Explore the gear I have personally tested and recommend for bikepacking and bicycle touring. This list is based on real-world experience and is ideal for adventure seekers looking for reliable, durable, and functional equipment.

Note: Gear selection depends on your riding style and terrain. While most gear is versatile, I ride a gravel/adventure bike, which influences my choices.

Bikes

Kona Sutra LTD 2020 (My Off-Road Touring Bike of Choice)
Surly Long Haul Trucker (Traditional Touring Bike)
Polygon Tambora G8X (Fastest Adventure Gravel Bike)
Marin Nicasio + (Budget-Friendly Entry-Level Steel Gravel Bike)

Bike travel is the ultimate form of slow, immersive adventure, where every pedal stroke brings both progress and presence.

Unlike any other mode of transport, cycling allows you to truly feel the landscapes you move through—the changing air, the gradient of the road, the quiet moments between destinations.

It’s not just about reaching new places but about uncovering new depths within yourself.

A journey by bike fosters growth, challenge, and deep connection, shifting you into a less hurried, more inquisitive state of mind—where the world unfolds at the perfect pace.

My Bike of Choice (Kona Sutra LTD 2020)

The rig of choice is the 2020 Kona Sutra LTD, a drop-bar bike designed to combine the ruggedness of a mountain bike with the speed of a road bike. Equipped with WTB Venture 50 tires, it delivers fast rolling speeds on tarmac while the outer tread provides excellent grip for cornering on gravel and mixed terrain.

The all-steel frame and fork enhance ride quality, offering added bump absorption and durability—ideal for the thousands of kilometers of cross-country adventures I enjoy. Steel is a fantastic choice for the added strength needed to carry gear on long expeditions.

If you want more information about the gear in the above video you can check out the video description on YouTube with all the links.

While the bike is slightly heavy at around 13 kg, the modern steel frame feels much lighter compared to older steel designs. As I’ve started exploring more trails and steep MTB routes, I plan to upgrade the gearing by replacing the 36T crank with a 32T or 34T for better climbing performance.

Additionally, swapping to MTB tires will provide improved traction and extra suppleness on rough terrain. Overall, this bike is an excellent choice for adventure touring and bikepacking on roads, gravel, and medium-difficulty singletrack.

Drop-bar mountain bikes, off-road touring bikes, or gravel bikes—whatever you prefer to call them—are easily some of my favorite bike types. These versatile machines continue to push boundaries, seamlessly blending the best features of gravel bikes, mountain bikes, and touring bikes. They’re the ultimate fusion of innovation and functionality, designed to tackle any terrain while offering a perfect balance of speed, durability, and adventure-ready capability.

Traditional Touring Bike (Surly Long Haul Trucker)

If you are after a more traditional touring bike. My favourite is the Surly Long Haul Trucker. It is built for reliability and strength, one of the most iconic touring bikes ever made!

Fast Gravel Bike (Polygon Tambora G8X)

Explore more for less at Bikes Online

I’ve recently ventured into the exhilarating world of fast, carbon fiber gravel bikes for adventure. For years, I was immersed in the slow-paced charm of steel touring bikes—perfect for taking in the land at a relaxed, deliberate pace. There’s nothing wrong with that; in fact, it’s one of the most enriching ways to travel and truly connect with the landscape.

But there’s something undeniably invigorating—and downright addictive—about riding fast. The thrill of speed and the freedom it brings have completely won me over. While carbon may not be the traditional material for adventure cycling, it opens up a world of possibilities. For lightweight expeditions on gravel and light off-road routes, a carbon gravel bike offers an unparalleled experience that’s as exhilarating as it is liberating. Fast adventures are the new rave, and I can’t seem to get enough!

Budget-Friendly Entry-Level Gravel Bike (Marin Nicasio +)

If you’re looking for an affordable entry point into the world of gravel biking, the Marin Nicasio+ is a standout option. Priced at just $1,299 AUD (or often discounted to under $1,000), this steel-framed gravel bike is designed to offer a smooth and reliable ride on light gravel roads and easy off-road trails. Marin classifies this bike in their “Beyond Road” category, emphasizing a blend of endurance road handling and stability for off-pavement use.

