionately called "ass rocket" in the scene. This is the classic when it comes to bikepacking, because there is usually plenty of storage space here, since the space at the back seems unlimited at first. Basically correct, but you should note that the saddlebag also has a not inconsiderable effect on the riding experience, because especially when riding standing up or on winding roads, it naturally swings with the heavy weight and can sometimes unsettle you. Therefore, it is advisable to store lighter items such as clothes or a towel and to tighten everything so that at first glance hardly anything can wobble. Many of the seatpacks usually also have fastening straps on the outside to which you can attach other items. It is a good idea to dry clothes that are still damp or wet. Because very important: you should never mix dirty or wet and clean laundry, especially on multi-day tours. Therefore, it is advisable to make sure when buying that the bags have a division.
The frame bag
Such divisions are often found in frame bags, but you should be careful not to just stuff the frame bag full of clothes, as this is the perfect place to stow heavier items. This is primarily due to the fact that the frame bags are usually attached tightly to the frame with many straps and Velcro fasteners and thus sit firmly in the frame triangle. As a result, heavy objects cannot fly around or impair the riding experience, as they sit close to the bike and adapt to the bike's weight distribution. It only gets difficult here if you are looking for something quickly, because both the frame and saddle bags are usually too large to have direct access to individual utensils.
The top tube bag
This is exactly what the top tube bag is ideal for, because it is attached to the top tube directly behind the headset and can therefore be easily reached while riding. Most of the top tube bags have various small compartments for money, keys, mobile phone and whatever else is needed. However, objects that are too heavy should not be stored here either, otherwise the bag and its attachment will reach their limits.
The handlebar bag
The same approach applies to the handlebar bag as to the saddle bag, because too much weight at the front can extremely impair the driving experience and steering behavior. Here you can think about dividing the clothes on multi-day tours so that, for example, you put the dirty laundry in the saddlebag and attach the still fresh clothes to the handlebars so that nothing gets mixed up.
The fork pocket
While the bags mentioned above can usually be assembled without large accessories, for many fork bags you need the right frame or the right fork, which is provided with eyelets for assembly. Of course, some manufacturers also offer adapters that can be attached to the forks with cable ties in order to attach the bags to them. Of course, you usually have a lot of space and free space on the forks, but you should also make sure that you only affect the natural riding experience as little as possible. It is definitely advisable to attach pockets on both sides so that there is no one-sided weight distribution. If you have attached pockets on the right and left, it is of course important to fill both pockets relatively identically, otherwise you run the risk of having an uneven weight distribution. In addition, you should pack the heavier items in the bottom of the fork pockets to keep them close to the axle and not get too much swing when steering.
Bikepacking bags tested
For anyone who has had enough of classic holiday destinations, full hotel complexes and 0815 activities, a bikepacking trip is just the right thing to rediscover yourself and feel free again. As is so often the case, planning in advance is the be-all and end-all so that you can be pleasant and comfortable on the road and simply start driving on the actual tour. We have tested some manufacturers for you.
In the coming weeks, all bikepacking bag tests can be found here!
https://www.velomotion.de/magazin/2022/03/bikepacking-taschen-gravelbike/