The world of bikepacking In the last decade, it has undergone a period of profound transformation, both from a technical point of view and in terms of its diffusion, two elements that, on the other hand, always go hand in hand. Once upon a time (and we are talking about the second decade, not too long ago) the bikepacking it was seen as a niche activity, linked to people who adapted handcrafted bags to their bikes, mostly mountain bikes considered more robust, for adventure trips, towards the desert as well as the highest mountains, to go and discover hidden corners of our planet.
Much has changed since then: trips continue to be taken, and perhaps they're even more attractive, more practical. But those who undertake them, in their careful and necessary planning, include a significant portion dedicated to assembling the vehicle and adapting bags and purses, to carry everything possible, the essentials, and maybe even a little more...
The importance of a pioneer like Ortlieb
Il bikepacking It has become a mature, technologically advanced, and codified discipline. Few people know, however, that this evolution is the result of the efforts of a figure a little further back in time, the German Hartmut Ortlieb who thought that cyclists needed not only baskets, but real, specific, waterproof bags that could be adapted to the vehicle. He created his first models with his mother's sewing machine, in 1982, given the success that his handcrafted products were having, he registered the brand and opened a small factory in Nuremberg, which has become today a large leading company in the sector, while still remaining family-run.
The evolution of the bikepacking it went hand in hand with the technological one Because today, travel is no longer prepared by spending hours poring over books, drawing maps, or writing diaries. We spend most of our time working on computers or smartphones, and this has greatly broadened the scope of interest, which has further developed with the pandemic, which has pushed many people to seek freedom of movement—a feeling that has remained ingrained even after Covid has become a bad memory.
Two schools of thought
The numbers have also multiplied events dedicated to the bikepacking, multi-day gatherings for extended excursions, as well as ultracycling, a real sporting discipline that is carving out the same space for itself that, in running, ultramarathon and ultratrail races have around the world
Such a vast public demands high-quality products, and specialized companies have grown in number and quality, offering extremely valid products at affordable prices. Following two directives, almost two schools of thought: those who opt for bikes anchored to the front or rear rack, therefore using a suitable bike and those who instead (and it can be said that it is becoming the majority) choose the specific mode of the bikepacking, that is, bags and accessories that are attached directly to the various parts of the bike.
The evolution of fabrics and fastenings
As mentioned, quality has evolved exponentially, using technical fabrics such as Ultra-PE, Cura, and the various variants of X-Pac, which are specifically designed for the sector . This has made it possible to produce bags that combine lightness with resistance, making them practically indestructible. Much work has also been done on manufacturing techniques: for example, radio frequency welding has replaced traditional stitching, making the sets “fully waterproof” without the need for external covers. Or the construction of rigid exoskeletons with special quick-release and attachment systems that have minimized oscillations , providing a clear advantage in terms of maintaining balance even on uneven terrain.
One could also reason in philosophical terms. There are those who think that the gravel are a direct result of this need to travel in complete safety, with vehicles as adapted as possible to these new "ballast". It's probably a stretch, but it's also true that the particular structure of the bikes gravel It allows for plenty of mounting points for water bottles and lightweight racks as well as generous wheel clearance.
Bearing capacity, a crucial element
But let's return to the distinction made earlier between anchored and fixed bags. There's still an advantage to the former. They have a larger capacity: between rear bags, front panniers (i.e. semi-rigid bags), handlebar bags and the classic dry bag to be placed over the rear bags, the volume can easily exceed 100 litresWe are at double what a complete distribution of accessories guarantees bikepacking: one on the handlebars, under the saddle, one on the frame, two on the forks.
What's gained in range is lost elsewhere: aerodynamics, overall size, weight, and consequently, agility in handling in various situations. The first mode might be considered more suitable for very long trips where you'll encounter cold temperatures and where you're looking for autonomy in logistical solutions like a tent and sleeping bag . The second mode is ideal for those who prefer more agile solutions, in less challenging weather conditions, and with a smaller load.
And when do they come off the bike?
One last thing to consider is how to transport your bags once they're separated from the bike: anchored bags almost always have a shoulder strap, while the newer ones, when detached, must be carried by hand, which is often inconvenient . The fact remains that, whatever your choice, bike travel has acquired an added allure, and social media plays a role in this: many can't resist the temptation to immortalize coffee brewed on a stovetop, almost Wild West-style (except there are no horses, but bikes, and cooking isn't done over a fire...) with stunning views in the background.
Precisely the infinite possibilities that social media offer and especially platforms like komoot e Strava they expand the possibility of traveling, even for short periods of time. In this decade, the bikepacking it has almost become a fashion and its success is far from having reached its limits.
