Like a lot of people, I fell in love with the idea of bikepacking long before I ever did it. I spent hours pouring over setups online, comparing bags and bikes, and quietly stressing about whether my Surly Pacer was the “right” bike. It's a beautiful machine, but it's definitely a road bike. All the dreamy dirt-road content out there made me feel like I wasn't doing it right. I remember feeling so overwhelmed that I didn't know where to start.
Then I found Donut Sack Bike Bags from Columbus, OH on Instagram. I reached out, chatted with the maker, and paid over PayPal. Within a week, that handmade bag was on my bike and I was buzzing. Somehow, that one little transaction gave me the momentum I needed.
A few days later, I packed what I had and set out on my first bike camping trip. It was an out and back to a campground about 80 kilometers outside Montreal. I was nervous as hell. Even though I'd done lots of touring, I'd never ridden self-supported with everything I needed strapped to my bike.
The Bike You Have
For weeks before that first trip, I obsessed over my Surly Pacer. It's a beautiful bike, but there is no denying it's a road bike. Everything I saw online made it feel like if I wasn't in the dirt on a drop-bar mountain rig, I wasn't really bikepacking. That meant my bike was wrong. But now, after seven years of doing this, I can say with total confidence: the best bike is the one you already have.
Big tires and mounting points are nice, sure, but they're not essential. Once I realized the Pacer was more than capable of handling mixed, not-too-technical terrain, I stopped worrying and just started riding. I used that bike for two full seasons of bikepacking. Over time, I made a few tweaks: a longer cage derailleur, a wider-range cassette, some knobbier tires. But none of that was necessary to begin.
And when you are ready to upgrade, most gravel bikes like these are perfect for beginners. But don't start there. Ride what you have. Upgrade later, once you know why.
What to Pack (and What Not To)
On my first trip, I didn't overthink it. I crammed what I could into my new bar bag and stuffed a backpack with a hammock, some food, and way too many clothes. The setup wasn't ideal, but it got me out the door, and that's what mattered.
That first ride showed me something important: you don't need a perfect setup to get started. Looking back, almost everything I brought fell into three rough categories: riding, sleeping, and hanging out. That's still how I think about packing today. Not every possible item or contingency, just one question at a time. Can I ride? Can I sleep? Can I hang out for a night without being miserable?
One bag, one night, and a little curiosity is enough.
You can try bikepacking with what you already own. Start by laying out what you have at home. Borrow gear if you need to. There's no shame in that. Upgrade only when you've got a reason to. One bag, one night, and a little curiosity is enough.
And for food, keep it easy. Bring something you already eat at home. Wraps, leftovers, granola, fruit—whatever feels normal. A stove isn't necessary to eat well on a short trip. A cold dinner, a simple breakfast, and a few snacks will carry you through. If you're excited to cook, go for it. But you absolutely don't have to.
How to Pack: What Goes Where
There are more bikepacking setups than there are bikepackers, so don't stress about doing it “right.” Everyone figures it out in their own way. For years I packed my sleeping kit in a saddle bag and shoved clothes up front. Eventually I realized the opposite made more sense. But that's the thing: you only learn by trying.
Still, there's a loose logic that works for a lot of people. Lighter, softer gear like your shelter or sleeping pad usually fits well on the handlebars. Dense items like tools, snacks, and water ride best in a frame bag. Medium bulky stuff, like clothing, often ends up in the seat bag. And if you're using a backpack, that's totally fine too. Just keep it light and avoid packing anything that makes your shoulders ache.
If you don't have bikepacking-specific bags, use what you've got. Dry bags and a few straps can go a long way. Your setup doesn't need to look perfect. It just needs to stay put and ride well.
Your First Ride
It's hard not to be inspired by epic, remote bikepacking stories. But going big right away isn't for everyone, and it doesn't have to be. We learn by doing, and bikepacking comes with plenty to figure out. That's why I always suggest starting with a simple overnighter. Pick a route that's 20 to 50 kilometers (12 to 30 miles) in one direction. Even better, ride somewhere you already know. Familiar terrain means less stress about navigation or surprises. You can focus on packing, riding, and just figuring things out. Skip complex route planning or multi-day food prep for now. Bring a friend or ride solo, whatever feels best. And don't worry if your plan feels too easy. The whole point is to build confidence, not rack up distance.
Get Going
You'll figure it out by going, not by perfecting your gear list. First trips are about learning, not nailing it. That first night out is where it all begins. I didn't have everything dialed, but I went, and that's what mattered. Start small, stay curious, and let experience shape your setup. You don't need much—just a reason to ride and a night to try.
