How to Build a Reliable Bikepacking Setup for Multi-Day Adventures
The quest to build a reliable bikepacking setup is one that continues indefinitely as you learn what works for you, based on the type of trip you are taking. Whether you are planning to join a bikepacking race like Eric did on the 616 mile Ride Across Arizona or just an overnighter for fun in your home state, you have come to the right place. This guide will explore gear options with our field tested and approved recommendations along with a free downloadable and printable packing list so you will be prepared for whatever you encounter on your next bikepacking adventure.
Bikepacking Setup for “Gravel” Bikes
Eric and I both have Salsa Fargo bicycles which we settled on after loads of research as the “bike to rule them all”. Since we live in our van full time, we only have room for one bike a piece. We even keep them inside the van which I know you must be thinking is a startling feat of space utilization and it is, you can read more about how we did that here.
The variety of hand positions, tire clearance and mounting options that the Fargo has to offer are unmatched by any other bicycle we could find. Eric is our ultra distance athlete and he completed the Ride Across Arizona in May of 2026. The ride is 616 miles of gravel/off road trail with over 40,000′ of elevation gain that stretches across a variety of brutal Arizona landscapes. Here he field tested gear and narrowed it down to a reliable bikepacking setup that is a great base for anyone who is interested in this unique and incredibly rewarding sport.
Bikepacking Bags
- Frame bag: This bag fits into the triangle on the frame of your bicycle, it is perfect for storing heavy things like water, and tools keeping the most weight at the center of the bike.
*Eric and I both have a Salsa frame bag like this one. Note that measuring your frame space is crucial to getting a bag that fits correctly. We found an amazing shop in Tucson, Rippie Products , that makes custom frame bags and they also carry a variety of incredible bags for bikepacking and every day riding.* - Seat bag: A seat bag is an aerodynamic bag that attaches to your seat post and quite commonly holds your camp setup, things you won’t need to access while riding and it sticks out behind your seat without flopping over the sides of your wheels like panniers.
*Eric uses a Revelate Designs Terrapin System for his ultra distance rides* - Gas tank: This sounds strange on a human powered vehicle, but not when you know it’s to hold things like snacks, electrolytes and treats right where you can reach them on the top tube of your bike. These are sometimes longer and just called top tube bags.
*Eric’s recommendation is the Revelate Designs Mag-Tank 2000. When selecting top tube bags be sure to take into account your standover, I can’t use a top tube bag due to my short inseam* - Fork bags or Panniers: This refers to bags that mount to cages on your front forks or panniers that can be used on front and/or back, which require a rack that lets a bag rest on either side of the tire. It’s important to not overload these as they will throw your balance off, try to keep them evenly loaded.
*Eric uses dry bags coupled with fork racks to carry some comfort items as well as tall tent poles and food/cooking items.* - Handlebar Bags: As you may have guessed these are bags that strap to your handlebars either directly or via a harness system.
*Eric carries his tent and various quick at hand items in his Revelate Designs Pitchfork System which attaches to his Redshift Sports aerobars. I use a Rhinowalk handlebar bag system since I don’t use aerobars* - Backpack/running vest: This bag doesn’t attach to the bike but is a great option for light weight setups to carry the things that you want on your person such as Garmin InReach, phone, wallet, etc and can also be used to carry some extra water when there are long distances between resupply points.
*Eric uses a Salomon running vest to carry his phone, in-reach, water bladder, toilet kit, first aid and other small items*
📌 The most multifunctional item in the basic bags category is the Salomon running vest. It doubles as a day pack, is super lightweight and is convenient for a variety of outdoor activities. Get yours today through our link below!
Bikepacking Setup-Gear List
Now that we have explored the basic bag options and given some suggestions on what works for us, let’s get into the packing list. When preparing for a bikepacking adventure, covering all the bases for basic survival is key. Food, water, shelter, and let’s face it, technology/tools are going to be critical for a successful trip. You can request our free printable bikepacking checklist below and read on to get our specific gear recommendations that we have field tested and compiled for you.
Shelter and Sleep System
- Tent or Bivvy
*Eric uses our backpacking tent because it is what we have (it doubles as our combined sleeping quarters when backpacking) and also because he can’t bring himself to sleep in a bivvy, too coffin like and it isn’t great if there is any kind of precipitation.*
📌 Treat yourself to a proper shelter and grab your Big Agnes – Copper Spur below. This two person tent is another multi-sport must-have item for your bike/backpacking stable.
- Sleeping pad and inflatable pillow
*Eric & Jo picks, Apollo Air sleeping pads and Trekology pillows keep you up off the ground and help to retain heat on cold nights.* - Sleeping bag or quilt
*Eric uses a quilt and since I am always cold, I use a beefier sleeping bag. It is important to mind the weather report and take gear appropriate to the climate you are traveling in. It is always better to be prepared for the worst be that heat, cold, or precipitation.*
Cooking/Food/Water
We all know that expending a lot of energy like you do on a big bike ride means you have to eat, and drink of course. Perhaps you are on an overnight that conveniently goes through a town where you can grab dinner and so a cooking setup isn’t needed but if that is not the case there are some lightweight simple options to provide you with the sustenance you need to make the trip and feel good doing it. Everybody’s fueling needs are going to be different, be sure to listen to your body, get plenty of electrolytes and drink water!
