What is the difference between bikepacking and bike touring?

Bikepacking and bike touring are two popular cycling activities that involve exploring the great outdoors on two wheels. However, despite their similarities, they are distinct from each other in terms of their style, approach, and gear. In this article, we will delve into the differences between bikepacking and bike touring, and help you determine which one suits your cycling preferences better. Whether you’re a seasoned cyclist or a newbie, this guide will provide you with a comprehensive understanding of these two exciting cycling adventures. So, get ready to saddle up and hit the road, as we explore the thrilling world of bikepacking and bike touring!

What is bikepacking?

Origins of bikepacking

Bikepacking, a relatively new term in the cycling world, has its roots in mountain biking and gravel racing. The concept of bikepacking can be traced back to the early 2000s when a group of mountain bikers in Colorado sought to explore the state’s rugged terrain on their bicycles. They developed a style of riding that combined elements of backpacking and mountain biking, which they referred to as “bikepacking.”

This new form of cycling soon gained popularity among adventure cyclists who were looking for a more flexible and lightweight way to explore off-road routes and challenging terrain. Bikepacking quickly evolved into a distinct style of cycling, characterized by its focus on self-sufficiency, lightweight gear, and off-road travel.

Today, bikepacking has become a widely recognized and popular form of cycling, with dedicated events, routes, and communities. Its growing popularity can be attributed to the increasing interest in adventure sports, the rise of gravel racing, and the availability of lightweight gear and technology that enable cyclists to explore more remote and challenging terrain.

Key features of bikepacking

Bikepacking is a type of cycling that emphasizes self-sufficiency, exploration, and adventure. It involves carrying gear and supplies on a bicycle, allowing riders to camp and travel through remote areas without relying on motorized transportation or established campgrounds. The key features of bikepacking include:

• Lightweight and mobile: Bikepacking is all about being able to pack up and move quickly, which means that riders need to be able to carry their gear and supplies on their bikes without weighing themselves down. This requires careful planning and selecting the right gear, such as lightweight tents, compact stoves, and durable bags.
• Off-road focus: While bike touring often involves riding on paved roads, bikepacking is all about getting off the beaten path and exploring dirt trails, singletrack, and other off-road routes. This requires a different set of skills and equipment, such as mountain bikes with wider tires and suspension systems.
• Exploration and discovery: Bikepacking is about seeking out new experiences and discovering new places, rather than following a set itinerary or route. This requires a sense of adventure and willingness to take risks, as well as the ability to navigate and plan routes in remote areas.
• Minimalism: Because bikepacking involves carrying all of their gear and supplies on their bikes, riders need to be mindful of what they bring and how much they carry. This requires a focus on minimalism and simplicity, as well as a willingness to adapt and improvise when necessary.

Overall, bikepacking is a unique and challenging form of cycling that offers a sense of freedom and adventure, while requiring careful planning, self-sufficiency, and a willingness to explore and adapt to changing circumstances.

What is bike touring?

Origins of bike touring

Bike touring, also known as self-supported touring, has its roots in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. It originated as a means of transportation for adventurers and explorers who wanted to travel long distances on their bicycles. These early cyclists would pack their bags and set off on their bikes, often venturing into uncharted territories and rugged landscapes.

One of the earliest known bike touring expeditions was undertaken by a man named Thomas Stevens. In 1884, Stevens set out from San Francisco, California, with the goal of reaching Europe on his bicycle. He rode through the United States, Canada, and Japan before finally arriving in Yokohama, Japan, in 1887. His journey was documented in a book titled “The Wheelman’s Tour: Across America and Around the World”.

Another notable early bike tourer was a woman named Annie Londonderry, who in 1895 became the first woman to ride around the world on a bicycle. She covered over 20,000 miles in 15 months, earning herself the nickname “The Fastest Woman on Earth”.

During the early 20th century, bike touring became more popular as a form of recreation and adventure. Organizations such as the Touring Club of Great Britain and the Audax Club Parisien were formed to promote and support long-distance cycling. These clubs organized events and rides that attracted hundreds of riders, including many notable figures such as the French writer and aviator, Antoine de Saint-Exupéry.

Today, bike touring continues to be a popular activity for both recreational and adventurous cyclists. It has evolved to include a wide range of styles and techniques, from lightweight and minimalist approaches to more luxurious and supported styles. However, the fundamental spirit of adventure and self-reliance that characterized the early days of bike touring remains at the heart of the sport.

