How to Start Bike Packing: A Beginner's Guide to Bike Packing Gear, Bags, and Your First Adventure
- Malia
- Jun 8
- 4 min read
Updated: 5 days ago
Need-to-Know Points
Bike packing is easier to get into than most people think
You can start bike packing with the bike you already own
An overnight bike packing trip is the best way to learn
Bike packing bags make carrying gear easier and more efficient
Route planning can be done with your phone or a GPS device
You don't need expensive bike packing gear to get started
The best way to learn how to start bike packing is by actually doing it
You've decided you want to try bike packing — awesome! Now comes the dozens of questions you'll ask yourself before that first trip.
What bike do I need?
How much bike packing gear should I bring?
Do I need a GPS?
What are the best bike packing bags?
What if I forget something?
Let's tackle the first big question: How do I start bike packing?
The real answer is pretty simple: just start.
The best bike packing adventures don't begin with the perfect gear list. They begin with a bike, a destination, and the willingness to head out for a night or two.
Start With the Bike You Already Have
One of the biggest misconceptions about bike packing for beginners is that you need a dedicated bike packing bike loaded with the latest gear and gadgets.
You probably don't.
If you own a mountain bike, gravel bike, or even a sturdy hybrid bike, you're already closer than you think. The goal isn't to ride across Idaho on your first trip. The goal is to spend a night outside and figure out what works for you.
Many riders discover that their current bike works perfectly well for beginner bike packing trips. As you gain experience, you can always upgrade your bike packing setup later.
Don't Overthink Your First Bike Packing Trip
This is where a lot of people get stuck.
They spend months researching bike packing gear, reading forums, watching videos, and building spreadsheets instead of actually riding.
For your first trip, find a route close to home and plan an overnight bike packing trip. One night is enough to learn a lot.
You'll figure out what gear you used, what gear you didn't use, and what you'd do differently next time.
That's bike packing.
The goal of your first bike packing trip isn't perfection. It's learning. Every ride helps you refine your bike packing gear checklist and build confidence for longer adventures.
Essential Bike Packing Gear for Beginners
When people hear "bike packing gear," they often picture thousands of dollars worth of equipment.
In reality, you only need a few bike packing essentials:
Shelter
Sleeping gear
Food and water
Repair kit
Navigation
Extra layers
The best bike packing gear isn't necessarily the most expensive. It's the gear that helps you stay comfortable and keeps you riding.
As you gain experience, you'll develop your own bike packing gear checklist based on your riding style, destination, and the length of your trips.
Bike Packing Bags Make Life Easier
At some point, you'll want a better way to carry your gear.
That's where bike packing bags come in.
Unlike traditional panniers, bike packing bags are designed to fit securely on your bike while keeping weight balanced and handling predictable on rough terrain.
Investing in quality bike packing bags can make your rides more comfortable and your gear easier to organize.
Swift Industries Bike Packing Bags
Swift Industries bike packing bags are some of our favorites for riders looking to build a reliable bike packing setup.
They're durable, functional, and designed specifically for riders who want to carry gear without turning their bike into a pack mule.
Whether you're heading out for a quick overnight bike packing trip or a multi-day adventure, a quality bag setup makes a huge difference.
Revelate Designs Cockpit Bag
If you're looking for one accessory that immediately improves your bike packing setup, the Revelate Designs Cockpit Bag is hard to beat.
It gives you quick access to snacks, tools, your phone, and all the random items you don't want buried at the bottom of a bag somewhere.
After using one, you'll wonder why you waited so long.
For many riders, a cockpit bag becomes one of the most-used pieces of bike packing gear they own.
Planning Your Bike Packing Route
The good news is that bike packing route planning has never been easier.
Most riders either use a GPS app on their phone or a dedicated Garmin GPS unit. Both work great.
For your first trip, focus less on mileage and more on having fun. Pick a route with a campsite, some good scenery, and enough distance to feel like an adventure.
You don't need a 100-mile epic to call it bike packing.
If you're looking for bike packing routes in North Idaho, there are countless gravel roads, forest service roads, and backcountry camping opportunities that make excellent beginner-friendly adventures.
Bike Packing in North Idaho
One of the best things about living and riding in North Idaho is the incredible access to bike packing terrain.
From gravel roads winding through national forests to remote mountain campsites, North Idaho bike packing offers something for every skill level.
Whether you're planning your first overnight bike packing trip or preparing for a multi-day adventure, having the right bike packing gear and local knowledge can make all the difference.
Final Thoughts
At the end of the day, bike packing isn't about having the perfect gear or the perfect bike.
It's about getting outside, riding somewhere new, and sleeping under the stars.
Use the bike you already have. Start with an overnight bike packing trip. Add gear as you learn what you need.
And remember: every experienced bike packer was once someone wondering if they had enough gear to go bike packing.
Turns out the only thing they really needed was to stop overthinking it and start pedaling.
If you're looking for bike packing gear, bike packing bags, Swift Industries bike packing bags, Revelate Designs accessories, or advice on building your first bike packing setup, stop by the shop. We'd be happy to help you get ready for your next adventure.
