My journey to bikepacking and tips from the road
A guest post by Franziska from @pedal.breathe.repeat
JOIN FRANZISKA ON A WOMEN'S GRAVEL OVERNIGHTER ON JUNE 14-15, 2025
I think it was a sunny and mild spring day in Mallorca when I took my road bike, a few bags I had just bought, my hammock, and a sleeping bag that was far too thin, and nervously headed out for my first bikepacking overnighter. I didn’t know much back then, just that I wanted to ride my bike, find a spontaneous place to sleep, and wake up in nature. I barely slept that night, my heartbeat constantly waking me up. It was my first time ever sleeping outside alone and without a tent, just in a hammock, right under the stars. I couldn’t help but feel afraid of being out there alone as a woman.
But the morning was magical. Despite the restless night, I was hooked. The incredible sense of freedom I felt to simply go somewhere, choose where to sleep and wake up, without relying on hotels or accommodations, left me craving more. And that’s how my bikepacking journey began.
My first longer trip took me through Slovenia with my ex-partner, who introduced me to multi-day bikepacking. After that, I started going on solo trips through Italy, France, and the Canary Islands. The freedom I felt on my bike, with everything I needed packed with me and the ability to go anywhere on my own, was so powerful that I couldn’t imagine traveling any other way. For me, it’s the perfect way to explore: it combines movement and activity, it’s a relatively inexpensive way to travel (once you have the gear), and it takes you far off the typical tourist paths, often to places even more exciting than the popular sights.
Bikepacking also taught me to face unexpected challenges, solve problems on the go, build confidence in my abilities, and trust life a bit more. It truly changed my life.
I'm writing this article while currently on my longest bikepacking trip so far, starting in northern Thailand, passing through Laos and Vietnam, and now 2,000 km into Japan.
Looking back on more than three years of bikepacking, I’ve learned so many things I wish I’d known at the start. And now, I want to share them with you.
Where to start?
That’s exactly what I wondered when I wanted to go on my first trips. There's so much gear out there, so many ways to bikepack, but that’s the beauty of it: there are no strict rules, except to just begin. In the end, it doesn’t matter if you're wearing high-end gear or riding the most expensive bike. People travel the world on old bikes with heavy gear, anything is possible! It’s up to you to decide what works for you and what feels right. That freedom is part of what makes bikepacking so special.
Of course, there are many different ways to go bikepacking, and all of them are perfectly valid. Still, I’d love to share some personal tips and insights that helped me along the way.
The Bike:
You can go bikepacking with almost any bike. I ride a Rose Backroad gravel bike because I prefer the comfort of wider tires and the ability to handle almost any terrain. It also has mounts for luggage. A gravel bike adds flexibility to your trip, especially in countries where road conditions can be poor or unpredictable.
That said, you don’t need to buy a new bike to get started. Most bags can be attached to almost any frame.
Which route to pick:
There are so many route options out there. The easier way is to follow established routes that have been scouted by experienced bikepackers, many of which you can find on sites like bikepacking.com. These routes come with useful information like distance, elevation, resupply points, and terrain details. I’ve done several of these: Slovenia’s West Loop, the Lunigiana Trail in Italy, Montañas Vacías in Spain, the Travesía por Atitlán and Ruta Maya de los Cuchumatanes in Guatemala, and more recently, the Lana Kingdom Trail in Thailand.
They’re incredibly well-planned and take the stress out of route planning. I’ve also created my own routes, some of the better ones you can find on Komoot. Planning your own route can be fun, but also risky. You might end up riding through less scenic or inconvenient areas. It’s all part of the experience. On shorter trips, like overnighters, you can pick the most scenic routes around your home. Orbit360 for instance releases carefully put-together gravel routes across Germany. Don’t have much time? Overnighters are the perfect little micro-adventures!
Time management:
When planning your route, leave room to adjust your expectations to reality. With luggage and off-road terrain, you'll probably cover much less distance than you think. When I started, I was frustrated that it sometimes took all day to ride just 60 km. But with stopping for food, packing, finding a place to bathe, admiring nature, or realizing your chosen path is unrideable, it becomes less about performance and more about the journey. Shift your mindset to embrace slower travel, unless you're preparing for an ultra-race, and that’s a different story.
Where to sleep:
There are no rules here either. You can bikepack with zero camping gear and pre-booked accommodations, or you can head out with just a sleeping bag. Personally, I love combining bikepacking with camping because it gives me the most freedom. I usually bring a tent, but on the Lunigiana Trail, my partner and I just slept under the stars, no tent at all. It was a lighter and even more freeing experience.
When starting out, choose what makes you feel safest and most comfortable. Once you’ve got your gear, you can always adapt and find your own style. In Southeast Asia, I mostly stayed in guesthouses due to poor camping options, while in Japan, I almost exclusively wild-camped.
Which bags and gear to take:
This can feel overwhelming in the beginning. If you have friends who bikepack, try borrowing gear first. It saves money and helps you learn what you really need. Popular bag brands include Apidura and handmade options like Gramm Tourpacking or Nuremberg's own Zeitjäger.
