Weekend Bikepacking Tips: How to Plan & What to Pack

If you’ve only got a couple of days free but want a proper adventure, a weekend bikepacking trip is the perfect solution. Short enough to squeeze into busy schedules, but long enough to feel like a reset, these trips let you cover miles, explore new places, and camp under the stars - without taking a week off work.

In this guide, I’ll share my best weekend bikepacking tips to help you plan efficiently and pack smart, so you can get rolling with minimal stress and maximum fun.

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How to Plan a Weekend Bikepacking Trip

1. Keep the Distance Manageable

For a two-day ride, somewhere between 100–200km total is a sweet spot. That gives you time to ride, stop for food, and actually enjoy being out there — instead of racing the clock.

2. Choose a Simple Route

Pick a loop or point-to-point route that’s easy to follow. Apps like Komoot or Ride with GPS are great for finding quiet lanes, bridleways, and gravel tracks. Avoid overly complex navigation — nothing eats into your riding time like endless faffing with the map.

3. Plan Food & Water Stops

You don’t need to carry days’ worth of supplies. Mark a few cafes, shops, or pubs on your route so you know where to refuel. This keeps your load light and your morale high.

4. Decide Where You’ll Sleep

• Wild camping (check the rules where you’re riding).

• Campsites (ideal for easy water and toilets).

• Budget B&Bs or hostels (for those who prefer a bed and shower).

Having a rough plan avoids late-night panic searching for somewhere to crash.

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What to Pack for a Weekend Bikepacking Trip

Packing light is the trickiest part of bikepacking — but for a weekend, you really don’t need much. Here’s a solid starting point:

Bike & Bags

• Bikepacking bags (frame bag, saddle pack, handlebar roll)

• Lights + spare batteries / power bank

• Repair kit (tubes, multi-tool, tyre levers, mini pump)

  
  

Sleeping Kit

• Lightweight tent, bivvy bag, or tarp

• Sleeping bag (3-season is usually fine in the UK)

• Sleeping mat for comfort

  
  

Clothing

• Padded cycling shorts

• Lightweight jersey & base layer

• Waterproof jacket

• Warm layer (fleece or down jacket)

• Socks + spare set for sleeping

• Buff/hat for cooler nights

  
  

Food & Cooking

• Snacks (nuts, bars, dried fruit, chocolate)

• Instant meals or boil-in-the-bag food

• Small stove + gas + lighter (if cooking)

• Collapsible cup or mug

  
  

Essentials

• Water bottles or hydration bladder

• Basic first aid kit

• Phone + charger/power bank

• Map or GPS device (don’t rely only on your phone)

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Pro Tips for a Smooth Ride

• Lay everything out before you pack. If it doesn’t serve a purpose, leave it at home.

• Do a test ride fully loaded. Even just 10km helps you spot issues before you’re 50km from home.

• Embrace the adventure. Things might not go perfectly — and that’s the point. Flexibility is part of the fun.

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Final Thoughts

Weekend bikepacking is one of the best ways to squeeze adventure into everyday life. With a little smart planning and a dialled-in kit list, you can head out the door Friday evening and be back Sunday night feeling like you’ve been away for a week.

So, where’s your next 48-hour escape going to take you?

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Want a Ready-to-Ride Weekend Bikepacking Adventure?

If the thought of planning your own weekend bikepacking trip feels overwhelming — or you just want to skip straight to the fun part — I’ve got you covered.

My 48-Hour DIY Escapes are downloadable digital guides designed to make weekend bikepacking simple, accessible, and rewarding. Each guide includes:

• A pre-designed, ready-to-ride route

• A full kit list so you know exactly what to pack

• Tips for food, water, and overnight stops

• Insights to help you get the most out of your 48 hours

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They’re perfect for busy cyclists who want maximum adventure with minimum faff.

👉 Check out my 48-Hour DIY Escapes here and start planning your next weekend away.