This is an up-to-date but much more concise version of the bikepacking list initially published in this blog post. If you want the rationale for some choices and some extra tips, take a look at the blog post!

Storage

  • awesome convertible carrier bag and, if necessary, cheap waterproof carrier bag
  • cooler backpack and/or basket and/or smaller cooler bag (depending on season and length of trip)
  • front/shoulder bag
  • frame bag for bike tools
  • tote bags for clean clothes (doubles as a pillow when camping).

Camping equipment

  • tent
  • sleeping bag
  • camping mat
  • head lamp

Clothes

Summer

  • t-shirts, both quickdry and not
  • pants:
    • shorts
    • long and/or detachable trousers
    • sweatpants
    • leggins
  • sweater
  • shirt (yes, with a collar!)
  • shoes, preferably waterproof
  • flip-flops
  • rain clothes:
    • k-way
    • cheap sandals that I don’t mind getting wet
    • rain trousers (optional)
    • helmet cover (optional)
  • super compact down jacket
  • thin neck gaiter
  • abundant, comfortable socks and underwear
  • swimsuit
  • prescription sunglasses
  • bike gloves (optional).

Autumn/spring

  • t-shirt(s) and/or long-sleeve shirt(s)
  • thermal shirt
  • undershirt(s)
  • pants:
    • wide-leg trousers and/or sweatpants that leave room leggins underneath
    • normal and/or thermal leggins
  • sweater(s)
  • waterproof shoes
  • flip-flops
  • super compact down jacket and/or down vest
  • warm, longer neck gaiter that can also protect the ears and head
  • abundant, comfortable underwear and socks (at least one pair woolen)
  • prescription sunglasses
  • bike and woolen gloves
  • rain clothes:
    • k-way
    • rain trousers
    • helmet cover
    • gloves covers

Toiletries, first aid kit etc.

  • solid soap
  • shower gel + shampoo
  • toothbrush, mini-toothpaste and flosser picks
  • mini-hairbrush
  • hairpins and hairbands
  • roll-on deodorant
  • compressed mini-towels
  • sunscreen
  • sun-protective lipstick or, if it is cold, lip balm
  • pads!
  • tweezers for ticks
  • band-aids and disinfectant
  • paracetamol
  • mosquito repellent and/or after-bite
  • laundry sheets and/or marseille soap (depending on washing machine availability).

Bike tools

  • pump and adapters
  • bike multitool
  • smaller multitool with pliers and smaller screwdrivers
  • chain oil and tiny rust solvent
  • rubber gloves
  • magic spray to fix flats.

Kitchen utensils

  • pocket knife
  • reusable forks, spoons and optionally spreading knives
  • concentrated dish soap, sponge and something to put freshly washed cutlery on if there is no clean surface to do so
  • kitchen paper
  • plastic bags and clips
  • ice packs
  • hand sanitizer.

Other utensils

  • bungee cords
  • bike lights
  • extra batteries
  • zipties
  • rain covers for bags and other equipment
  • mini sewing kit
  • lock (for hostel stays).

Mandatory electronics

  • smartphone
  • charging cables and a wall adapter for my phone and camera (see below)
  • powerbank
  • cheap wired earbuds.

Food

Some things I tend to bring along:

  • salt (in a small airtight container)
  • bananas
  • knäckebröd (crisp bread) and/or fresh bread
  • jam or similar
  • something canned, e.g. beans or fish
  • hummus or some other protein-rich spread
  • a lemon (it improves many canned foods, and if there is no other use for it, I just squeeze it in my water bottle)
  • vegetables. Cucumbers, avocados and cherry tomatoes are three classics
  • sugary snacks: sesamkakor, cotognata, dried mango raisins and the like
  • nuts

Drinks

  • water (at least two liters for free camping in the summer; storage: 1-2 thermal bottles to keep easily accessible while riding and a larger plastic one, that can be kept cool by wrapping it in the camping mat)
  • fruit juice
  • in cooler weather, tea or instant orzo/coffee to be stored in a proper thermos.

Luxury items

  • notebook and pen for travel notes
  • something to read
  • MTG cards or another tiny board game
  • (pocket) camera.