If you’re a loyal follower of the Pedaling4Pups blog, by now, I’ve definitely got you planning your first bikepacking adventure. Or, maybe you’ve stumbled upon this post from afar, and are looking for a bikepacking gear checklist from a complete stranger. Kudos to you – but, I’d recommend checking out the rest of the site before you sign up for my misadventures.
Jokes aside, your bikepacking gear is all you have while out on the trail. You carry it everywhere you go, and once you’re out there, there’s no going back for more. You’re stuck with what you got, so believe me, you’re going to want the right gear for the job.
In this post, I’ll help you plan your first bikepacking adventure with an interactive gear checklist. I did a ton of research before hitting the trail, so I’m excited to share what I’ve learned and hopefully save you some time (and headaches) when buying gear.
Bikepacking Gear Checklist
Here is a complete bikepacking gear checklist for new riders. I’ve made the checkboxes interactive so you can bookmark this page and save it for later use. If I missed anything, comment below, and I'd be happy to update my list.
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If you’re thinking about doing the Great Divide (or Tour Divide), here is a bikepacking gear checklist that is specific to that trip. Download the full version here:
Table of Contents:
- Best Bikepacking Gear for 2025
- Bikepacking Gear Essentials
- Bikepacking Gear Bags
- Bikepacking Camping Gear
- Bikepacking Cooking Gear
- Bikepacking Rain Gear
- Bikepacking Repair Gear
Best Bikepacking Gear for 2025
Before we get into the specifics, here is my recommendation for the best bikepacking gear for 2025. These are my top choices based on the categories in the table of contents listed above.
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Bikepacking Gear |
Recommendation |
Reason |
Water & Water Storage |
I used a similar setup, but I wish I had something like this on my trip. It’s great if you can sip some water while you ride. I would go through about 2L of water in 3 hours of riding, so this should get you through for a while. |
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Tubeless Tires |
Ask Your Local Shop |
If you’re riding for multiple days off-road, you should consider tubeless tires. They’re more durable than tubes, and when you catch a flat, you can usually just pump them right back up. |
Bikepacking Bags |
Depending on your trip and preferences, you don’t need all of these. I would start with back-wheel panniers because front ones significantly affect your steering. Spend some money here; it will be worth it. |
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Water Filter |
My first water filter broke because I didn’t change the filter (oops), but I love this pump-style filter. It worked a lot faster than the drip system that I bought later on. |
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Sleeping Bag |
I would recommend spending some money here. Do some research on how cold it gets where you're going, and then get a sleeping bag that’s treated 10-15 degrees below what you’re dealing with. |
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Headlamp |
I chose this headlamp because it has the longest battery life, which is very useful while out on the trail. Whether it was getting up to pee or reading my maps in my tent at night, I always used my headlamp. |
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Inflatable Pillow |
I would argue that this is a must-have. The few nights that I thought I could get by without my pillow always ended with me digging through my bag and blowing it up. Get a good one; there are some nice ones out there that I definitely wish I had. |
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Jetboil |
The Jetboil is like a mini stove that quickly heats soups, ramen, water, and other foods. You can cook almost anything in one of these things. |
Now, let’s dive into the details. I’ll list every piece of bikepacking gear you should bring and how it will help you on your trip.
Bikepacking Essential Gear
Below is the most essential bikepacking gear that you should have on your checklist. Without these, you’re up a creek without a paddle, so don’t forget to double-check that you have them before setting out.
