How to Plan a Bikepacking Route Using Free Apps
How to plan a bikepacking route using free tools and apps, covering route mapping, elevation analysis, water sources, and campsite research.
By Category
408 stories, organized around how bikepackers actually read: by the question they came here to answer.
Trip Journals
Field reports from self-supported riders — what they packed, what broke, what they’d do differently.
Best Dynamo Hub Lights for Self-Powered Lighting
The best dynamo hub lights for bikepacking, covering reliable self-powered lighting systems that never need batteries or charging on multi-day tours.
Best Quick Release Seatpost Clamps for Dropper Posts
A solid seatpost clamp keeps your dropper post secure without slipping. These clamps offer the right clamping force for bikepacking use.
Bikepacking Cooking Tips for Simple Trail Meals
Practical bikepacking cooking tips for making simple, satisfying trail meals with minimal gear, covering stove setups, meal ideas, and calorie planning.
Best Bikepacking Destinations in South America
South America offers some of the most dramatic bikepacking terrain on the planet. From Patagonia wind to Colombian mountain passes, these routes are worth the t
Gear Reviews
Long-term testing on dirt. No sponsored scores, no courtesy 8/10s.
New to bikepacking?
Four short reads to get you from curious to packed-and-rolling. We promise not to tell you to buy anything yet.
Start the seriesQ & A
How to Plan a Bikepacking Route Using Free Apps
Best Dynamo Hub Lights for Self-Powered Lighting
Best Quick Release Seatpost Clamps for Dropper Posts
Best Panniers vs Bikepacking Bags Compared
Bikepacking Cooking Tips for Simple Trail Meals
Best Bikepacking Destinations in South America
Submit a Question
Stuck on a gearing decision? Unsure about tire width for a route you’ve never ridden? Send it in — we answer the best ones in the Friday dispatch.