How to feed into bikepacking: our tips

Compact, nutritious foods: fruit, bars, nuts

First port of call: dried fruits and nuts. These little treasures are real energy bombs, perfect for a quick snack or to boost your energy along the way (it's the star in Mario Kart ⭐). They don't take up space in your panniers and stand up well to the bumps, jolts of gravel roads or the vagaries of a day's mountain biking. What's more, they provide a healthy dose of kcal without weighing down your digestion. 🥜

Compact, delicious and varied, energy bars are also ideal for eating on the go without stopping. Whether you're in the middle of a climb or savoring the view from a summit, an energy bar will restore your pep in the blink of an eye. And for those with a sweet tooth, there are even chocolate options 😋🍫!

Energizing meals without weighing too much: pasta, pulses, proteins

Pasta, ah, pasta! Easy to cook, light in the bag (unless you're taking the whole household cupboard with you 😅 ) and so comforting after a long day's pedaling. A real fuel for cyclists! And the best part is, they go with just about everything. A little freeze-dried sauce, a few dried vegetables, and you've got a complete meal that restores strength for the next day's efforts. 🍝

Speaking of pulses, they're the kings of bikepacking nutrition. Lentils, chickpeas, beans... They're rich in protein, don't cost an arm and can be prepared in the blink of an eye. And the best part? They're great for the planet, a real asset for sustainable tourism. 🌱

The importance of water: how much to take and how to refuel

When bikepacking, you can't lug around a river, but you need to make sure you have enough water for the day. Plan on at least 2 liters for a day's pedaling, more if the sun is beating down or you're climbing mountains. And remember, a little more is better than a little less, especially if your next refreshment point is a long way off. 🚵‍♀️

Let's talk about refuelling. In France, you'll often have access to drinking water points in villages. But be warned, it's best to be prepared: a small filter pump or water purification tablets can be lifesavers if you find yourself in a more isolated corner. 🚰

Choosing a stove: lightness and efficiency

The first rule of the stove club: lightness. We're not going to carry around a grandma's stove on our saddle, are we? Lightweight gas stoves are our best friends. They slip into any pannier, even the handlebar bag, without weighing down the trip. And when it comes to efficiency, they heat up faster than a Formula 1 car at the start of a Grand Prix! 🏎️

An efficient stove isn't just a question of speed. It's also about gas consumption. We're not here to waste gas or our budget. Models with flame regulators are top of the range: they let you simmer your little dishes without burning all your calories... or your food! 🔥

Takeaway cooking utensils: the minimum for maximum pleasure

To start with, a small saucepan or popote is the essential. Choose a lightweight, compact model that can easily nestle into a frame bag or swing with panache from the back of the bike (if you don't have fragile ears 😅!). The must-have? A model with a folding handle to save space. Limited space, unlimited fun! 🍲

Next, let's talk cutlery. Forget grandma's complete cutlery set (decidedly grandma... 🤶 ), a good multi-tool will do the trick. A fork-knife-spoon combo is like a Swiss Army knife for bikepackers: efficient, compact and incredibly practical. Bonus: you won't have to play Tetris to fit all your gear into the saddlebags. 🥄

Let's not forget a small retractable bowl or mug. Perfect for morning coffee or a comforting soup in the evening. Lightweight, they slip into any nook of your luggage. And sipping coffee as the sun rises is still the ultimate in nature class! ☕

Let's start with weight distribution. The idea is to keep your bike as agile as a cat on a rooftop. Heavy, compact items like cans or water bottles should be placed as close to the center of gravity as possible. You know, right there, near the frame, where they won't make your bike dance at every turn. 🚲

Saddlebags are perfect for lighter but bulky items, like bread or a change of clothes. And yes, we said spare clothes, not your entire wardrobe 😊! The trick is to roll up your T-shirts and pants to save space, burrito-style. Now you're ready for an outing where every cubic centimeter is optimized! 🌯

Don't forget your tools and first-aid kit. They slip easily into a small pocket or handlebar bag, accessible but not cumbersome. After all, being prepared for little mishaps is part of the adventure! 🛠️

For bivouac gear, such as your tent or sleeping bag, the ideal solution is to attach them to the top of the luggage rack, if you have one. This balances the weight and makes access easy when the sun starts to set and the call of nature is felt. 🌄

Finally, take a moment to think about how to prepare your panniers. The right arrangement can make all the difference between an enjoyable outing and an obstacle course. With clever organization, every pedal stroke will bring you closer to the pleasure, not only of the ride, but also of the well-deserved gourmet break! 🚵‍♀️🍽️