I have been using the Topeak Air Backpack for the last few months. Its very light (and uses adjustable air pockets instead of foam for rigidity and support) I like a lot of things about it, including the gear core which snaps inside the bag and holds a ton of tools, tubes, etc. It also has a mesh helmet (or extra clothing shed during the ride) carrier that unfurls from the bottom and gives a little extra capacity on the trail. It also has a waterproof cover and a little pump for the backpack, too. It straps at the sternum and waist. Also has a hydration bladder (wasn't so happy with the quality, but my camelbak 1.5 litre fits poerfectly in the pocket)

I am a little unsure about the longevity of the nylon, though, and I have yet to try it out in hot weather (I had read that the straps don't breathe well). But I got a good deal on it so I thought I would try it out. I like the size a lot because its ample but not so large that I can cram too many things into it. Hoping it keeps the weight just about right...

http://www.topeak.com/products/BackPack/air_backpack_l

I plan to take it out this summer on a few overnighters so we'll see how it holds up to a bit more abuse. My main issue is rubbing on low hanging branches. That seems to be the make-or-break aspect on my ripping backpacks.

Thanks for that morning stoke! 

1. If you are planning to bikepacking in areas with steeper descents, I would consider a bike with disc brakes. I switched over on my existing bike which has both mounts and I feel much more confident. The extra weight of bikepacking can make some rocky steep descents more than a little terrifying.

Personally I might recommend a new bike. I bought a used bike and love the frame geometry and performance, but have also spent a good deal of money replacing worn parts, converting to discs, etc. and in retrospect wish I had sucked it up and gone with a new ride (see below for my preference). Over a two year span it amounts to the same cost. Though there is some delight in fine tuning a ride to your personal predilections...

As I just posted in another forum, I have my eyes on Airborne bikes as the best bang for the buck and a ride that is good to go right out of the box without upgrades
(Especially forks). Money is definitely an issue for me. I like the Goblin for a 29er.

2. I can't really speak to the frame size issue for bikepacking as I don't have enough experience doing it with different sized bikes.

3. I think if you are primarily planning to bikepack, a rigid fork is worth considering. That said, personally, I prefer front suspension on a bike that will be more all-purpose. As passionate as I am about bikepacking the bulk of my riding is day trip trail riding. Nd i just can't afford to have a ride just for bikepacking. There are plenty of all rigid fanatics though and I used to have one as well. For some stoke on that check out the "pics of rigid bikes in extreme terrain" or something like that over at mtbr.com. It's inspiring. But more niche than norm.

4. For your height 26 might be a better fit, but it really just depends on your preference. Go test drive a number of options I would say. I would like a 29er and I am 6'1" but they are more pricey so that's how I ended up with a 26er. Someday.

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For a new bike with quality stock components (especially forks which are the most common item folks immediately upgrade) I would look into Airborne bikes. They are mail order only (i think they are CO based but i may be wrong) but get great reviews and the folks that run the company are active on mtbr.com and are very responsive to public input to refine designs. Good customer service reviews as well.

I've had my eye on the Goblin, which is a hard tail 29er. They also make FS 29ers and 26inch rides and I believe are all hydro formed aluminum frames. Best bang for the buck at the moment IMO.


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I run tubes but would like to go tubeless. My wheelset, which is ust ready, is close to the end (been servicing the rear hub to keep it alive) so I am thinking of making the transition at that time. It's all about the money.

I run a geax saguaro 2.2 in the rear and a wtb mutano 2.4 up front which is a nice combo. I use Stan's sealant which is like magic and really do not have any problems, even in the land of goatheads. Yes on occasion I need to replace a tube, but it's not often and not a big deal. I keep a little bottle or two in my pack. If you go that route just make sure you have removable valve core stems so you can unscrew them and squirt the Stan's in there either to try and seal a hole or in new tubes.

Really I think as slow as one typically goes bikepacking running tubes is fine. I'm sure it makes something of a difference, but my interest in tubeless is in regular riding where speed and trail contact, especially in cornering, really make a difference in performance.


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Looking good! I actually did the same thing with the top of my internal frame bag. I drape it over my sleeping bag stuff sack which also contains my clothes. I put a water bladder in it.

