Bikepacking is an increasingly popular form of cycle tourism that combines the freedom of travel with minimalism and practical packing. Instead of traditional panniers mounted on racks, cyclists use lightweight, compact bags attached directly to the frame, handlebars, or seatpost. This setup is perfect for long-distance tours, daily commutes, or city rides.
Whether you’re planning a weekend trip on local trails or a multi-day adventure sleeping under the stars, proper preparation is essential. From the right bike bags to a power bank or a phone case — each item in your gear can determine whether you return home smiling or frustrated.
In this guide, you’ll find a proven checklist of essentials to take on a cycling trip – perfect for both beginners and more experienced bikepackers. We’ll show you how to pack smart, which cycling accessories are truly useful, and what to look for when choosing them. All based on real experience and concrete gear examples available in the Partner Tele.com offer.
Which bikepacking bags are worth taking?
The foundation of any bikepacking trip is smart luggage distribution. Instead of bulky panniers and heavy backpacks, it’s better to choose lightweight, compact bags mounted directly to the bike: on the frame, under the saddle, and on the handlebars.
Frame bags with rigid construction are especially practical – they hold their shape well and protect contents from impact and moisture. With such solutions, you gain quick access to essentials like snacks, documents, or a multitool. Bag choice should be tailored to your route and the gear you plan to carry. Key items include:
Frame bags for bikepacking
Mounted centrally on the bike to ensure balanced weight distribution. Example:
- Wildman XT9 – a professional 3L bike bag with extra pockets and compartments. Made of EVA + PU, water- and impact-resistant.
Handlebar bags – bikepacking
Ideal for light loads, daily rides, and recreational trips. They offer quick access to your phone and handy accessories. Example model:
- Wildman XT1 – 1L bag with a hard, aerodynamic design. Fits most road and MTB handlebars. It features a built-in transparent, touch-sensitive window compatible with smartphones between 4 and 7 inches, allowing for easy navigation or music control during rides.
Rear rack bags
If your bicycle has a rear rack, you can increase your gear capacity with lightweight, compact bags. Check out:
- Wildman GD5 – rigid, waterproof 4L bag mounted on the rear rack. Perfect for carrying food, clothing, or light tools. Equipped with hooks and strong straps, it’s suitable for everyday use and long-distance rides.
Saddle bags
Essential in any bikepacking setup – these hold tools, spare parts, and don’t interfere with pedaling or riding comfort. Example:
- Wildman XT7 – compact saddle bag for essentials. Lightweight, waterproof, and easy to mount.
Sample Bikepacking Bags from the Partner Tele.com Collection
Mounting location | Model Wildman | Use |
|---|---|---|
Frame | Tools, phone, power bank, snacks | |
Handlebar | Jacket, maps, phone, small items | |
Rear rack | Food, water, clothing, tools | |
Saddle | Inner tubes, multitool, small accessories |
Why choose Wildman bike bags?
Wildman bags stand out for their durability and practical features:
made from damage-resistant EVA + PU materials,
waterproof and easy to clean,
available in multiple capacity options,
compatible with MTB, gravel, and road bikes.
What about a backpack?
Although “lightweight” bikepacking usually means avoiding backpacks, in practice cycling backpacks are a very useful addition — especially for shorter trips, enduro descents, or when your bike simply can’t carry everything.
In our wholesale offer, you’ll find lightweight and compact models with:
space for a water bottle,
a ventilated back system,
extra pockets for tools and cycling accessories.
It’s a great solution for one-day cycling trips or as additional luggage on longer routes ➡ Cycling Backpacks
Phone case – navigation and safety always within reach
Today, your phone is not just a means of communication — it’s your navigation, camera, mileage counter, and control center. That’s why it’s essential to keep it safely mounted and protected from rain and dust.
A case mounted on the handlebar or frame, ideally with a transparent touchscreen panel, allows you to operate the phone without removing it. It’s even better if there’s space inside for a power bank or small essentials.
The Wildman brand of bike accessories offers reinforced cases with space for your phone and extras. Thanks to their waterproof materials and sturdy zippers, they perform well even in tough weather conditions. Many models are compatible with large smartphones, which is crucial when using maps and navigation apps.
Power bank – energy independence on the road
Long rides, GPS, Bluetooth, and music – all of that drains your battery quickly. And power outlets are hard to find in the middle of the forest. That’s why a good power bank is a must-have for every bikepacker.
When choosing a model for your bike, consider:
capacity (minimum 10,000 mAh),
water and shock resistance,
ability to mount on the bike or fit inside a case.
We recommend one device that replaces a wall charger, power bank, and wireless charging station. Forcell 6-in-1 is a multifunctional solution ideal for travel, bikepacking trips, and home use. With a 15,000 mAh capacity, interchangeable plugs, and the ability to charge laptops, smartphones, and even the Apple Watch®, it’s a reliable companion in any situation.
What else to take on a bike trip?
When packing for a cycling trip, follow the rule: “as little as possible, but enough.” In your panniers, make sure to pack:
a multitool, spare inner tubes, and a pump
cycling gloves
food and a water bottle
bike accessories such as lights, reflectors, and mounts.
Staying hydrated is crucial during cycling adventures, especially in summer – we recommend a metal water bottle with a MagSafe-compatible handle, available at Partner Tele.com. It’s easy to attach and grab while riding, and the handle also lets you use it as a selfie stick or stand for video calls without holding your phone.
Summary
Bike trips give an incredible sense of freedom, but they require good preparation. The right gear means not only comfort but also safety. Panniers, phone cases, powerbanks, lighting, basic tools, and small accessories – all of these can influence your cycling adventures.
If you’re looking for proven cycling accessories, check out the offer from Partner Tele.com, where you’ll find reliable Wildman products and other practical gadgets for cyclists and survival accessories.