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Bikepacking Gear |
Recommendation |
Reason |
Water & Water Storage |
I used a similar setup, but I wish I had something like this on my trip. It’s great if you can sip some water while you ride. I would go through about 2L of water in 3 hours of riding, so this should get you through for a while. |
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Food & Food Storage |
Snacks (power bars, fruit) Quick/Easy Meals (Ramen, PB&J) |
There are millions of panniers out there. I recommend buying ones built to last because they’ll get beat up on the trail. The bear sack is needed to protect yourself (and your food) from bears and critters who might eat it. |
Bikepacking Bags |
Depending on your trip and preferences, you don’t need all of these. I would start with back-wheel panniers because front ones significantly affect your steering. Spend some money here; it will be worth it. |
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Communication Device |
Cell Phone |
The cell phone is optional because you might not have service while you’re out. But, the satellite locator is great for staying in touch with friends and family in remote areas. Just keep in mind that some of these tools make you play for a monthly subscription. |
Bike Multi-Tool |
I tried to find a super-light version, but whichever you choose, just be sure to test it before heading out. No need to break the bank here. |
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Portable Bike Pump |
I don’t know why some of these are so expensive, but any one that works will do just fine. Get one that can be mounted on your bike. It will save space and be easy to access. Oh, and make sure you have the right valve type! |
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Bikepacking Tent |
Don’t make the same mistake I did; get a three-season tent! A four-season tent is for winter excursions. It has terrible circulation and will create a puddle of water on your sleeping bag during summer nights. |
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Sleeping Bag |
I would recommend spending some money here. Do some research on how cold it gets, and then get a sleeping bag that’s treated 10-15 degrees below what you’re dealing with. |
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Headlamp |
I chose this headlamp because it has the longest battery life, which is very useful while out on the trail. Whether it was getting up to pee or reading my maps in my tent at night, I always used my headlamp. |
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Navigational Device |
I once again choose this one based on battery life, but it depends on the features you’re looking for. This one has limited map views and a clunky interface, but it got me from point A to point B. |
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Water Filter |
My first water filter broke because I didn’t change the filter (oops), but I love this pump-style filter. It worked a lot faster than the drip system that I bought later on. |
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Bikepacking Clothes |
Okay, speed round: the helmet is for safety (duh). They're cool, get one. Long-sleeve shirts keep you warm and deflect the sun. Gloves help you avoid blisters. Pants or shorts, depending on the weather. Multiple pairs of socks in case you get wet. And shoes that are comfy to ride in. |
Bikepacking Gear Bags
If you followed my adventure, you know that I looked like a freight train pushing a heavy load up a hill. I carried a ton of gear because I wanted to feel prepared for various scenarios. I didn’t mind sacrificing speed for sustainability. So, keep that trade-off in mind here. The more gear you carry, the more comfortable you’ll be at camp. But, that also means you’ll have more stuff to lug around, which can be a nuisance for short trips and quick adventures.
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Bikepacking Gear |
Recommendation |
Reason |
Rear-Wheel Panniers |
I would splurge here. I made sure to buy waterproof gear that would hold up against scratches, scrapes, and sharp objects. I would highly recommend anything Salsa; the zippers and material of their bags were top-notch. If your bike doesn't already have one, you will also need a separate mounting system to install back panniers. |
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Front-Wheel Panniers |
Mine were designed to hold water containers specifically, but you can also get these in the shape of a box, similar to your rear panniers. Again, anything Salsa is pricey but will definitely hold up. You will also need a separate mounting system to install these. |
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Handlebar Bag |
The handlebar bag held my tent. I bought a Salsa rig that propped the bag up between the handlebars. |
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Seatpost Bag |
The seatpost bag was a small bag used for holding gear. It was strapped below my seat and I spent very little money on it. |
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Seat Pack |
The seat pack sat atop the back rack. This solid waterproof bag was great for stuffing random gear into. It's intended to be strapped to the back of the seat post, but I Macgyvered this one to my liking. |
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Frame Bag |
The frame bag was a very nice Salsa bag that was waterproof and came with high-quality leather straps. |
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Top Tube Bag |
I had to replace my top tube bag twice because I bought cheap bags. The last one I bought was expensive but held up for the rest of the trip. |
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Rear Bike Rack |
You'll need this to hold your bags. Make sure the rack fits your bike. I had to "custom rig" mine to ensure it stayed fastened on my bike. I would definitely test your bike fully loaded before setting out, unlike I did. |
Bikepacking Camping Gear
Camping is my favorite part of bikepacking. You don’t need a lot of gear, but the items below are essential to getting a good night’s rest and feeling comfortable around camp.