Key features of bike touring

Bike touring is a type of cycling that involves riding a bicycle on a self-supported tour, often with the intention of visiting different places and experiencing different cultures. The key features of bike touring include:

• Self-supported: Bike touring is typically self-supported, meaning that the cyclist carries their own gear, food, and water. This allows for greater flexibility and independence, as the cyclist is not reliant on support vehicles or pre-arranged accommodations.
• Multi-day trips: Bike touring trips are typically longer than a day, and can last for several days or even weeks. The cyclist will typically carry all of their necessary gear, including a tent and camping equipment, allowing them to camp or stay in budget accommodations along the way.
• Exploration: Bike touring is often used as a means of exploring new places and experiencing different cultures. The cyclist may choose a specific route or destination, or they may simply follow their own path, taking in the sights and sounds of the countryside as they go.
• Physical challenge: Bike touring can be a physically challenging activity, particularly for longer trips or those in mountainous or hilly terrain. However, the physical challenge is often part of the appeal, as it allows the cyclist to push themselves and experience a sense of accomplishment.
• Sense of freedom: Bike touring offers a sense of freedom and independence that is hard to find in other forms of travel. The cyclist is able to move at their own pace, stop and explore wherever they please, and truly experience the culture and beauty of the places they visit.

Differences between bikepacking and bike touring

While bikepacking and bike touring are both forms of cycling that involve carrying gear and camping, there are several key differences between the two.

One of the main differences is the level of comfort and luxury. Bike touring typically involves a more traditional approach to camping, with a larger and heavier load of gear, more comfortable camping equipment, and more frequent stops to set up camp. In contrast, bikepacking often involves a more minimalist approach, with a lighter load of gear, more portable camping equipment, and longer stretches of riding between campsites.

Another difference is the length and intensity of the trip. Bike touring trips are often longer and more challenging, covering many miles over several weeks or even months. In contrast, bikepacking trips are typically shorter and more intense, covering a smaller distance over a shorter period of time.

The route and terrain of the trip can also differ between the two forms of cycling. Bike touring often involves following established routes and staying on paved roads, while bikepacking can involve more off-road travel and following less well-known routes.

Additionally, the level of self-sufficiency can vary between the two. Bike touring often involves more reliance on services such as restaurants and hotels, while bikepacking often requires more self-reliance and the ability to handle unexpected challenges and situations.

In summary, while both bikepacking and bike touring involve carrying gear and camping, they differ in terms of the level of comfort and luxury, the length and intensity of the trip, the route and terrain, and the level of self-sufficiency.

Factors that may influence the choice between bikepacking and bike touring

• Personal preferences and goals: Bike touring is often chosen by those who prioritize comfort and convenience over ruggedness and self-sufficiency. They may prefer to travel with a support vehicle, stay in hotels or campgrounds, and carry more gear. On the other hand, bikepackers tend to prioritize lightweight and self-sufficient travel, and may choose to carry all their gear on their bikes.
• Route and terrain: Bike touring routes are often designed to follow established roads and trails, while bikepacking routes may take on more challenging and remote terrain. Bike touring may be more suitable for those who want to stick to well-maintained roads and trails, while bikepacking may be more appealing to those who are comfortable with more rugged and challenging terrain.
• Duration and distance: Bike touring trips can range from a few days to several weeks, while bikepacking trips may be shorter and more intense. Bike touring may be more suitable for those who want to travel at a slower pace and cover longer distances, while bikepacking may be more appealing to those who want to travel faster and cover shorter distances.
• Group size and composition: Bike touring is often done in larger groups, while bikepacking is often done in smaller groups or as a solo adventure. Bike touring may be more suitable for those who want to travel with a larger group and have a more structured trip, while bikepacking may be more appealing to those who want to travel independently and have more freedom to explore.
• Budget and logistics: Bike touring can be more expensive due to the need for support vehicles, accommodations, and additional gear. Bike touring may be more suitable for those who have a larger budget and want a more structured and supported trip, while bikepacking may be more appealing to those who want to travel more affordably and with less support.

Recommendations for choosing between bikepacking and bike touring

Choosing between bikepacking and bike touring depends on several factors. It is essential to consider your preferences, skills, and available resources to make the right decision. Here are some recommendations to help you choose between the two:

• Goal and purpose: Identify the primary purpose of your trip. If you are looking for a more structured and supported tour with set routes and accommodations, bike touring might be the better option. On the other hand, if you want a more flexible and self-supported adventure, bikepacking might be more suitable.
• Skill level: Consider your cycling skills and experience. Bike touring is generally more structured and may require less navigation and route-finding skills. Bikepacking, on the other hand, is more self-reliant and may require more advanced navigation and technical skills.
• Equipment: Evaluate your available equipment and resources. Bike touring often involves more gear, such as panniers, a trailer, or a support vehicle, while bikepacking requires more minimalist gear, such as a frame bag or a backpack.
• Time and duration: Determine the duration of your trip. Bike touring is often longer and more extensive, covering several days or weeks, while bikepacking is typically shorter and more focused on specific routes or destinations.
• Budget: Consider your budget for the trip. Bike touring may require more expenses for accommodations, transportation, and support services, while bikepacking is generally more affordable, as it often involves camping and self-supported travel.
• Environment and terrain: Assess the environment and terrain of your intended route. Bike touring may be more suitable for smoother roads and pavement, while bikepacking is better suited for more challenging terrain and off-road adventures.
• Personal preferences: Reflect on your personal preferences and style. If you prefer structure and support, bike touring may be a better fit. If you enjoy freedom and flexibility, bikepacking might be more appealing.

