Bikepacking packing list for the road bike

On my Bikepacking tour with the Racing bike from Hamburg to Riva del Garda and back to Füssen I gained a lot of experience, for example what you need to have with you when you go with the Racing bike on a bikepacking tour goes. I only packed the essentials and only took one thing with me that I didn't use. Attention spoilers: It was the swimming trunks.

on my last Bikepacking road bike Tour in October 2020, I'm largely the Lake Konigsee Cycle Path drove and only slept in guesthouses. Of course, I was able to save some space with that, because I didn't have to take a tent or a sleeping bag with me. Because of the cooler temperatures, I had trainers with me instead of flip flops and unfortunately trainers take up much more space than flip flops, so you didn’t really notice the luggage savings. Sneakers are just as big as a tent 😳

I just didn't use the swimming trunks!

The art of economical packing

The most important thing I find is what you put where in the bikepacking bags am Racing bike stowed away, that's why I want to address this post panniers shimmy along. As always, if you have any questions, feel free to ask them in the comments.

Which panniers where on the racing bike

The last photo of the tour, my bikepacking bike
The last photo of the tour, my bikepacking bike

As already described in my travel report, I am with my racing bike 25 mm Road tires driven on my big tour. Due to my route planning, I would prefer to use wider tires next time, more so in the Gravel style, but 25mm and 28mm tires are also wonderful in any case. A bikepacking tour doesn't get nicer if you ride as many kilometers as possible a day, but because you take beautiful paths through forest and meadows.

The Bikepacking racing bike tempted to race on such tours, but after a few days I took more time for the stages and nature. Taking wider tires next time was one of the main findings of the tour, at least for me, but it also worked without any problems with the 25mm tires. Absolutely no no-go!

Addendum: After some back and forth I ended up with 28mm to 30mm tires. When bikepacking with my racing bike, I always enjoy the parts of the route where I can cover a good number of kilometers on asphalt. The forest paths are then a welcome change.

In the picture above you can see quite well which bag I put where on the bike, but of course I would like to get rid of which bags I used. Mainly I have the panniers from the Expedition series from Apidura used, that had the following reason.

  1. Reports from other bikepackers were consistently positive
  2. The bags of this series are very stable
  3. The Expedition series is 100% waterproof
  4. Specially made for road bike frames

In fact, the most important thing for me was that the pockets 100% Waterproof are and I can only confirm that. For my next tour I would like to have one or two food pouches and a larger top tube bag.

What was stowed in which bag

In order to make the list complete, I also have to write what I was wearing at the time of departure.

  • bib shorts
  • Base layer short
  • Arm
  • Socks
  • trikot
  • vest
  • neckerchief

Expedition Saddle Pack 17L

Apidura EXPEDITION SADDLE PACK 17L
Apidura EXPEDITION SADDLE PACK 17L

In the Saddle pack I had decided on the largest variant of Apidura. With a packing volume of 17L you get a lot in there.

  • 1 x bib shorts
  • 1x base layer short
  • 1x jersey
  • 2x socks
  • 1x underpants
  • 1x short pants
  • 1x sweatpants
  • 1x slippers
  • 1x swimming trunks
  • 1x long sleeve
  • 1x down jacket (can be squeezed to approx. 5x8cm)
  • 1x rain jacket
  • 1 x t-shirt
  • 1x tight for colder days
  • small microfiber towel

The Saddle Pack was already well filled with that, but there was still enough space to get my vest in.

frame pack

I've had my frame pack for a while and have used it for marathons as well MSR300 used to keep track of everything. Other road cyclists then ask me why I take such a large bag with me, but I just don't like doing without anything. That frame pack fits very well into the racing bike frame, doesn't bother at all and offers a lot of space.

Apidura Frame Pack
Apidura Frame Pack

On my bikepacking tour with the racing bike I had stowed the following in the frame pack.

  • Continental GP 4000 S2 (25mm)
  • Chain oil
  • Sonnencreme
  • Toothbrush
  • toothpaste
  • Razor
  • a pair of bars
  • A bicycle chain lock
  • A cable lock
  • Ibuprofen
  • Apple connector
  • USB plug
  • multi-tool
  • 2x Allen key
  • Cable Ties
  • Pferdesalbe

Top tube pack

I actually always have the top tube pack on my racing bike, also on my aero, but then on the front top tube. I always have a spare tube, air pump and self-adhesive patches with me on every lap. For my Bikepacking tour I aligned the bag on the seat post so that I can always get to my repair kit and there is space for another bag at the front.

