Let me start off by saying there is no perfect bikepacking setup that can be applied to everyone for every condition all the time. You will need to deduce your own needs, preferences, wants, budget, and more to determine what will work for you across a variety of terrain, weather, and adventure types.

With that being said, here are some guiding questions to help you figure out what you need to consider for your next adventure. Read them, think well about what applies to you, then check out the photos below for ideas of what your bike could look like!

What bike should I buy?
- Sometimes the bike you already have is perfectly good enough to be a bikepacking and touring bike if a few modifications are made. You should 100% not buy an Amazon or Walmart brand bike, but you can absolutely get something second hand/discounted if you are looking to save money. I recommend consulting with friends and your local bike shop for advice on what bike to buy if you are in the market for something new.
How should I pack up my belongings on the bike?
- It is best to disperse the weight of your bike from the front to the back. Leaving everything on the back end of your bike is likely to cause you to tilt backwards on hills and can make you less efficient. Also, I personally find it easier to have more small/medium sized bags compared to just a couple gigantic ones. I also have a casual video explaining how I decide what items go into what bags.
Is there a gear list I can look at?
- I do not have a full one yet, but you can check out my short list of Brands and Companies I like to help you shop around for gear. Also, read the trip description thoroughly for any specifically listed items. We tend to stay at primitive campsites, so assume you need everything to help you in a remote setting.
How do I know what adjustments to make on my bike for this trip?
- You will need to read the trip description to learn more about the terrain and nature of the adventure. Based on that information (and take a look at the photos as well), you will be able to learn if you need alterations made on your bike. There is a whole list of modifications you can make such as:
  - Tubeless tires/wider tires for rougher gravel/singletrack terrain
  - Changing your handlebars for butterfly/crazy bars (aka, bars with more positions for you to rest on)
  - Adding stem/seatpost suspension to make your bike easier on the gravel/singletrack terrain
  - Clipless shoes & pedals for better foot security and power output
Can I ask you specific questions?
- Yes! Email me at livingbybike@pm.me if you have some product/gear questions. If you are looking for a whole gear list, I cannot provide that (because everyone has their own unique gear list for choice), but if you are deciding between a few options or are dealing with a problem, I am happy to share with you my expert advice.

Some other random notes to help:

You get what you pay for - cheap equipment often (but not always) means more problems
If you want to strap things on top of your rack or bags, use voile/modl infinity straps instead of bungee cords
Don’t wear a backpack, please
2+ waterbottles needed
Waterproof bags are best (or water resistant bags, but if we end up in a torrential downpour, they may get a bit wet)
The less you pack, the further you can go, but you also may be less comfortable off the bike because of the things you forgo
You should get your bike professionally serviced at least once a year (and especially before a trip) to make sure that nothing that could be prevented goes wrong
Talking to people is the best way to help work through your ideas and questions
Inflatable pillows are great- I recommend making a small pillowcase for it, that way you can wash the pillowcase with each trip instead of the whole pillow
Prepare for everything to get dirty
A GPS is better than a phone for navigation, but if you don’t do this often, a phone will suffice (or even a watch?)
Be prepared for random things to break