Are you a cycling enthusiast looking to explore the great outdoors? If so, you may have come across the terms “bikepacking” and “touring.” But what exactly do these terms mean, and what’s the difference between them? In this article, we’ll delve into the world of cycling adventures and explain the key differences between bikepacking and touring. So, whether you’re a seasoned cyclist or just starting out, read on to discover the exciting world of off-road cycling!
Bikepacking and touring are both forms of cycling that involve carrying gear and camping outdoors, but they differ in their approach and style. Bikepacking is a more lightweight and minimalist form of cycling, where riders use specialized bikepacking bags to carry their gear and camping equipment. The routes are often off-road and can be challenging, with a focus on exploring remote and rugged terrain. Touring, on the other hand, is a more traditional form of cycling, where riders use panniers or other luggage to carry their gear and camping equipment. The routes are often on-road or off-road, but are generally more established and less challenging than bikepacking routes. Touring tends to be more comfortable and less physically demanding than bikepacking, with a greater emphasis on sightseeing and experiencing the local culture.
What is bikepacking?
Bikepacking is a relatively new form of cycling that has gained popularity in recent years. It involves carrying all the necessary gear and equipment on a mountain bike or a gravel bike, and exploring remote and challenging terrain that is often inaccessible to traditional road cyclists. Bikepacking routes often follow rough and rugged trails, singletrack, and dirt roads, and may take riders into the backcountry, deserts, mountains, or forests.
Origins of bikepacking
The origins of bikepacking can be traced back to the early 2000s, when a group of mountain bikers in Colorado began experimenting with lightweight, self-supported bike travel. They were inspired by the tradition of backpacking and wanted to apply similar principles to cycling. The first known bikepacking route was the Great Divide Mountain Bike Route, which spans from Canada to Mexico along the Continental Divide.
Gear and equipment
Bikepacking gear is designed to be lightweight, compact, and durable, with a focus on versatility and functionality. The essential equipment includes a mountain bike or a gravel bike with mounts for water bottles, luggage, and accessories, a frame bag or a handlebar bag for carrying gear, a sleeping bag and a sleeping pad for camping, a stove and cookware for cooking, and a water filter or purification system for obtaining clean drinking water.
Riders may also carry additional gear such as a repair kit, navigation tools, a headlamp, and clothing suitable for varying weather conditions. The weight and volume of the gear depend on the length and difficulty of the route, as well as the rider’s personal preferences and priorities.
Routes and destinations
Bikepacking routes are often created by individuals or groups who design and test them, and then share the information online. Some of the most popular bikepacking routes include the Tour Divide, the Colorado Trail, the Arizona Trail, the Great Divide Mountain Bike Route, and the Trans-America Bike Route. These routes often cover hundreds or thousands of miles and take several days or weeks to complete.
Bikepacking destinations are as diverse as the routes themselves, ranging from remote wilderness areas to scenic national parks and monuments. Riders may choose to explore the rugged terrain of the American Southwest, the majestic mountains of the Rockies, the pristine forests of the Pacific Northwest, or the wild coastlines of the Alaskan wilderness. The sense of adventure and the freedom to explore new places are key attractions of bikepacking.
What is touring?
Origins of touring
Touring is a form of cycling that has been around for over a century. It originated in Europe during the late 19th century, where cyclists would embark on long-distance rides to explore new areas and test their endurance. These early touring cyclists were often members of cycling clubs, and they would plan and organize their rides in advance, using maps and other resources to chart their course.
Touring cyclists typically carry a significant amount of gear with them on their rides. This includes camping equipment, such as tents and sleeping bags, as well as cooking gear, clothing, and personal items. Touring bikes are typically designed to carry heavier loads, with longer-distance capabilities and more storage space. Many touring cyclists also use accessories such as panniers, handlebar bags, and frame bags to carry their gear.
Touring cyclists often plan their rides around specific routes and destinations. These can range from established routes such as the Tour de France, to more off-the-beaten-path routes that take cyclists through remote areas and wilderness regions. Touring cyclists may also choose to follow a specific theme or route, such as following a historic trade route or tracing the path of a famous explorer. In general, touring cyclists are more interested in the journey than the destination, and they enjoy the experience of exploring new areas on two wheels.
How are bikepacking and touring different?
When it comes to cycling, there are many different ways to explore the world on two wheels. Bikepacking and touring are two popular styles of cycling that offer unique experiences for riders. In this section, we will explore the differences between bikepacking and touring in terms of style of riding, gear and equipment, and routes and destinations.
Style of riding
One of the most significant differences between bikepacking and touring is the style of riding. Bikepacking is typically characterized by shorter, more intense rides that often involve off-road terrain and technical trails. Touring, on the other hand, is a more relaxed style of riding that emphasizes distance and endurance over speed and technical skill. Touring riders often cover long distances at a slower pace, using a variety of road and off-road routes to reach their destination.
