Mistakes on multi-day tours: 8 bikepacking fails that take the fun out of it
Laurin Lehner
· 03.12.2025
Bikepacking thrives on freedom, adventure and reduction: everything you need is on your bike, and you can spontaneously decide where to stay and the route. Instead of comfort, the focus is on minimalism, closeness to nature and sporting challenges - including sunrises at the campsite, long stages and changing terrain. It is precisely this mix of independence, simplicity and adventure that makes the trend so appealing.
When bikepacking, the right equipment makes the difference between enjoyment and frustration. If you are travelling for several days, you need to pack cleverly: light, compact and functional at the same time. Every bag on the bike needs to be well thought out, from the sleeping bag to the air pump. Clothing should be weatherproof, breathable and versatile - ideally according to the onion principle. The same applies to tools: take the bare essentials with you without lugging ballast around. In short: the better the set-up, the more relaxed and adventurous the tour will be.
But sometimes you have to learn from your mistakes, and that's what we've done. For you. Hence our appeal. Don't make these mistakes (anymore).
1. clothing & equipment not tried out
We've all been there: just before we set off, we quickly order the desired arse rocket, the new helmet (see photo) or the micro air pump for the adventure - or we convert to tubeless after all. Then off you go - and none of it is tried and tested.
Unfortunately, there's nothing you can do about it on tour. The old, but tried and tested helmet or the reliable pump are not within reach - and you now have to pull through.
Better do it this way: Be sure to test your setup and equipment beforehand - preferably on a longer tour.
2. ignore the weather forecast
Yes, in summer you often think: "The weather will be fine." But you can be quite wrong - especially in the mountains. If you don't have the right equipment, you can quickly look silly.
Better do it this way: Be sure to check the weather beforehand - and ideally also during the tour. We recommend, for example, the Warn-Wetter app from the German Weather Service (only for Germany).
3. travelling with the wrong travel partner
Such plans for the new season are usually made in a beer mood with a mate. For example: "Let's drive across Germany to the Baltic Sea next year." We say: watch out! Just because he's a great mate doesn't mean he's a good travelling companion.
Better do it this way: Pay attention to experience: Does he or she have a similar fitness level? Do your ideas about the tour match? Is the vibe in the "outdoor area" right? Check this out beforehand - it will save you a lot of drama later on. Clear communication is always important.
4. incorrect estimation of distances
As you know, you can plan well on Komoot, Outdooractive or other providers. In addition to the metres in altitude, you should also consider other aspects. For example, the surface - it's quick on tarmac roads or gravel tracks, but much slower on paths with roots or rough cobblestones. Other factors that slow you down are Elevation gain, headwind, heat or cold.
Better do it this way: Plan the day's stages realistically and take into account that breaks for lunch, finding a place to sleep and small breakdowns take time. Check your app to see what terrain awaits you and how many metres in altitude.
5. too much luggage
"Oh, a third shirt wouldn't be bad. And maybe a pair of jogging trousers in the evening would be cosy too," one or two people think to themselves before the tour. In no time at all, the bags are full and the weight is pulling on the frame. We say: less is more.
Better do it this way: Weigh up exactly what you really need. It's better to buy some "Rei in a tube" on the way and wash your clothes in between than to take too much with you - especially if you want to cover a lot of kilometres. Because "light travelling" provides significantly more propulsion.
6. poorly selected sleeping place
Right next to a road (noise), near a pond (mosquitoes), in tall grass (damp) or on private property where you are woken up in the morning by the grumpy owner. The choice of sleeping place is the be-all and end-all for the necessary rest.
Better do it this way: It's not worth going for the first choice straight away. Tip: Consider whether you will have peace and quiet at the location in the early morning. Consider aspects such as traffic, frequency, humidity and mosquitoes.
7. poor power management
Mobile phone, AirPods, sat nav, watch - and now also the electronic circuit. The power requirement increases depending on the equipment. Especially when the gears run out of juice, the faces are long. Then it's a case of cranking in the gear where the battery has failed.
Better do it this way: Pressing the button shows whether there is still enough energy left. If the button flashes green, the battery level is above 25 %. With a fully charged battery, the manufacturer specifies a running time of around 60 hours. This drops significantly at low temperatures in winter. For multi-day tours, it is essential to charge the battery beforehand - and for tours over 800 kilometres, it is advisable to take a charger with you. By the way: The gear lever also has a battery that should last around two years. It helps to occasionally switch on flight mode on your mobile phone.
8. eating too little or too late
Ride until you get hungry and then just stop off somewhere - nice idea, badly done. This is when you often search in vain for a restaurant or similar. Even reaching for a bar too late usually has consequences: In no time at all, your glycogen stores are empty, your blood sugar drops and the energy supply to your muscles collapses. Suddenly you feel "empty" or "run into a wall" - hunger pangs!
Better do it this way: Never wait until you feel hungry - by then it's usually too late. Start eating carbohydrates after about an hour and drink plenty of fluids.
Laurin Lehner
Editor
