It has been almost 6 years since my first bikepacking trip. Back then, saddle and frame bags were hard to find, and bikepacking was still a niche only for nutters. Today, I can walk into a bike shop and buy every bag I could ever need. Custom sewers are thriving, as are others that make the gear that makes bikepacking more fun. Bikepacking isn’t a niche anymore, it’s an anchor.

In 2008, 17 people started the Tour Divide. In 2015, there were more than 150.

The Colorado Trail Race had fewer than 10 people at its inaugural run. Now, more than 60 racers line up each year.

The Arizona Trail Race has seen similar growth.

And beyond the triple crown events, there is a growing list of bikepack races, routes and organized rides.

The sport is growing up.*

*Bikepack racing is still mostly underground, where it ought to remain.

As I get ready for another season of bikepacking rides and races (and the 2017 Tour Divide), I have refined my pack list to be lighter, smaller, and (hopefully!) more effective. Less weight + less bulk = miles of smiles.

Less really is more.

2016 Bikepack Gear List*

*As always, this list, like all gear lists, is a work in progress

I’ve included the known weight on a few of the core pieces of gear. I have not yet weighed the entire set up, but my goal for the ’17 TD is a dry weight of 34 lbs (or less).

Bikes

Mountain singletrack: Trek Superfly FS (M)

The Superfly FS is an amazing bike. It’s light, it’s efficient, and mine is orange and brown. What more could I ask for? It’s a worthy race machine, but is also ready to be loaded with gear and dragged over mountain passes or down long dirt roads. I’ve spent many miles on the Superfly, and look forward to many more.

Dirt Road: Salsa Cutthroat (M)

I’ve always had an affection for dirt roads. I realize that as a mountain biker, admitting that is heresy. But dirt roads can be wonderful. And now I have a wonderful bike that is built for them. It’s a dirt road bike. The Cutthroat loves to climb. The flared drop bars make descending fast and fun. The large front triangle is perfect for maximizing bag and bottle storage.

But this bike isn’t just for dirt roads. It can handle rough terrain and singletrack too. With room for 2.4 inch tires, the bike can be comfortably ridden on rugged trails or soft dirt. I’ve recently put 120 and 150 mile days in on the Cutthroat, and Salsa’s claim that the bike was “born to run” isn’t just hype.

Sleep System 1241g // 2.7 lbs

Enlightened Equipment Enigma (40 degree, 950fp) – 360g

Borah Snowyside Bivy – 360g

Big Agnes Clearview Pad – 311g

Montbell UL Down Vest – 140g

Sea2Summit inflatable pillow – 70g

Bag System 1208g // 2.8 lbs

Frame: Revelate Ripio (small) – 340g

Frame: Revelate Jerry Can – 73g

Frame: Revelate Gas Tank – 100g

Bars: Revelate Harness – 425g

Seat: Revelate Pika – 370g

Clothing

SS jersey

Bib shorts

Sleeveless baselayer

Cycling cap

Wool beanie

Riding gloves

Cold-weather gloves

Arm warmers

Knee warmers

Vest

Buff

Wool socks

2x riding socks

Eye glasses (prescription transition)

Rain 280g // 0.6 lbs

Gore Active One jacket (hooded) – 150g

Borah Gear WeatherTek pants – 130g

Repair

2x lightweight tubes

Crank Bros. multi-tool

Mini Leatherman tool

2x 11spd master chain links

2x brake pads

Big Air Co2

Park tire boots

Patch kit

Derailleur hanger

Cleat bolts

Rotor bolts

2x valve stem

2x spokes

Zip ties

Duct tape

Lezyne mini pump

Lube

Needle/thread

Sealant

Lights/Navigation

Garmin eTrex 30

ACA GDMBR maps

2x Fenix PD32

Rear flasher tailight

Water

3L MSR Hydromedary bladder (frame bag)

2 bottles on fork

SteriPen

Tablets

Survival

Spot locator

First aid kit

Cash/credit card/ID

Phone

Batteries (AA, CR123A)

Chamois cream

Matches/lighter/firestarter

Bug spray/wipes

Sunscreen

Dehydrated towels

Toothbrush/toothpaste/floss

Lip balm

Toilet paper

Portable charger (phone/lights)

And that’s that. Time to go ride!