Planning Your Bikepacking Route: A Practical Guide

Route planning can make or break your bikepacking trip. Let’s dive into how to plan a route that’s actually fun to ride, not just cool to look at on a map.

The Basics

Know Your Style

• Singletrack warrior?
• Gravel crusher?
• Pavement pounder?
• Mix-it-up adventurer? Pick routes that match your riding style and bike setup.

Consider Your Time

• Be realistic about daily distances
• Factor in elevation gain
• Add buffer days
• Account for stops and photos Pro tip: Plan shorter days at the start - you’ll get stronger as you go.

Route Planning Steps

1. The Big Picture

• Pick your start/end points
• Decide on daily mileage
• Mark potential campsites
• Note resupply points
• Check seasonal conditions

2. The Details Matter

• Water sources
• Elevation profiles
• Surface types
• Bike-legal trails
• Escape routes
• Cell coverage
• Resupply options

3. Navigation Tools

• Komoot
• RideWithGPS
• Strava
• Google Maps
• Local paper maps Always have a backup plan when electronics fail.

Smart Planning Tips

Resupply Points

• Mark all grocery stores
• Note business hours
• Plan longer stops
• Check reviews
• Have backup options

Camping Spots

• Research wild camping rules
• Mark official campsites
• Note stealth options
• Check water sources
• Plan B locations

Elevation Matters

• Check total daily gain
• Note long climbs
• Plan breaks accordingly
• Consider morning/afternoon heat
• Watch weather patterns

Common Mistakes

Don’t:

• Plan huge days early on
• Ignore shoulder seasons
• Skip water planning
• Forget about wind
• Rely solely on GPS
• Ignore local knowledge

Do:

• Research local conditions
• Check recent route reports
• Contact local bike shops
• Join regional groups
• Ask about road/trail closures

Special Considerations

Remote Routes

• More detailed planning
• Multiple backup options
• Extra resupply info
• Emergency contacts
• Detailed weather research

Urban Areas

• Safe routing
• Bike paths
• Secure camping
• Storage options
• Local regulations

International Routes

• Visa requirements
• Border crossings
• Local customs
• Language basics
• Currency access

Weather Planning

• Check historical data
• Understand local patterns
• Plan for extremes
• Have backup routes
• Know when to bail

How Velopacker Makes It Better

Our platform helps you:

• Plan daily segments
• Track resupply points
• Share routes with friends
• Get community feedback
• Store emergency contacts
• Track weather forecasts
• Manage trip logistics

Final Tips

1. Start small and build up
2. Test your route locally first
3. Always have bailout options
4. Share your plan with someone
5. Be flexible - the best adventures often happen off-plan

Ready to start planning your route? Join Velopacker and let’s make your next adventure one to remember. We’ll help you plan smart and ride happy.