The beginner's bikepacking packing list

The short version
If you only read one line: two bags, a sleep setup, a flat-repair kit, a warm layer, a rain jacket, and more water than you think you need. Everything else is optional on trip one.

Carrying it

• Saddle pack (10–14 L) · Your main luggage, one is enough to start · from €39
• Bar bag (5–9 L) · Sleeping bag and clothes live here · from €45
• Dry bag liners · The cheapest insurance against a wet sleeping bag · €14

Sleeping

• Sleeping bag (comfort 10 °C) · Light enough for mild summer nights · €89
• Sleeping mat · Packs down small and keeps the cold ground away · €55
• Tent or tarp · You can skip this on trip one if you book a hut, hostel or cabin

Repair and safety

• Spare tube, tyre levers and mini pump · The one repair worth learning before you go · €25
• Multitool with chain tool · Covers almost every adjustment you'll make on the road
• Front and rear lights · For tunnels, dense trees and dusk · €35
• Power bank · Your phone is your map, your camera and your way home
• First-aid basics · Plasters, tape, painkillers and any personal medication

Clothing

• One warm layer · Evenings get colder than you expect, even in summer
• Rain jacket · Take it however good the forecast looks
• One change of riding kit · Wash one, wear one
• Off-bike shoes · Light trainers or sandals make the evening much nicer

Food and water

• Two bottles minimum · Refill at every reliable tap and don't ration
• Snacks for between stops · More than you think. Hunger ruins days.
• Breakfast for the morning · Shops are often shut when you set off

What to leave at home
A frame bag, a stove, a second pair of shoes, camp chairs and anything packed "just in case". You can add all of it later. After one trip you'll know exactly what you missed.