Since my last trip I have also tried a new strategy to move the stuff sack out away from the shifters and brakes. I cut a section of PVC pipe and strapped it to the stuff sack. Then I strap the two items to the bars. The PVC pipe holds the bag out far enough to clear the shifters and brakes so they don't wear a hole. Dirtbag style! Have not taken it out for a shakedown yet but I'm hopeful. Will post a pic later. As a bonus I also wrapped some duct tape to the PVC that I can unwrap and use if needed. Trying to figure out if I can incorporate the pipe for some other additional purpose.

As for rack vs. seatbag, I just went with what was most affordable. Found an OMM cold springs rack for $50 so that's what I am using. The thing is bombproof! I strap a stuff sack or drybag to the top of it that has my sleeping pad, cook kit and sleeping tarp. Food goes in my pack with rain jacket, rain pants and another water bladder. If needed ( ie. I am planning a trip with my 12 yo son and may need to carry some extra gear for him) I can also attach panniers from my wife's commuter.

I don't use a frame bag. I have three bottle mounts on my frame so there is not a lot of room I have plenty of capacity for any moderate weather bikepacking.

Keep us updated on your developments!

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For the stove I use one of those little alcohol stoves made from the bottoms of two beer cans. There are many tutorials online. I'm not overly mechanically inclined and it was very easy to assemble and very light. You won't be frying bacon with it but it boils water for a dinner and coffee easily.

For the steripen you should note that while they are very effective they work best on clear water. So depending on your sources you may still need to filter particulates. I have a pen I use when traveling abroad. I have taken it on backpacking trips together with another filter. I REALLY don't like have gastro issues on a trip.

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bikepacking is backpacking with a bike.

Interesting discussion in here, but I have to agree - bikepacking seems like the perfect term to me for taking your mountain bike (or other off-road bike) on multi-day excursions off-road. I just tell people its like backpacking, but on my bike and they get it. I guess I see that some associate "backpacking" with young people traveling around the world with a backpack, but to me, its still carrying all your gear on your back and doing a multi-day hike in the woods. Put that stuff on your bike (or bike and back) and you're bikepacking.

And those Swiss examples are AWESOME!

I'm with Tommi. I use an old climber's chalk bag myself. It came with tabs and to strap to the bike I have a large roll of double sided velcro strap material - cut to fit and it straps to the bars or sideways on the stem with no problems. Works great and has a little side zip pocket for my ID/bank card too. Accommodates snacks or a water bottle perfectly. If I was really fancy I would replace the cinching top with elastic, but it works fine as is. When I was last in REI I noticed they had new ones for pretty cheap – maybe $10-15. But I just used my wife’s…

kick a$$!  nicely done...

I am pretty happy with my Geax Saguaro for just the conditions you mention. Its pretty tough as well. I have that in a 2.2 on the rear and a WTB Mutano 2.4 up front. I hear the Geax Aka also gets great reviews (maybe better than the Saguaro - I think its a newer refined version of the Saguaro). On the rear, you can run it both directions - for speed or traction. I have tried it both ways and while both were fast, the traction orientation has great stick, especially on hard pack and slickrock.

Yes, I love New Mexico. I moved here 15 years ago so it still feels like a place I discovered and not something I take for granted. So much to explore.

My aunt and uncle live in Hillsboro (Corsicana exit off 35) and we've got friends in Waxahatchie. I lived in Austin many years ago (where I met my wife) but have not been back in ages. We also travel to west Texas occasionally (Alpine, Marathon, Big Bend area, Lajitas, etc.) and that's some crazy moonscape riding down there!

Keep us posted on your MYOG stuff. I love looking through those forums. Just wish I knew how to use a sewing machine. The most I have done is make my own little alcohol stove out of beer can bottoms, which is still pretty cool. I'm definitely a budget bikepacker and try to repurpose items I already own.

Ride on!

Saw a few threads with trip reports about bikepacking with kids along with a few mentions here and there, but no dedicated thread. This is something I have been planning for the warmer months and am wanting to see if we could get some good family bikepacking stoke going here. So....post your bikepacking-with-the-kids pics and stories here!

