By Adam Gillespie
If you’re thinking about loading up your bike and setting off into the unknown, I can tell you right now—you won’t regret it. I’ve bikepacked across North America's Rocky Mountains, meandered through Southeast Asia, rolled through the Australian high country, and I’m currently making my way around the beautiful, unpredictable roads of New Zealand. Every journey has been different, but the one constant is this—the right gear makes all the difference.
In this post, I’m breaking down the gear I use, the lessons I’ve learned, and a few tips I’d give anyone looking to get into bikepacking—whether you’re planning your first overnight ride or plotting a months-long expedition.
Let’s Start with the Bike
My bike is the backbone of everything. I ride a steel-frame touring rig—tough, simple, and comfortable. I don’t need anything flashy. When you're days from the nearest town in Laos or deep in a New Zealand forest trail, simplicity wins. No suspension, no electronics. Just solid parts that I can fix on the go if I need to.
Whatever bike you ride, just make sure it fits you and the kind of terrain you’ll be covering. I’ve seen people do bikepacking trips on gravel bikes, hardtails, even hybrids. The key is comfort and durability. Wide tyres help for off-road stuff, and having the ability to mount bags or bottles directly to the frame is a big plus.
Soft Bags Over Panniers
I used to use panniers when I first started, but these days I run a full soft bag setup. It keeps the weight centered and balanced and lets me take on rougher trails without worrying about rattling racks or broken mounts.
Here’s my current setup:
- Handlebar roll: That’s where I stash my sleeping bag and clothes. Big and light.
- Frame bag: My go-to for tools, snacks, and electronics. Keeps the heavy stuff low and central.
- Seat pack: Tent (if it fits) and even more clothes. It's surprising how much you can squeeze in there.
Packing is always a bit of a Tetris game, but once you get your system dialed, it becomes second nature.
Below I have linked the exact products as featured in the walk-through video:
- Apidura handlebar bag (available in various sizes)
- Apidura seat pack
- Restrap upper frame bag
- Restrap lower frame bag
- Apidura downtube bag
Sleeping Setup: Keep It Light, Keep It Compact
I’ve tried a bunch of setups over the years—tents, hammocks, you name it. Right now, I use a one-person ultralight tent that packs down to almost nothing. In Southeast Asia and Australia, it was often too hot for a full tent, so I’d sleep under a tarp, under a shelter, or just on a mat with a mosquito net. In the Rockies, sometimes it was easiest to set up a hammock and tarp where there were well spaced trees everywhere.
But New Zealand? That’s a different story. Rain and chilly nights are a regular thing, so I’ve gone back to a full tent and a good sleeping bag rated for cooler temps. A lightweight inflatable mat makes a huge difference too—trust me, a decent night’s sleep is worth its weight in gold.
Food and Cooking: Keep It Simple
I keep my cooking setup minimal. A small canister stove, one pot, and a titanium spork get me through most situations. If I can, I eat local—street food in Vietnam, fresh produce in New Zealand, bakeries in Australia. But when I’m remote, I like to have a backup.
My food kit usually includes:
- A few packs of instant noodles or some couscous and oats
- A small bottle of olive oil and a spice mix
- A collapsible mug for some cozy hot beverages
- A mini sponge and soap for quick cleanups
Cooking at camp is part of the fun, but I don’t go overboard. The less mess, the better.
Clothing: Pack Less Than You Think
Early on, I packed way too many clothes. Now? I keep it lean. A riding kit, one off-bike outfit, rain gear, and a warm layer. That’s about it.
Merino wool is my go-to—it stays warm when it’s wet, doesn’t stink after multiple wears, and dries fast. In Southeast Asia, it was all about breathable, quick-drying clothes. In New Zealand, layering is key. You might ride in the sun, then wake up to frost the next morning.
And don’t forget a lightweight rain jacket—even if the forecast looks clear.
Tech & Navigation: Stay Powered, Stay Oriented
My tech setup has evolved with each trip. Nowadays my smartphone is where all of the magic happens. I download offline maps (Ride with GPS and Gaia GPS are my go-tos), check routes, and occasionally post updates when I have signal. I also carry a PLB for emergencies when there's no signal and I'm deep in the bush all alone.
For power, I carry:
- Two 10,000mAh power banks (as opposed to a single 20,000mAh, so that one acts as a backup)
- Charging cables (with extras)
- A headlamp and USB rechargeable bike lights
- Sometimes a small solar panel if I know I’ll be off-grid for a while and in a place with reliable sunshine
It’s not just about sharing the journey—it’s about safety and making sure I don’t get completely lost in the middle of nowhere.
Tools and Repairs: Be Your Own Mechanic
Something will go wrong eventually—flat tire, broken chain, loose bolt. It’s just part of the game.
I carry a basic tool kit with:
- A multitool with chain breaker
- Spare sealant, a spare tube, and patch kits
- Tyre levers and a mini pump
- Chain lube, a few zip ties, some electrical tape, and a couple extra bolts
If you don’t already know how to fix a flat or adjust your gears, take the time to learn. A little mechanical know-how goes a long way when you’re out there , especially when solo.
The Most Important Gear: Your Mindset
I know this isn’t something you can pack in a frame bag, but honestly, mindset is everything. There are days when it rains non-stop, when the hills don’t seem to end, when your gear fails or your legs just don’t want to turn anymore.
But bikepacking teaches you to roll with it. To appreciate the small wins. To see the world at a human pace.
Some of my best memories come from things that didn’t go to plan—getting lost and stumbling on a hidden waterfall, breaking down and getting helped by strangers, camping under a sky full of stars miles from anywhere.
Final Thoughts
If you’re thinking about trying bikepacking, start small. Do an overnighter. See how your setup feels. You don’t need the most expensive gear or the perfect plan. You just need to be curious and a little stubborn.
Gear evolves. So do you. Every trip teaches you something. Every road reveals a bit more about the world—and about yourself.
See you out there.
– Adam Gillespie