The rules for bikepacking are very much the same as for backpacking. You want your load to be as easy as possible to carry, yet still be adaquate enough to make the experience a comfortable and enjoyable one.

First, let me dispell the erroneous view that bikepacking means loading you bike with so much stuff it can barely be ridden, only to survive a spartan existance on the road. Thanks to advancements in the bike touring and backpacking industry, gone forever are the days of 40 pound loads, precariously balanced on unstable bikes, eating partially cooked food and shivering all night on the hard ground in your sleeping bag.

The trick to successfull packing is to remember these three things:

1. Weight (light, yet well made).
2. Compactness.
3. Versatility (think "multitasking")

The third one, however, is something that some people surprisingly overlook. If one object can do the job of something else as well, then you will not have to carry that second object. Results, less weight, less bulk, no sacrifice in comfort.

That said, here is a sample bikepacking checklist. For a printable version, click here.

LIVING __Tent __Sleeping bag __Pad __Lantern __Rope __Saw __Flashlight __Swiss Army knife KITCHEN __Stove __Fuel __Matches & lighter __Pot set __Cup __Pot holder __Water bag __Tableware __Plates __Spatula __Wisk __Scrub pad __Small bottles & vials __Cooking oil __Condiments __Dry Milk __Egg holder __Butter jar PERSONAL __Wash rag __towel __First aid __"Mountain money" (toilet paper) __Comb __Toothbrush & paste __Razor __Soap __Soap thingie

CLOTHING __Underwear __Socks __Pants __Shirts __Shoes __Sweatshirt __Extra cyclewear __Leg/armwarmers __Windshell __Swimsuit MISCELLANEOUS __Ditty bags __Maps/routeslips __Lock/cable __Bike tools __Pen/pencil & paper __Camera & film WEATHER __Sweatpants __Down vest __Cap __Rainsuit __Bags EXTENDED TOURS __Fanny pack __Spare parts __Spare batteries __Extra fuel/lantern oil

Tent: "But I'm not going to tour in the rain, what do I need a tent for?" Tents offer more than shelter from the rain. They offer privacy for dressing, or you might be touring with your S/O ;-3). it's nice to have shelter if the wind blows (especially if the campground is dusty), the two ov you want to get romantic, etc. I prefer the Sierra Design "Flashlight", it offers the most room for it's weight. If you're consistantly traveling in a group, remember, one 7 pound tent weighs less than two 4 1/2 pound tents.

Sleeping bag: Get down. It's lighter, compacts smaller and lasts longer. Forget what people say about "...if it gets wet..." You're going to be in a tent, remember? Look for one that meets your temperature needs. Note: The North Face "Blue Kazoo" is rated down 15º, but the down can be shifted from the top to the bottom for warmer weather.

Pad: Sleeping on the hard ground sucks. Get a sleeping pad. Foam is the lightest, but doesn't cushion well. Air mattresses are heavy, but offer the greatest comfort. Self inflating mattresses (Like the ThemaRest) offer a compromise.

Lantern: It's nice to have light at night. (I use mine to heat my cognac, too. :-3) ) Most backpacking lanterns use candles, a couple use lantern oil.

Rope: Get the 1/4" nylon type.

Saw: This is optional, but nice if you need to cut wood for a campfire or a BBQ.

Flashlight: Vital for those midnight trips to the restroom. I prefer the MagLight "MiniMag" Small, light and virtually indestructable. Even lighter with rechargable batteries.

Swiss Army Knife: Did I mention multi-tasking? I like the Victorinox "Camper" or "Adventurer". Knife, can opener, bottle opener, screwdrivers, small pliers, tweezers, toothpick (the Adventurer has a locking blade and a small saw too).

Stove: I like the MSR "Dragonfly". Light, compact, burns anything, and has a fully adjustable flame.

Pot set. For weekends and "overnighters", a simple mess kit will do. For longer trips or group camping, a more complete set is preferred. Lightest and most versitile, IMHO, are MSR's "Blacklight" and "Titan".

Cup: I like the aluminum ones because they also can be used to heat liquids as well (my cognac, for example). Look for one with measuring marks (or mark it yourself).

Pot holder: If the pots and pans have handles, this will not be necessary. If they don't the kit will probably come with a cheapie. Get rid of it and get a good one. Your hands will thank you.

Waterbag: These save trips to the faucet, and many have shower attachments. Leave the bag in the sun for a while and have a warm shower at the end of the day.

