Bikepacking Series

Let’s get Bikepacking!

By 4 Mins Read

What to bring/pack:

Your bicycle! This might go with out saying, but also make sure it is in fine working order. Feel free to schedule service with our shop in the weeks coming up to the trip!

If you don’t have a bicycle, Upshift Cycles does offer rental of our demo bikes! Please inquire with us for more information.

Bag/Rack set-up: On some of these rides, it could be doable with a backpack, however, on some of the longer rides that might lead to pain. There are myriad ways you can set your bike up for carrying all the things you need. Here are couple options:

  • Bikepacking bags: frame bag (half or full), large seat bag and a handlebar bag/roll.
  • Rack set up: rear or front rack, a basket in front, any either panniers or some other kind of bag that affixes to a rack/basket set up.
  • Some combination of the above examples, there is no right answer.

Shelter/sleep system: This can be a car camping sleeping bag or tent. An air mattress or pad will probably make sleeping on the ground easier. These could even be brought in a back pack on our first trip, as it is fairly short. We will also offer a shuttle for things you don’t feel comfortable carrying up to the site. Eventually you will probably want some bike bags/racks of some sort to move the load to your bike.

Food/Water: water bottles, some food to sustain you on the way up, and some snacks/dinner/breakfast for the evening and next morning.

Camp mug/cup: After our experience doing these last year, we highly suggest everyone bring their own mug or liquid receptacle of some sort.

Fork/Knife/Spoon/Spork: Pilfer this from the cutlery drawer in your kitchen, bring what you already have. That said, a handy stainless or titanium camp utensil can be a handsome, and relatively inexpensive (like these ones) addition to your camp accoutrements.

Camp Stove: A camp stove is handy if you would like to make your self coffee/oatmeal/tea/rehydrated prime-rib/hot cocoa.

Clothes:  It is possible that it will be cool/cold in the evening, night and early morning on all these trips. Things to consider bringing would be a jacket of some kind, clean warm clothes to change into if you like.

Headlamp/lantern/small flashlight: As it will be dark at some point in the evening, this will be an incredibly handy tool to help you move about on the site after dark. On some of these trips it is a bit of a walk to the nearest restroom. Our favorites are the Nebo Galileo Air 500 battery lantern and the Nebo Mycro RC 400 Rechargeable Headlamp. Steph and Eric wear theirs religiously!

Upshift is Providing:

  • Campsite & amenities
  • Firewood
  • Snacks
  • A larger water cooler
  • Some cold beverages
  • The finest of camp chairs
  • Dinner and Breakfast (what, you want to eat?!) – A vegan option will always be provided. But consider trying to bring your own food and seeing how that packs!
  • First aid supplies
  • Good times & Good people

What we’re not Including:

  • Any kind of extra camping equipment or personal gear
  • Transportation to and from Upshift Cycles
  • Road Bike and Helmet (We DO have rentals, please talk to us)
  • Biking Clothes and Shoes
  • Insurance of any kind – rain, sleet, snow, cars, bears, act of god, etc.

You’re REQUIRED to bring:

We recommend you bring:

If you wanna get fancy:

  • Towel
  • 2 Person, 3-Season Tent (share it with a friend!)
  • Inflatable Sleeping Pad
  • Headlamp
  • Cot 
  • Camping Pillow
  • Ear Plugs
  • Fancy Inflatable Sleeping Pad
  • Camera/Phone (limited cell service at times)
  • Phone Charger/Battery Pack
  • Shower Shoes (flip flops)
  • Book

Do NOT Bring:

  • Drones, fireworks, firearms, or anything else not permitted in national, county, or state parks.
  • A bad attitude. You’re going to have fun, and you’re going to like it!
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