The Bags

Bikepacking Gear

Below is a list of gear I use to cycle different types of tracks.  I generally use a combination of packs to suit the trip.  Panniers on the rear and bikepacking bags for the rest is my normal setup.

to see a list of hut to cycle to click here https://bike2bunk.blogspot.com/p/bikepacking.html

Panniers 

as used on the road for touring.  great to get all the weight on the bike.  many choices of styles.  can have a backpack as a top back on the rack so you can wear that if the going gets bumpy.

Advantages:

carries lots of gear.
easy to get stuff in and out.
Lots of choice in shops with good place range.

Disadvantages:

cumbersome so no good for technical stuff even with the backpack on you.
You need racks on the bike to fit them.
Used for easier trails like the Otago Gold trail,  Roxburgh Gorge or Rail Trail.

I use Ortlieb rolltop panniers as they are water proof, fasten to bike well and durable.  See here for the range in nz http://www.oms.co.nz/recreational-category/ortlieb-panniers and if in Christchurch this shop sells a good range https://www.cycletrading.co.nz/

Trailers 

are great at carrying large single bag like a backpack.  I use mine to carry a large backpack so I can ride the easy bit then lock bike and trailer up and leave while tramping on. Craig hut up Leatham valley is perfect for this.   Also good to carry extra stuff if required.

Advantages:

easy to fit to bike even with suspension.
Carries large single heavy loads.
Still leaves space on the bike to carry extra stuff.
Use on Rail trail near Clyde or 4wd tracks to walking areas.

Disadvantages 

Hard to push over technical stuff.
More weight going up.
May need a fitting bracket on the bike.

I use a single wheel trailer which does tug from side to side a little but this also means it can fit in the wheel ruts on a 4WD track.  There are many types; http://www.cycletrailers.co.nz

Bikepacks 

are the small bags that fit around the bike.  There are many of them so you can take a fare amount of stuff but a backpack is often required to add space.  great for technical stuff and since you have a backpack on you can still lift the bike. Used on technical tracks like Nydia track and the Wakamarina trail.

Advantages:

easy to fit to any bike so you can use a existing bike and have fun once at camp.
Can do technical tracks using them.  so pushing bike is easier, lifting the bike is possible and walking the wheely is always useful.

Disadvantages:

Not as much space so backpack on rider required.
They can be fiddly so experimentation is required to get the right fit for each bike.


These are the latest bags on the market and thus there are many types and suppliers.  I use the frame bag and handle bar bag the most.  There are NZ manufactured ones like https://www.stealthbikebags.com

Final Thought.

As I said I use a combination of the above and find quality matters as they get some rough treatment.  No matter what you use or what budget you have the main thing is get out there and ride.  Huts are still cheap to stay at and some are even free.