Another key difference between bikepacking and touring is the gear and equipment that riders use. Bikepacking often involves lighter, more specialized gear that is designed for off-road riding, such as lightweight frames, suspension forks, and knobby tires. Touring riders, on the other hand, often use more traditional touring bikes with full suspension and accessories such as panniers, racks, and lights. This allows them to carry more gear and supplies for longer trips.
Finally, the routes and destinations that riders choose can also differentiate bikepacking from touring. Bikepacking routes often follow off-road trails and singletrack, providing a more challenging and technical experience for riders. Touring routes, on the other hand, may follow a variety of roads and paths, including paved highways and dirt roads, and often aim to reach specific destinations such as mountain passes or coastal towns.
In summary, while both bikepacking and touring offer unique and rewarding experiences for riders, the differences in style of riding, gear and equipment, and routes and destinations make each style distinct and appealing to different types of riders.
What are the similarities between bikepacking and touring?
While bikepacking and touring may seem like two distinct activities, there are several similarities between the two. One of the most obvious is the gear and equipment required for both activities. Both bikepacking and touring involve carrying essential items such as a bicycle, camping gear, food, water, and clothing. In addition, both activities require a certain level of physical fitness and preparation.
Another similarity between bikepacking and touring is the routes and destinations that can be explored. Both activities allow for exploration of remote and beautiful locations, from rugged mountain trails to quiet forest paths. In both cases, the journey is often just as important as the destination, and the experience of being in nature is a central part of the activity.
Despite these similarities, there are also key differences between bikepacking and touring that set them apart from one another.
Which one is better? Bikepacking or touring?
Choosing between bikepacking and touring can be a difficult decision, as both have their own unique benefits and drawbacks. To determine which one is better, it’s important to consider the specific needs and preferences of the individual.
Pros and cons of bikepacking
- Pros: Bikepacking is often seen as a more adventurous and challenging form of cycling, as it typically involves off-road routes and rough terrain. It can also be a more efficient way to travel long distances, as it allows for more direct routes and can be done with a lighter load.
- Cons: However, bikepacking can also be more physically demanding and technically challenging, requiring a higher level of skill and fitness. It can also be more gear-intensive, as it often requires specialized equipment such as bikepacking bags and frames.
Pros and cons of touring
- Pros: Touring is often seen as a more comfortable and relaxed form of cycling, as it typically involves paved roads and more frequent stops for rest and relaxation. It can also be a more social experience, as it often involves staying in hotels and eating in restaurants.
- Cons: However, touring can also be more time-consuming and expensive, as it often involves more miles and more frequent stops. It can also be less physically challenging, as it often involves more time in the saddle and less technical terrain.
In conclusion, the choice between bikepacking and touring ultimately depends on the individual’s preferences and goals. Those looking for a more adventurous and challenging experience may prefer bikepacking, while those looking for a more comfortable and relaxed experience may prefer touring. Ultimately, both forms of cycling can be rewarding and fulfilling, and the most important thing is to choose the one that best fits your needs and preferences.
FAQs
1. What is bikepacking?
Bikepacking is a type of cycling that involves carrying gear and supplies on a bike for multi-day trips into the wilderness. It is often compared to camping, but instead of carrying a backpack, bikepackers use bags and packs attached to their bikes to carry their gear. Bikepacking routes often follow off-road trails and are typically more physically demanding than traditional touring routes.
2. What is touring?
Touring is a type of cycling that involves riding a bike from one place to another, often over a period of several days or weeks. Touring cyclists typically carry their gear with them on the bike, in bags or panniers, and may camp or stay in hotels along the way. Touring routes can be on or off-road and can vary in length and difficulty.
3. What are the main differences between bikepacking and touring?
The main differences between bikepacking and touring are the type of terrain and the level of self-sufficiency. Bikepacking routes are often more rugged and off-road, while touring routes can be on or off-road but tend to be more accessible. Bikepacking emphasizes self-sufficiency, with riders carrying all their own gear and supplies, while touring can be more flexible, with the option to stay in hotels or campgrounds along the way.
4. What kind of bike is best for bikepacking?
Bikepacking is typically done on mountain bikes or cyclocross bikes, as these types of bikes are designed to handle rough terrain and have the necessary clearance for attaching bags and packs. Some bikepackers also use gravel bikes or road bikes with additional accessories, such as handlebar bags and frame bags.
5. What kind of bike is best for touring?
Touring can be done on a variety of bikes, including road bikes, hybrid bikes, and mountain bikes. The most important factor is comfort and durability, as touring routes can be long and may include rough roads or off-road sections. Many touring cyclists opt for bikes with longer wheelbases and more upright riding positions to reduce fatigue over long distances.