What gear to take with you on a bikepacking trip?

Let's start with panniers, the faithful companions of every adventure-seeking cyclist. Whether you opt for a gravel, road or rugged mountain bike, the choice of panniers is not to be taken lightly. 🎒

Saddlebags are like the trunk of your car, only cooler and more eco-friendly! 🍃 They're perfect for storing your spare gear or repair kit (because we all know that the unexpected happens). 🚴‍♂️

When it comes to frame bags, think practicality and accessibility. Want to keep your water bottle within easy reach? Hanger, tube, frame, there's a bag for every need. And what's more, you can choose from a wide range of models to suit all budgets. 💰

As for handlebar panniers, they're the grail for travelers who like to keep their snacks or travel guide close at hand. Ultra-practical, they are your bike's dashboard. 🗺️

We've got lots of tips and tricks precisely on choosing a good bikepacking pannier here. Feel free to grab this topic in more depth. 💪

When it comes to bikepacking, style is all well and good, but comfort is a must! From helmet to shoes, every part counts to make your adventure a memorable one. The helmet comes first: it has to be light but sturdy, like a coconut ready to face the elements. And the shoes? Choose them as you choose your friends: reliable, comfortable and ready for adventure. 👟

When it comes to jackets, think practical and versatile. A good jacket that protects you without weighing you down. And pants? Forget skinny jeans (really, seriously forget 🤣 ), opt for lightweight, hard-wearing, breathable fabrics. As for swimwear, go for fun and functional. After all, why not look chic in the great outdoors? 🌿

Finally, let's talk price, because adventure shouldn't cost you an arm and a leg either. Bikepacking rhymes with smart (with smart rather 😉 ): unearth quality equipment at reasonable prices. Scour stocks, pick up bargains, and don't forget second-hand stores for sustainable tourism and an economical choice. Bikepacking is for everyone, so there's no need to break the piggy bank to get equipped! 💰

Once again, we've put together a dedicated guide to equip yourself from head to toe in bikepacking. It's over here.

When the night comes for bikepacking, we all dream of a cozy bed, but without the weight of an elephant to pull along the road! The key? Equipment that combines lightness and comfort (easy to say! Easy to do? 🤔).

When it comes to tents, think compact and lightweight. A shelter that slips into your panniers without tipping the scales is a must for a bike camper. And yes, you can find them, I promise! ⛺

The mattress is the fine line between a starry night and a bad back. Opt for a model that inflates easily and offers cloud-soft sleeping. What about weight? We're aiming for feather rather than lead, so that your cycling adventures remain a pleasure, not a chore. 🍃

Let's not forget the sleeping bag, your cocoon for the night. It must be warm but breathable, adapted to the region you're going to (summer on the Vélodyssée is not the same story as the Alps in winter 🥶). And for the little extras? An inflatable cushion, a light flashlight, and why not a book to escape under the stars (not a pamphlet either, eh 😅).

When bikepacking, a good tire repair kit can literally save your day. Take your kit with you wherever you go, because punctures don't wait! A lightweight, reliable kit is the key to getting back on the road in the blink of an eye, without your cycling adventures turning into a nightmare. ⚙️

Then there are multifunction tools, the Swiss Army knives of bikepacking. Light, compact, but capable of solving a whole host of problems. A little gadget that can tighten a bolt, adjust a brake, or even open a bottle (for well-deserved breaks, of course! 😉 ). These little geniuses deserve a special place in your panniers. 🛠️

Navigating without losing your bearings is crucial. A good GPS is a faithful friend who knows all the roads. It guides you, inspires you and, above all, saves you from having to ask every cow you meet for directions. With the new high-tech accessories, stay connected without getting in the way. 🌐

Immortalizing adventure means capturing the essence of your explorations. A compact, rugged camera is your personal scribe, telling the story of every landscape, every smile. With the right equipment, every photo becomes a treasure, a lasting souvenir of your adventure. 📸

You can use your phone of course for GPS and photography (not for repair tools though 😅), no one will hold it against you. 🥰

For hydration, opt for lightweight, reusable water bottles. They're your best allies for staying hydrated without burdening the planet (and our bikes) with plastic waste. Slip them into your pannier, and voilà, you're ready for adventure with your ecological conscience at the top! 💧

What about snacks? Forget disposable packaging, think sustainable and delicious. Dried fruit, organic energy bars, or a good sandwich prepared with love, all fit easily into a small reusable bag. It's the perfect snack for filling up on energy without leaving a trace on our beautiful trails. 🍏