Choose bags made from durable, waterproof materials, especially important when riding gravel. I usually carry two 5L fork bags attached with a fork cage, a frame bag, a front roll for my tent, a small top tube bag, a hip bag, and a spacious 17L saddle bag. For longer trips, I added an Aeroe Spider rear rack for more volume.
Generally, packing doesn’t differ much between a weekend and a two-week trip, unless you're traveling through different climates, in which case layering becomes more important.
Protect your bike frame with stickers or tape before attaching bags, as straps can damage the paint over time.
For camping, lightweight gear is essential. It’s often expensive but pays off in the long run, especially when climbing with a heavy setup. If you're solo touring, I recommend the Nemo Dragonfly Osmo Bikepacking Tent, light, compact, and specifically designed for bikepacking. A bivvy bag is also a great minimalist option.
Sleeping pads are crucial as cold comes from the ground, not just from the air. Look for a pad with a suitable R-value (around 2 is good for summer trips, the higher the R-value the more insulating it will be). For sleeping bags, down is best as it packs light and insulates well. Pay attention to both the fill amount and CUIN value (higher means better insulation). Brands like Cumulus and Nordisk are great.
An inlay keeps your sleeping bag clean and adds warmth. I personally prefer a silk option to synthetic inlays. A lightweight pillow or just a stuff sack filled with clothes adds comfort.
I’ve bikepacked in -10°C in Spain, and even with all my clothes on and a warmer sleeping bag, I was freezing. Everyone’s temperature sensitivity is different, so test your gear before a trip and make sure to avoid being too cold, as bad sleep can ruin your mood and impact your trip.
Packing - each day and every day:
In the beginning, it might feel overwhelming to figure out where to pack what. But once each item has its place, it makes sense to stick to that setup as it makes packing much more efficient. You won’t have to rethink where everything goes each time. It’s a good idea to pack the saddle bag as light and compact as possible to avoid it wobbling. I prefer to carry more weight on the front of the bike, as distributing weight forward feels more balanced to me. I carry my tent in the handlebar roll, fill the fork bags with cosmetics and clothes, keep my sleeping gear in the saddle bag, and use the top tube and frame bag for tools and electronics. I also always leave a bit of space to carry extra food. Food pouches on the handlebars are great for storing snacks or items you need quick access to, like sunscreen or wet wipes.
I always carry a functional hip bag where I store my valuables and camera. This way, I always have the most important things on my body and reduce the risk of losing them. Keep in mind that packing up your camping gear in the morning can take time. You might need to wait until the sun dries out a wet tent, and putting everything back into place takes a while. I usually plan 1 to 2 hours in the morning for packing up and eating, and the same in the evening for setting up and preparing food. Finding a good camping spot, cleaning yourself, and cooking all take time, so it’s important to factor that into your plans. Also, keep an eye on sunrise and sunset times so you can start looking for a place to sleep well before it gets dark.
Staying safe on your bikepacking trip:
Safety while bikepacking can be a concern, especially for women. In my three years of bikepacking, including solo trips, I’ve never encountered a situation where I felt unsafe being alone outside. A general rule is that cities are more dangerous than rural areas. I never carry a bike lock with me because in rural areas the risk of theft is very low. Of course, in cities, you need to be more cautious, but I try to avoid urban areas whenever possible. If I need to go grocery shopping or visit a city, I try to bring my bike inside the entrance area, leave it somewhere visible, or ask someone to keep an eye on it.
When wild camping, I never lock my bike, but I make sure to find spots that are hidden from roads or houses and feel a bit protected. If I’m camping in a more populated area, I try to wake up at sunrise and leave early. When riding alone in remote or off-road areas, always let someone know where you are. Sometimes there’s no mobile reception. Always carry a powerful headlamp and make sure it’s fully charged. There were a few times when I ended up riding in the dark even though I hadn’t planned to. I also carry a 20,000mAh power bank to keep my devices charged, as access to electricity isn’t always guaranteed.
Keep an eye on the weather, especially in mountainous areas where conditions can change rapidly. Nights can get extremely cold even after hot days, and humidity will make it feel even colder. Functional and lightweight gear that keeps you warm is essential. Try to reduce the risk of technical issues too. I ride tubeless to avoid flats and so far, it’s saved me every time. I also carry a tubeless puncture kit and a spare tube for more serious punctures. On longer or more remote trips, it’s smart to take spare parts like a derailleur hanger, which can break and may be hard to replace on the road.
A hot-waxed chain helps reduce dirt buildup and works well in dirty or wet conditions. These maintenance choices are also about safety. Keeping your bike in good condition is crucial. Make sure your bags and straps are well-secured, especially off-road where they can easily come loose. You don’t want anything falling into your wheels. And remember, most people are kind and want to help. On trips in Guatemala or Asia, my partner and I only met friendly and helpful people. When we were too exhausted to ride another 2,000 meters uphill in the heat, we hitchhiked with pickup trucks and experienced nothing but generosity. Don’t be afraid to ask for help.
