How to Choose the Right Backpack for Bikepacking: Key Features to Look For

Quick Answer

When choosing a backpack for bikepacking, prioritize a secure fit that won't shift on rough terrain, ample storage for your gear, and durable materials that can handle the elements. Consider the length of your trip and the type of riding you'll do to decide between a dedicated bikepacking bag or a versatile daypack. For most bikepackers, a lightweight, water-resistant pack with compression straps and multiple attachment points offers the best balance of comfort and utility.

Bikepacking combines the freedom of cycling with the adventure of camping, and the right backpack can make or break your trip. Unlike traditional hiking, bikepacking requires a pack that stays stable on your back while you're leaning over handlebars and navigating uneven trails. This guide breaks down the key features to consider so you can choose a backpack that fits your riding style and gear needs.

We'll cover fit, storage capacity, weather resistance, and attachment options, plus practical decision rules to help you narrow down your choices. Whether you're planning an overnight trip or a multi-day expedition, these insights will ensure your backpack works with you, not against you.

Understanding Bikepacking Backpack Fit

The most important feature of any bikepacking backpack is how it fits. A pack that bounces or shifts while you ride can throw off your balance and cause discomfort. Look for packs with adjustable sternum straps, hip belts, and load lifters to secure the load close to your body. A snug fit reduces movement and keeps your center of gravity stable, which is crucial on technical descents.

Consider the torso length and how the pack distributes weight. Some bikepackers prefer a smaller pack (10-20 liters) for day trips, while others need 30 liters or more for multi-day adventures. Try on packs with weight to simulate real conditions, and adjust the straps to ensure the pack sits comfortably on your hips, not your shoulders.

• Adjustable straps: Look for sternum, hip, and load lifter straps to fine-tune the fit.
• Torso length: Measure your torso and choose a pack that matches your size for optimal weight distribution.

Storage and Organization

Your bikepacking backpack should have enough pockets and compartments to keep your gear organized and accessible. Multiple compartments help separate your sleeping bag, clothes, and food, so you don't have to dig through everything to find what you need. External attachment points, such as daisy chains or compression straps, let you secure extra gear like a tent or sleeping pad.

Think about what you'll carry: a tent, sleeping bag, pad, cooking gear, and clothing. For a two-person setup, a larger pack or additional frame bags might be necessary. If you're using a tent with a footprint and a mesh inner, you can distribute the weight between your bike and your backpack to keep your load manageable.

• Compression straps: Use them to cinch down your load and stabilize the pack.
• External attachment: Look for loops or straps to secure bulky items like a tent or pad.

Weather Resistance and Durability

Bikepacking exposes your gear to dust, mud, and rain. A backpack made from water-resistant or waterproof materials will protect your essentials. Check for sealed zippers, roll-top closures, or included rain covers. Durable fabrics like ripstop nylon resist tears and abrasions from brush and bike parts.

Consider the climate you'll ride in. For wet conditions, a waterproof pack or a reliable rain cover is essential. For dry, dusty trails, a pack with a breathable back panel and mesh padding will keep you cooler and more comfortable.

• Waterproofing: Choose a pack with a roll-top or rain cover for wet weather.
• Fabric: Ripstop nylon or similar materials offer tear resistance without adding much weight.

Decision Rules for Choosing Your Bikepacking Backpack

• Trip length: For overnight trips, a 10-20 liter pack may suffice. For multi-day trips, choose 30 liters or more, or combine a smaller pack with frame and handlebar bags. Match pack size to your trip duration and gear volume.
• Riding style: If you ride technical trails, prioritize a snug fit with multiple adjustment points. For road or gravel, a more streamlined pack with less bulk may be better. Stability is key for off-road; aerodynamics matter on pavement.
• Weather conditions: For wet climates, choose a waterproof pack or one with a rain cover. For hot, dry areas, look for breathable back panels and mesh padding. Protect your gear from the elements you'll encounter.
• Gear attachment: Use external straps or loops to secure bulky items like tents and pads. Products like Big Hitch Straps can help you attach gear to your bike or pack. Maximize your carrying capacity without overloading your back.

Gear That Complements Your Bikepacking Setup

• Big Hitch Straps: Straps for any purpose! With the Big Hitch Straps, secure your gear wherever you need. Attach your tent to a bike, secure loose gear at camp, strap down items at home, or use to field repair broken gear in a pinch - the uses are endless! These versatile straps are perfect for securing extra gear to your bike or backpack, ensuring your load stays stable and organized on the trail.
• mtnGLO® Tent & Camp Lights: Light up your tent or campsite using patent-pending mtnGLO® Tent Light Technology. After a long ride, these lights make setting up camp easier and safer, letting you see inside your tent without fumbling in the dark.
• Gold Camp 3 Mesh Inner: Seamlessly integrate this Mesh Inner to your Gold Camp Tarp for bug protection, added interior space, and increased stability. Simply attach the exterior toggles to the matching loops on your Tarp - you'll be set for any situation with plenty of breathability and a spacious vestibule for gear storage. If you're bikepacking with a tarp, this mesh inner adds bug protection and extra space, making it easier to pack and sleep comfortably.
• Gold Camp 3 Footprint: Set up your Gold Camp 3 Tarp with ground protection using this perfectly tailored footprint, for the ultimate lightweight backcountry shelter. A footprint protects your tarp from wear and tear, extending its life and keeping your shelter lightweight and reliable on multi-day rides.

Who Should Choose What

Best for

• Bikepackers who prioritize stability and comfort on technical trails.
• Riders planning multi-day trips who need extra storage for camping gear.

Not for

• Minimalist riders who prefer to carry all gear on their bike and only need a small daypack for essentials.
• Those who primarily ride on smooth roads and prefer a lightweight, streamlined pack without extra straps.

Choosing the right bikepacking backpack comes down to understanding your trip needs and riding style. Focus on fit, storage, and weather resistance, and use the decision rules above to narrow your options. With the right pack, you'll enjoy a more comfortable and organized ride, letting you focus on the adventure ahead.