Bikepacking combines the simplicity of cycling with the independence of lightweight travel. During these trips, you’d need a list of essentials, including a solar generator that can power your electronics and keep you safe and secure even in highly remote locations. You’d also need advice regarding routes and sustainability. This article will provide you with a guide on how to go on a bikepacking trip in Europe and enjoy your adventure in the best possible manner.

What to Bring for a Bikepacking Trip

Here is the comprehensive bikepacking gear list you need to carry during your trips:

1. Essential Gear

Obviously, the bike is the most important thing you need to worry about before your trip. The key here is to select the right type of bike according to your destination and riding style. Gravel bikes work well for mixed surfaces, mountain bikes are ideal for rugged trails, and touring bikes offer comfort and load stability on paved routes.

Another important essential to carry during bikepacking is the bags that will house all the items you need to carry. Frame bags are ideal for carrying heavier items because they keep the weight close to the middle of the bike and low to the ground, which helps maintain better balance while riding. Handlebar rolls are suitable for light, bulky items like sleeping gear or spare clothing. 

Do not forget to carry the toolkit, which covers all the essentials like a solid multi-tool, two spare tubes, tyre levers, a patch kit, and a dependable mini-pump. If your trip includes remote areas, it’s also wise to carry a chain breaker.

These essentials apply whether you are riding through the rugged trails of Eastern Europe or planning a smoother bikepacking Nederland experience across flat terrains.

2. Camping Gear

If your plan includes spending nights under the stars, pack accordingly. A lightweight tent or bivy bikepacking set keeps shelter simple without adding unnecessary weight. Your sleeping bag should be able to keep you safe under harsh weather conditions. Similarly, carrying a compact stove is also important as it offers you the freedom to prepare hot meals or boil water wherever and whenever needed.

3. Clothing

Always carry adaptable clothes that can be used in a wide variety of environments. Choose moisture-wicking base layers that dry quickly and keep you comfortable throughout the day. A waterproof jacket is also essential for unexpected rains. Don’t overlook padded cycling shorts, as they reduce friction and fatigue over long distances. 

4. Extras

Some items don’t take up much space but make a huge difference. For instance, a GPS unit or a smartphone loaded with offline maps ensures you stay on track even when mobile service disappears. Similarly, a compact power bank can charge your phone in off-grid locations. A basic first-aid kit, stocked with items like antiseptic and gauze, is also important as it helps you handle minor injuries that can otherwise disrupt your trip.

5. Backup Power

Access to backup power is non-negotiable during a bikepacking trip, and a small power bank may not be enough. A portable power station allows you to plan your trip according to your taste. These power stations will also give you the ability to charge multiple devices such as GPS, lights, phones, and cameras wherever you want. Carrying the portable power station makes your bikepacking journey extremely safe and worth it.

How to Determine Bikepacking Routes

Determining the route for bikepacking is just as important as packing all the essentials since it directly affects your safety, enjoyment, and overall experience. Here is how you can determine bikepacking routes

Use Research Tools

There are plenty of tools out there that can help you map out the kind of trip you want. Apps like Komoot and RideWithGPS are built for cyclists and let you design routes based on elevation, surface type, and total distance.

For broader planning, the EuroVelo network offers ready-made long-distance routes that cut across the continent. These paths are clearly marked, well-documented, and often run through cycling-friendly towns with regular access to food, water, and shelter.

Don’t overlook the value of community knowledge. Local cycling forums, travel blogs, and printed guidebooks contain route tips, condition updates, and hidden paths that big platforms won’t show.

Evaluate the Routes

Get a close look at the length of the route before finalizing anything. Plan to cover 40 to 80 kilometres in a day, depending on your fitness levels.

The type of terrain, weather, and gear load should also influence the decision of how much you plan to cover in a single day.

Start with shorter distances if you are a beginner and travelling with adequate but not redundant loads on your bike.

Pay good attention to the type of surface you will be travelling on. A 60 km paved ride feels completely different than the same distance covered on dirt and gravel. Off-road sections slow you down and demand more effort, so you must consider the type of terrain before planning how much distance you aim to cover in a single day.

Also, think about resupply points you will be seeing along the route. Make sure your route passes through towns, water points, or at least known food stops.

Iconic European Routes

• EuroVelo 6: This bikepacking route follows major rivers like the Loire and Danube from France to Romania. It is mostly flat and filled with historical towns, making it a great option for scenic and relaxed riding.
• EuroVelo 12: Known as the North Sea Cycle Route, this one loops around the entire North Sea coast. You will see beaches, cliffs, and fishing villages, with plenty of fresh air and open skies along the way.
• EuroVelo 9: Stretching from the Baltic Sea to the Adriatic, this bikepacking route passes through countries like Poland, Austria, and Slovenia. It’s a bit more varied in terrain and offers a blend of quiet countryside and striking mountain views.