- Cook Kit & Fuel
*We started with this cook kit and while we are still using the pans we have since replaced the flatware with Toaks titanium and the burner has been replaced with a Soto Windmaster. For solo trips Eric uses the 1.2L pan, a spoon, cup and the burner with a small iso-butane canister (Pro tip: you can’t fly with fuel so be sure to scope out where to source it locally on your destination trips.)* - Food
*Some of our favorites include huma gels (great for a little energy boost without bogging down your guts),Tailwind water additive, Peak Refuel freeze dried meals, protein powder for recovery and Honey Stinger orange blossom gummies* - Water/Filter
*Take water anywhere you can fit it. Pro tip: NEVER turn down water, you never know when things may go awry and that extra little bit will make all the difference. Eric and I both have a water carry option in our frame bags with a bladder from Apidura. He carries water on his back with the Salomon vest noted previously, and we also have these cockpit cupholder bags that we can put a regular bottle in.*
📌 A water filter system could save your life. Taking along a simple setup like this Sawyer squeeze is a must for all your outdoor adventures!
Clothing/Gear
- Puffy coat/Raincoat
- Neck gaiter/buff, warm gloves, warm hat
- 2 pairs socks, (wear one and one as backup)
- Warm pants like these mountain biking pants put over bibs to ride in the cold or even to sleep in if needed
- Sandals/camp shoes
- Bibs or your preferred bike shorts (I typically would want two pairs of bibs to rinse and dry/alternate daily which is better suited to women’s chamoise hygiene)
- Sun hoodie and a wool t-shirt to alternate both on and off the bike as needed (do NOT sleep in sweaty/wet clothes)
- Fingerless gloves for riding (optional)
- Helmet/Sunglasses
- Bike shoes
Tools/Repair Kit
- Small bottle of chain lube
- Toothbrush/small rag for cleaning drive train
- Tire patch kit (bacon strips and boot patch)
- Zip ties
- 2-CO2 cartridges and CO2 pump (for tubeless tires)
- Manual pump for back up
- Replacement chain links
- Electrical tape
- Bike Multitool like this Alien ii
- Spare tube (even for tubeless in case of major tire damage)
- Spare valve cores if using standard Presta valves (check out these Filmore valves for an easy upgrade that require no spares!)
- Presta to Shrader adapter (if needed)
- Spare brake pads
*In adverse conditions such as rain mixed with sand, brake pads can deteriorate faster than you might imagine. That’s firsthand experience talking – we got caught in the rain during a 100 mile one day race where after the first 50 miles we had zero brakes!*
📌 Having a multitool available that is compact and ready for any scenario is key to a reliable bikepacking setup. When you are miles from the closest bike shop, you will be grateful for this handy tool if trouble arises.
Navigation & Electronics
- Garmin Edge 840 – bike computer for offline navigation
- Garmin inReach Mini 2 – satellite communicator, a crucial survival tool
📌 A satellite communicator and navigation device like the inReach is crucial when venturing out for long distances in remote areas. This device also links to track leaders if your rider is competing in a race or ride that uses the tracking website. This is literally your lifeline, do not get caught without it!
- Rechargeable, on bike headlight- 1800 lumens is what Eric uses
- Rechargeable headlamp for in camp
- Rechargeable taillight
- Charging bank/ cords for all items (phone, Garmin, lights etc.)
- Cell phone
*Whether you use Strava, RideWithGPS or another navigation app, always download all routes onto your phone for offline use in case of any malfunction in navigation gear*
Toiletries/ Hygiene
- Toilet paper/disposable resealable bag for used paper
- Travel pack of wipes such as Dude Wipes or Good Wipes
- Cat hole shovel or WAG bag depending on locale requirements
- Toothbrush and toothpaste
- Lip balm
- Sunscreen
- Hand sanitizer
- Pain killers/ RX meds
- Menstrual cup if applicable
- Chamoise butter
- Deodorant
Bikepacking Setup Optional Items
As previously mentioned, the weight and extent of what you carry on your bike is totally dependent on your preferences and the type of journey you are taking. Some optional “comfort items” really go a long way in making your experience memorable, in a good way!
- Lightweight camp chair
*This is one item Eric makes room for even though it’s a bigger item. After a long day in the saddle he really appreciates having a chair to sit, someplace to lean his back while he has dinner in the evening and breakfast in the morning*
📌 This lightweight camp chair clocks in UNDER 2 lbs and also under $55 which is a steal for ultralight camping equipment.
- Kindle or hard copy book
*Depending on the type of ride, having a book to unwind with in the evening can be a lovely relaxing way to end your days, or start your mornings. Pro tip: keep it light, use the Kindle app on your phone to save carrying another item* - Journal or travel watercolor kit
*I personally have a travel watercolor kit and would enjoy painting in the morning or evening if taking a leisurely bike pack and journaling is an easy way to remember your favorite moments from your journey*
The Wrap Up
Hopefully you were able to get a handle on what a basic bikepacking setup might look like. You will definitely learn as you go what works and what doesn’t according to your specific preferences. Don’t worry, you don’t have to get it right on the first try and likely won’t, it’s just the nature of the beast.
Eric has already changed a number of things and will surely change many more as he prepares for and completes the Tour Divide this summer. Every year this epic bikepacking journey begins on the second Friday in June and goes either from Banff Canada to Antelope Wells New Mexico or it can be ridden in reverse from New Mexico to Canada which is how Eric will be tackling it.
That’s right, he is looking at approximately 2,700 miles with near 200,000′ of elevation gain. The southbound route is run as a race but he will be riding northbound simply for the love of the challenge this year. There are sure to be some adjustments on this epic undertaking of a ride and we will definitely be here to share what we learn along the way. So, until next time, wander often and ride far!