Bikepacking: saddle bags, frame bags, handlebar bags – what you need

Your bike’s paint puts up with a lot. Bags can rub against this paint and wear it off if you take lengthy – or frequent – cycle rides. This is especially true if there’s dust trapped between the frame and the mount, which functions like sandpaper and accelerates the wear of your frame. So, cover the frame with protective film at points where it’s likely to rub.

As with other outdoor equipment, you should store your bikepacking bags in a dry place, out of direct sunlight and at a constant temperature. This prevents the material from wearing out too quickly.

Transa only sells waterproof bikepacking bags, so a wipe-down with a damp sponge or cloth is all it takes to clean them. You might need to use detergent if the bags are very dirty. Check the manufacturer’s instructions, though – detergents that are too powerful can damage the material.

Affix bikepacking bags straight to your bike’s frame with Velcro or straps – there’s no need for a luggage rack. This makes them easy to install. However, make sure you don’t trap or bend any brake cables or gear cables when mounting your bags. When you’re attaching your bags, take your bike for a short test ride to check whether your brakes and gear shift still work.

Before you’ve totally filled up your bike with bags, don’t forget that you’ll need a bottle holder, too. Think about where you’ll be cycling: can you fill up your drinking bottle en route? If so, this minimises the weight you’re carrying. Depending on where you’re getting the water from, though, you might need a water filter or tablet. If you can’t refill your bottle along the way, you can put bottle holders almost anywhere on your bike: on the front fork, on the handlebars, on the saddle tube, on the lower tube facing upwards or downwards. And if that’s not enough, a water bladder is what you need. You might be able to squeeze this into a handlebar or frame bag, otherwise a hydration backpack is a good bet.

It’s worth packing as little as possible for multi-day tours, in particular. Tip: get a few items of clothing made from high-quality material. They’re light and pack small – making them ideal for bikepacking. You’ll probably get by with less than you’d initially think. Ideally, lay out everything you’re considering and go through your equipment with precision.

That said, don’t cut corners when it comes to your health or the functionality of your bike. This means that you should always have a first aid kit and tools with you on your tour. Sun protection and plenty of food and drinking water are also must-haves.