Its durable Series 1 Double Butted CrMo frame provides the strength and resilience needed for gravel adventures while maintaining a comfortable ride feel. The inclusion of multiple mounting points for racks, fenders, and bottles adds versatility, making it capable of handling light bikepacking setups.

However, the Nicasio+ isn’t without limitations. Its 650b x 47c tire clearance and mid-range components mean it’s best suited for smoother gravel routes and long endurance rides rather than technical singletrack or rugged adventures. The bike’s MicroSHIFT Advent 1×9 groupset and FSA Vero Pro crank offer adequate gearing for most gravel climbs, though it may fall short for steep or challenging terrains.

Despite its modest tire clearance and slightly heavier build, the Marin Nicasio+ provides an excellent introduction to gravel riding. It’s a perfect choice for beginners seeking a dependable bike to explore the open road, light trails, and the freedom of gravel cycling without breaking the bank.

Still looking for other bike options? Gravel Bikes? Or maybe Fat Bikes? Or Traditional Touring Bikes?

Bikepacking Bags

One of the most essential pieces of gear for any bikepacking adventure is your bag setup—the system that carries everything you need on the road. From my own experience, choosing strong, durable, and waterproof bags is crucial. When I first started exploring by bike, I made the mistake of buying the cheapest bags I could find. Within three days, they had ripped apart, leaving me scrambling to hold them together with zip ties.

If you’re worried about carrying enough gear, most bikepacking bags offer surprisingly generous storage capacities. However, saddle bags can sometimes be on the smaller side, which may require careful packing. If you need extra space, panniers can be a great option, though they typically add more weight. Finding the right balance between capacity, durability, and weight distribution is key to an efficient and enjoyable bikepacking experience.

Below, you’ll find my personal recommendations for a variety of bikepacking bags—tested and proven on real adventures. If you’re looking for even more options, check out these articles featuring in-depth reviews of bikepacking bags from across the blog.

Saddle Bags & Trunk Bags

Apidura Expedition 17L Saddle Pack (Best for compact bikepacking adventures)
Carradice Camper Long Flap Saddle Bag (Laid back bikepacking adventures pack anything)
Tailfin AeroPack (Ideal for aero and fast bikepacking adventures)
Old Man Mountain Juniper Trunk Bag (Off-road robust bikepacking adventures)

Over the years, I’ve tested a variety of saddle bags, and while some budget options are okay, they often fall short in terms of quality and waterproofing. That’s why I highly recommend the Apidura Expedition 17L Saddle Pack. With ample capacity for lightweight essentials like a sleeping bag, pillow, and clothing, this bag is durable, waterproof, and perfect for bikepacking adventures.

For a touch of nostalgia, I sometimes opt for the Carradice Camper Long Flap Saddle Bag, especially when the weather is dry. With an impressive 23L capacity, it’s ideal for multi-night tours. However, its three-strap attachment system can pose challenges on bikes with limited seatpost clearance, as I discovered. To resolve this, I used an additional saddle bag fixing system to elevate it above the rear tire, ensuring a secure fit.

The Tailfin AeroPack is a game-changer for bikepacking, combining the stability of a rack with the simplicity of a seat pack in one sleek, waterproof system. Designed for ultra-distance racers and adventure cyclists, it features a rock-solid Fast Mount System for tool-free attachment and removal in seconds, an 18L roll-top compartment for easy gear access, and dropper post compatibility for off-road versatility. Its integrated articulation ensures a smooth ride on any terrain, while triple bosses allow for extra cargo mounting. Built for real-world durability, the AeroPack is lightweight, aerodynamic, and ultra-secure, making it the ultimate hassle-free luggage system for any adventure.

Another rear or front bag that I love using is the Old Man Mountain Juniper Trunk Bag—a versatile, waterproof, and ultra-secure bikepacking trunk bag designed for adventure. Whether you’re riding under the sun or through unexpected downpours, this 100% waterproof TPU fabric bag with welded seams and Hypalon reinforcements keeps your gear protected.

