Cycling and Backpacking: Combining Two Epic Adventures

14 October 2025

Ever dreamt of blending the free-spirited thrill of cycling with the untamed beauty of backpacking? If that sounds like your kind of jam, you're in for a wild ride—literally. Combining these two epic adventures isn’t just a mash-up of two hobbies; it’s a lifestyle, a challenge, and a front-row seat to some of the most jaw-dropping landscapes you’ll ever witness with your own eyes.

But why choose just one when you can have both? Let’s dive into the what, the why, and the how of morphing cycling and backpacking into one unforgettable journey.

What Is Bikepacking Anyway?

Before we zoom too far ahead, let’s get this straight—what exactly is it called when you go cycling and backpacking at the same time? Bikepacking. Yup, it's a real thing, and it’s growing in popularity faster than you can say “flat tire.”

Bikepacking is essentially a form of ultra-lightweight travel that combines long-distance cycling with elements of camping and backpacking. Instead of lugging your gear in a heavy backpack, you load it onto your bike—think frame bags, handlebar rolls, and saddle packs. Picture this: all the freedom of backpacking paired with the speed (and breeze) of cycling. Sounds dreamy, doesn't it?

Why Combine Cycling and Backpacking?

Good question. Why get sweaty pedaling all day only to sleep in the wild when you could just book a cozy hotel?

Here’s the thing—you’re not just traveling from point A to B. You’re immersing yourself in the journey, relying on your own strength, making decisions on the go, and writing your own adventure script as you roll along. That sense of self-reliance? It’s addictive.

Here are a few more reasons why this combo adventure is worth trying:

- Total Freedom: No timetables. No bus schedules. Just you, your bike, and the open trail.
- Off-the-Beaten-Path: Go where cars can’t and feet can’t reach fast enough.
- Budget-Friendly: Camp for free, eat local, and skip the pricey transport fees.
- Mental Detox: You’ll get more headspace from this than a week at a yoga retreat.
- Fitness Bonus: Burn calories, build stamina, and get a tan while you're at it.

Gear Up: What You Need to Get Started

Let’s be real—you don’t need a $3,000 touring bike and titanium cookware to start bikepacking. But there are a few essentials that’ll make your ride smoother.

1. The Right Bike

Does it have to be a fancy touring bike? Not really. But it should be rugged enough to handle mixed terrain and comfortable enough for long rides. Gravel bikes, mountain bikes, or even hybrid bikes can do the trick.

Key features to look for:
- Sturdy frame (steel or aluminum works great)
- Wide tires for stability and grip
- Mounts for racks or bags
- Comfortable saddle (trust us on this one)

2. Bike Bags

Backpacks are okay for short trips, but for real adventures? Load up your bike. Here are your main options:
- Handlebar Roll: Perfect for sleeping bags and lightweight items.
- Frame Bag: Sits inside your bike frame triangle for balanced weight.
- Saddle Bag: Tucked under your seat, ideal for clothes and soft gear.
- Top Tube Bag: Great for snacks, gadgets, and quick-access items.

3. Camping Gear

Keep it ultralight. You’ll be carrying this stuff up hills, after all.
- Tent or bivvy sack
- Sleeping bag and pad
- Stove and fuel (or just go no-cook)
- Water filter
- Multi-tool and basic bike repair kit

Planning Your Route: The Art of the Adventure

Plotting your course is half the fun. Do you want mountain trails or paved country roads? Quiet forest paths or desert landscapes? Depending on your riding style and stamina, you can go full wilderness or stick to a mix of nature and small towns.

Tips for Planning the Perfect Trip:

- Start Small: Try an overnight or weekend trip before committing to a month-long epic.
- Check Elevation: Uphill climbs on a loaded bike are no joke.
- Know Your Water Sources: Seriously, dehydration is not something to mess with.
- Download Offline Maps: You won’t always have signal, but you’ll always need directions.
- Scout Campsites: Mark both official and wild (legal) camping spots along your route.

