Bikepacking

1. ⚖️ What luggage volume do I need for my type of trip?

The choice of luggage depends directly on the duration and self-sufficiency of your trip:

Ultra-lightweight: Nights in a hostel, bivouac: Volume 10 to 20 litres.
Short Adventure (2–3 days): Camping with equipment: Volume 25 to 40 litres.
Long Adventure: Full autonomy, cold-weather equipment: Volume 45 to 60 litres.

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

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

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

Location: Under the saddle - Saddle Bag: Ideal contents: Clothing and sleeping gear.

Location: In the frame - Frame Bag: Ideal contents: Heavy and dense items (tools, food, etc.).

Location: On the handlebar - Handle Bag: Ideal contents: Heavy and dense items (tools, food, etc.).

The extra tip: Always place the heaviest and densest items at the centre of the bike (in the frame bag) to keep the centre of gravity low and improve stability.

3. 🛡️ What other criteria should be prioritised when buying?

Waterproofing: Crucial. Most brands use coated fabrics (Nylon or Polyester) with heat-welded seams or waterproof zips (sealed zips) to ensure waterproofing. Roll-top bags (roll-top) are the most reliable.

Attachment: Check the attachment system. Hook-and-loop (Velcro) or buckle/strap fixings must be robust enough to withstand vibrations and weight.

Durability: Friction zones with the frame must be reinforced (often with Hypalon) to prevent premature wear of the bag or abrasion of the bike's paintwork.

4.🔝 The Leading Bikepacking Brands and Their Strengths

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: Handcrafted Manufacturing and Durability. Plastic-free products, often with magnetic fastenings (for the Top Tube Bags). Neat design with numerous Hypalon straps (abrasion-resistant).

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