Bikepacking gear list · summer weekend
A light bikepacking setup fits on the bike, no racks: everything goes in a saddle bag, a frame bag and a handlebar bag. The goal is to stay under about 15 kg of gear so the bike stays nimble and the days stay fun.
Here is a typical kit for 1 to 5 days in summer, camping, with unit weights. Adapt it to your weather and terrain, or generate your own version by answering a few questions.
Gear only, excluding water & food. Bags (panniers, racks) depend on how you carry: the app picks them for you.
- 1-person tent1.90 kg
- Sleeping bag, 10°C comfort (summer)650 g
- Inflatable sleeping pad450 g
- Bib shorts×2360 g
- Cycling jersey140 g
- Pair of socks×2100 g
- Helmet300 g
- Sunglasses (sun + grit)30 g
- Cycling shoes (worn)0 g
- Cycling gloves / mitts60 g
- Off-bike outfit: light shorts/trousers + tee400 g
- Underwear×280 g
- Microfibre towel100 g
- Light sandals / flip-flops350 g
- Waterproof jacket (Gore-Tex or equiv.)320 g
- Windproof gilet (descents/mornings)80 g
- Buff / neck gaiter40 g
- Packable down jacket350 g
- Spork + knife60 g
- Lighter (keep apart)×230 g
- Empty bottles (750 ml)×2160 g
- Gas stove + 230g canister450 g
- Titanium/alu pot, 750ml180 g
- Water filter (Sawyer/BeFree type)110 g
- Mini sponge + solid dish soap40 g
- Emergency ration (2 bars + dried fruit)250 g
- Water supply (0.75 L)×21.50 kg
- Inner tube×2240 g
- Patch kit + tyre levers80 g
- Mini pump120 g
- Bike multitool (with chain breaker)160 g
- Quick link×210 g
- Light lock (cable or folding)280 g
- Mini chain lube50 g
- Zip ties + gaffer tape (wrapped)40 g
- Toothbrush + solid toothpaste50 g
- Sunscreen80 g
- Chamois cream60 g
- Toilet paper (crushed roll) + lighter50 g
- All-purpose soap (body + laundry)90 g
- SPF lip balm10 g
- Mini hand sanitiser40 g
- Washing line + 4 pegs40 g
- Plasters + gauze + steri-strips50 g
- Antiseptic (single doses)30 g
- Painkillers / anti-inflammatories20 g
- Emergency blanket60 g
- Blister plasters (second skin)20 g
- Tick remover5 g
- Personal medication (trip length + margin)50 g
- Phone (carried)0 g
- Power bank 10,000 mAh210 g
- Dual USB charger + cables120 g
- Rechargeable front + rear lights150 g
- Head torch70 g
- Handlebar phone mount80 g
- ID card / passport30 g
- Card + cash (split in 2 places)20 g
- Health card / European health insurance card10 g
- Zip bag (docs, phone, crumbs)×420 g
- Bin bag (makeshift rain cover, rubbish)×230 g
- 3 m of thin cord (endless uses)30 g
- Insect repellent60 g
Frequently asked questions
How much gear for light bikepacking?
Aim for around 14 kg of gear (excluding water and the day's food). Below that the bike stays lively; above it, you are really into pannier touring.
Tent, tarp or bivy for bikepacking?
In summer a tarp or bivy saves space and weight. A 1-person tent is the comfort choice if you want protection from bugs and rain.
What is the difference with cycle touring?
Bikepacking favours low weight and bags strapped to the frame; cycle touring accepts more volume thanks to racks, for longer or less spartan trips.
