As the weather gets warmer and the days are longer, now’s the time to get your bikepacking setups dialed.
Olivia (she/they) from WTF Bikexplorers Atlanta created a handy ‘What’s in My Bag’ setup list to give you ideas on what to bring and how to organize your items. Olivia’s mantra is, “I am complete but I am not finished.” 💁🏾♀️
Take a look at the handy resource and reply with a comment on anything that you bring that’s missing from the list.
Bag #1: The Handlebar Bag
This bag contains all things small and light.
- Giant Voile Strap
- First Aid Kit
- Hundreds of Tiny Zip Ties
- Electrolyte Drops
- Glittery Sunglasses
- CBD Sleep Drops
- Bike Computer + Charger*
- Headwrap
- Lighter
- Tiny Knife of Poor Quality
- Two Normal Size Voile Straps*
*These items are borrowed from Devin. Thanks, Devin <3.
Bag #2: Lil Pannier Bag 01
Contains luxury items like Shelter, Power, and Something to Sleep On*.
- Stove Fuel
- Stove (not pictured)
- Bowl
- Ground Pag
- Pillow
- Solar Panel
- Sleeping Bag**
- Hammock (not pictured)
- Tent (also not pictured)
*The most consistently slept on thing in the universe is Leikeli 47’s ‘Wash and Set’
**Sleeping bags are prohibitively expensive. To make things easier on you money-wise, buy used gear or share gear. “My” sleeping bag actually belongs to my brother, but he is kind enough to share with me. I’m wearing it in this picture.
***I didn’t snap pics of my hammock or tent because I didn’t want to set them up/break them down. SMH, but it is the truth. Coincidentally, the are the most important things to have.
Bag #3: Lil Pannier Bag 02
Contains the only true essentials: Drip and Personal Care*.
- Bandana
- Bike Leotard
- A Statement T-Shirt**
- Baggy Shorts
- That Wool Tank Top That I Will Never Shut Up About
- Dopp Kit
- Dopp Kit Contents
- A Statement Hat
*When you look good, you feel good and when you smell good, you feel even better. Facts. I did not always believe this, but I have since come to see the light.
**Rep the set
I like bike specific clothes like bibs and jerseys but I do not like them when I’m on trips. They are tough for me to clean and I never quite dry them right and after two days I smell like a Bloomin’ Onion™.
Bag #4: The Invisible Seat Bag
The coldest bag I own because it disappears*.
- Multi-tool
- Tire Levers
- The Breaker of Chains
- A Pump**
- As Many Zip Ties As Possible
- A Patch Kit
- Electrical Tape
- A Spare Tube or Two (not pictured)
*Where did it go??????
**Bring two of these and you will make instant friends.
The extra space in this bag can be used to pack out any trash or plastic that you accumulate along your journey. Do NOT throw trash in the woods. That is rule #1 here.
Additional
Other items that are good to have.
- Food and Water*
- Utensils and Vessels for the Food and Water
- Rain Protection
- A Down Jacket
- Shoes
- Head Lamp/Bike Lights
- Underwear
- Socks
- Your Meds
- Cards
- Your Journal
- Living and Laughing and Loving, etc. etc.
*sksksksk
Thanks for reading. I hope this helps you out on your journey, want to emphasize the My Essentials are only my essentials.
Yours are going to vary based on the location, duration, and intention of your trip. What is most essential is that you get something out of your journey and that you travel safely and respectfully. So, if you want to bring something that isn’t on the list, feel completely free to do so.
– OZW