Ultimately, the choice between bikepacking and bike touring depends on your individual needs, preferences, and goals. Consider these recommendations to help you make an informed decision and plan your next cycling adventure.

Future trends in bikepacking and bike touring

In recent years, the popularity of bike touring and bikepacking has increased significantly. As more people discover the joys of cycling as a means of exploring the great outdoors, new trends and innovations are emerging that are shaping the future of these activities. Here are some of the future trends in bikepacking and bike touring:

• Electric bikes: As electric bikes become more popular, they are increasingly being used for bike touring and bikepacking. Electric bikes offer a range of benefits, including greater distances covered, less physical effort required, and easier transportation of gear. This means that more people are able to enjoy the benefits of cycling without having to push themselves to their physical limits.
• Sustainable tourism: As awareness of the impact of tourism on the environment grows, more and more people are looking for ways to reduce their carbon footprint while still enjoying the great outdoors. Sustainable tourism is becoming an increasingly important trend in bike touring and bikepacking, with more people choosing to support local businesses and communities, minimize their waste, and avoid harming the environment.
• Self-supported touring: While supported touring has traditionally been the most popular form of bike touring, more and more people are choosing to go self-supported. This means carrying all of their own gear and supplies, rather than relying on support vehicles or other forms of assistance. Self-supported touring is often seen as a more authentic and challenging form of cycling, and it is increasingly popular among experienced cyclists.
• Adventure touring: Adventure touring is a new trend in bike touring that involves taking on more challenging terrain and conditions. This might involve cycling in remote areas, tackling steep mountain passes, or camping in the wilderness. Adventure touring is often seen as a way to push the boundaries of what is possible on a bike, and it is attracting more and more people who are looking for a new challenge.
• Gravel bikes: Gravel bikes are a new type of bike that are designed for off-road cycling on a variety of surfaces, from dirt roads to gravel paths. Gravel bikes are becoming increasingly popular among bikepackers and bike tourers who are looking for a versatile and capable bike that can handle a wide range of terrain.

Overall, the future of bikepacking and bike touring looks bright, with new trends and innovations emerging that are making these activities more accessible and enjoyable than ever before. Whether you are an experienced cyclist or just starting out, there has never been a better time to get on your bike and explore the great outdoors.

FAQs

1. What is bikepacking?

Bikepacking is a type of cycling adventure that involves carrying gear and equipment on a bike, allowing riders to explore off-road and remote areas for extended periods of time. It often involves riding singletrack trails, dirt roads, and gravel paths, and may include camping, cooking, and navigation.

2. What is bike touring?

Bike touring, also known as touring cycling, is a type of cycling that involves riding a bicycle from one place to another, often with the goal of seeing new sights and experiencing different cultures. Bike touring can include a variety of riding styles, from on-road riding to off-road adventures, and can range from short day rides to multi-day adventures.

3. What are the main differences between bikepacking and bike touring?

The main difference between bikepacking and bike touring is the focus of the adventure. Bikepacking is typically more focused on off-road and remote areas, while bike touring can include a mix of on-road and off-road riding. Bikepacking is often shorter and more intense, while bike touring can be longer and more relaxed. Additionally, bikepacking often involves carrying more gear and equipment, while bike touring may involve more frequent stops for lodging and resupply.

4. Can I do both bikepacking and bike touring?

Yes, many cyclists enjoy both bikepacking and bike touring and may even combine the two styles for longer adventures. Both types of cycling offer unique challenges and opportunities for exploration, and many riders find that they enjoy the mix of on-road and off-road riding that bike touring offers.

5. What kind of bike do I need for bikepacking or bike touring?

The type of bike you need for bikepacking or bike touring will depend on the specific adventure you have in mind. For bikepacking, a mountain bike or a gravel bike with good suspension and handling is often preferred. For bike touring, a touring bike or a hybrid bike with a comfortable riding position and a high level of versatility is often recommended. However, many riders also enjoy using a variety of different bikes for different types of adventures, so the best bike for you will depend on your personal preferences and the specific trip you have in mind.

The Difference Between Bikepacking & Bike Touring Explained