Bikepacking Essentials #1 | What Bikepacking Really Is (And Isn't)

In the first episode of the Bikepacking Essentials series, brought to you by Panorama Cycles, hosts Chris Panasky and Carl Presseault introduce what bikepacking is and isn’t, using their miserable early attempt at a 400 km route that eventually grew into the Canadian Shield 400 to highlight common misconceptions.

They discuss how bikepacking overlaps with touring but often differs in mindset, terrain, planning needs, and self-reliance, especially when things go wrong far from easy fixes. The conversation covers misconceptions like expecting a free-flowing experience, assuming lighter gear is always better, and believing you need the perfect bike, emphasizing instead trust, durability, skills, and realistic expectations.

They also outline different bikepacking styles, from race-focused ultra-distance to weekend overnighters, expeditions, and credit-card approaches.

We couldn't have made this series a reality without the support of Panorama Cycles. Panorama Cycles is an independent bicycle company based in Canada and dedicated to backcountry cyclists who prefer gravel, snow and off-road trails. Be sure to check out their website, YouTube and Instagram.

Panorama Cycles Website

Panorama Cycles Instagram

Join us Live on YouTube for episode 2 on Thursday, March 12 at 8pm EST where we will be discussing "Routes: Choosing Where to Go"

To support the Bike Tour Adventures podcast, follow the links below:

https://www.patreon.com/bikepackadventures or

https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/bikepackadventures

Join the RideWithGPS Bikepack Adventures Club

Please consider using these affiliate links to help cover the costs of running the show.

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Show Sponsors

Panorama Cycles --> They believe that cycling is a catalyst for adventures, no matter how small they can be. No need to travel across the world or to be a seasoned athlete to live epic outdoors adventures.

Redshift Sports --> Redshift have focused on taking a different approach to product development - drawing on their own experiences and needs to create components that make a meaningful difference to the riding experience. Use code BPA15 to save 15% at checkout.

Tailfin Cycling --> Tailfin Cycling is a technical bikepacking equipment company that really thinks outside the box when creating new bikepacking gear. They create long-lasting products that have been tested in every way imaginable.

Full Cycle Ottawa --> Full Cycle has been a staple in the Ottawa biking community since it opened its doors in 1994. Known for their passion for cycling, the team at Full Cycle isn’t just about selling bikes—they’re also avid riders themselves. They live by the motto "we ride what we sell and sell what we ride,".

BarYak Bikepacking --> BarYak was designed in 2012 to solve the problem of bikepacking bags and systems that interfered with braking and shifting performance. Where will Your BarYak Take You?

The Bert Shoe --> The pre and post activity shoe for bike-packers, hikers and other free spirits. Their shoe soles, crafted from recycled rubber, represent a harmonious blend of sustainability and social responsibility.

Ride With GPS --> Driven by pursuit of a better riding experience, founders Zack Ham and Cullen King set out to redefine the way cyclists create, navigate, and share routes.