Cycling: How to Pack Your Bags for a Bike Trip?

It’s a shame, because it was a really nice suitcase—and a sturdy one at that. But there’s nothing to be done; it just won’t fit on the bike rack. So how do you transport your mattress and pillow?

Keep in mind, your entire identity as a bike traveler is defined by your luggage: are you more of a touring cyclist decked out in full Ortlieb gear, or a bike packer as light as a feather and fast as lightning—or worse, a fastpacker? Better yet, have you strapped your hiking backpack to the rear rack? Does none of this ring a bell yet? That’s good, because we’re going to try to go over the main approaches to bike travel.

Why do you need bike-specific luggage?

First of all, keep in mind that depending on the road surface, your bike will sometimes vibrate and your luggage will shake. On a climb, you may have to pedal like a dancer, and your luggage will jiggle. In the rain you will get soaked, and your sleeping bag will need to be spared.

The balance of the frame - For a bike ride, you need to have the panniers securely attached to the bike, so that the weight is evenly distributed.

Rain resistance: we swear by waterproof - If possible, your panniers should protect your stuff from the rain: either waterproof, or with a special little cover that you install at the first drops. In principle, we prefer to recommend waterproof panniers, although they are a little more expensive to buy, they are very solid and it makes a difference to keep your stuff really dry. Concerning the waterproofness of so-called "water resistant" panniers, test it, but beware, it's at your own risk!

Prefer a durable investment - there are entry-level bike panniers for around twenty euros. But investing in a quality pannier (usually waterproof), with a good warranty and after-sales service (hello deutsche qualität), is recommended. Some products are really made to last and it's a pleasure to keep them for a long time, to have reliable equipment.

How many bags?

Keep in mind that luggage should be tailored to the trip. There is no point in loading up with 6 panniers for a weekend! And on the contrary, avoid leaving with 2 panniers for a fortnight (or you need meticulous organisation).

Organising your luggage properly is the guarantee of a successful trip. And for that, there are some essential elements, we think of course of the luggage carrier / panniers combo. So forget about the practical backpack for walking, and go into cycling-touring mode.

The classic: luggage rack/panniers

This is the most popular way of organising for cycle tourists. You load your stuff into two spacious panniers in the back, and supplement with two smaller panniers on the front rack if needed, or to balance the load.

Luggage racks: they're the foundation, you don't get very far without them. And they are becoming more and more sophisticated depending on the mode of travel. The luggage rack is the support on which you attach your panniers - which can be very heavy, think of food and water! It is advisable to choose strength over lightness: steel racks are known to be able to carry a lot of weight. The Pelago and Tubus models are perfect examples. *Front racks can be light and minimalist, but also have a small platform to carry unexpected items (a small watermelon, wood for a campfire... anything really). Some people choose to leave with a basket at the front, it's not very frequent but it's a good idea. In a basket, all the stuff is accessible and easy to store, and it's a change from the bike panniers. Be careful though, baskets are often made for urban use, and are rarely very robust. They could fail you along the way if you have a too fragile model.

Rear panniers: these are the largest panniers, you put bulky items in them. When loading them, care should be taken to ensure that they are not too unbalanced.

Front panniers: these are smaller, and often positioned closer to the ground. These can be armoured as much as possible, with heavy stuff if possible (jam jars, pesto jars, all that...).

Removable handlebar bag: this is a small bag that you attach to the front (you put things in it that need to remain easily accessible). The interest is also to transport the precious objects. When we sit on the terrace, we keep an eye on the bike, but this one we unhook and it stays with us. (*link to ortlieb catalogue)

The rackpack: this is for people who have a lot of equipment to carry (a Canadian tent, a camping chair, a porcelain teapot...): it is possible to attach a bag over the two rear bags. First of all, you have to be sure that the luggage rack is strong, and then that the rackpack is well attached.

Bikepacking: travelling very (very) light

Bikepacking refers to a specific pannier organisation that does without a luggage rack. The various panniers are attached directly to the frame, handlebars, or saddle. This keeps it light and aerodynamic (or so we like to think), but it also limits the amount of stuff you can carry with you.

The perfect bikepacker's kit (the bikepacker is a cool person) consists of very intuitive panniers, which are now available from all major suppliers. They are also made to measure and in France in numerous workshops, for those who have a particular frame and a substantial budget.

Frame bag: that triangular space in the centre of the bike that is eventually used to fit two water bottle holders, can you visualise? Well, instead, you hang a pannier that fits into the shape of this triangular space. Contrary to what you might think, the frame bags on even the smallest bikes are quite spacious. They come in different sizes and can hold from 4L to 6L, and are available for example from Ortlieb, Apidura, or Geosmina. (*send links to your catalogue). In the frame bags, we try to put heavy objects, which allows to keep a low centre of gravity and thus to gain in balance. It's a good idea to put stuff you don't need during the day, but everyone does their own thing... Tip for filling: put the heaviest items at the bottom.

Handlebar bag: surprisingly, it's attached to the handlebars. Before you think you're losing handling and that it makes steering more difficult, try it: it's not so bad, in fact it's nice. These panniers come in different sizes, from 6L to 15L (*link to your catalogue).

It's a bag that you try to keep as light as possible, so it should be filled with light but bulky stuff: tent, sleeping bag, down jacket...

Saddle bag : attaches under the seat and along the seat post. When it's properly attached, it doesn't move. It comes in lots of different sizes (7L to 16L in general )

Just like the handlebar bag, you can store light objects in it, for example your clothes and your little pyjamas. Filling tip: put the heaviest items as close to the saddle as possible.

Executive Bag (we're not going to lie, we refer to it more as a Toptube): this one we really like. In fact, once it's fixed on a bike, it seems heresy to remove it because it's so practical. You can put all the things you want to have easily accessible while riding: camera, cereal bars, wallet...

Fork bag: this is really classy, small bag directly attached to the fork, for your lunch/dinner or small items.

Food-pouches: these are little fabric water bottle (or food) holders that you attach to the handlebars (on the other side of the handlebar bag of course). Wondering where to carry water now that you've ditched your water bottle holders for a frame bag? Here it is.

This all sounds extremely efficient already, but there is a possible upgrade for those who want to go even lighter: fastpacking. Fastpacking is to bikepacking what bikepacking is to cycle touring. In short, you leave with a cereal bar and something to survive in the wilderness...

Cyclotourism or bikepacking? The art of not making a choice

Looked at this way, you might think that cycle touring and bikepacking are two schools that are at odds with each other. In reality, more and more bike travellers are using both models depending on the length of their trip, their load and the route they have chosen. For example, if you're going on a long trip, it's not uncommon to put on a (front or rear) luggage rack and add a saddlebag or handlebar bag. This comes from a very simple axiom of bike travel: the more storage space you have, the more you load up...

So if you're not into coins and you prefer to ride a bike rather than a cart, you can definitely mix the two. To find out, take the test!