  • 2x hoses
  • 3x tire levers
  • 1x air pump
  • a pack of self-adhesive patches

Explorer Smart

The Explorer Smart from SKS I only bought it on the second stage of my tour. I had them before Vaude Carbo Glide assembled. But I have no idea who came up with this stupid cover on top, it totally interferes with cycling, real crap. So I exchanged and disposed of the Vaude at the first opportunity. As I said, I would have liked to write a letter to Vaude, but at the end of a tour I don't have the energy for something like that anymore 😉

SKS Explorer Smart
SKS Explorer Smart

I stowed the following items in the Explorer Smart.

  • 2x Power Bank
  • Mini USB cable
  • iPhone cable
  • Headphones (wired)
  • iPhone (in case on top)

Expedition Handlebar Pack & Accessory Pocket

Admittedly, I had loaded my handlebars heavily. In terms of pockets, I had stowed a total of three pockets. The handlebar pack, the accessory pocket and a waterproof bag that I simply stuck between the pockets. With these bags, your racing bike becomes more of a wind catcher, but everything has to be stowed away somewhere. In the event that you go without a tent, you can definitely make it a little more optimal.

Apidura Handlebar Pack & Accessory Pocket
Apidura Handlebar Pack & Accessory Pocket

Handlebar pack

  • Tent
  • linkage
  • soil nails

Waterproof bag

  • Sleeping bag

Accessory pocket

  • Essen
    • Bolt
    • Land hunters
    • ...
  • Wallets
  • Small stuff I lugged around with me

That was all I had with me! Actually not much, but I still see some potential.

Things I would leave out next time

  • As already mentioned, the swimming trunks. In a pinch, you could just take your shorts for a swim.
  • The ones stowed in the bag Spare cycling clothes: 1x bib shorts, 1x baselayer short and 1x jersey. You can also wash your clothes in the evening and dry them again in the morning. During my bikepacking tour, I only ever transported clean clothes.
  • Next time I would too Tent Let at home. When I travel, I would always prefer a guesthouse or hotel, and if I really want to put in the miles, next time it will be the bivouac sack. I've never done it, but I'd like to learn.

Conclusion

I was on mine Bikepacking tour very well equipped with the racing bike. I can highly recommend the bags from Apidura (no, I'm not sponsored). They are stable and 100% waterproof. Now I want to go to the bivouac Business sniff and I'm curious how I'll start next time. As always, if you have any specific questions, feel free to ask them in the comments. I'll answer as soon as possible.

14 comments

  1. Hi Raymond!
    Thank you for your detailed blog entry. After my gravel bike, I finally bought a full carbon racing frame to be light and fast on tour. Did you have problems with your carbon frame and your weight of about 15kg? I can't estimate how much weight a carbon frame can take...
    I look forward to an answer!
    Best
    Helen

    1. Hello Helen,
      thanks for your comment. Congratulations on the new racer, I love carbon racers because they simply offer a different driving experience and are now also available in comfortable ergonomics. You can find out how high the system weight of your bike can be from the manufacturer and this is actually always in the product description. Most manufacturers give 120 - 130 kg as the permissible system weight, I've only seen 110kg with the Lite models from Rose. System weight means:
      Rider + bike + load
      Since I weigh between 90 and 95kg (depending on the time of the season), I have of course already dealt with it. The frames can withstand significantly more, these limitations are more a result of the wheel combination. The drivers are quite free in the configuration at most dealers and the manufacturers simply protect themselves to avoid warranty claims.
      Last year I spoke to a Canyon product manager who said: road bikes and gravel bikes go through the same tests because there are simply no different test tracks and the resilience of carbon and aluminum is no longer different.
      You just have to take a look at the mountain bike racers who ride all carbon. I've also just ordered a new touring bike on a gravel basis and it's made entirely of carbon, so I have full confidence in it. Carbon is only more sensitive when it comes to hits that act selectively. For example, a fall off-road and a sharp stone hits the frame.
      Panniers:
      I only use panniers with Velcro fasteners, so of course there are no fastening problems. There are also panniers that come with a rod and are screwed to the frame, so you have to ask the dealer and use a torque wrench to attach them. A torque wrench is mandatory with carbon anyway!

      I hope that helps you. So if you weigh under 90kg you don't have to worry at all 😉

      Have fun and greetings, Raimund.

  2. Hello and good morning, I've just read your great report, I'm planning something similar. Just one question: I ride quite a lot in the saddle, do your thighs or knees rub on the pockets with your equipment? That would be an absolute exclusion criterion for me. Thanks and regards, Thomas

    1. Moin Thomas.

      The pockets that could rub against thighs and knees are absolutely solid and nothing wobbles! On my Bodensee-Königsee tour I had the phenomenon that I rubbed my shorts brittle after 800km on the small pocket on the seat post, but I never had it before.

