Cycle touring or bikepacking: which bike traveller are you?
The world of bicycle travel offers a multitude of options for adventure. The two main approaches in cycling communities are bikepacking and bike touring. Although they share the same love of exploring by bike, these two styles of travel have significant differences in terms of equipment, bikes and overall experience. So let's explore the distinguishing characteristics of bikepacking and cycle touring, so you can discover which type of bike travel suits you best!
Bikepacking
Bikepacking is a minimalist approach to bicycle travel that emphasizes lightness and simplicity. Bikepackers generally prefer road, gravel or mountain bikes, depending on the type of surface they're likely to encounter.
Minimal equipment: Bikepacking is characterized by minimalist equipment, often limited to a saddle bag, handlebar bag and frame bag. This approach allows you to travel quickly, and to venture onto more demanding roads and more technical trails than with more equipment.
Off-road terrain: Bikepackers enjoy exploring forest roads and even mountain trails. If you're looking for adventure and total connection with nature, and you're a fan of wild, less-traveled routes, bikepacking is the type of trip for you.
Self-sufficiency: Bikepackers are often prepared to camp out in the wilderness or find rudimentary accommodation. If you're used to getting by with the bare minimum of comfort, so you can be more flexible in your itineraries and explore remote places, you're a bikepacker at heart!
Cycle touring
Cycle touring is a more traditional approach to bicycle travel, emphasizing comfort and the discovery of landscapes while taking more time. Cyclotourists generally prefer hybrid, electric or recreational mountain bikes, for their stability, greater comfort and ability to carry more equipment.
More equipment: Cycle tourers use panniers of various sizes, including panniers at the rear of the bike on the chainstays, but also sometimes at the front on the sides of the fork. This allows you to carry more clothes, camping gear and other necessities, for an uncompromising journey.
Roads and cycle paths: Touring cyclists generally prefer to use paved roads, cycle paths and well-marked routes. With much more equipment to carry, steep roads and technical trails are generally to be avoided.
Comfort and accommodation: Cycle tourists often look for more comfortable accommodation, such as hostels, B&Bs or serviced campsites. If you're willing to spend a little extra time and money to enjoy a pleasant and relaxing travel experience, cycle touring is for you!
Which type of bike travel is made for you?
Whether you're drawn to the minimalist adventure of bikepacking or the greater comfort of cycle touring, there's a style of bike travel to suit your personality and preferences. You can choose between bikepacking and its wilder experience, with a minimalist approach and exploration of off-road terrain; or cycle touring, which lets you discover magnificent landscapes while enjoying extra comfort along the way.
Whatever style you choose, it's essential to prepare your trip well, choose the right equipment and make sure your bike is suited to your needs! Shop your bike now in our online store, and prepare for your trip with our selection of the best brands of bags and panniers ;)
Subscribe now
and receive our latest news before anyone else!
▪️ Get 10% off your 1st online order*.
▪️ Receive our best offers every week, before anyone else!
▪️ Every week, discover a favorite product at a discounted price for 48 hours only.
▪️ Keep up to date with news from your favorite Quilicot store
▪️ Receive our best maintenance tips for your bike