Two Wheels, Two Very Different Trips
If you've been thinking about combining cycling with camping, you've probably come across both "bikepacking" and "bike touring." The terms are sometimes used interchangeably, but they describe genuinely different styles of travel. Understanding the distinction will help you choose the right setup, the right bike, and the right kind of adventure for your goals.
What Is Bike Touring?
Bike touring is the older of the two disciplines. It typically involves riding on paved roads or well-graded gravel with a heavily loaded bike fitted with racks and panniers. Think: a cyclist pedaling across a country or along a scenic highway with four large bags hanging off the front and rear of the bike.
Bike touring is well-suited for:
- Long-distance road travel (days to months)
- Carrying heavier loads comfortably (camp stoves, extra clothing, books)
- Riding to towns for resupply and amenities
- Touring with a traditional road or touring-specific bike
What Is Bikepacking?
Bikepacking is a newer, off-road-oriented style. Instead of racks and panniers, gear is carried in frame bags, handlebar rolls, seat bags, and top tube pouches that attach directly to the bike's frame. This keeps the weight centered and low, making the bike far more maneuverable on technical terrain.
Bikepacking is well-suited for:
- Singletrack trails, gravel roads, and backcountry routes
- Riding a mountain bike, gravel bike, or fat bike
- Lightweight, minimalist overnight setups
- Mixing hiking and cycling (hike-a-bike sections)
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Feature | Bike Touring | Bikepacking |
|---|---|---|
| Terrain | Paved roads, smooth gravel | Singletrack, gravel, dirt |
| Gear storage | Racks & panniers | Frame bags & soft luggage |
| Load capacity | High (40+ lbs possible) | Low–medium (20–30 lbs ideal) |
| Bike type | Touring, road, hybrid | Mountain, gravel, fat bike |
| Ride style | Steady, long miles | Technical, adventurous |
| Resupply | Towns and stores | Often remote, self-supported |
Which Should You Choose?
The answer depends on your riding style and the kind of adventure you're after.
- Choose bike touring if you want to cover big distances, prefer paved surfaces, love riding into new towns, or want to carry more comfort items.
- Choose bikepacking if you're drawn to off-road exploration, want to access backcountry areas, ride a mountain or gravel bike, and are comfortable with a minimal gear setup.
There's no wrong answer — and many cyclists eventually do both. Start with the terrain you already love riding, and build from there.
Getting Started with Either Style
For bike touring, a dedicated touring bike (like those from Surly, Salsa, or Trek) paired with a good set of racks and waterproof panniers is the gold standard. For bikepacking, a gravel or hardtail mountain bike with a frame bag kit gets you on the trail quickly without a huge investment.
Either way, the best first step is a short shakedown trip close to home — one or two nights where you can dial in your setup before committing to a longer route.