Never Do This When Bikepacking: My Top 2 Biggest Regrets

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 When I first started bikepacking, I had so much to learn and plenty of trial and error along the way. Looking back now, there are a few things I wish I had done differently. To save you from making the same mistakes, here are some lessons I learned the hard way!


1. Buying Non-Photochromic Sunglasses

At first, I used regular sunglasses, thinking they would be fine. And they weren't. The reason why cyclists wear goggle-like sunglasses has a reason. After some time your eyes will get super dry due to the wind hitting your face. So I bought a pair of sports sunglasses based on reviews on the Internet. Of course what mattered to me the most was the look. (Who doesn't want to look cool?) But as I rode through different weather conditions and lighting environments, I quickly realized how essential photochromic sunglasses are.

These lenses adjust automatically to light changes, making them perfect for rides with tunnels or at sunrise and sunset. If you are cycling fast, you don't have time to stop and change your lenses at all. And you don't take your extra lense with you in the first place. (Remember? Aerodynamic?) I had to keep taking off and putting on my sunglasses, which was frustrating and distracting. If I could go back, I’d definitely invest in a good pair of photochromic sunglasses from the start. It's a couple of bucks more, definitely not extra 100 bucks or so. Instead of buying one non-phogochromic sunglasses and then another photochromic sunglasses, just go for photochromic in the very first place.


2. Not Choosing an Ultralight Tent

Initially, I thought, “A tent should be sturdy and spacious, right?” So I chose a standard tent. I mean it's still not THAT bad, as it's also designed for hiking where light-weighted gears are top priority. However, big mistake. After a few rides, I learned how crucial weight and pack size are for bikepacking. Even 10g matters, well, let me correct it. Even 1g matters.

Carrying a heavy tent drained my energy and made packing a bit of a hassle. Now I use an ultralight tent, and it’s been a total game-changer. For bikepacking, the golden rule is "the lighter and more compact, the better."



I hope sharing my mistakes helps you avoid them and make better choices for your own bikepacking adventures. Having the right gear can make all the difference.🚴‍♀️

Location: United States

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