Welcome back to the Bikepacking Essentials Mini-Series. This series is all about the things that actually determine whether a bikepacking trip feels empowering… or miserable. Not the gear hype, not the highlight reels, just the fundamentals that make trips work.

In the first episode, Carl and I talked about what bikepacking really is and what it isn’t. We spent some time resetting expectations, because a lot of riders end up frustrated simply because they thought the experience would feel different than it actually does.

This week we’re moving into something that probably has an even bigger impact on your trip than your bike or your gear. The route you choose. Because the truth is, most bikepacking trips don’t go sideways because of bad equipment. They go sideways because the route didn’t match the rider, the time available, or the expectations going in. So in this episode we’re talking about how to choose where to go. How terrain, elevation, and remoteness completely change what a day on the bike feels like. When it makes sense to follow established routes, and when building your own route might actually make more sense. Most importantly, we’re going to talk about planning routes that make you want to do this again. Because the best bikepacking trips aren’t the ones that nearly break you, they’re the ones that make you start thinking about the next ride before you’ve even unpacked.

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

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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.

Bikepacking Essentials #2 | Routes: Choosing Where To Go