Bikepacking - What to bring and how to do it?

Bikepacking is the perfect way to explore the world on two wheels! With bags attached to your bike, you go on adventures, discover new routes and enjoy freedom. Whether you sleep under the stars or cycle from one hotel to another, good bikepacking bags are your best travel buddies. Curious which bags will complete your adventure? Read on quickly!

All AGU bikepacking bags fit almost on any bicycle. So there is no need to buy a new bike to go on an adventure. The choice depends mainly on your plans during the trip.

Here are a few options and the advantages of different bikes:

• With a road bike, you travel relatively light and mainly on paved roads. This means you can cover longer distances easily and comfortably.
• On a gravel bike, you really take on adventure: this is not about the shortest or easiest route. If you don't want to cycle all on tarmac and love a challenge, this is the perfect option.
• Mountain bikes are perfect if you want to cycle completely off-road. The biggest advantage? That you can go on any single-track and almost no terrain is too inhospitable to conquer!

As a starting bikepacker, three bags are essential: a frame bag, saddle bag and handlebar bag. The frame bag is available in 3 different sizes and we have large and small handlebar bags so there is always one to suit your needs and bike. 

A complete bikepacking kit is completed with a snack pack and a smaller bag for the top tube, the top tube bag. Of course, any combination is possible. 

There is a choice of five different types of bags: saddle bags, top tube bags, frame bags, snack packs and handlebar bags. The bags are of excellent quality, come with a 3-year warranty and are available in various colours and sizes. 

Saddlebags are for light, larger items that you don't need so quickly while cycling. Think normal or spare clothes, food and shoes.

Top tube frame bags are ideal for items you want to have at hand quickly, such as your phone, camera, wallet, sunscreen and chargers.

For smaller items that you use during the day but don't need right away. Think repair tools, a first aid kit, batteries, inner tubes and other equipment. This bag is available in three sizes.

The Snack Pack: perfect for carrying an extra water bottle. Also to have a snack such as nuts and sweets always within reach. It is specially designed to be opened with one hand.

For the bigger items you need towards the end of the trip. You can store a sleeping bag, mat and a compact tent in here. With cords you can pull to make the handlebar bag as small as possible.

For the natural adventurer

Hit the road with the Canvas Venture bags, designed for cyclists who dare to ride long distances. Whether you ride a road bike or gravel bike. these bags offer comfort and convenience, so you can fully enjoy your ride.

• Made of strong, organic cotton.
• Features a water-repellent, PFAS-free DWR coating.
• Durable, stylish and ready for any adventure!

The ultimate waterproof solution

The Venture Extreme offers the perfect protection for your gear, this entire range is 100% waterproof, keeping everything dry and within reach, whatever the weather.

To complement this, we have the Venture Extreme PRO bags, which with smart mounting options are even more secure, fit in even more places and make your adventure even more comfortable. Adventure in all conditions is possible with these bags.

Made of 100% waterproof recycled polyester and fitted with 3M reflection for high visibility.

Finally, we have some general tips and information on bikepacking with AGU bags:

• Sustainability: Bikepacking is probably the most sustainable and eco-friendly way to travel. Not only because you travel fossil-free and produce no emissions, but also because the Venture collection carries the Greensphere label, which means the entire collection is made from recycled polyester.
• Visibility: all Venture bags are fitted with extra reflectors, making you more visible in traffic. Even on quiet roads, this is vital.
• Weatherproofing: The bags have a water-repellent layer on the inside, so your luggage stays dry during a short, heavy rain shower.
• Straps for stability: The saddle and handlebar bags have extra straps, so you can always pull them tight, no matter how much stuff you carry.
• Weight distribution: Make sure the weight of the bike is balanced. An optimal distribution is about 30% of the weight at the front and 70% at the back. The centre of gravity should stay as low as possible, keep this in mind while packing. 

So, what are you waiting for? Pack your bags and go on an adventure!