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Bikepacking. What is it and why is it becoming more and more popular?
Bikepacking is a solution for people who love cycling trips and at the same time appreciate minimalism. A bicycle is a means of transport that allows you to reach hard-to-reach places. It is a great companion for trips in the mountains, forests or among lakes. What exactly is bikepacking?
What is bikepacking?
The fashion for bikepacking was born in the USA. This trend originated from a long-distance mountain competition calledself-support races. Necessity is the mother of invention - on the route you could take only simple camping equipment in bags that did not hinder safe movement in the mountainous terrain.
Simply speaking, bikepacking is traveling by bike with small, light luggage. The use of a special bikepacking bag makes it possible the two-wheeler remains maneuverable, a the perceived load is small. This, in turn, makes it easier to move even on difficult terrain - unpaved mountain trails or forest tracks.
Bikepacking is not only less luggage weight, but also better distributed weight. Traditional bicycle panniers as a rule, they are heavier, and a rack is necessary to mount them. Their large capacity - in many situations, is an advantage - but during a trip on difficult terrain, it can be an obstacle.
This way of traveling is great for both short and long distances. Less weight is easier to maneuver the bike and easier access to places that once may have seemed inaccessible to cyclists.
BLACKBURN Bicycle seat pannier 10.5l OUTPOST SEAT PACK black BBN-7099765
Bikepacking and traditional bicycle tourism
Practicing both traditional bicycle tourism and bikepacking, we can spend many days on the saddle. Under the name of bikepacking is hidden above all off-road riding – along forest tracks, mountain paths, gravel and rocky paths or wilderness. Classic cycling tourism, on the other hand, is focused mainly on traveling on paved roads.
The difference is also visible in the equipment. In the case of bikepacking, the essence is to pack your hand luggage into the smallest bag possible. Traditional cycling tourism is inextricably linked with large panniers with a large capacity - often packed "to the brim".
Bikepacking is called cyclinglight and fast – and such minimalism often gives much more possibilities.
Bikepacking bags - characteristics
Bikepacking gear has the job how to use every available centimeter of the bicycle frame, handlebars or space under the saddle in the most effective way. The installation of such bags does not require a luggage rack. Therefore, it is perfect for the case MTB, road, cross-country and gravel bikes.
Bikepacking bags are characterized by low weight and high strength. They are most often made of waterproof materialwhich works well in rainy weather. An important factor to pay attention to is method of attaching additional equipment e.g. sleeping mats or trekking accessories. It is an additional advantage modular design, which ensures the possibility of adjusting the size of the bag to the needs of the user and the luggage taken with him. After attaching it to the bike, it should not hinder pedaling.
It is also worth having this type of pannier reflective elements which will increase the safety of the cyclist during escapades after dusk. The price of bikepacking bags depends on the specific model, manufacturer and applied solutions.
Let's take a closer look at the most popular types of bikepacking bags.
Frame bags
Bikepacking bags for the frame they usually have an oblong or triangular shape and a single-chamber design. The frame is a good place for carrying the heaviest items because it is the bike's center of gravity. Therefore, you can pack a camera, a tourist stove or a tent frame into the frame bag. If our model has additional pockets, they are used to transport small things, e.g. flashlights, maps or a bicycle pump. However, it is necessary to choose such a pannier that it does not interfere with pedaling.
Handlebar bags for bikepacking
Handlebar bags they have an oblong shape and, contrary to appearances, they can have a really large capacity. Such a pannier can be used to transport a sleeping bag and mat or things you should always have on hand. Some models are additionally equipped with handles for attaching additional luggage, e.g. a sweatshirt. However, keep in mind that not to place heavy equipment on the steering wheel as this may make it difficult to maneuver. Luggage should be mounted quite low to maintain the center of gravity of the two-wheeler.
A handlebar bag is usually equipped with straps that allow it to be properly placed in its place. They are an added advantage sewn-in cuffs whose task is to immobilize the content, which translates into driving comfort.
saddle bags
There is a lot of space under the saddle that can be used effectively. Bikepacking saddlebags They are available in various sizes - from small to really capacious. So it will fit here a lot of luggage. The advantage is various types of buckles, straps and expanders that allow you to attach additional equipment. Bags of this type are mounted to the saddle. The stability of the entire structure can be increased by a special frame installed on the bicycle seat post.
Saddlebags do not get in the way while pedaling. However, heavy objects should not be packed in them, as this may adversely affect the controllability of the two-wheeler.
Bikepacking backpack
If there are still concerns that bikepacking bags alone are not enough, it is also worth considering buying a special bicycle backpack. In this case, you can opt for a model o compact design that will adapt to the body and will not hinder driving.
This is a convenient solution, especially when we decide to hydration backpack. It eliminates the need to take your hands off the steering wheel while driving, which is especially important when traversing difficult terrain. We can pack handy things in the backpack. They will be an added advantageouter pockets which will make it easier to quickly reach for the most necessary items - and without stopping the ride.
Bikepacking has gained popularity thanks to the possibility of reaching places by bicycle with little luggage, which until now were reserved only for hiking. This trend is appreciated both during shorter and longer trips. The basis, however, is the right selection of bags and thinking about your luggage - are you sure that everything you want to take with you is necessary when traveling?