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Bikepacking Gear |
Recommendation |
Reason |
Bikepacking Tent |
Don’t make the same mistake I did; get a three-season tent! A four-season tent is for winter excursions. It has terrible circulation and will create a puddle of water on your sleeping bag during summer nights. |
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Sleeping Bag |
I would recommend spending some money here. Do some research on how cold it gets, and then get a sleeping bag that’s treated 10-15 degrees below what you’re dealing with. |
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Sleeping Pad |
The sleeping pad is one of the most underrated camping items. I really liked this one because it was durable, but it was a hassle to strap to my bike. A lot of my friends used inflatable pads as an alternative. |
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Inflatable Pillow |
I would argue that this is a must-have. The few nights that I thought I could get by without my pillow always ended with me digging through my bag and blowing it up. Get a good one; there are some nice ones out there that I definitely wish I had. |
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Tent Footprint |
Your tent footprint should match your tent. I picked this one because it matches the tent we recommended above. |
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Camp Light |
I laughed when my dad gave me this light, but I used it every night in my tent. You can put it on your bike, and it charges in the sun. |
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Lighter/Waterproof Matches |
If you like starting fires at camp, these are a must-have. The waterproof ones are neat because they spark up very quickly. |
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Portable Chargers |
Camp is a great time to charge your phone and navigational devices. I chose to invest in one really nice charger, so I would only have to carry one block. |
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Book/Podcast |
Book: Born to Fish Podcast: Up and Vanished |
I wish I had this on my trip. I had plenty of great podcasts, but a book would have been amazing to read at camp. |
Bikepacking Cooking Gear
The reason why I love camping so much – I get to eat. I don’t know about you, but I can’t subside on power bars and dehydrated fruit for days on end. I need a hot meal, or at least hot food, to keep my engines running. Here’s what I would recommend for fans of food like me:
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Bikepacking Gear |
Recommendation |
Reason |
Jetboil |
The Jetboil is like a mini stove that quickly heats soups, ramen, water, and other foods. You can cook almost anything in one of these babies. |
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Jetboil Fuel |
Here’s the downside to the Jetboil… the fuel. It’s big and awkward to carry. I would recommend sticking to smaller canisters like this one. |
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Reusable Utensils |
Once you have your delicious food, you'll need a way to eat it. Reusable utensils reduce the amount of trash you have to carry out. I used a spork that had a knife hidden under the spoon head. |
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Knife |
You don’t need a knife for protection. You need it to cut food into smaller pieces so you can put it into your Jetboil. Go with a small knife that's easy to stash in your bags. |
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Water Purification Drops |
If you have a water filter, you don’t need these unless it’s an emergency or you’re feeling adventurous. They make the water taste like sulfur, and they have confusing instructions that I probably followed incorrectly. |
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Spare Rags |
Rags are great for cleaning up messes around camp. You don’t want a spill or dirty pot attracting wildlife. |
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Scouring Pad |
Trust me – you’re going to burn something in your Jetboil. You’ll be glad to have this when you do. |
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Foldable Bowl |
The foldable bowl lets you eat more than one item at a time. You can eat something from your Jetboil and your bowl. (Revolutionary, I know). |
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Foldable Cup |
This is a “nice-to-have” item, but I loved my foldable cup. It was perfect for drinking instant coffee in the morning. |
Bikepacking Rain Gear
Rain sucks when you’re biking. It gets your gear wet, and that means you’re in for an uncomfortable night. Avoid this headache with this bikepacking rain gear:
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Bikepacking Gear |
Recommendation |
Reason |
Rain Jacket |
You’ll want an ultralight rain jacket for bikepacking. A heavier jacket will overheat you and make riding uncomfortable. |
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Shoe Covers |
My shoe covers don’t work, so I’ve given into wet feet. But some folks swear by these to stay dry. |
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Small Tarp |
This actually worked way better than I expected. I wrapped all my gear in a small tarp and my tent footprint to keep it dry on rainy days. |
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Waterproof Socks |
More like “water-resistant,” but these were good for my mental game when I knew my shoes were getting wet. The downside is that they are very thick. |
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Bike Fenders |
I didn’t have these, but I wish I had. Bike fenders prevent water from splashing your face and bum. |
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Dry Bags |
I had a few of these in my panniers. They keep stuff dry, such as phones and chargers. |
Bikepacking Repair Gear
Breakdowns can happen at any point. During my trip, I broke a spoke, caught a flat, and had to replace my tires because the tread was worn down. Repairs are a part of biking, and you can save yourself a little money by buying your own repair gear.
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Bikepacking Gear |
Recommendation |
Reason |
Bike Multi-Tool |
Every mountain biker needs a multi-tool. It’s the biking equivalent of a Swiss army knife. |
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Portable Bike Pump |
You never know when you’re going to catch a flat. The bike pump is great if you need a little air in the tires to make it home. |
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Bike Lube |
If you’re going on a multi-trip, I recommend bringing some of this to clean your chain. Based on your conditions, do some research on whether you need wet or dry lube. |
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Pliers |
Pliers can do everything. I preferred a needle-nose plier that could help me get into tight places. |
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Screwdrivers |
Philips head is a must, but I would bring both for peace of mind. |
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Allen Wrench |
The Allen wrench was huge for taking my bike apart and putting it back together. 10/10 recommend carrying one. |
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Spare Rags |
Bike repair is messy work. I would recommend having some rags to clean your hands. |
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Patch Kit |
You can quickly fix a flat with a patch kit like this one. It's not mandatory because tubeless tires are pretty durable, but they are nice to have. |
Bikepacking Gear Checklist: What Did I Miss?
Everyone has their own setup, and most of the time, your bikepacking gear list depends on the type of adventure you’re about to have. For some, this is way too much stuff. For others, it’s packing light. Pick what you need from this list, and let me know in the comments below if there’s something I missed.
