When it comes to bikepacking adventures, they can either feel like a sufferfest or be amazing experiences. I have been lucky enough to experience both. For me, off-road bikepacking is a place where good advice can go a very long way to help you.

In this article, I want to share some of my top tips for off road bikepacking and give you the best possible chance to have an amazing adventure. In this article, I will tell you a little about my experience and give you my best advice.

My Experience Off Road Bikepacking

I started my cycling journey on the road. I then switched to gravel biking and started doing a little bit of mountain biking. I am not the most experienced off-road rider, but I have been lucky enough to get some experience while at races and in training. 

I found the switch very difficult and it took me a lot to feel confident bikepacking off-road. I found that the difference was not just minimal, but it was a completely different challenge with very different aspects involved compared to road riding.

Top Tips For Off Road Bikepacking!

Now for the exciting part! Let’s get straight on with telling you these tips to take your off road bikepacking to the next level!

1. Practice, Practice, And Practice More!

In my eyes, the key to getting better at off-road riding is practicing as much as possible. The more experience you get, the more confident you can be and the more you are going to be able to get away with.

I also recommend going off-road a few times fully loaded before you go on a trip, so you know how it feels. Adding an extra 5 kg in bikepacking gear makes an off road bike handle completely different.

2. Don’t Rush

I have ridden with some amazing off-road cyclists, and their skill is incredible. They love to fly down descents as quickly as possible, jumping over stuff and going crazy. If you have the ability to do this, then why not? 

If you are not as skilled like me, then maybe taking your time is the safer option. The last thing you need is to take a spill and break your bike or yourself. Many people have come away from adventures for a silly, quick thrill. 

3. Maintain Awareness At All Times

No matter your bikepacking trip, you need to stay aware. Not just of the surroundings but where you’re at mentally and physically. It’s not rare to get achy and tired and end up switching off your mind. This lapse in concentration will end up in an accident.

Once, I was so tired that I rode on the wrong side of the road during an ultra race. Luckily, a person warned me about what I was doing. This is something I never want to happen again. So when you’re tired, not focusing, and are not in a good mindframe…. Rest, don’t get injured!!!!!

4. Extra Food And Water

When it comes to riding and bikepacking off-road, a big advantage is being able to carry extra food and water. When you’re off-road, there’s much less resupply; you don’t often know how long sections will take because you don’t know the terrain, and there’s a stronger possibility of getting lost.

When I go bikepacking off-road, I try to take a bladder with 2-3 liters of water or a few bottles. I think the hydration bladder for riding off-road is the better option. When it comes to food, high calorie, small in size, and nothing that is going to go bad in the sun.

5. Tire Pressure Matters

Tire pressure matters a lot when it comes to off-road bikepacking. The right pressure will increase performance on speed and grip hugely, and it can also increase comfort. 

Get the tire pressure right using a tool such as the SILCA calculator. Running tubeless is another big advantage because they are much better at lower pressure and can self-heal.

6. Choose Routes Wisely

I have seen some amazing off-road riders in my time go bikepacking and fall to pieces. The extreme route isn’t always the right one. There’s one thing about being able to ride all day, but it’s another being on technical terrain and being thrown around all day. 

I highly recommend choosing routes with a mix of off-road terrain. Include gravel, trails, and some technical parts, but don’t go crazy. You are not always going to feel fresh, and there will be times when you just won’t want to be uncomfortable. Use Komoot for route planning. It’s amazing!

7. Learn Bike Repairs

This is something I am so particular about when it comes to people asking me for advice on bikepacking. Learning basic repairs goes such a long way and can make or break an adventure, and some things are much easier to work on than you might think. 

Here’s another article listing the bike repairs I recommend you learn before going on an adventure. It also helps to check that your bike is in tip-top condition before leaving, as well as any other kit you have.

8. Tell People Where You’re Going

This is the best safety advice I have to give when it comes to off-road riding. You must tell people where you are going or wear a tracker. If you have ever seen the film 127 hours you will know why.

When adventure cycling in remote off-road locations, things can go from bad to worse very quickly. You must ensure you have a backup, and also, getting some insurance to help rescue is a great idea. 

9. Ride With Others

No matter how good I feel at mountain biking, when I ride with others who are better, I learn a huge amount. I see them taking corners faster and going through technical terrain with better lines, it not only gives me confidence but teaches me. 

If you can, before you go bikepacking, try to spend some time riding with others. I have always found it has taught me more and made me more excited to go on an adventure. You could even take another person on the trip with you. 

10. Good Wet Weather Kit

I appreciate being light and fast, but going with minimal clothing makes trips awful. I have been bikepacking many times, on and off-road. There’s one thing being on the road and being able to warm up in a cafe. There’s another being stuck under a tree in a downpour. 

Not only does poor weather make riding more challenging, but it also means that you get colder more easily, burn more calories, and can’t push as hard into those pedals. Take a decent rain jacket, gloves, a down jacket, and an emergency blanket!

11. Hydraulic Disc Brakes

Off-road riding requires a lot of braking and over time this is going to really get into your hands and make the riding much tougher. If you are using mechanical disc brakes, this is something you would have probably experienced.

I highly recommend taking the time to enjoy some hydraulic disc brakes. They are not only much more powerful, they are easier to use, and self adjust while the pads wear down! For off road riding they are a must have on a long adventure!

A Final Note: Off Road Bikepacking Tips

Bikepacking off road is amazing and something everyone should experience at least once. It’s very different from being on the road and you do need to pay a little more attention and be a little more particular. We hope these tips help you on your next trip!