The roll-top closure ensures easy access while maintaining a weatherproof seal, and a waterproof zipper pocket provides quick access to essentials like keys, a wallet, or tools. The silent mounting straps lock it firmly to your rack, preventing any unwanted rattling on rough terrain.

With minimal branding and a velcro patch system, you can personalize the bag to suit your style. At just 295 grams with a 7-liter capacity, the Juniper Trunk is the perfect balance of lightweight durability, making it an excellent addition to any bikepacking setup—especially when paired with an Old Man Mountain rack.

Handlebar Bags

Restrap Bar Bag System (All-Round Bikepacking Handlebar Bag)
State Bicycle Co All-Road Handlebar Bag (Small Burrito Bag)
Old Man Mountain Juniper Trunk Bag + Elkhorn Rack System (Best Off-Road Touring Handlebar Storage Setup)

For bigger bike adventures where extra storage is essential, I rely on the Restrap Bar Bag Holster paired with a 14L Dry Bag and Food Pouch. This setup is fully waterproof, thanks to the dry bag construction, and features a magnetic pin system that securely attaches the food pouch—perfect for storing essentials like your wallet and personal items for easy access in shops. It’s one of the most durable and functional handlebar bags I’ve used, offering a sleek design without compromising practicality.

If you’re looking for a smaller handlebar bag, check out this article: Best Small Handlebar Bags or Burrito Bags for Day Rides.

I’ve had a great time testing the All-Road Handlebar Bag from State Bicycle Co, who generously sent it over for a trial. It’s become my go-to for rides that don’t require a full touring setup, offering just the right amount of space for snacks, gloves, tools, or quick-access essentials like a wallet and phone.

Versatile enough for both off-road adventures and city rides, this bag is a solid budget-friendly option at under $40. With a 1.7L capacity and constructed from durable 600D polyester, it holds up well to daily use. While I can’t confirm if the fabric itself is fully waterproof, the zippers are sealed, offering some level of protection from the elements.

In this video you can see what the Juniper Trunk looks like when setup as a front handlebar bag system

In addition to using the Juniper Trunk Bag on the rear rack, I also run it as a front handlebar setup paired with an Old Man Mountain Elkhorn Rack. Mounted just under the handlebars, this positioning keeps the weight balanced and easily accessible, making it a great alternative to traditional handlebar bags. The 100% waterproof construction ensures my gear stays dry, while the roll-top closure allows for quick access to essentials on the go. Whether I’m carrying extra layers, food, or camera gear, this setup has been a game-changer for front-end storage on my bikepacking trips.

Stem Bags & Feed Bags

Wizard Works Voila! Snack Bag (Best for design and aesthic choices)
TreadLite Stache Bag (Best if you wish to support local Australian Brand)
Revelate Designs Mountian Feedbag (Best for toughness and build quality)

Feed bags are a must-have addition to any bikepacking setup, offering quick and easy access to essentials while riding. Whether used for storing water bottles within reach or keeping snacks and fuel ready to grab on the go, they make long days in the saddle much more convenient.

Personally, I’m a big fan of the Wizard Works Voila! Snack Bag and the TreadLite Stache Bag, both of which are durable, easy to use, and designed for adventure. Also currently using the Revelate Designs Mountian Feedbag

Looking for more options? Check out this guide: Best Stem Bags / Feed Bags for Bikepacking.

Frame Bags

Apidura Expedition Full Frame Pack (Best full frame bag option)
Tailfin Half Frame Bag (Best construction and design unbeatable quality)
State Bicycle Co Top Tube Frame Bag (Best affordable frame bag option)

Frame bags are an essential component of any bikepacking adventure, offering an ideal solution for storing heavier items like laptops, stoves, food, and water bladders. By positioning these items low on your bike frame, frame bags help maintain balance, improve handling, and lower your bike’s center of gravity—key factors for a smooth and stable ride.

After trying various options, I previously relied on the Apidura Expedition Full Frame Pack (14L). While it offered excellent waterproofing and fit snugly on my 56cm frame, I no longer recommend it as my primary frame bag due to durability issues—its main zipper failed after some use.

