Bikepacking is a new, special way of transporting luggage while cycling. The basic idea is simple: the luggage racks and large side cases disappear and you switch to a set of shaped containers that are clipped directly onto the bike.
We can think of this technique more broadly, as a travel philosophy that differs from classic touring bikes: it is a minimal experience, closer to nature, contemplating camping and open-air adventures. In fact, bikepacking bags, as opposed to traditional ones that already weigh even unladen and make the bike bulky, are designed to evenly distribute the weight and remain in the shape of the bike. They are ideal for dirt roads, trails and off-road sections, so gravel and mountain bikes are the most popular models, perfect for exploring remote areas.
Four well-designed bags
Bikepacking bags are lightweight and compact, so you don't need a support frame because they attach directly to your bike via straps and belts. Here they are.
Handlebar bag. It is applied between the handlebar and the brakes, so it should not be overloaded as it may disturb your riding. It is ideal for stowing light items such as sleeping bag, spare shirt, waterproof clothing. The maximum capacity is approximately 20 litres.
Saddle bag. It attaches to the saddle of any bike with straps and buckles, which can also be used to stow items such as sandals or light jackets. It is protruding, but only towards the back, which should not be filled with heavy objects to avoid rocking; the maximum capacity is around 15 litres.
Frame bag. It is the most spacious, and thanks to its low and central position, favourable to the centre of gravity, it allows you to store heavier items. Every bike has its own geometry, so this bag is custom-built. It can take up the entire triangulation of the frame (taking up the water bottle space), or only part of it, and therefore the maximum volume depends on how it is made.
Fork bags. They attach to the sides of the front fork; in this case too, do not add heavy objects to avoid disturbing your ride. The maximum capacity is approximately 10 litres.
Pros and cons
The advantages we have seen relate to light weight, better, more agile travelling and the fact that even with all 4 bags the bike does not change shape (only those on the fork slightly widen the front area). It therefore allows you to travel and enjoy a more adventurous experience in sync with nature than traditional touring. Another advantage is that it is possible to mount them on any type of bicycle, since you do not need frames or hooks; the only less adaptable bag is the one that attaches to the frame.
The shortcoming is the carrying capacity. Classic cycling bags are much larger, allowing you to easily reach 100 litres of cargo volume. Bikepacking, with the whole kit of 4 bags, offers at most a total capacity of 50 litres. This is a limitation, especially if the travel route involves a series of climate changes, for example due to a climb over a high mountain pass. However, it teaches you to think more about what to take on the road so that you can make a more sensible choice, which is now made easier by the fact that there are very light, warm, waterproof technical garments that take up very little space.
The backpack
If you want to take a little extra with you, you might want to wear a backpack. Be careful when you pack it, however, as you should always consider that it will have to be on your shoulders for many hours and may cause back discomfort and irritation to the contact area of the shoulder straps. It is therefore better to pack it with light and perhaps precious items, such as documents and credit cards, which will not be left on the bike when you leave it parked for a few minutes.
A solution to increase the load capacity, albeit slightly, is to use a few small purses. The upper part of the frame is still clear, so you can keep snacks handy for use while riding. Moreover, also bear in mind the inventiveness of companies, which are always looking for new solutions in “packing style” to increase the load capacity further.
