Bikepacking is booming and has become one of the most exciting ways to explore new landscapes on two wheels. This type of cycle touring combines the freedom of bicycle travel with self-sufficiency, allowing you to cover long distances with all the necessary gear. Although it was born in the United States and Canada, today it is trending in Europe and especially in Spain, where iconic routes such as the Camino de Santiago, the Camino del Cid or the Transpirenaica are perfect for enjoying this experience both on mountain bikes and on road bikes.
Bikepacking adapts to different types of bicycles depending on the terrain. For routes with dirt roads, technical trails, or steep slopes, mountain bikes are the best option, especially in modalities such as XC or Trail, which guarantee stability and comfort. On the other hand, road bikes and gravel are ideal for riding on asphalt or compacted paths, offering greater speed and efficiency over long distances.
Bikepacking is one of the most authentic ways to enjoy adventure cycling, whether exploring challenging trails with a mountain bike or covering long distances on a road bike. This modality allows you to discover unique landscapes with total freedom, turning every route into an unforgettable experience.
1. Luggage bags
The key to a Bikepacking route is self-sufficiency. We must carry everything necessary to ride with confidence for days. This means having space to bring clothes, tools, food, drink, and personal items. 
Image: Tomas Hliva
Panniers or luggage bags for the bike are the most practical option. They allow you to take the weight off your body and distribute it better across the bike frame, even on its components. Consider installing one or more bags or panniers of this type. Depending on their location, there are several types of panniers:
Rack panniers
These are the typical saddlebags or bags that are tied with cords or Velcro to the luggage rack, popularly known as a carrier. It is a large bag reserved for bulkier or heavier items: a floor pump, tools, kitchen utensils, shoes, a mat, and even a folded tent.
The idea is to distribute the luggage with the heaviest objects in the back and the lighter ones in the front.
Saddle bags
They are smaller than the previous ones, although elongated in shape. You can store anything from spare parts (tires, tubes, lubricants or anti-puncture liquids) to bottles or clothes in them.
Frame bags
Also called framebags, their shape is narrow so as not to hinder pedaling and to maintain some aerodynamics. It is an essential bag for small bike spares and tools, a first aid kit (band-aids, medications, creams, etc.), or personal items (electronic devices, wallet, keys, etc.).
Top tube bags
Sometimes it is necessary to free up space in the front triangle due to the presence of rear suspension, or a second bottle cage. In such cases, a good alternative to the frame bag is the famous top tube bag. It is small and narrow, and is installed at the front of the superior tube, just before the headset. It is a bag reserved for small electronic or personal items (phone charger, phone, wallet, etc). 
Image: ivandan
Handlebar bags
Although it is recommended to keep the entire steering assembly free of luggage to ensure good bike handling, if you are carrying a lot of gear and need space, the handlebar bag can be a good option for carrying items like a sleeping bag, clothes, a raincoat, etc. Always items that are lightweight and can be folded. If you are still lost about what type of bags to choose for Bikepacking or which brands are best, we recommend specialized brands such as Ortlieb, Vaude, XLC, or Apidura, which offer all the saddlebag options we have listed.
2. Accessories: mounts (for cycle computer, phone), bottle cages, GPS, lights...
In addition to saddlebags, you should equip your bike with mounts and accessories, such as bottle cages, mounts for cycle computers, phones, and also for lighting. Even if you don't plan to ride at night, it is advisable to always have lights on for safety, even during the day.
3. The bike: which is ideal for Bikepacking
At this point, it will depend on the type of route. It will also depend on what you have available at the time, since for occasional trips it won't be necessary to buy a new one, just adapt the one you already have. But if you really want to get fully into Bikepacking, a gravel bike will be the most suitable. The gravel began to spread around the world almost in parallel with Bikepacking and currently the range of models is large and varied, in all price ranges. It's a very versatile, all-terrain, lightweight bike and many of them come ready to install racks, bags, and several mounts for bottle cages on the frame or seatpost. Even on the fork bars.
Image: Anna_Anikina
If you have to choose, we recommend getting a rigid or semi-rigid bike, and it's not necessary to look at carbon options or high-performance bikes. It's more important to have a comfortable bike, with a wide and ergonomic saddle, comfortable grips on the handlebars (such as ergonomic grips or a more padded tape) and all-terrain tires with rolling tread.
4. Luggage: essential items
From the hardware or structure of any Bikepacking route, we move on to its contents, the luggage. To create an organized list and avoid forgetting anything, we advise you to divide it into five parts and check off what you already have ready:
Clothing
The choice of your gear will depend on the area where the route takes place, its climate, or the season of the year chosen for the trip. But, in general, you should take, for several days, two pieces of each of the following:
- Jersey.
- Bib shorts.
- Base layer.
- Socks.
- Shoes.
- Gloves (short and long).
Don't forget your helmet, sunglasses (ideally photochromic, as they adapt to all types of conditions), a cap, arm warmers, rain jacket, and jacket. It's advisable to take these last three even on summer routes. For sudden weather changes, storms, etc.
Tools
Here, include all the necessary spare parts for emergency repairs. Take note:
- Inflation pump (it can be a portable mini-pump to save space).
- Inner tube.
- Patches.
- Solution/glue for patches.
- Tire levers.
- Multitool (Allen keys, Torx, screwdriver, etc).
- Sealant (if you use tubeless).
- Chain breaker.
- Chain link.
- Chain lubricant.
- Rags or paper.
- Lighter and zip ties
Food and drink
You can divide this section into two subsections: survival food and drink, and items for eating. To start with, for eating you should include:
- Energy bars.
- Gels.
- Fruit.
- Nuts.
- Canned food
In general, foods that are high in energy and long-lasting. For perishable items, we recommend buying them day-to-day in shops or supermarkets: milk, coffee, cooked ham (pork, turkey), bread, etc. You also have the option of eating in bars or restaurants, although you lose that sense of adventure and self-sufficiency typical of Bikepacking.
Image: Anna_Anikina
As for drinks, you should start your route with the following:
- At least two bottles (500 or 750 ml), one with water and another with an isotonic drink. If they are thermos, even better.
- An extra bottle stored in the rear pannier: for refreshing, washing, etc.
- Effervescent isotonic drink tablets.
The utensils for cooking and keeping food in good condition:
- Bag or lunch box with thermal lining for fresh items.
- Camping stove.
- Small pot.
- Camping gas canister.
- Lighter.
- Cutlery: fork, spoon, knife or multi-purpose knife.
- Metal cup or mug. Napkins
First aid kit and hygiene
A very important section of your list. The first aid kit should include the following items:
- Band-aids.
- Adhesive tape.
- Burn cream.
- Alcohol.
- Disinfectant.
- Pain relief tablets (paracetamol)
It is also very practical to bring personal hygiene items, such as toothbrush and toothpaste, towels, tissues, sunscreen, razors and shaving cream, moisturizing creams, etc.
If you are going camping, choose a compact and easy-to-set-up tent and a sleeping bag.
Personal items
Finally, personal items like the following will save you from many troubles:
- Mobile phone.
- Second emergency mobile (it is also advisable to take a walkie-talkie if you are doing the adventure in a group to facilitate communication between you).
- 2 mobile chargers.
- Charging cables for cycle computers or lights and their own chargers if they have them.
- Wallet.
- Cash and credit card.
Additionally, you can add safety accessories to all this, such as locks or anti-theft devices for the bike, a flashlight, a reflective vest, and a thermal blanket for emergency situations (serious breakdowns, accidents, falls, etc.).