Currently, my top pick is the Tailfin Half Frame Bag, which sets the bar high with its exceptional build quality and innovative features. Designed for adaptability, its internal carbon support frame prevents overfilling, ensures easy zipper functionality, and resists wear. The adaptive geometry and V-Mounts ensure a secure fit on almost any bike, and the streamlined design reduces knee rub while maximizing storage. It’s an investment at around $200, but worth every penny for its superior performance and longevity.

For a budget-friendly alternative, I recommend the State Bicycle Co. Top Tube Frame Bag. Though not waterproof and lacking the high-end construction of the Tailfin bag, it’s a solid, entry-level option. Its 3L capacity is perfect for essentials like snacks, tools, and small personal items, making it a great starting point for anyone new to bikepacking.

Whether you’re seeking advanced features or an affordable solution, there’s a frame bag to suit your needs and enhance your next adventure.

Top Tube Bags

For stashing your phone, wallet, tools, and snacks, top tube bags are a great option. Currently, I like the affordable Top Tube Bag from MooseTreks, and I was lucky enough to get their full bikepacking bag set, which I am currently testing for a later review. Unfortunately MooseTreks no longer sell their bags – you might be lucky to find some on Amazon.

Cargo Cages and Dry Bags

For bikes with braze-on points on the fork, using a cargo cage with a dry bag is an excellent way to add 5 to 8L of extra storage capacity on each side, or to carry water bottles.

Sea to Summit 8L Dry Bags are high quality and effective for this purpose; their Big River Dry Bags also include a loop for added security. These dry bags are ideal for lighter, more malleable items, such as a tent or clothing. The Blackburn Outpost Cargo Cage is a great option for securing dry bags and can also hold water bottles.

Are you looking for more dry bag or cargo cage options for bikepacking

Bikepacking Mounting Straps

What better way to make your bikepacking bike more versatile? With mounting straps of course! The Stretch-Loc TPU Straps from Sea to Summit allow you to mount just about anything to your bike on just about any area of your bike. Available in a number of different sizes.

Water Bottles & Bladder

With water bottles you can just about use whatever you have to mount on your bikes water bottle cages. I use two, Nalgene Silo 1.5L Water Bottles. And a Camelbak Omega Water Beast Reservoir water bladder.

Bikes Saddles & Seats

The Brooks B17 Saddle. Has to be one of the most comfortable saddles I have ever used. Moulding to your bum, at some point after riding this saddle you don’t even need to wear bib liners for padding, even on month long tours! Read my review here.

Also looking for other bike saddle information?

Pedals

I change it up when it comes to pedals. One of our most popular pages on this blog is, 13 Best Gravel Bike Pedals 2020 – Flat and Clipless Pedals for Gravel Bikes. My top three from that article are the ones picture above. Best flat pedal goes to the RaceFace Chesters (review here.) Then more expensive clipless pedal made from carbon and ideal for mountain bikers, is the ATAC XC8 Pedals which have that carbon body and a durable hollow, oversized steel axle. Then if you are on a but for some great clipless pedals you can’t go wrong with some SPD. The Shimano PD-M520 pedals.

Preferred Tires

Tires can make or break the way a bike rides. As I got more interested in exploring off the beaten path, my touring bike had clearance for 45mm tires which helped explore those rougher roads. But the more I liked riding off road, the more equipped my tire selection become.

Gravel Tires

My favourite gravel tires are the WTB Venture 50. A fast rolling tire the works very well on roads without slowing you down. But also give grip off road. Not the best when it comes to MTB terrain.

MTB Tires

Which is why I recommend the Teravail Ehline MTB tires. I got a set in 29 x 2.3 inch. Which is just enough clearance for my gravel bike. But this turns my gravel/adventure bike into more of a gravel/adventure/MTB bike. Making it more capable on some of the more extreme singletracks and off road routes then would be with the gravel tires.

Touring Bike Tires

If traditional bike touring is more your style, the Schwalbe Marathon tires are bomb proof. And many tourers form all over the world, highly recommend these tires.