Budgeting and Accommodation Tips

During a bikepacking trip, it’s also crucial to have a well-thought-out plan for both your budget and accommodation. Here is a quick breakdown of what you can expect to spend during these trips:

Budget Breakdown

On most bikepacking trips across Europe, you can expect your daily expenses to fall somewhere between moderate and budget-friendly ranges.

If you prefer camping, you will usually spend around €10 to €20 per night at campsites, depending on the country and the facilities available. Hostels and B&Bs provide more comfort but naturally come at a higher cost, generally between €30 and €60 per night.

Food is another daily expense that needs to be planned wisely. You should allocate €15 to €30 per day for meals, keeping in mind that rural areas tend to have limited options. Many bikepackers prefer buying groceries at local stores and preparing simple meals themselves, which can bring down the food budget significantly.

It’s also a good idea to keep some extra cash aside for unexpected costs like emergency repairs, entry fees to parks, or simply treating yourself to a good meal after a tough riding day.

Accommodation Options

One of the best parts about bikepacking in Europe is the wide variety of accommodation options that suit every budget and style of travel.

If you prefer flexibility and adventure, wild camping is a popular choice, especially in countries like Scotland, Sweden, and Norway, where it’s either legal or widely tolerated. However, always check local regulations before setting up camp.

Warmshowers is also a great platform to find reasonable accommodations. This is a community of cyclists who host other riders for free, offering a safe and welcoming place to stay while connecting you with fellow enthusiasts. 

When a proper bed is needed, budget hostels are widely available throughout Europe and cater well to different types of cyclists. Many hostels provide secure bike storage and even basic repair tools, making them a practical choice when you need to rest and recharge.

In more mountainous regions such as Austria and Switzerland, Alpine huts provide rustic but reliable shelter for a very reasonable price. These huts are often located along popular cycling and hiking trails and offer basic amenities like meals, beds, and showers. If you are riding any section of the Camino de Santiago, you can also take advantage of pilgrim hostels, which are built specifically to accommodate travellers and often operate on a donation basis or very low fixed rates.

Safety and Sustainability Tips

Bikepacking is about freedom, but safety should always come first. Before setting off, share your itinerary with a friend or family member. Let them know your expected check-ins, especially if your route covers remote regions.

If your journey takes you far from towns or main roads, it is a smart approach to carry a Personal Locator Beacon (PLB). In case of emergencies where mobile coverage fails, a PLB can send a distress signal and help rescuers locate you quickly.

Also, learn a few basic phrases in the local languages of the countries you are likely to cross. Knowing how to ask for directions or medical assistance can help you a lot in tough times.

Bikepackers also have a responsibility to protect the places they visit. Always follow Leave No Trace principles: keep campfire use to a minimum, pack out every piece of trash you create, and avoid disturbing wildlife. Riding through nature is a privilege, and respecting it ensures these routes remain open and beautiful for the next travellers who come along.

Power Backup Tips

During a bikepacking trip, staying powered up can be the difference. The Jackery Explorer 1000 v2 Portable Power Station is designed for off-grid adventures, offering reliable, flexible, and durable power whenever and wherever you need it.

With a 1070Wh capacity and a 1500W output, the Jackery Explorer 1000 v2 Portable Power Station easily handles a wide range of devices. It can keep essentials like phones, GPS units, cameras, and even portable fridges running without a hitch. Thanks to its upgraded dual USB-C ports supporting 30W/100W fast charging, you can charge multiple devices at the same time without slowing down your trip.

One of the standout features of this power station for bikepackers and off-grid travellers is how quickly it charges. Using solar panels, you can fully recharge the unit in about 3.8 hours with dual Jackery SolarSaga 200W Solar Panels. If you are near a wall outlet before heading out, it takes just 1 hour via app emergency charging.

The portability of the Jackery Explorer 1000 v2 Portable Power Station makes it a beloved energy solution for bikepackers. With a weight of only 23.8 pounds and designed with a compact folding handle, it fits easily into small spaces. It is lighter and more convenient than other models in its class, which makes it a reliable solution for bikepacking trips.

The whisper-quiet operation of this power station is yet another feature that bikepackers love. Operating at less than 30 decibels, it won’t disturb the tranquillity of your surroundings while still providing you with reliable electricity.

Wrapping-Up

Bikepacking through Europe offers a unique mix of freedom, adventure, and discovery. With the right preparation, you can make the most of every moment on the road. Tools like the Jackery Explorer 1000 v2 Portable Power Station bring even greater peace of mind and ensure that power is never a concern, no matter where your journey takes you.