The Bikepacking Blog

Bikepacking Bags New Zealand: Your Ultimate Guide

New Zealand is a bikepacker's paradise. (I might be biased) but I will hold New Zealand up against any other country for its jaw dropping scenery, quiet back roads and evergrowing cycle network. To fully immerse yourself in this adventure, you'll need the right gear, and the heart of your setup is your bikepacking bags. With a plethora of options available, choosing the perfect bag can be a bit overwhelming. This guide will explore the world of bikepacking bags, focusing on our homegrown New Zealand brands and providing tips for your next adventure.

Understanding Bikepacking Bags

Bikepacking is all about carrying essential gear directly on your bike, eliminating the need for bulky panniers. Bikepacking bags come in various shapes and sizes to fit different bikes and loadouts. Common types include:


Adventurefuel Bikepacking Blog: modern bikepacking set up

The Importance of Quality Bikepacking Bags

Investing in high-quality bikepacking bags is crucial for several reasons:

Adventurefuel Bikepacking Blog: icey scenery

New Zealand Bikepacking Bag Brands

New Zealand boasts a thriving bikepacking community, and several local brands offer top-notch gear. Let's explore some of the standout options:


Robo-Kiwi

Known for their innovative designs and commitment to quality, Robo-Kiwi offers a range of bikepacking bags tailored to the New Zealand riding environment. Designed by a bikepacking racer their products are renowned for their durability, weather resistance, and clever features. 

Adventurefuel Bikepacking Blog: Robokiwi bags
Adventurefuel Bikepacking Blog: Stealth Bike bags

Stealth Bikepacking

Stealth Bikepacking produces minimalist and lightweight bags that blend seamlessly with your bike's aesthetics. Their focus on simplicity and functionality makes them a popular choice for bikepackers seeking a clean setup.

Paper Roads Aotearoa

This New Zealand-based brand offers a range of handmade bikepacking bags crafted with attention to detail. Paper Roads Aotearoa focuses on creating functional and stylish gear for adventurous riders. They are especially thoughtful with maximizing space for the smaller rider (Amy the founder knows these struggles)

Adventurefuel Bikepacking Blog: Paperroads bike bags

Fernway Fabrications

Wanaka based bike bag manufacturer that focuses on using repurposed and recycled materials but without skimping on quality.

Cactus Outdoor

Cactus is famous for being sturdy, lightweight not so much but if you are looking for durability then Cactus Outdoor are your go to.

Southern Lite Packs

Specializing in custom durable gear, Southern Lite Packs cater mostly to custom backpacks but still make bikepacking bags too. Their products are designed to withstand the rigors of New Zealand's backcountry.

Adventurefuel Bikepacking Blog: Loaded Bikes

Choosing the Right Bikepacking Bags

Selecting the perfect bikepacking bags depends on various factors and a fair bit of trial and error, on our bikepacking course you can try a variety of setups and bikepacking bags to see what suits you. But here are a few parameters to help narrow your search :



Adventurefuel Bikepacking Blog: Old Setup

Additional Tips


Adventurefuel Bikepacking Blog: Bikepackers riding

Conclusion

With the right bikepacking bags, New Zealand's stunning trails are yours to explore. By carefully considering your needs and exploring the offerings from local brands like Robo-Kiwi, Stealth Bikepacking, Paper Roads Aotearoa, Southern Lite Packs, Cactus Outdoors and Fernway Fabrication you can create the perfect setup for your next adventure.

If you want to try some of these brands and learn from our 10000km of bikepacking experience you can join one of our 3 Day Bikepacking Courses. All bikepacking gear is included and we spend an entire morning discussing and trying different setups before going for a test ride and then an overnight trip.

Remember, the key to a successful bikepacking trip is to pack light, don’t forget snacks and embrace the journey!


Adventurefuel Bikepacking Blog: riders
Adventurefuel Bikepacking: happy bikepacker

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