Gear List

[dials6]

I want to get into bikepacking but as i look at all the different gear as far as what to bring its alil over whelming. Im looking for help to narrow this down. So if everyone could give me a list of the top 5 things u just could not go without (other then bike first aid and bike repair kit) i think it would be a great help.

[AZTtripper]

I would say the biggest thing is your going to want to sleep at some point. So the only thing besides more food then you would normally carry on a day ride you need what ever it is you want to sleep in. Sleeping bag, bivi sack (keeps me mostly dry) and a small tarp (to keep everything dry). Weather depending I have a 32 deg down bag for colder times and a 50 deg synthetic for warmer times of the year. A change of clothes, I have a full layer of capaline for cold weather and just take shorts and a t shirt for warm weather or just to get out of bike clothes in towns. Less is more even if I do usually end up with too much food. I think there is a tendency to carry too much at first, and I still make that same mistake.

Hope that helps

Tim

[dials6]

That's a huge help thx.  :thumbsup:I was most worried about shelter. I've looked at some ultra light tents but a lot r way outta my price range. I'm going to be taking my first overnight in July so the cold won't be an issue. I already have a 12ft by 24ft tarp I was going to use. Got any links or know a place that I can get some deals on a good sleeping bag??

[threepin]

i would check out gear swap on backpackinglight.com -there are often people getting rid of some pretty nice stuff. Also that site can be helpful with regard to equipment choice. Your sleeping needs will be determined by where you are headed and when. For example in northern Mt where i live many nights i the summer are in the 30's or lower in the mountains. remember that when carrying stuff on a bike weight and volume are important, things that are not necessary are best not brought.

[AZTtripper]

A 12x24 sounds huge I have a 10x10 that I have taken for really wet weather but normally a 6x8 is plenty for 1 person in reasonable weather. With the 10x I kept 3 people dry for hanging out the others had smaller tarps to sleep under. My summer bag is a $30 fleece on top and just a thin fabric bottom. For starters I used a 2nd hand bag from a "Play it Again" store. Once you really get into it you'll want the lightest stuff you can afford, but even if you have a rough night out you could get by with very little.

[Rockin]

It would also help to know where you are going bikepacking. Temps and weather change what I pack pretty significantly.

[dials6]

It's in the Daniel Boone national forest close to the red river gorge area in ky. I wanna go in July so it will be hot and very humid.   

[Mista Bone]

RRG is not so bad if you camp down in the canyons, was talking with my son about this last night, he goes hiking there.

Being from Cincy and I can't stand the hot and humid weather, even today is bad.

[dials6]

Yeah that's just kentucky weather tho so I'm pretty used to it. Thx everyone all ur tips were very helpful and I have an idea of what I need. I'm going to plan over the next few weeks then take my trip in July I'll post again with the gear I use and how it went. 

[Iowagriz]

I'll add that if your "tarp" is the typically blue/gray hardware store style, it will be very heavy.  Try to find some Tyvec (or similar) house wrap to use.  It is expensive if you need to buy outright as I've only heard about them selling in 100' rolls.  However, if you can find a 10'x10' at a construction site, then it would be a light-weight alternative.

[dials6]

Ok.  I'm glad u said something because that's what I was going to use. I think I can get my hands on some from work so that should save me some cash.

[geekonabike]

I carry the rainfly from a cheap 2 man tent. A SOL emergence bivy is small light cheap and expands the temp range plus adding another water barrier.

[Mista Bone]

You can get pieces of Tyvek material on Amazon, suggested for kite making but many buy it for ground covers and such.

But since I'm a rookie to the whole camping thing, REI Half Dome plus arrived today, was on sale $70 off....

[mattman]

I just picked up two vinyl tarp (one maybe to put my pad on?) from sportman's warehouse for $10.20. I reinforced the 4 corners with cordura and a buddy is helping me put the metal circles in it for rope. I will use my bike as a support system/what poles and 4 stakes would do. I'm trying this on the kokpella trail this weekend.

I did this because I tried to pack my 2 man tent w/ just the rainfly, stakes, and poles was to much volume and heavy.

You can also sew most of the bags you need if you are really trying to save money. They won't be as durable as JPaks or others, but they will be lighter. Also, if you need to make a new one every year or so, you can improve your design, skills and add or remove features that you want.

Best of luck.