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What to Pack for Bikepacking: A NZ Gear Guide
What to Pack for Bikepacking: A NZ Gear Guide
So much gear and so many options! So, let’s answer the question, what to pack for bikepacking. Based on 10,000km of bikepacking experience this will help you stay safe and comfortable on your NZ bikepacking adventure.
First of all, what you have is always the best option for what to pack. Turn that tramping gear (NZ word for camping) into your bikepacking gear! Before you go out and buy the latest and greatest (read lightest and most expensive) bikepacking specific gear.
Next I have broken it down into a few categories, all of which can be altered to your tastes and preferences. Here is what I use and what I recommend on our Bikepacking Courses and Guided Trips.
Bikepacking Essentials- The Big Three
Bikepacking Essentials- The Big Three
The big three are named on bulk and general awkwardness to pack. Tents get wet, so be sure to keep your tent separate from your sleeping bag, sleeping pad!
Tent: Use what you have but a 2 person tent is usually good for 1 person as it gives you a bit more room. If saving weight go for a 1 person or a Bivvy. Sandflies are the apex predator in NZ so I like the tent over the bivvy.
Sleeping bag:You'll need a sleeping bag that is rated for the temperature you'll be camping in. Comfort rating to 0c is usually good for 3 season camping in NZ.
Sleeping pad: A sleeping pad will help you stay comfortable while you're sleeping. Inflatable ones are great as they pack down better.
Bikepacking Essentials- Continued
Pillow: Some call it a luxury. I am tall and getting older. Essential in my book!
Cookset: A cookset is a great way to cook your meals while you're on the go. Fire bans are common throughout New Zealand so a campfire is unlikely.
Water Filter: Most of the water in NZ is good to drink but always good to have, just in case.
First Aid Kit: Not pictured but I will be making a separate blog on what we carry on that one. It also has toilet paper in it.
Repair Kit: I will be making a separate blog on that in more detail.
Riding Gear
Riding Gear
This is what you will start the day wearing, again personal preference but layering is key! Don’t forget the rain jacket.
Rain Jacket: 2.5 layer :Goretex is great or Pertex. Breathable and waterproof (to a point) with a hood that can go under or over your helmet.
Merino socks and T shirt: Not the lightest material but keeps warm when wet and doesn’t smell.
Backpack: Just for carrying water, or extra food from shops, can be ditched if you prefer.
Non Riding Gear and Layers
Non Riding Gear and Layers
Merino bottoms, top and socks: Mostly for sleeping in. Top can be used as an extra layer too.
Layers: Keep handy and use as weather changes.
Buffs: One for the neck and one for head under the helmet.
Food and Drink
Food and Drink
Camelbak: 3l and carried in a backpack. Don’t usually fill it fully but good to have the option.
Dehy Meals: All can be eaten from their container just add boiling water ( no dishes!)
Snacks: Not shown is ‘Sour Squirms’ as I was eating them whilst taking photos, my favourite!
Lunch: Pack a wrap or sandwich or get something along the way. For this trip we were stopping at a cafe along the way.
Extra Meal: I always carry some extra food just in case. The lightest option is usually 1 extra dehy meal.
Important Extras
PLB and GPS: PLB (Personal Locator Beacon) for emergencies and GPS for navigation. Good to keep separate to save battery for emergencies.
Sun Protection: The sun is brutal here ( English skin talking here) so I prefer Zinc based sunscreen and wear sunglasses almost all of the time.
Charging Kit: Mini power bank and cables for electronic devices including the GPS.
Kindle and Headtorch: Nice for around camp in the evenings.
Toiletries: Choose your own level of grossness for an overnight or a few days I can rinse in a river and don’t worry about soap. Cut tooth brush in half for extra style points and weightsaving.
Tips for Packing for Bikepacking
Pack light: The lighter you pack, the easier it will be to ride your bike. You will always pack too much the first time so try to aim light and next time you can whittle it down more if you need.
Pack with Priority: Pack what you need most in the easiest place to reach. Leave your pillow at the deepest depths of the bags as you won’t need that until last.
Pack for the weather: Be sure to pack clothes that are appropriate for the weather you'll be experiencing. NZ is fickle and it changes quickly, I have added a picture of my raincoat twice! That was an accident but also shows how important it is.
Pack Wet and Dry Seperately: Keep your wet tent away from your sleeping bag. Even condensation in your tent can seep through and ruin your down sleeping bag. End result is a very uncomfortable night.
Pack a first-aid kit: A first-aid kit is essential for any outdoor adventure.
Pack a repair kit: A repair kit is essential for fixing any problems that may occur with your bike.
Time to go try it out!
We hope this guide helps you pack for your next bikepacking adventure. Start small with just an overnight and see what you missed or didn’t use. Most importantly, have fun and enjoy the ride!
If you have any questions or comments please send me an email. I love talking all things bikepacking.
Adventurefuel Bikepacking
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