Comfortable Clothing

Wearing clothing that is comfortable for long term bike adventures is key to having one of the best times possible. My goal with bikepacking clothing is to wear gear that is comfortable for riding days on end, on bike but also comfortable off bike and ideally look like normal clothing. Above is most of the clothing I take on bikepacking adventures.

Some more bikepacking clothing options:

Cycling Shorts and Bib Liners

I am a really big fan of two pairs of cycling shorts that are on the market today. Eleven Pine Men’s Uprising Shorts which also have the option to come with their Liberator Liner for Men, (which I also have used and are rather good). Then there is the 7Mesh Farside Shorts. Both are excellent quality and super comfortable. The Uprising Shorts feature a form-fit on the bike and loose, comfortable fit off the bike. Thanks to the Adjustable Velcro closure on the lower leg. While the Farside Shorts are surface-adaptable summer shorts, built for all-road adventures and styled for stops at the shops and in town. I like to keep both of these shorts packed on my bike for long term adventures.

When it comes to Bib Liners and that extra comfort to be worn underneath the above shorts. I highly recommend the Velocio Men’s Trail Mesh bib Liner. These are so comfortable but are the mesh option and are not really good for wearing just alone, due to the transparent nature of these particular liners.

Best Bike Shorts For Touring and Bikepacking

Shirts & Tops

When it comes to tops I like to keep it casual but with a dose of function. That’s why I highly recommend Velocio’s Trail Collection. Men’s Delta Long Sleeve and their Men’s Trail Base Layer. Which has pockets at the back like a cycling jersey for extra storage, for snacks and such. Then I just have a lightweight, fast drying polyester long sleeve button front shirt, I purchased from the thrift store. And the Velocio Trail Cap to finish of my kit! Also if you are a hardcore gravel grinder, Velocio have quite the Gravel Collection.

Pants

With pants I will often have a cheap part of trackies I buy from places like Kmart or Target. That can just be trashed at camp and sleep in. But when it is raining and I want to stay dry. I use Showers Pass Men’s Refuge Pants.

Jacket

Jackets are a must, for when it gets really cold at camp. And even riding on the bike in the rain. This jacket above, features, ventilation, wind shielding technology and even a magnetic bum protection flap. The Showers Pass Refuge Waterproof Jacket is all you can ask for in a cycling rain jacket.

Sunglasses

My good friends over at Vallon sent through their Watchtowers, and I have to say I’m hooked. I take them everywhere with me—on the bike and off the bike—even if it’s overcast. Along with their style, I have to say I’m a big fan of the 80s-inspired rounded shield shape. The large lens surface area provides full protection. The shatterproof ZEISS lens, made from a single polycarbonate (Cat. 3), offers exceptional clarity and durability. On top of that, the RiPel technology protects against glare, airborne debris, and smudges, with 100% UV400 protection. The anti-reflective and hydro-oleophobic coating minimizes reflections and repels water and oil for consistently clear vision.

The glasses are made from 85% recycled fishing nets fused into lightweight and durable nylon 6, making them not just stylish but sustainable too. They’re extremely comfortable, which is a huge plus. Sunglasses I’ve used in the past often caused too much pressure on certain areas after long days in the saddle. These, however, I’ve used all day, every day, on multi-day trips, and they remain incredibly comfortable—exactly what you want. The ultra-flexible temples with a soft grip contour to your head for a secure fit, reducing pressure on the mastoid area behind your ears.

Another thing I noticed after some time using these glasses is the optimized airflow, which is designed to keep your vision clear and focused. There’s nothing worse than fogged-up sunglasses while riding, and these have solved that issue perfectly.

Shoes

There are more and more bikepacking and gravel shoes hitting the market. My favorite are the Quoc Gran Tourer Shoes which are perfect for all backcountry adventures. Using these with SPD pedals is a breeze! Also very comfortable for hike a bike sections.

Handlebars & Aero Bars

I am a big fan of the flared gravel drop bars at the moment. Along with some aero bars for that extra positioning on long adventures. Want to learn more about bikepacking with aero bars? The Aero Bars I use are the Red Shift Quick-Release Aerobars. Also, use Butterfly Bars on my touring bike.

