Bikepacking on a budget: How to get ready for an affordable adventure

Cycling can be amazing for a whole host of reasons. It can save you money on travel, reduce your emissions, improve your health and can even help with your mental health.

It can also be a great way to get out into nature and go on an adventure. In a day, you can cover more distance than a hike, while still being able to appreciate and take in all the sights.

Stretch it over multiple days, add camping to the mix and you’ll be able to explore new terrains and create new memories that will last a lifetime. The thrill of discovering hidden trails, quaint towns and breathtaking landmarks that peer back in time can make bikepacking feel like an adventure like no other.

But for those new to bikepacking or touring, it can sound potentially overwhelming and costly. That’s why we’ve put together some tips to help illustrate how you don’t need expensive gear or a flashy bike to enjoy bikepacking.

What gear do I really need?

One crucial thing to keep in mind is that you will be carrying everything you need on your bike, so weight is of the essence and you have to pack wisely. Here’s a checklist of the essentials you need:

Camping gear

• Tent 
• Sleeping bag (suitable for the season)
• Sleeping pad/roll mat (for insulation and comfort)

Clothing

• One set of clothes for the campsite (top, trousers and pants)
• Cycle clothes (depending on the length of the trip you may need a few top and tights)
• Comfortable shoes/flip flops
• Rain jacket

Cooking supplies

• Cookware (not totally necessary, but can save you money long term)
• Utensils (spork, knife)
• Reusable water bottle
• Food supplies (think cous cous, super noodles, porridge and snacks)

Bike gear

• Your bike (remember to check it’s properly working before you head out and always pair the bike you have with a suitable route)
• Bike repair kit (tire levers, patch kit, pump)
• Headlight and taillight
• Panniers or bikepacking bags (for gear storage – see below for how to save money on these essential pieces of kit)

Navigation and safety

• Phone/cycle GPS/maps
• First aid kit
• Multi-tool
• ID/debit card

Where can I get my gear?

Charity shops, online marketplaces and clubs

One of the best ways to find affordable bikepacking gear is by shopping at your local charity shops.

When I first started cycling, I was shocked by how expensive the jerseys and bibs were. So much so, that for a while I cycled in my normal everyday clothes.

That was until I found an almost new collection of cycle clothes in my local Oxfam charity shop. Then I realised how much padding and appropriate cycle wear can help on longer trips. 

Online marketplaces like Facebook Marketplace and eBay are also treasure troves for finding a great deal on barely used camping gear, clothing and even bikes. 

Local bike co-ops, cycle clubs and socials can also be a great way to swap, borrow or even get gifted gear. The cycling community is such a friendly one that you might just meet someone who’s willing to lend you what you’re missing.  

Borrowing from friends

Don’t hesitate to ask friends or family if they have any gear you can borrow. Many people have camping equipment that they rarely use and would be happy to lend it out. This can also be a great way to test different items before deciding to purchase your own.

DIY solutions

Get creative and consider making your own gear. For instance, you can transform old backpacks into bikepacking bags or use a collection of cheap dry bags and straps.

There are plenty of online tutorials available to guide you through simple DIY projects that can save you money. YouTube is a great research tool to help you get started! 

Where should I go?

Start out small

Start your bikepacking journey by exploring any local routes, forests and country parks near you. You can easily find established bike routes in your area or build your own using Cycling UK’s journey planner. You’ll just need to double check for camping grounds nearby. By starting out small, you can gauge if you have everything you need before setting out on bigger, longer trips. 

It may sound silly, but the adventure can start from the second you leave your front door. You may not need to blow £40 quid on rail fare to get out into the countryside. You can just start pedalling.

Multi-day routes

Once you gain confidence, you can consider venturing out on longer multi-day rides. Cycling UK has a fantastic series of bikepacking adventures and we’re constantly working to grow that list. Routes range in length but can be found across the UK. Check them out!

Joining bikepacking forums or social media groups can also be a great place to find recommendations and get insights from fellow bikepackers.

Wild camping vs campsites

If you’re really looking to save on money on your adventure, you could consider wild camping. Cycling UK even has an article on it! But there’s a lot to learn before you head out for a wild camp. 

Outside of Scotland the only place you’re allowed to wild camp legally in England and Wales until recently was Dartmoor National Park. Following a High Court ruling in January 2023 this right was removed after 35 years.

Certain landowners in the park are allowing wild camping on their land within the park without seeking permission first, and Cycling UK would recommend checking Dartmoor’s website for further information.

Outside of Dartmoor and other areas which have byelaws criminalising wild camping (for example, lands owned by Forestry England and National Trust, and the Peak District and Lake District National Parks), it’s possible your wild camping experience might be trespass. This is a civil offence, and not a criminal one requiring the police – unless you resist moving on, when it might be seen as aggravated trespass.

If you’re asked to move on by the landowner or land users respect the request. You do have some rights – if you’re injured and can’t move on for instance – but do always try and ask for permission before setting up if there’s someone and somewhere obvious to ask.

Do I need a fancy bike?

Nope! Just one that’s safe

You don’t need a specialised bike to start bikepacking. A sturdy hybrid, mountain bike or gravel/cyclocross bike can handle most terrains and carry the necessary gear. Just be sure to check your bike is in good condition – check the brakes, gears and tyres before heading out.

It’s important before your trip to check the route surface type and terrain. Make sure you tailor the trip to the bike you already have. If you have a hybrid, for example, it wouldn’t make sense to tackle a route with MTB trails. Save that for when you’ve got a bike that can take on that kind of terrain. 

But remember, many cyclists successfully use their existing bikes with some simple adjustments. You can always change the tyre width and handlebars fairly cheaply. Just check the limits of your bike before you start adding items to your shopping cart.

Considerations for upgrades

Bikepacking can be an unbelievably fun way to explore the world around you. With the right preparation and mindset, you can enjoy an exciting adventure for hardly any money at all.

So, grab your gear, hit the road, and enjoy the thrill of the open trail!