Bikepacking

1. ⚖️ How much luggage is needed for my type of trip?

The choice of luggage depends directly on the duration and autonomy of your trip:

Ultra-light : Nights in lodging, bivouac: Volume 10 to 20 liters.
Short Adventure (2-3 days): Camping with equipment: Volume 25 to 40 liters.
Long Adventure: Complete autonomy, equipment for cold: Volume 45 to 60 liters.

Bikepacking advocates lightness and compactness. Start with reduce your belongings before increasing the volume of your bags.
Distribute the weight strategically

2. 🎒 How to distribute the equipment on the bike (basic triangle)?

Bikepacking luggage is based on the principle of weight distribution in the unused spaces of the bike in order to maintain good maneuverability

Location: Under the Saddle - Saddlebag : Ideal content: Clothing and bedding.

Location: In the frame - Frame Bag : Ideal content: Heavy and dense objects (tool, food, etc.).

Location: On the handlebar - Handle Bag : Ideal content: Heavy and dense objects (tool, food, etc.).

A little extra advice: Always put the heaviest and densest objects in the center of the bike (in the frame bag) to keep the center of gravity low and improve stability.

3. 🛡️ What other criteria should you prioritize for purchasing?

Waterproofing: Crucial. The majority of brands use coated fabrics (Nylon or Polyester) with heat-sealed seams or waterproof zippers (sealed zips) to guarantee waterproofing. Roll-up bags (roll top) are the most reliable.

Fixing: Check the attachment system. Fastenings using hook-and-loop straps (Velcro) or buckles/straps must be robust to withstand vibration and weight.

Sustainability: Areas of friction with the frame should be reinforced (often with Hypalon) to prevent premature wear of the bag or abrasion of the bike's paint.

4.🔝 The Key Brands of Bikepacking and their Advantages

Apidura: Innovation and Performance. The standard for racing and ultra-distance.

Ortlieb: Robustness and Absolute Waterproofing. The waterproof bag specialist. Their products are often heavier, but their reliability and water resistance are unmatched.

Restrap: Artisanal manufacturing and Sustainability. Plastic-free products, often with magnetic attachments (for Top Tube Bags). Careful design with numerous Hypalon straps (abrasion resistant).

Topeak: Wide Range and Accessibility. Offers innovative bikepacking solutions (bags with QuickClick mounts) at generally more affordable prices, ideal for beginners.