The Fred Bars

I am most excited about this bikepacking aero bar accessory at the moment! More often than not when riding with aero bars while bikepacking. It caused quite a lot of discomfort than it was worth.

Learn More

Yes, it’s true that aero bars are for efficiency and aerodynamics. But this doesn’t matter as much when using them for bikepacking. It’s all about comfort! And Fred Bars turns your aero bars into a comfortable solution.

Cycling GPS Computer

Have been using the Wahoo Elemnt Roam for some time now it it has never let me down. Read the review and buyers guide here. Looking for more bike GPS options?

Check out this article : Best Bike GPS Computers For Touring & Bikepacking

Camp Stove & Mug

Weight and space is a huge factor now for me when it comes to bikepacking. Back in my early touring days, I had the full size Trangia. Now I have cut down and opted for the Mini Trangia Stove. Which is almost too small, especially when you want to cook a big meal. But you can make it work. Also have the Snow Peak Ti-Double 600 Mug. I got Titanium so I can use it to boil up water directly from the mug over the Trangia. And this 600 ml size just fits nicely over the Mini Trangia.

Other Camp Kitchen Gear

Also I have had some fun using some camp kitchen gear from Sea to Summit. Including their take on a collapsable kettle. Known as the X-Pot™ Kettle with a 1.3L capacity. It is more then enough to boil up some water for breakfast and a coffee. The best part is it packs away into a small volume, making it the perfect addition to your bikepacking gear list!

Also their X-Mug™ is pretty cool too. A collapsable mug which takes up no space at all! It also nests neatly with other X-Series dinnerware and X-Pots in the Sea to Summit lineup.

Bikepacking Hammock

At the time of updating this article in mid 2021. My most preferred way of camping is in a hammock. The hammock I use is the Sea to Summit Ultralight Hammock XL which has won awards! weighing only 205 grams it can hold up to 135kg or 300lb. Made from extremely light fabric and packs down to a tiny size.

Bikepacking Tent

The current tent I have been using, I don’t recommend. But I have heard some great things about the Big Agnes Copper Spur HV UL2 Bikepack Tent. I just ordered one and hope to use it very soon.

Looking for some other Bikepacking tent recommendations?

Sleeping Pad and Pillow

Are you in the market for the best bikepacking sleeping pad? I have you covered! This sleeping pad is the lightest and most comfortable pad on the market by far. The Sea To Summit Ether Light XT Sleeping Pad. With a R Value of 3.2 and a thickness of 10cm or 4″. Its a insulated sleeping pad that keeps me nice and toasty on those really cold nights. The Sprung Cells operate in the same way as a pocket spring mattress, so as you lay on the pad it acts like a mattress does and conforms to your body shape which feels softer and more comfortable.

These sleeping pads from Sea to Summit are compatible with their inflatable travel pillows, which pack down to nothing. I personally have their Aeros Premium Pillow the pillow case construction allows the outer shell to retain maximum softness while still being supported by a high strength TPU bladder. And it connects in place to the sleeping pad thanks to The Pillow Lock™ System

BikeRaft

Endless adventure possibilities! I just recently purchase a Alpacka Caribou Packraft from Pack Raft Australia, which is the perfect option for bikerafting. Allowing you to combined your bike adventures on the water. Designed specifically to carry your bike on the raft allowing you to explore a whole new world.

My Camera Gear

Taking camera gear while bikepacking might not be a priority for you. Depending if you are into photography and all that. I personally have all this gear above. To capture my adventures on camera and share it via YouTube. From a drone, to cameras, tripod, lens and cycling camera straps.

Here is a list of all gear pictured above:

Sony Alpha A7R II Mirrorless Camera
With Multi-Power Battery Pack
1.5/35mm lens
Sigma 30mm lens
Rode VideoMic Pro+
Canon G7X
GoPro
Joby Gorillapod 3k
Skin Grows Back 3Point Cycling Camera Strap
DJI Spark with Controller

Recommended Bikepacking Gear