Bikepacking is an interesting sport that takes a unique person to understand and enjoy it. Long hours on the bike, feeling uncomfortable, not knowing often where you’re sleeping that night, and having to be out in all weather is a little crazy. Enjoying Bikepacking is an art in itself.

After a certain amount of time, bikepacking can start to feel less enjoyable, and you shouldn’t feel bad about that. Even myself, who is obsessed with bikepacking, has had times when I’m not having any fun. In this article, I’m going to discuss why you might feel like this and how to fix it.

You’re Bored!

The first reason you might not enjoy bikepacking is that you’re bored. Maybe you have spent too long on similar routes or are just not going places that might excite you. I tend to spend too much time in Norfolk, where I live, and it does get boring. 

How To Fix It

Plan a more exciting trip and find something that interests you personally. You might even want to try an off-road bikepacking trip or try something to spice it up a bit. 

You’re Scared

I know you might be thinking, “Scared?!? I’m not scared!” Honestly, there’s nothing wrong with it. I get scared sometimes, and I am more experienced than most. Riding at night, finding places to sleep, and even being further off the grid sometimes take the enjoyment out of bikepacking for me.

How To Fix It

It’s important to approach what scares you and try to get over it. I highly recommend starting bikepacking with a partner so you can get used to what it’s like together and build your confidence that way. We have a great article on The Biggest Bikepacking Fears here!

You’re Not Being Challenged

Although you should enjoy bikepacking, it would be boring if you were not challenged every so often with big climbs, technical trails, or even remote locations. Many people tend to go down the route of easier challenges, and this does make bikepacking unenjoyable. 

How To Fix It

It’s time to challenge yourself. Pick a route that excites you and take on the challenge to keep bikepacking more enjoyable. 

You’re Terrible With Nutrition

Years ago, when I first started bikepacking, a very experienced bikepacker told me, “Bikepacking and ultra cycling is who can eat the most, not cycle the best!” Although said in jest, they are right in some ways. If you don’t get the eating right it is going to make you feel miserable and not enjoy the journeys. 

How To Fix It

Get a nutrition plan and try experimenting with different foods that will not only help you get more energy but also help you recover while you are not riding the bike. We have an excellent article on What To Eat When Bikepacking Here!

You’re Riding The Wrong Bike

I appreciate that this one sounds a little crazy, but hear me out. When I first started bikepacking, I was using an aggressive road bike and TT bike, which was way too small for me. It was uncomfortable, bags could barely fit, and the miles were miserable after a day or two.

How To Fix It

It took me a while to find the right bike for me. I tried a Specialized AWOL for a while and loved it! It completely changed how a trip felt for me, and I really regret selling the bike, if I am honest. Moving forward, I tend to use bikes for endurance, not speed. Gravel Bikes are always a great bet.

Overpacking Or Underpacking

Another reason I find many people don’t enjoy a decent bikepacking trip is that they are overpacking or, even worse, underpacking. You need to take the right amount of goods. Enough to keep you warm and fueled with tools, but not too much that every hill is torture. 

How To Fix It

Well, the first place I would recommend going is our Kit List. Here, you will get everything you need to know what to take, as well as some extras that will help you progress forward. 

Camping Discomfort

Not everyone likes to camp. If I’m honest, I don’t enjoy sleeping rough. I would much rather be in a hotel for the night. Camping is great, but it’s not for everyone. To be a backpacker does not mean you have to sleep rough.

How To Fix It

Quite simply, stay in hotels or even at campsites for a little luxury. The trips you go on have to be what you want them to be. Don’t feel that camping is a must if you don’t want to be enjoying bikepacking.

Lack Of Fitness

Fitness goes a very long way when it comes to bikepacking. It makes the climbs easier, the miles go by quicker, and you don’t have to struggle with all the extra luggage. It’s important to have a decent level of fitness before bikepacking, especially for the bigger trips with longer days. 

How To Fix It

Here we have a guide on How To Train For Bikepacking, or if you want something personal, take on the Bikepacking Mentorship program. Failing that, just some decent miles in the legs will help you get prepared.

Cost Of Bikepacking

Bikepacking is not cheap, and we completely understand that we can’t all make a huge number of trips each year without big investments. Although on the surface it might seem cheap, you have the bike, kit, food, travel, and much more to think about.

How To Fix It

There are many savings to be had with bikepacking, including starting from home, using a more basic bike, camping instead of hotels, and much more. We have a guide on Tips for Budget Bikepacking here for more cheaper ways for enjoying bikepacking.

Loneliness 

Bikepacking can be very lonely and there’s always times on the road where we all wish we have people around. Loneliness has gotten the better of me before, and I find some trips challenging because of this. Racing is especially tough on your own.

How To Fix It

When it comes to riding alone you either need to find another person to ride with or find ways of entertaining yourself with podcasts or maybe making a blog or video diary to stay distracted. 

Not Enjoying Bikepacking: A Final Note

There will be times when you stop enjoying bikepacking, and there’s nothing wrong with that. It’s not easy to be a backpacker, and many of the trips require hard work and a lot of preparation. Thanks for taking the time to read this article.