What do I need for one or more nights outdoors.

When bikepacking there are an incredible number of options for what you can take with you. An easy way to get started is to spend a night in the garden or in familiar terrain to get to know the equipment.

Here is my packing list for a three day bikepacking trip on the Tuscany Trail where I covered 500km and 5000m of elevation.

Tuscany in June is generally dry, dusty and warm during the day, but can be cool and humid at night. This should be taken into account in the packing list.

Electronics

• GPS-Device: I use a Garmin Etrex32x as it runs on 2 AA batteries which are widely available. So I only need a power bank.
• Headlamp: A Petzl Tikka that has been doing its job reliably for 15 years. It is practical for nighttime bivouacs and technical trails.
• Front and rear lights
• Powerbank 10.000 mAh
• Smartphone
• Charger

Tools

• Multitool: A multi-tool that covers all the screws on my bike. However, I forgot to check the crank bolt that came loose in the woods. Luckily another driver had a suitable tool.
• Missing Links: A replacement chain link is always useful, especially with older chains.

Repairing a chain from old and used chain links

• Chain Lube: A small bottle of dry oil lasts for several days.
• CO2 cartridge or pump
• Tyre Repair Set
• Lock

I brought a very small lock to secure my bike in case I needed to go to the grocery store or to attach it to my tent.

Sleep system

• Tent: I'm currently using a $100 one-person tent from Amazon that does the job pretty well. It does form some condensation, but this also happens with very expensive tents on the humid Tuscan night. I never use the included pannier. Instead, I pack the poles, groundsheet, inner and outer tent separately in a dry bag to better control the packing shape.

• Insulation Mat
• Sleeping Bag: The North Face 10°C. The lightest one I had at home. I pack the sleeping bag directly into the dry bag and can therefore fill the shape of the dry bag well.

• Pillow: I use one of my two dry bags as a cushion, which when filled with clothing creates a very comfortable cushion. It's under the sleeping bag.

 Bag set up on my Team Marin 2 hardtail.

Bags & Carrier

• Handlebar Bag: Right now I'm using a Restrap handlebar strap that holds a 5 liter dry bag. The big advantage is that you can easily remove the luggage without having to disassemble everything. I usually pack all my sleeping stuff in there because I'm too lazy to open it during the day.

• Frame Bag: Restrap frame bag Large 4.5L. This fit much better on a gravel bike and I had a bit of trouble getting it into my narrow mountain bike frame. It usually holds my rain jacket, some food, cables I don't need during the day, and my toothbrush.

• Stem Bags: Two Restrap stem bags in which I stored food and a second water bottle.

• Toptube Bag: A Restrap race bag for headphones, cell phone, power bank and snacks.

• Rear Carrier: Since I use a telescopic seat post on my current bike, I decided to use a luggage rack. This was an experiment I wanted to try. I found an affordable luggage rack from SKS that attaches to the frame with clamps. For more stability, I also attached the luggage rack to the seat tube with a rubber band. This solution worked surprisingly well and I can really recommend using a rack instead of a saddle pack as the latter usually wobble around. The weight distribution also feels better.

As already mentioned, everyone has to decide for themselves what they take with them on a bikepacking tour. At the beginning you tend to pack too much.