Adventure Cycling Association

You don’t have to plan your bikepacking trip months in advance, but it certainly doesn’t hurt — especially if you want to tackle a long ride overseas. Here’s a general timeline and trip planning checklist to help keep you on track.

1 to 3 Months Before You Go:

• Ride your bike often, stay active, and begin working up to longer rides. Check out our bikepacking training guide for more.
• Pick a bikepacking route and make a rough plan for camp locations, water refills, and food resupply stops.
• Make reservations for popular campgrounds and hotels, especially if you plan on riding during that region’s high season. Pro tip: If all the campgrounds are booked, consider dispersed camping.
• Arrange transportation for yourself and your bike.
• Talk to a medical professional about any health concerns.
• Start learning and practicing basic bike maintenance.

2 to 4 Weeks Before You Go:

• Acquire all the bikepacking gear you’ll need and start using it on training rides to dial in your packing system. Not sure what gear you’ll need? We’ve got you covered.
• Test any new camping gear to make sure you know how it works.
• Review the route, make a navigation plan and acquire maps or apps as needed. Call to verify business hours for any critical stops.
• Bike maintenance checkup: Go through essentials yourself or visit a bike shop for a tune up.
• Transition to riding terrain that’s similar to your intended bikepacking route, if you haven’t been already.
• Consider a fully loaded overnight shakedown ride.

Final 2 Weeks Before You Go:

• Download and prepare offline resources such as maps, route notes, emergency contact info, podcasts or music as desired.
• If you plan to bring a satellite messenger, make sure your subscription is active, sync messages and settings, and let your contacts know what to expect during your trip.
• Taper your training to let your body rest while staying active with gentle exercise.
• Do a final bike check: lube chain, adjust brake pads, review the tools and spares on your packing list.
• Prepare and pack any food you’ll be bringing.
• Watch the weather forecast and make last-minute adjustments to clothing and gear.
• Do a final complete test pack to make sure everything fits.
• Pack your bike for transport if needed.
• Charge electronics like power banks and lights.
• Get excited! Watch videos, read blogs, pore over maps, or whatever else you do to cultivate stoke.

Special Considerations

For longer trips, consider these additional steps:

• Arrange for someone to care for your pets, plants, or home.
• Put a hold on mail or arrange for it to be picked up.
• Fill any prescriptions you’ll need to take with you.
• Arrange bill payments in advance.

For international trips, consider these additional steps as early as possible: 

• Arrange flights, including bike transport via checked luggage or shipping.
• Check visa requirements and make arrangements.
• Visit a travel health clinic for vaccinations and other considerations.
• Make sure your passport will be valid for at least six months from the start of your trip.
• Consider travel insurance to protect your belongings and your health.
• Decide how you’ll get and carry local currency, especially where credit cards are not widely used.

Up Next: Food and Water Strategies for Bikepacking

Photo by Adam Edgerton