Any bikepackers? I have done a few small, trips less than 4 days, but would like to go longer and maybe bring some others along with me if I can convince them. Any tips or experience bringing enlightenment for going on longer trips?
I’ve done some long (multi-month) backpacking trips, but never bike packing. I’d love to try it though and find out how it’s different.
I’ve been out on some longer trips. 4 days ain’t nothing!
Tip #1: you’re bringing too much stuff (and so am I).
Tip #2: be prepared to fix it - practice what you need to fix.
Tip #3: protect your soft bits - ears, lips, finger tips, butt. Butt is a big one - keeping thing clean and skin intact. I like Josh Kato’s butt kit (he works as a nurse, pretty sure he has good medical advice).
Tip #4: trial your kit before you go. It looks dumb, but roll around town with all your stuff - better to learn when you can call for a ride home if you need to. Try to do ~10% of your trip miles locally before starting.
Uhm… There’s a lot more - got any special questions?
I don’t have any real advice but I just went on my first trip last week! It was so fun and challenging, albeit it was all road riding so technically not “bikepacking”. I’d love to hear about some of your trips!
If you search all communities there is a bikepacking specific one, I forgot which instance it is, though.
The GAP/C&O Towpath from Pittsburgh to DC is a great way to get your feet wet. Heck, even the C&O by itself, from Cumberland MD to Georgetown, is a really nice intro.
