What is bikepacking: everything you need to know to get started

Bikepacking is all about adventure - like traditional touring, but off-road - and typically with as little strapped to the bike as possible

Bikepacking for beginners
Lee Craigie opts for a mountain bike. Image: Ferga Perry
(Image credit: Ferga Perry)

What is bikepacking?

Bikepacking, in essence, is a multi-day tour by bike, completed on mixed terrain or entirely off-road with the rider carrying their equipment on their bike.

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Michelle Arthurs-Brennan

Michelle Arthurs-Brennan the Editor of Cycling Weekly website. An NCTJ qualified traditional journalist by trade, Michelle began her career working for local newspapers. She's worked within the cycling industry since 2012, and joined the Cycling Weekly team in 2017, having previously been Editor at Total Women's Cycling. Prior to welcoming her daughter in 2022, Michelle raced on the road, track, and in time trials, and still rides as much as she can - albeit a fair proportion indoors, for now.