In today's world, we're constantly moving at a breakneck pace. Between endless notifications, busy work schedules, and the pressures of everyday life, it’s no wonder so many of us feel overwhelmed. Imagine, for a moment, escaping everything that stresses you out—turning off your phone, trading the sound of cars and city noise for the wind through the trees, and finding solace in the rhythm of pedaling a bike through the forest. Enter my new favorite escape: Bikepacking.
Bikepacking is the perfect antidote to modern life. It’s a combination of everything we need more of: less cell phone service, more nature, and more time on two wheels. It’s the meeting point of adventure, cycling, and camping, where the journey takes priority over the destination. Unlike your typical mountain biking session, bikepacking forces you to slow down. With bags hanging all over your bike, you're not speeding down singletrack but riding at a more deliberate pace, allowing space for meaningful conversations and the time to truly soak in the beauty around you. And in a world that seems to be moving faster by the day, I’d say we could all benefit from slowing down every now and then.
A Slower Pace to Savor the Moment
One of the most beautiful aspects of bikepacking is that it’s not just about riding—it’s about experiencing. You’re not merely focused on hitting the trails hard, but instead, you're riding more cautiously and thoughtfully, thanks to the added weight and the change in balance from your bags. This slower pace gives you the opportunity to notice things you might miss on a faster ride—the wildlife, the smells, sunlight filtering through the trees in the early morning. You notice your surroundings, but you also notice your thoughts. There’s a meditative quality to bikepacking that’s hard to find elsewhere, and this introspective side of the adventure is something I’ve come to cherish.
For me, bikepacking is also a way to connect. Whether it’s with nature, my inner self, or my riding partner, the slower pace opens up the chance for deeper conversations and shared experiences. Instead of racing down a trail, you’re working together to overcome obstacles, like steep climbs or tricky descents. You're setting up camp, sharing stories around a fire, and waking up to a new dawn in the great outdoors. Bikepacking is a collective experience as much as it’s a personal one.
Bikepacking in Pisgah National Forest: A Father-Son Adventure
After two failed attempts due to bad weather, I finally got the perfect window to take my 8-year-old son, Ezra, on his first proper bikepacking trip. The destination? Pisgah National Forest—a place known for its rugged terrain, breathtaking views, and miles of trails that are perfect for both seasoned riders and those just getting into bikepacking.
It doesn't happen often, but this was one of those rare adventures where everything seemed to fall into place. The weather was absolutely perfect—sunny, cool, with just enough breeze to keep things comfortable. Ezra, despite his young age, took on the climbs like a champ. There’s something deeply satisfying about seeing your child tackle a challenge and come out the other side stronger for it.
Our campsite was sublime, tucked away in a quiet corner of the forest where the only sounds were our conversation and campfire. We only camped for one night, but in those 24 hours I’ve learned that even short trips are better than no trips at all, and this mindset has helped me squeeze in more of these micro-adventures despite my often hectic schedule.
If you haven’t tried bikepacking yet, it’s time to add it to your bucket list. There’s something incredibly freeing about being self-sufficient on the trail—carrying everything you need with you, from your tent to your cooking supplies, and relying on nothing but your legs and your bike to get you to your next destination. It’s a simple, minimalist way to travel, but the memories you make along the way are anything but simple.
The Gear You Need (And Don't Need)
One of the most common misconceptions about bikepacking is that you need a ton of expensive gear to get started. While there are certainly a few key pieces of equipment that make the experience more enjoyable, it’s actually quite simple to outfit a bike you already have for an adventure.
For our trip to Pisgah, I outfitted my hardtail with just a few essentials: a frame bag, a handlebar roll bag, and a seat bag. This setup allowed me to carry everything we needed for an overnight trip without feeling overloaded. The beauty of bikepacking is that it forces you to pack light and only bring what’s necessary. After all, the more you pack, the heavier your bike, and the more difficult it becomes to ride. The key is finding the right balance between comfort and necessity.
Planning Your First Bikepacking Adventure
If you’re feeling inspired to give bikepacking a try, there are a few things you should keep in mind as you plan your first trip. The first is route selection. It’s important to choose a trail that matches your skill level and comfort with carrying gear. If you’re new to bikepacking, consider starting with a relatively short route on familiar terrain. Many local parks and state forests have trails that are well-suited for beginners.
Next, think about your packing list. While you don’t need a lot of gear, you do need the right gear. A bike with a comfortable geometry, frame bags for carrying your essentials, and lightweight camping gear are a must. Depending on the season, you may also want to pack extra layers, a rain jacket, and a basic first-aid kit.
Finally, don’t forget to bring plenty of water and food. One of the challenges of bikepacking is that you often don’t have access to water or food once you’re out on the trail, so it’s important to bring enough to sustain yourself until your next water source or resupply. Dehydrated meals and energy bars are great options for quick, lightweight nourishment.
Why Bikepacking Is Worth the Effort
Bikepacking requires more planning, more preparation, and more effort than your average day on the trails, but the rewards far outweigh the challenges. There’s something incredibly satisfying about reaching your destination at the end of a long day, knowing that you got there under your own power, with everything you need packed onto your bike. It’s a way to reconnect with nature, with yourself, and with the simple joy of riding a bike.
There’s also an undeniable sense of freedom that comes with bikepacking. When you’re out on the trail, you’re free from the constraints of everyday life. There are no deadlines, no meetings, no traffic jams—just you, your bike, and the open trail ahead. It’s a rare opportunity to disconnect from the world and reconnect with what truly matters.
A Piece of Cognative Gear to Inspire Your Next Adventure
To inspire your next adventure, we’re releasing a limited-edition mudguard featuring our "Favorite Things" pattern. It’s a small but meaningful reminder that life is better outside—whether you’re bikepacking through the mountains or just enjoying a quick ride around your local trails.
So, turn off your screen, grab your gear, and #GoRideYourBike. Whether you’re planning an epic multi-day bikepacking trip or just a quick overnight escape, the important thing is to get out there and ride. There’s a whole world waiting to be explored, and it’s best seen from the seat of a bike.
Bikepacking offers something rare in today’s fast-paced world: the chance to slow down, reconnect with nature, and create lasting memories. It’s not about how fast you can ride or how far you can go, but about the experiences you have along the way.
