Seven Popular Bikepacking Setups

Let’s talk bike setups! Whether you’re planning your first overnighter or dreaming of crossing continents, your bike setup can make or break your adventure. Here are seven popular ways to kit out your bike for bikepacking.

1. The Minimalist

• Frame bag
• Saddle bag
• Handlebar roll Perfect for weekend warriors and those who love to travel light. This setup keeps your bike nimble and fun to ride, especially on technical trails.

2. The Traditional Tourer

• Rear panniers
• Front panniers
• Handlebar bag Great for road touring and carrying more comfort items. The classic setup that’s been proven over decades of bike touring.

3. The Mixed Bag

• Frame bag
• Single pannier
• Handlebar roll A hybrid approach that combines the best of both worlds - some of the stability of panniers with the streamlined nature of bikepacking bags.

4. The Ultralight

• Large frame bag
• Minimal saddle pack That’s it! For the true minimalists who count every gram and embrace the “less is more” philosophy.

5. The Full Monty

• Frame bag
• Saddle bag
• Handlebar roll
• Feed bags
• Top tube bag
• Fork bags Maximum storage for longer trips or when you need to carry extra food and water.

6. The Gravel Grinder

• Half frame bag
• Saddle bag
• Handlebar bag Keeps the bike light and responsive while still carrying the essentials. Perfect for fast-paced gravel adventures.

7. The Expedition Setup

• Frame bag
• Panniers
• Handlebar roll
• Fork cages
• Multiple auxiliary bags For those serious adventures where you need to carry weeks of supplies.

Finding Your Perfect Setup

Remember, there’s no “one size fits all” in bikepacking. Your ideal setup depends on:

• Trip length and type
• Terrain you’ll be riding
• Your comfort preferences
• The bike you’re using
• Your packing style

The key is to start with a basic setup and modify it based on your experiences. Don’t feel pressured to buy everything at once – start small and build up as you learn what works for you.

Where Velopacker Comes In

Speaking of figuring out what works for you, this is exactly where Velopacker shines. Our platform helps you:

• Track different setups you’ve tried
• Plan what bags and gear to use for different trip types
• Share successful setups with other bikepackers
• Get inspiration from the community

Ready to start planning your perfect bikepacking setup? We’d love to help make your next adventure a success.