Bikepacking Hacks: 10 Unusual Game-Changing Items To Take!

When it comes to bikepacking, a kit list contains a lot, and I can guarantee there will be a time when you say, “I wish I had taken that.” In this article, I want to discuss some bikepacking hacks and what extra items are amazing to take with you. 

In this list, we will discuss weird and wonderful day-to-day items that are not just nice and small but are amazing tools to take with you when bikepacking. Here’s what you need to know.

How We Found Out About These Bikepacking Hacks!

Shockingly, many of these recommendations came from me on my travels cycling in many different places around the world. The rest came from comments and lovely recommendations from subscribers to this blog and the YouTube channel. 

Mini Nail Clippers

Yes, this sounds crazy, but you would be surprised how useful mini nail clippers are when bikepacking. Not only are they good for clipping your nails, but they can also cut thread when repairing goods and even, in some cases, cables if they need changing. 

I have even heard of some people using them to remove flint and small pieces of sharp rock from tires when they pick them up in the wet. For about the price of a dollar, they are well worth the weight and time investment. 

Mini Carabiners

If you are unsure what a carabiner is, they are those small metal clips often used for rock climbing or camping. Well, in recent years, I have seen many bikepackers use these and have had great success.

You can use them to hang clothes, attach things to your bike, such as tools and food, and some even use them to hang hammocks and sleeping gear.

Sewing Kit

Yeah, I said it, a sewing kit. You may not have the time to enjoy sewing up something fancy but having a tiny kit with you will go a very long way to helping you with abstract repairs. 

I have used a sewing kit before to fix clothing and bikepacking bags, and I have heard of many riders using them to repair tires in the wilderness. It would be worth practicing to start with, and being so small and light, it could also be very helpful. 

Buff Or Neck Warmer

It took me a long time to realise just how useful buffs and neckwarmers are. Firstly, they keep your neck warm on a long, cold day, and they also protect your neck from the sun to a certain extent. 

They can shield your face from dust, tie up your hair, and go under your helmet. They have many uses, and you can even use them between aero bars to hold food. This works way better than you might think. 

First Aid Kit

When I used to be bikepacking on long trips, I often took a small first aid kit. It was there in case anything happened, but what I would find was all the other uses it had along the way while on an epic adventure. 

I used plasters to stop frame rub, bandages to cushion my hands when hurting on rough roads, and even cleaner when I was about to eat to ensure I wouldn’t get ill. If you have a kit, use it; they are very handy. 

Headtorch

A lot of bikepackers carry a headtorch. I feel they offer a lot of value for a small item. Not only are they great when setting up in the dark or repairing your bike at night, but they have other uses too.

You can use them as straps to attach things to the bike. They are a backup in case your front light breaks, and some versions that glow red can be a backup for the rear light. They are well worth carrying.

Hand Sanitizer

Bikepacking is a dirty sport, and you will find that you’re using your hands for everything. One of the biggest trip-enders and race finishers I see is illness. Honestly, a lot of this comes down to people not eating with clean hands. 

Yes, this sounds crazy, but honestly, it makes a difference. The immune system is a little run down already; poor hygiene is the last thing it needs. It will make a huge difference and could be a trip saver. 

Down Jacket

A down jacket is a very useful piece of bikepacking equipment. It cannot only keep you warm and, at times, even dry, but it also packs away lightly and gives the adventure a more casual feel. 

I never used to take a down jacket until later in life, when I realised it was amazing in the morning when I was cold, worked great as a pillow, and was also nice to sit on when I was in the wilderness. 

Tennis Ball

Why would you take a tennis ball bikepacking? Well, it might sound crazy, but it’s well worth having. I personally use a tennis ball mainly for recovery, not to throw at drivers or fend off wild dogs. 

A common practice when it comes to recovery is foam rolling, but because they are so large, it does come with challenges, so taking a tennis ball is a great alternative to release those muscles that might get a little tight. 

Headphones

I often ride with a single headphone in, but keep it low, and am very particular about when I use it. Having something to listen to is beneficial on bikepacking trips, taking my mind elsewhere and keeping me motivated. 

Another use of headphones is if you get a decent noise-cancelling pair, you can use them to make it quieter at night to help you sleep, instead of carrying lots of earplugs

A Final Note: Bikepacking Hacks

These are my bikepacking hacks and the extra items I consider taking on adventures. We hope you enjoyed reading, and we would love to hear your bikepacking hacks in the comments below. 

If you enjoyed this article, you might like Fat Bikes For Bikepacking, Bikepacking Applications, and Classic Bikes For Bikepacking.