Ce que le bikepacking ne te dit pas (5 réalités)

Five Drawbacks of Bikepacking

The hosts of Voies Recyclables compare bikepacking with traditional cycle touring using rack-mounted panniers and discuss five potential drawbacks:

1. Less convenient access: Bikepacking bags are tightly packed, so reaching an item can mean undoing straps or removing other gear. Keeping a rain jacket under an easily reached bungee cord can help, but bikepacking bags are generally less accessible than compartmentalized panniers.

2. Gear is spread across many small bags: Distributing weight can be helpful, but keeping track of belongings becomes harder. The hosts’ setup—a 10 L saddlebag, a 10 L handlebar bag, two 6 L fork panniers and a frame bag—offered no more space than two large rear panniers and was less convenient to pack.

3. It can be expensive: The cost of several bags can add up, and a genuinely light, compact setup may require specialist equipment. Buying second-hand bags can reduce costs and encourage reuse. Bikepacking bags may also suit bikes that cannot accommodate a luggage rack.

4. Less room for comfort, hobbies and supplies: A minimalist load may mean leaving behind items such as chairs, video equipment or musical instruments. There may also be little room for groceries, and this style of travel may not work well for families with children. The hosts recommend finding a personal middle ground rather than pursuing extreme weight savings for their own sake.

5. Bags may shift and need careful fitting: Unlike rigid panniers attached to a rack, bikepacking bags rely on their design and how securely they are mounted. If loose, they can rub against a tire or get caught in a wheel, creating a safety risk. The hosts advise packing carefully, checking attachments regularly and testing the setup thoroughly before a trip. When fitted well, bags that sit closer to the bike can be more comfortable on rough trails.

The hosts are still experimenting and favour a compromise: travelling light while carrying enough gear to suit their needs. They stress that there is no single ideal setup; the right choice depends on each rider’s preferences and style of travel.

Products and Speakers

The hosts mention Vaude saddle and fork bags, a rain jacket, bivouac chairs, and video gear such as a camera, tripod and drone. The speakers are the two hosts of Voies Recyclables; no individual names or specific travel locations are given.