Miya Pearson
Bikepacking is all about freedom and choosing any bike for a trip, but it can be challenging to find the perfect spot for each item. The key is to balance the weight of your gear around the centre of gravity of your bike. It is recommended to put the heaviest items in low and to keep the weight down when attaching bags to your handlebars. Bulky yet lightweight items like sleeping bags are best stored in a saddle bag or handlebar bag. If your bag isn't waterproof, use a waterproof dry bag for added protection.
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What You'll Learn
Handlebar bags
Larger handlebar bags can hold your sleeping gear and clothes, in addition to some spare clothes. If your handlebar pack is not waterproof, protect important items like your sleeping bag and clothes with waterproof stuff sacks. When packing, consider the order of items and keep frequently used items accessible.
You can also strap a sleeping bag and tent to your handlebars with simple adjustable straps or bungee cords. This is a budget-friendly option if you don't want to buy a dedicated handlebar bag.
If you are using a suspension fork, keep the handlebar weight down and adjust the fork pressure to account for the extra load.
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Seat bags
When packing your seat bag, it is important to consider weight distribution. Place the heaviest items closest to the seat post to limit side-to-side sway. Avoid packing heavy items at the very back of the seat bag, as this can cause drooping and swaying. Instead, arrange items so that the heaviest things and items you won't need until camp are towards the inside, near the seat post. This could include dinner, toiletries, or electronics.
To make the most of the space in your seat bag, use small items to fill any gaps left by bulkier items. For example, you can use a spare pair of socks or a bag of food to pad out the bag and ensure a snug fit. If you are using a tent, you can also utilize the space on top of the seat bag by buckling side straps through camp sandals or slipping a jacket under a shock cord.
Some newer seat bags, like the Revelate Spinelock and Rogue Panda Ripsey, feature rigid bottoms, which can help prevent sagging and tire rubbing. If you are using an older or flimsier model, consider investing in a seat bag with a rigid bottom or using a rear rack to improve clearance.
Overall, when packing a sleeping bag in a seat bag for bikepacking, focus on maximizing space, distributing weight evenly, and utilizing creative storage solutions to attach additional items to the outside of the bag.
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Frame bags
When packing your frame bag, it's important to consider weight distribution. Place your heaviest items at the bottom of the frame pack, such as large bike tools, spare tubes, a camp stove, and fuel. This helps to lower your centre of gravity and improve stability. You can also include food that you won't need until you reach your camping destination. Some riders choose to place a hydration reservoir in their frame bag, with the tube running up to their handlebars for easy drinking access while pedalling.
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Stem bags
When packing for a bikepacking trip, it's important to consider the weight and bulkiness of your gear. Sleeping bags can be bulky and take up a lot of space, so you might want to consider a lightweight option if you're planning to put it in your stem bag. Additionally, make sure that your stem bag is waterproof, especially if you plan to store electronic items in it.
If you're looking to pack a sleeping bag in your stem bag, consider using a compression sack to reduce its volume. You can also look for a sleeping bag designed specifically for bikepacking, as these tend to be more compact. Alternatively, you can strap your sleeping bag to your handlebars using PVC pieces to loop the straps through, giving your fingers room to grip the bars.
Another option is to use a handlebar bag or a seat bag to store your sleeping bag. Handlebar bags are ideal for compressible, lightweight items, while seat bags provide more space and are suitable for bulkier items. However, keep in mind that accessing items from your seat bag while riding can be challenging, so it's best for items you won't need frequently throughout the day.
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Fork bags
Fork-mounted carriers are a great option for bikepackers who need more storage space than what a typical three-bag setup offers. These carriers are also ideal if you want to avoid carrying gear on your back.
One option for fork bags is the Ortlieb Fork-Pack, which is different from any other cargo bag or micro-pannier on the market. It is completely waterproof and offers over four litres of storage. It can be attached to forks with or without eyelets, and can also be mounted to a rack as panniers using the QL 3.1 Clamp. The Fork-Pack is ultra-light and can be taken on and off your bike in seconds with the help of the Quick-Lock S adapter.
Another option for fork bags is the Pico Panniers, which can be mounted to any bike. They have two compartments: an exterior pocket with a small buckle for quick access to tools or snacks, and a main compartment with a roll-top closure and a slide-release buckle. The Pico Pannier is designed with two sets of external polycarbonate frames, one for forks with two or three bosses and one for forks without bosses, including suspension forks.
For a more lightweight option, consider Andrew the Maker's Many Things Sack, which is designed to mount on the King Cage Many Things Cage on the bike's fork blade. These "nano panniers" do not affect steering like larger bags and have a slimmer profile, making them better suited for singletrack.
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Frequently asked questions
You can pack your sleeping bag in a saddle bag or seat bag, omitting the compression sack to compress the sleeping bag further into the bag, maximizing space. Alternatively, you can use a handlebar bag, especially if your sleeping bag is bulky.
If your bag is waterproof, you can stuff your sleeping bag straight into the pack without using a stuff sack to save weight and fill every inch of the bag. If your bag is not waterproof, consider using a waterproof dry bag for added protection.
It's important to balance the weight distribution of your gear around the center of gravity of your bike. Overloading your saddle bag or handlebar bag with heavy items can affect your bike's handling.
You can use a frame bag to store heavier and denser food, tent poles, and a spare tube. Smaller riders or those needing extra gear may want to use smaller front panniers. Fork bags are ideal for storing compressible items such as sleeping gear and extra clothing.
