First overnighters
Riders trying a single night out on a familiar bike, close to home.
Your bikepacking gear list, sorted
Bikepacking is simple at heart: strap your kit to the bike, ride somewhere good and sleep out. Here is what we pack for a first overnighter, in the order it matters.
What goes on a bikepacking bike?
Six essentials, from the bags that carry it all to the water that keeps you going.
CARRY IT
Frame, handlebar and saddle bags that strap to your bike.
What to prioritise
Bag set-up
Saddle, Frame & Handlebar Bags
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SHELTER
Light one and two person tents for nights out.
What to prioritise
Sleep dry
Trekking Tents
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SLEEP
Self-inflating mats for a warmer, comfier night outdoors.
What to prioritise
Rest well
Self-Inflating Mattresses
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REPAIR
Multi-tools and tool kits for fixes on the trail.
What to prioritise
Self-sufficient
Bike Tools & Tool Kits
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LIGHT THE WAY
Front and rear lights for early starts and dusk.
What to prioritise
Visibility
Bike Lights
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HYDRATE
Bottles and cages to keep water within easy reach.
What to prioritise
Stay topped up
Water Bottles & Holders
Shop the RangeHow to plan your first trip
Pack light, then lighter
Every gram you carry, you also pedal uphill. Lay everything out at home and ask if you will really use each item. Most first trips go better with less.
Spread the weight
Heavy, dense items ride best low and central, in a frame bag. Keep the handlebar and saddle bags for lighter, bulkier things like your sleeping kit and a warm layer.
Plan water and food stops
Australian routes can run a long way between taps, so check where you can refill before you set off. Carry more water than you think in warm weather and keep snacks where you can reach them.
Test ride fully loaded
A loaded bike handles differently, especially on gravel and descents. Do a short ride with everything packed to check nothing rubs, swings or rattles loose.
Who this list suits
Gravel and trail riders
Riders who want to turn a favourite route into a weekend with a camp in the middle.
Tourers going lighter
Riders swapping racks and panniers for a slimmer bag set-up on rougher tracks.
Your bikepacking checklist at a glance
| Item | Why it matters | Tip |
|---|---|---|
| Bikepacking bags | Carry your kit without a rack | Start with a frame bag and add more as needed |
| Tent or shelter | Keeps you dry and out of the wind | Pitch it once at home before the trip |
| Sleeping mat | Insulates you from cold ground | Pack it in a handlebar bag with your tent |
| Multi-tool and spare tube | Fixes most trailside problems | Check the tube matches your wheel size |
| Front and rear lights | Helps you see and be seen | Charge them fully the night before |
| Water bottles | Keeps you hydrated between refills | Fit an extra cage if your frame allows |
Look after your kit
- Dry your tent and bags fully at home before you store them.
- Wipe grit off bag straps so they do not wear your frame.
- Store your self-inflating mat unrolled with the valve open.
- Recharge your lights and restock your tool kit after every trip.
Frequently asked questions
What is bikepacking?
Bikepacking is multi-day riding where you carry your camping kit in bags strapped to the bike, rather than on racks. It suits gravel roads, fire trails and quiet back roads, where a lighter and narrower set-up is easier to handle. Many riders start with a single night out close to home before planning longer trips.
Do I need a special bike for bikepacking?
No. Most bikes you already ride can carry a bikepacking set-up, from mountain bikes to gravel and hybrid bikes. The main things to check are tyre clearance for the surfaces you plan to ride and enough room inside the frame for a bag. If the bike feels comfortable for a few hours unloaded, it is a good start.
How much should my bikepacking kit weigh?
There is no set number, as it depends on the season, the route and how far apart the water and food stops are. A good rule is to pack only what you know you will use, then take out anything you packed just in case. Lighter loads make climbs and rough tracks far more enjoyable.
What is the difference between bikepacking bags and panniers?
Bikepacking bags strap directly to the frame, handlebars and seat post, so they keep the bike narrow and work without a rack. Panniers clip onto a rack and carry more, which suits touring on sealed roads and everyday commuting. Some riders mix both, with a frame bag up front and a rack behind.
Is it safe to ride at night when bikepacking?
Plan your days so you reach camp with daylight to spare, especially on unfamiliar trails. If you do ride early or late, use a front and rear light and check your state's road rules on lights, as requirements vary. Let someone know your route and expected finish, and carry a charged phone.
Explore our Top Sports
Ready for your first night out?
Start with the bags and build your kit around them. We will see you on the trail.
Free delivery on orders over $150. Members get our lifetime warranty.
