Going for a night out or a weekend adventure on a two-wheeler is in trend and many people are in need of ways to learn about transforming their backpacks for the short duration adventures. Use the tips given below to know how to use your backpacking gears for an overnight adventure on a bike. With small additions and some packing adjustments, you can use your backpacking gears for the bike-packing trip.

How to Pack on Your Bike

The front end of the bike should have less weight for easy handling. Keep the heavier equipment at the bottom of the frame bag. Doing so, your bike will be more stable for riding. Items having high volume and low weight should go on the handlebar. You can always add a bike rack in case you need more space. Just avoid over stuffing and you are good-to-go.

Packing Shelter and Sleeping Items

You should possess a lightweight and low volume backpacking sleeping bag, tent, and pad for these kinds of trips. Strap your sleep system or backpacking tent on the handlebar as its low weight won’t affect the bike handling. The poles can be packed separately along with the handlebars in a frame bag or in another packet. The sleeping bag should be packed in the rear seat bag.

Camp Kitchenware and Food

Cooking equipment is heavy and non-compressible, thus should be packed in a lower frame bag to maintain the bike’s low centre of gravity for balance. Place the snacks and any eatables that you will need during the trip in the top tube or stem bags in the cockpit area of the bike. Larger meals or food for the day after can be kept in the frame bag. Avoid putting any food item in the bottom bracket that can get wet as it may make those items soggier during the trip.

Packing the Clothes

You should pack the clothes which allow easy repetitive motion while cycling and also can keep you safe during the ever changing weather conditions. The clothing items should be able to absorb sweat and handle all-day-long activities. For packing, keep all the layers like a rain shell or puffy jacket easily accessible in seat or a handlebar bag. Wear a comfortable shoe that can also come useful during the other trips like hiking or trailing around the town.

Hydration, Lights and Tools

Carry water bottles in bottle cages on either side of the fork. You can also keep with yourself a hydration bladder fitted in the frame bag with a hose to drink easily during the ride. Keep your bike fitted with front and back lights for ease of travel during the evenings. You can use headlamps with elastic bands to wear over your helmet. Always keep with yourself a multi tool kit or a bike repair kit as bicycles require some trail side repair time and again. These kits will also help you during the general overhauling of your bike.

With this, we have covered all the important essentials you will need during your ride and how to pack them on your bike. Most of these essentials come from your backpack and thus you won't need to buy items separately for your bike packing trip. Keep the tips given above in mind and you will be ready for your first bike packing adventure.