      Means: I either got fatter or I had too much in my pocket. I fear the former 😉

      So I bought a new bag for the top tube. You can see them here in the first gallery: https://rennrad-hamburg.de/bikepacking-teil-5-pause-in-venedig-und-ab-in-die-dolomiten/
      Expensive, like everything from Apidura, but really great!

      Of course, the ass rocket (Saddle Pack) wobbles when you step out of the saddle and I haven't seen one that doesn't wobble, but you don't notice that. Not even with the gravel in the field.

      With the Frame Pack you don't have to worry about bumping into it with your knees, my absolute favorite bag!

      I wish you lots of fun and success on your tours!

      Greetings Raimund.

      1. Thank you very much for the info, then I'll go to the bike shop, we have a good selection here, best regards and continued successful bikepacking experiences, Thomas

  3. Hi Raimund,

    nice report from you. Thank you for sharing it with us. I'm planning something similar for 2022, but not as many kilometers as you do, but more leisurely routes, such as around Lake Constance, the Drau cycle path or the Isar.

    Does the Expedition Saddle Pack rub off the finish on the support tube? I bought a 10 liter bag, that's enough for me with my backpack, but I'm considering putting a thin rubber mat around the seat post to protect the paintwork. 1mm thickness is already enough.

    PS I ride a Scott Foil 30 from 2012 in canary yellow - you can (unfortunately) see every scratch.

    Greetings Sven

    1. Hey Sven. I checked again and couldn't find any paint scratches on any of the wheels. Of course, this is not a guarantee for you, but it is an experience.
      Your tour sounds very nice! The river cycle paths are a dream and for me the only good ones in Germany. If you are at Lake Constance, I can also recommend a few kilometers of the Bodensee-Königsee cycle path. There are a few mountains, but especially at the beginning very idyllic stretches.

      https://rennrad-hamburg.de/bikepacking-bodensee-konigssee-radweg/

      Kind regards and have fun on your tour, Enjoy!!!

  4. Hello Raymond,
    Heard your podcast and felt invited to share my packing list 😉
    Don't use Radtschen (just the small classic saddlebag), instead use a running backpack from Inov-8. Content for approx. 5 days with overnight stay outdoors (forest or roof) in Austria:
    – Headphones, cell phone, Garmin, chargers
    – Gloves, helmet, cycling shoes, cycling bottle, sunglasses
    - Sleeping bag
    – 4x socks
    – 2x cycling shorts, tripant, 4x trishirt, 1x odlo long-sleeved
    – Arm warmers, leg warmers, rain jacket
    – Toothbrush, Vaseline, handkerchiefs, tape
    – Cash, wallet
    - bars, cutlery with small Towel, food, chewing gum+candy
    – lock, plastic bag with pad
    – Hood, plastic bag, optional flip flops

    With the appropriate equipment, I was also on the road with my teenage son.
    However, I am a fair-weather driver 😉
    LG dodo

    1. Hello Dodo, thank you for your list!

      As I see, you are much more adventurer than me 😂
      Really cool and short packing list. I always have the feeling that I have the most small things with me, because my clothes always all fit in the ass rocket. How do you do that with tools, spare parts, hoses, sunscreen, power bank, ...

      Many thanks and greetings, Raimund.

      1. Sorry, just looked back now... I only have a spare tube, multi-tool and possibly a chain lock with me in case of breakdowns. It fits easily in the saddle bag. I'm not from the world and if necessary (after) bought. I have a mini tube of sunscreen, which is usually in the saddlebag. Powerbank is more exciting: never had one with me, but thought about it. So far, I have always considered charging options during my stops and overnight stays. So Mäci, train station, swimming pool etc. - a publicly accessible socket can almost always be found 😉

        HTH and LG
        dodo

  5. Hello, great report. about the apidura frame pack 2 questions:
    1. Isn't it relatively cumbersome to decompose and assemble the bag every day to take it to the room or do you just leave it on the bike?
    2. It looks like the bag is blocking the drink bottle? Can you still remove/insert it without any problem?
    Greetings Stefan

    1. Hi Stefan.
      1. Putting the bags on and off is very easy and hardly any effort. I always left the frame pack on (when I could store my bike) because I hardly needed anything from it at night.
      2. I have a 60 frame and I just get the bottle out. Bottle holders that go to the side obviously make it more worry-free. If your frame is smaller than 60, I strongly recommend bottle cages that are open to the side! I really love the bottle holders on the fork, just perfect for traveling! If a bottle on the fork is empty, I swap one from the frame to the front. The quickest and easiest way to get to the fork is!

      Greetings Raimund.

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