Pro Tip: Use platforms like Komoot, RideWithGPS, and Gaia GPS to plan routes and discover trails vetted by other bikepackers.

Where to Go: Dream-Worthy Bikepacking Destinations

Still not sure where to roll off to? Let these spots rev up your wanderlust:

1. The Great Divide Mountain Bike Route (USA)

A massive, adventurous route running from Canada to Mexico. You’ll pedal through the Rockies, over rugged passes, and past epic wilderness. Not for the faint of heart.

2. Camino de Santiago (Spain)

Yes, it’s a pilgrimage route, but it’s also a stunning cycling path filled with history, culture, and camaraderie. Bonus: more albergues (hostels) and fewer wild camping nights needed.

3. Patagonia (Chile/Argentina)

Think remote, raw, and rough. Vast landscapes, snow-capped mountains, and unbelievable solitude. Nature’s grandeur is on full display here.

4. New Zealand’s South Island

Jaw-dropping coastlines, lush forests, and rolling hills. Every turn looks like a postcard. Plus, it’s bike-friendly with well-maintained trails.

5. Scotland’s Highland Trail

Moody skies, ancient castles, and rugged terrain make this a legendary ride. Wild camping is legal, making it perfect for a spontaneous ride.

How to Pack Like a Pro

Packing is a bit like playing Tetris with your survival gear. It’s all about balance, weight distribution, and knowing the importance of every single item you bring along.

Here's a Smart Way to Think About It:

- Front Bags: Lightweight but bulky items (sleeping pad, tent)
- Frame Bag: Heavy stuff (tools, food, water filter)
- Rear Bag: Clothing, sleep gear
- Top Tube Bag: Essentials (energy bars, phone, wallet, sunscreen)

Keep your center of gravity low and your bike balanced. A wobbly ride will wear you out way faster.

The Mental Game: What You Don’t See on Instagram

Listen, it’s not all wide vistas and happy selfies. Some days you’ll be drenched. Others you’ll be lost. You might pitch your tent in the rain or fix a flat with frozen fingers. It tests your limits. And that’s the whole point.

But here’s the secret: the challenges are what make the rewards taste sweeter. That post-hike coffee? Heavenly. That sunset? Pure magic. That moment when you realize you made it all on your own? Unforgettable.

Health and Safety on the Ride

When you're out in the wild on two wheels, staying healthy and safe is non-negotiable.

Top Tips to Keep in Mind:

- Hydrate constantly
- Keep a basic first aid kit
- Eat high-energy, easy-to-carry foods
- Be sun smart (hat, shades, and sunscreen)
- Know basic bike repair
- Share your route with someone back home

And please—never leave trash behind. Leave every place better than you found it.

Solo or Group? The Great Debate

Ah, the age-old question: ride alone or with buddies?

Going Solo?

- Freedom to go at your own pace
- Deep introspective thinking time
- Greater challenge, greater reward

Group Travel?

- Shared laughs and support
- Safer in remote areas
- Easier to split gear like cooking supplies

There’s no one right answer. It all depends on your vibe. Want total silence and self-reliance? Go solo. Prefer shared “remember that time…” stories? Bring a few like-minded friends.

Final Thoughts: Your Epic Awaits

Cycling and backpacking aren’t just hobbies—they’re keys to a life packed with adventure, challenge, and jaw-dropping beauty. Whether you’re rolling through misty forests, grinding up mountain passes, or coasting down long gravel roads into a golden sunset, you’re not just traveling. You’re experiencing the world in the rawest, most human way possible.

Sure, it might be uncomfortable. Heavy rains, sore quads, and questionable trail snacks are part of the deal. But in exchange, you’ll get something rare—stories worth telling, memories that stick, and a sense of accomplishment nothing else compares to.

So, what are you waiting for? Air up those tires, pack light, and chase that horizon.