Getting started?

[matty78943]

right let me explain, I'm a college student currently and i commute about 25 miles every day (total).

recently i have started getting more serious into cycling, having invested in a new bike, rack, and a few bags (any guess on favourite brand  )
what i want to do is get started in the (what appears to be) wonderful work of bikepacking but not exactly sure on what to get next.
attached is a picture of my bike as of today.

so where should i go from here?
front pannier rack+bags?    handlebar bag?

if someone could give some advice that would be greatly appreciated
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Bike - 2017 carrera axle (very similar to my 2012 carrera crossfire 1)
rack - topeak super tourist DX
toptube bag - topeak tribag (for phone/keys)
saddle bag - topeak survival tool wedge ii (tools and spare inner tube)
racktop bag - topeak mtx trunkbag DXP
other - 2 bottle cages, frame mounted pump, bar ends, front mudguard (not on in the photo)
_________________________________________________________________________________________
(oh yeah the topeak stuff is mainly because it was on offer at my local bike shop and the fact that i can take it off the bike very quickly!)

[ec_duz_it]

Get a frame bag next. That rigid bike looks like it won't handle much technical riding. Stick to well graded dirt roads.

[fotooutdoors]

I think it really depends on what type of riding to want to do. If you are looking to go off the beaten path, then yes, a frame bag makes sense. If finances are tight and you are handy, it is pretty easy to sew a decent frame bag.

The first step, either way, is to get a few overnighters in. Go on a couple short trips to see what you enjoy, and you will learn if there is anything you don't need next time or something that would make your next trip better.

[RonK]

Start here.

Bikepacking 101

[Jordan Holsgrove]

Thanks for the link!