Plates: Many cooksets come with aluminum plates. I get rid of these and subststute them with 7" plastic disposable picnic plates. Lighter.

Spatula: I like the UTU bamboo spatula.

Small bottles and vials: These are for things like cooking oil, sugar or honey, etc. The vials are good for condiments (spices, tenderizer, etc.).

Egg holder: Eggs, especially farm fresh, will keep unrefrigerated for a couple of days. Less in hot weather, longer in cold weather. You can also buy powdered eggs.

Butter Jar: Butter, too has a long shelf life. And yould be suprised how many simple dinners cannot be prepared without butter! I use the Nalgene 8 oz screwtop jar. It holds 1 stick of butter perfectly. (TIP: let butter soften and whip it before putting it in the jar, it won't seperate as easily).

Wash rag and towel: I like the PackTowl. Small and light, but they soak up a lot of liquid.

First aid: Don't go overboard with this. Some antiseptic, bandages, tape and gauze for large scrapes, sunscreen, asprin, stuff like that. Unless you're going off-road to some really remote spot, there will usually be someone around to help, and most serious injuries you can't handle on your own anyway.

Mountain Money: Toilet paper or tissue.

Razor: Get a lightweight handle and blades. takes up a lot less room than a package of disposable razors.

Soap: I like the liquid soaps. They can be used for washing dishes, yourself, and shaving. If you want bar soap for bathing, grab some "courtesy" soap next time you stop at a motel.

Soap thingie: builds tons of lather, stretches the life of your soap supply.

Pants: Avoid heavy fabric pants like blue jeans. I like the "convertable" type. These are long pants with zip off legs. This way, each pair is actually two pairs, one short, one long. You can save even more weight and space by bringing only one set of pant legs. One pair of pants is good for up to three day tours, two pairs will handle up to one week tours. I wouldn't carry more than three pairs maximum, even on the longest tours. You can always wash out every few days.

Shirts: T shirts are fine, long sleeve for cool weather.

Shoes: This has been a real problem, most shoes, even the super lightweight ones, are bulky. The best solution I have found are moccassins that I made from a leather kit. Whatever you decide, remember "light and compact". If you don't plan on a lot of walking, clipless MTB shoes can serve double duty.

Sweatshirt: Look for the Polartec type. They're light, but warm, and don't stain either.

Swimwear: I like the "Speedo" style. They weigh nothing and roll up into a ball the size of a walnut. Even if there aren't any swimming holes on your route, they come in handy for those campsite showers.

Maps: I prefer these to routeslips, and carry them even if I have route slips. They let you see if there's anything else of interest in the area you're in, and priceless if you miss a turn.

Lock & cable: Gone are the days when you could leave your packed touring bike unattended while you shop for dinner or sleep. I take a lightweight cable and combo lock. not thief-proof, but better than nothing.

Bike tools: Beside the ones you usually carry. If you're going to be on the road for a long time, there's always a chance that something besides a simple flat can happen. A couple of cone wrenches, trimmed down headset and bottom bracket tools don't weigh much, take up very little room, but can really come in handy.

Camera and film: Not necessary, but a visual record of your trip is great when you're telling your friends about it. I take a 35mm SLR with a zoom lens, a few filters, flash and a small plastic tripod. But then, photography is a hobby of mine. For simple snapshooting, any small camera, even a disposable, will do fine, and fit easily into a jersey pocket.

Down vest: Layered over the sweatshirt, will keep you warm even on really cold nights. Again, down is light and compressible.

Cap: a lightweight one that will cover your ears is good. If it fits under your helmet, great.

Rainsuit & bags: A simple shell will do (small and light, remember?). The bags are for your feet. I have never found shoe covers that succeed in keeping my shoes dry. Put the bags over your socks, then put on your shoes. At least your socks (and your feet!) will stay dry. If the manufacturer of your panniers doesn't make raincovers, garbage bags will foot the bill.

Fanny pack: When packing for a real long tour, panniers can get real full. A fanny pack is packable space for the night's dinner.

Spare parts: No matter how well you care for your machine, many things can happen on long trips. A few spare spokes, brake and derailleur cables, spare tire (foldable) can really come in handy.

Spare batteries: Batteries have a habit of running down at the worst times. If you use rechargables, there are small, solar powered rechargers that can keep a spare set charged as you ride.

If you shop and pack wisely, a one week camping tour should only add about 25-30 pounds maximum to your bike, depending on the season.