I have a 12 year old and a 7 year old I have been looking to do something with. First venture will be with the older one on an overnighter in late spring. Depending on how that goes, am looking for something to do with the whole family, or maybe just the younger one. The 12 year old rides road bikes through school and is pretty capable, but I am still planning for something relatively flat to emphasize more fun and less gruel. For the whole family, it may be something as simple as riding into an established primitive campsite.

How about the rest of you? Any good pics of you and the kids out bikesploring? What was your experience/lessons learned/etc?

That's a fine bike for bikepacking. I wouldn't worry about upgrading or changing anything on your ride just yet if all is in good working order. Get out there on an overnighter or two and I think any issues you want to address will become evident. But what you have will work perfectly fine.

At this point I would just focus on what you are bringing and how to carry it. There is a whole Make Your Own Gear section here with great advice on DIY projects if you are interested in that. Also check out the mtbr.com forums which also has an active forum on bikepacking.

Where in Tejas are you? If you poke around these forums looking at trip reports, you will see some from Big Bend State Park, the Dallas area, and more. I also have an interest in Palo Duro Canyon area (I'm in New Mexico).

I’ve just been working out my water carrying system. Where I live and have ridden, I need to carry all my water as there are no reliable water sources. I spread my water weight out around the bike. I can carry up to 9 liters (good for two days, one night) with the possibility of more on the rear rack and/or fork cages. Here’s how I arrange it:

Three 28 oz. bike bottles on frame (it came with three mounts), one 28 oz. in bar mount cage, one 28 oz. in pack pocket, 2 liter nalgene on rear rack, 1.5l bladder in pack, 1.5l bladder on bars in a bag = 9 liters total

I like riding with a light pack and water bladder personally. I find I stay more hydrated that way. But the pack is just 1.5 liter water bladder, 28 oz. bottle, tools and any layers I need to shed, so it stays fairly light (and I agree that you should strive to keep weight off your back if possible. Otherwise, everything else is on the bike, spread out. On my previous bike, I also hose clamped cages to the forks which worked very well. I used inner tube sections to protect the fork paint and help prevent slippage. I can add that to my current rig of needed, too. It also adds weight up front which I would want to balance out with something in the back, so it requires a different arrangement of the gear to do that.

Campmor I know has made down bags that are affordable and get very strong reviews (never owned or used one myself). However, when I just checked their website, I did not see them listed. At the same time, it was probably only one or two months ago I was thumbing through their hardcopy catalog and saw them listed. Worth digging around.

Also, there are some online used camping gear sites you might look at since you don’t mind cooties…

http://www.geartrade.com/
http://www.lowergear.com/product.php?cat=65

Some towns/cities have used camping gear stores as well. We had one here that is no longer around and I don’t recall the name (I think they were a franchise), but the stuff they had was in decent shape and good prices. And there is always craigslist and ebay as well as REI “scratch and dent” sales. I picked up a great 45 degree summer bag at one (made by them) for $50 one year. Its great for warm weather.

Very cool! Thanks for posting that. Doesn't look like they have any lookouts to rent here in New Mexico, but there are two on my list to visit this year (active).

Gonna search for kits. I actually have some land on a mountain so I'm intrigued...

Been sick and now we're just coming out of a cold snap (7 degrees F at night). AND the mtn bike is in the shop until next week. So, getting a little anxious to do something and the commute isn't doing it for me. I usually run twice a week at night (with kids, that's my window) but haven't been able to bring myself to do it with this weather. Better warm up a little soon - I'm getting soft!

But I'm good to ride down to about 20 degrees F (colder if I know it will warm while I'm out). Went out with my 12 year old son on Sunday just to get some blood moving and did 15 miles. It was about 25F. We were a little chilly, but it was fun. I actually really enjoy riding in the chilly weather as not many people are out and the cold air is kind of stimulating.

There is an interesting article in backpacker magazine about bears this month. They have some interesting stats regarding the efficacy of bear spray. Statistically it is WAY more effective than guns for bear encounters. FYI...

Ibuprofen is indeed very rough on your stomach! They also know that taking it prior to exercise has no notable improvement on inflammation or performance (I guess some think that if they feel less pain they can go further). I avoid the stuff unless I absolutely need it. It's also very hard on your liver. But for extreme pain or an injury, it's great to have on hand.

Thanks for posting this - good info for people to be aware of!