The Difference Between Bikepacking & Bike Touring Explained

Great video! For someone new to travelling with their bike, this gives a great startingpoint as for which mindset to approach the riding and packing situation with. Coming from the hiking world, my preferences gravitate towards bikepacking in regards of sleeping comfort, route choice etc. After some years of experimenting, I've ended up with a combined setup of bikepacking bags and small panniers. I like to ride fast and be able to venture into a forest or similar, but also prefer the easy access and packability of panniers. there is also (to me at least) some challenge in seeing how little I can bring and still enjoy the trip greatly Thank you for a great video

So, given those definitions, I got myself a 'touring' bike, converted from my XC bike. Not only I've changed and added parts, like panniers and a rigid fork, but I also invested on good bags that can double as work bags, whenever I'm called to the office. For the bags, I got 2x 24 L pannier bags, 2x 6 L fork bags, a small triangle frame bag (limited since I'm using a ladies' bike), and a repair pouch.

Great info and questions, Mike - thank you! I've actually been asking myself these types and other questions to decide whether to just use my vintage hardtail mountain bike for bikepacking AND road touring, or trade/sell some of my other mtbs and a road bike for a proper road touring bike; and, I really like the Kona Sutra a lot. I'm just in the planning/deciding stage right now for a multi-day trip in the summer. Cheers!

Jättebra video! Blev genast riktigt taggad på att bygga en touring bike nu.

As someone who has done a lot of commuting and touring with a pannier setup, bikepacking rigs seem like a nightmare to me. They seem very kludgey and impactical. If I'm going to be camping, I'm running panniers.

I've recently added a fork frame( Passport Lug-Cage) to my bikepack set-up. It can carry tent, or similar shape kit bag, secured with straps. It's proved sturdy and stable on trails. Enjoyed your vid, as it points up the different/difficult choices, when reducing carrying capacity.

Great video. Another option which I really enjoy is to use a trailer like a Bob Yak. We got one when we were touring with 2 toddlers when we needed panniers and extra space - one child was on a seat attached to the frame, suddenly we had a 4 man tent. As the trailer is attached via the rear axle it gives you more flexibility of what bike you can use. It's also a bit more stable than 4 heavy panniers - I typically still use two but can put the heavier things in the Yak.

I use both as I have a problem with my leg & getting it over a saddle bag is difficult for me , So I mainly use a full frame bag & front panniers ,as well as a bar bag ,I will use rear panniers if I was going for a long trip .I use a Surly Ogre with 29x 2.25" tyres & I can go pretty much anywhere . Thanks for the great videos .

Good job Mike...I started out with a bikepacking set of AGU consisting of saddlebag, framebag, steeringrol and upper bar and snack bag....didn't work out for me. Currently trying the Ortlieb gravelpanniers on the Ortlieb quickrack, framebag 4L, Ortlieb handlebar bag wich I use also as snackpack and until now I'm satisfied with it....the bike is a medium Ridley KanzoAdventure. ...Grtz from Flanders....👍🏻👍🏻

spot on Mike! I maxed out my Surly LHT's tire clearance to 1.75" with the Schwalbe Smart Sams which makes the touring bike much more off/bad road capable...and more comfortable too!

Thank you thank you thank you . I have been going down a wormhole just trying to figure out which bike to buy . At least now I am certain of which style I need.

Bikepacking for me, using a gravel bike, with a saddle and handle bags (AGU) and, as you mention it, I do use lots of shock cords. I would carry a waist bag (minimal). I´m a recreational tourer, I do sleep in hotels/airbnb, eat at local restaurants and carry energy food. Also I don´t ride long distances at a time, more like sightseeing/bike friendly routes. :)

Never travel with bikepackers, they will ask you to carry parts of their gear or food beacause their bags are already full

Just found this channel - looking forward to the content - tack så mycket!

comfort touring for me Mike, thanks for sharing your knowledge with the world, great stuff

Great video. I’ve been wanting to go on a bike tour for a long time. Now i finally have a good bike, so I’m looking a bit into setups. But first i want to get used to my new bike.

Great video once again; very professional, helpful and inspiring. Thanks!

Tack Mike. I like to mix and match, my Tailfin rack is versatile for both situations, although I did bend it a bit when I crashed off my MTB. Much Love Ed

You answerd my question well.... Thanks man!

Thanks for this video and previous videos. They are a great source of information and will help me to choose the right products for a trip I'm planning for next year. 👍