What to wear while bikepacking:
Wear whatever you feel comfortable in. For me, bikepacking isn’t about performance or speed. I don’t need to dress aero. In fact, synthetic clothes often feel less comfortable because they smell bad faster and might not be easy to wash on the road. I prefer merino wool clothing with a looser fit, as it stays fresh for longer. For longer trips, I sometimes switch to platform pedals so I can wear regular shoes and don’t have to pack an extra pair.
Comfortable pants for long days in the saddle are a must. A lightweight, warm, and packable jacket is essential to keep you warm on descents, in the evenings, or even while sleeping. What I’ve learned for myself is that I usually need far fewer clothes than I think I will.
What to consider in terms of hygiene:
You might be wondering how to stay clean during a bikepacking trip, especially while wild camping. The answer is wet wipes. Of course, I occasionally stay in accommodations or official campgrounds to get a proper shower, but while wild camping, wet wipes and a bottle of water can do the trick to help you feel somewhat fresh. For women, intimate hygiene is particularly important, as bladder or yeast infections can be more likely when you’re sweating in cycling shorts for hours.
I usually carry D-mannose supplements in case of a bladder infection and use probiotic suppositories for prevention or treatment of yeast infections, especially when wearing cycling shorts for multiple days in a row. I bring two pairs of bib shorts and handwash the pad after each ride, letting it dry in the sun while I’m cycling. On longer trips, I also get my period and use a menstrual cup or now a femdisc menstrual disc. The benefit is that you don’t need to carry tampons and the femdisc can even be emptied without removing it.
Yes, menstruating while bikepacking and camping might feel like stepping out of your comfort zone, but I actually find that being active and outdoors helps my symptoms and overall well-being.
How to resupply while bikepacking:
How you manage food depends on where you're riding. In places with many restaurants and stores, I often don’t carry much food. Having energy-dense snacks like nuts, oat bars, or dried fruit with you for emergency helps a lot. But in remote areas, I stock up at grocery stores and carry simple meals with me. Believe it or not, even in places like Italy I have starved while bikepacking, as stores and restaurants hardly existed in remote areas or are simply closed. Nothing is worse than cycling hungry or going to sleep with an empty stomach and feeling drained in the morning. Make sure to plan a resupply well ahead of time to avoid situations like this.
A lightweight stove can be a nice addition if you enjoy cooking, and it gives you more freedom, especially in the mountains. In many countries however ingredients won’t be available easily and it might be easiest to rely on restaurants. I personally never take cooking gear, other than a small gas burner and a cup to prepare a hot tea or coffee. In summer I would skip the gas cooker completely.
Water is essential. I usually carry between 2 and 3 liters, more in hot or remote regions. Make sure to have purification tablets or a filter when riding in places where tap water isn’t safe to drink. Always refill when you can - you never know when the next water source will be.
Bikepacking challenges your mindset, sometimes more than your legs:
This may be the most important part. Bikepacking is not always easy. You’ll get tired, sweaty, maybe sunburned or soaked, and there will be moments when you ask yourself why you’re doing this. But there’s also joy, connection, and so many unforgettable moments: the kindness of strangers, sunrises from your tent, epic views reached after long climbs, the feeling of being completely free and capable.
Give yourself time to adjust. It’s normal to feel overwhelmed in the beginning. Take breaks. Don’t be afraid to change your route, take a bus if needed, or book a hotel if the weather turns rough. It’s your adventure!
And finally, don’t compare yourself to others. Everyone has their own rhythm, goals, and style. Whether you're riding 30 km or 150 km a day, staying in hotels or wild camping, what matters is that you’re out there, exploring on your own terms.
Start somewhere!
Start small. Try an overnighter or weekend trip to test your setup. Borrow gear if possible. Ride what you have. Learn by doing. Bikepacking is a journey that evolves with every ride, and there's no one right way to do it.
I hope this article gives you the encouragement and practical insight to begin your own bikepacking adventure. If you have questions, feel free to reach out. I love connecting with fellow riders and helping others discover the joy of this unique way of traveling.
Maybe I’ll see you out there—on a gravel path, a mountain pass, or by a quiet lake, sharing a moment of stillness in a life on two wheels.
Happy riding!
Franziska
JOIN FRANZISKA ON A WOMEN'S GRAVEL OVERNIGHTER ON JUNE 14-15, 2025
About me:
For 21 years, I called Nuremberg my home. Since then, I’ve lived in several places across Germany and abroad, eventually settling in Mallorca for five years. That decision changed my life in many ways—it introduced me to road cycling and later helped me discover that gravel cycling and bikepacking are my true passions. For me, they strike the perfect balance between athletic ambition, a love for exploring new places, and a deep connection to nature and simplicity.
Now in my 30s, I’ve made another big change: I moved into my camper van last year and recently quit my job to embark on a long bikepacking journey through Asia. My goal is to build a life and career more connected to the outdoors and the lifestyle I love.
