Bikepacking—the minimalist cousin of bike touring—is the sweet spot where cycling and backcountry camping intersect, letting riders chart remote routes, sleep under the stars, and carry only the essentials. It’s not just a trip; it’s a mindset shift. One that trades speed for discovery, routine for spontaneity, and four walls for open skies.
But where do you begin? If you’ve looked at social media lately, you’ve probably seen images of dusty riders cresting mountain passes with gear-laden bikes and smug, sunburned grins. It can be a little intimidating. But don’t worry. Getting started with bikepacking doesn’t mean you have to go full Bear Grylls on Day One. Here’s how to ease into this two-wheeled bikepacking adventure without overcomplicating it.
Erick Cedeno, a.k.a. the Bicycle Nomad, was bikepacking before it had a name. He told Momentum Magazine, what he values most is being open to the adventure, and the valuable lessons it imparts.
“It’s about being open to experiences, accepting that plans may change due to rain or other circumstances,” he said. “It teaches you to be comfortable outside your comfort zone.”
Start Small and Local
Your first bikepacking trip doesn’t have to be epic. In fact, it shouldn’t be. Find a nearby park or campground within a 30- to 80-kilometre ride. The goal is to test your setup—not your endurance. An overnight or “sub-24-hour overnighter” (S24O) is the bikepacker’s version of dipping a toe in the water. You’ll learn what works and what doesn’t, with the safety net of being close to home.
Look for established gravel or rail trails like the Kettle Valley Rail Trail in B.C. or Ontario’s Elora-Cataract Trailway—routes that are low on traffic and high on scenery.
Choose the Right Bike (Hint: It’s Probably the One You Have)
You don’t need a dedicated “bikepacking bike” to get started. Most hardtail mountain bikes, gravel bikes, or even sturdy hybrids will do just fine, as long as they can handle rougher terrain and mount some form of luggage. If your bike fits you well and can take a bit of punishment, you’re good to go.
That said, tire width matters. Aim for something at least 38mm wide for gravel roads and light trails. If your route is mostly paved, you can go narrower. For off-road adventures, chunkier is better.
Pack Smart—But Not Heavy
Bikepacking gear is about striking a balance between comfort and weight. You won’t have panniers like a road tourist, so think compact and light. Most setups use three main bags: a handlebar roll for your sleep system, a frame bag for heavier items like food and tools, and a seat pack for clothes and extras.
Here’s a basic gear list to get rolling:
Shelter: Tent, bivy sack, or hammock with tarp
Sleep: Lightweight sleeping bag and pad
Cooking: Small stove, pot, fuel, and spork (or go stoveless with pre-packed meals)
Clothing: Layers for changing weather, rain jacket, padded shorts
Navigation: Smartphone with offline maps, or GPS device
Repair kit: Multi-tool, patch kit, pump, spare tube
Food and water: Enough for your ride plus a little extra; two to three bottles minimum or hydration bladder
Practice packing at home. You don’t want to discover your sleeping bag doesn’t fit in your handlebar roll five minutes before sundown.
A backpack can also be a useful piece of gear for bikepacking.
YETI Cayo Backpack
To that end, YETI’s new Cayo 35L All-Weather Backpack fits that mold—visually clean, structurally solid, and quietly engineered for demanding days outdoors.
The Cayo enters the outdoor gear space with a clear purpose: to haul your essentials in comfort and keep them protected when the skies open or the road turns rough. With its weather-resistant materials and tough build, it feels just as at home in the rain as it does in the backcountry. Though not fully waterproof, it offers strong resistance to moisture, making it a practical choice for wet commutes, rugged trail use, and gear-heavy bikepacking trips.
At 35 litres, the Cayo hits a sweet spot for bikepackers who prefer a streamlined load without skimping on capacity. It can swallow spare layers, food, tools, and a small camp setup, or double as an overflow pack for riders with a full framebag setup. The pack’s tall, slim profile keeps the load centred and balanced, whether it’s strapped to a rack or worn while riding. Its structured frame and breathable back panel make it stable on the body—even during out-of-saddle efforts or hike-a-bike climbs.
There’s a reservoir sleeve that can pull double duty as a laptop sleeve (for those combining bike and office life), and quick-access exterior pockets mean less fumbling for snacks or tools during a roadside stop. The HitchPoint Grid adds more versatility, letting you clip on small pouches or wet gear to air out mid-ride.
While YETI’s heritage is in coolers, this pack extends the brand’s rugged ethos into more mobile pursuits. It’s heavier than minimalist ultralight packs, but that weight buys durability and structure—traits many bikepackers will gladly trade for peace of mind in unpredictable conditions.
Ride Your Own Ride
Bikepacking isn’t a race—unless you’re doing one of the ultra-endurance events like the Tour Divide or BC Epic 1000. It’s about exploring at your own pace, soaking in the surroundings, and enjoying the quiet freedom of self-supported travel.
Take breaks. Chat with locals. Stop for photos. And if you end up walking your bike up a steep hill, so what? Nobody’s handing out medals.
Plan—but Don’t Overplan
Check the weather, map out your route, and note water sources and potential campsites. But leave some room for spontaneity. One of the best things about bikepacking is its unpredictability. That surprise riverside campsite? The general store with homemade pie? You won’t find those in an itinerary.
Just make sure someone knows your route and expected return time. Safety first.
Join the Community
Bikepackers are a friendly bunch. Online forums, local Facebook groups, and websites like Bikepacking.com or the Bikepacking subreddit are goldmines of advice, inspiration, and route suggestions. Some shops even host overnight group trips for beginners.
If you’re unsure about a certain piece of gear or route choice, ask. Chances are, someone’s already made the same mistake you’re about to make—and they’ll happily steer you right.
Bikepacking is About the Experience
You’ll forget how many kilometres you rode. You’ll remember the mist rising off a lake in the early morning, the grin you wore descending a forest trail, and the warmth of a meal shared with friends under a canopy of stars. That’s bikepacking.
So pack your gear, pick a trail, and ride out. The road—or dirt path—is calling. All you need to do is answer.
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