Bikepacking: A Beginners Guide, by Lance Smith

The term “bikepacking” has become extremely popular in recent years, though it has actually been around for quite a while. It can also be known as “All Terrain Biking” or sometimes under the umbrella of “bike touring” (which is slightly different). The activity involves adding bags/accessories to a bicycle and heading out overnight—usually camping or staying at hotels. While there are millions of possible combinations, bikepacking can be done with just about any bike and gear. In this session, we’ll examine some basic options to get started.

Lance Smith is a husband, father, IT manager, and outdoor enthusiast. He has been biking, hiking, and camping for over 40 years. When he’s not working or spending time with family, he’s in the backcountry enjoying an adventure. In the past year, he merged biking with camping and discovered the fantastic world of bikepacking. In the summer of 2023, with an inexpensive bike he picked up in 2020, he set out on the Greenbrier River Trail in West Virginia for a four-day, three-night excursion on the scenic gravel path.