Just for fun, we asked AI what the future of bikepacking holds in the year ahead. Find out what it had to say and read our responses to each prediction here…

We always love making predictions about what the next year holds for our little niche corner of cycling. This year, we thought it would be a fun change to ask the all-seeing AI hive mind what the future of bikepacking looks like in 2024. Find its list of predictions below paired with our assessment of each highlighted in red.

1. Increased Popularity: The popularity of bikepacking has been steadily growing, and it’s likely that more people will be drawn to this form of adventure cycling in 2024. This could lead to increased interest from both experienced cyclists and newcomers.

Bravo for your number one response! We hope you’re correct, and we’ve been amazed to see bikepacking continue to grow year over year since the site was founded in 2012. With a dozen years under our belt, our goals for this year are clearer than ever, and one rises to the top: continue to expand our resources to help people new to bikepacking, including expanding our Bikepacking 101 Handbook and further developing our route-planning resource.

2. Gear Innovation: As bikepacking gains popularity, there may be continued innovation in bikepacking-specific gear and equipment. This could include advancements in lightweight materials, multi-functional designs, and improved durability.

Seems a little obvious, but we hope to see small makers and established companies continue to push the boundaries of carrying gear on a bike. Additionally, it’s nice to see larger outdoor brands such as MSR, Nemo, and Big Agnes develop camping gear specifically tailored for bikepacking. For 20224, we aim to continue to bring our readers news about the latest in bikepacking gear, including bike components and tools, bikepacking bags, and camping gear from around the globe, as well as many more of the real-world, in-depth reviews we’re best known for. Also, expect a couple of new Gear Indexes and updates to our Index library.

3. Technology Integration: The integration of technology into bikepacking experiences might continue to evolve. This could involve the development of smart navigation tools, bikepacking apps, and innovative solutions for electronic gadget storage and charging while on the trail.

Hmm, not sure about this one, Robot Hive Mind, but we do expect to continue to see navigation and route planning apps continue to evolve, and more new gadgets, of course.

4. Community Building: The bikepacking community is known for its camaraderie and shared experiences. In 2024, there might be an increased focus on community-building initiatives, events, and online platforms that connect bikepackers globally.

More of this is always welcome. We continue to be the first and foremost voice for the bikepacking community and have a few things in the works to evolve our platform and share information among the community. If you’re not yet a member, please consider joining the Bikepacking Collective to help us continue to build and grow.

5. Sustainability Practices: With a growing emphasis on sustainability, bikepacking gear manufacturers and enthusiasts may increasingly prioritize eco-friendly practices. This could involve using sustainable materials, minimizing packaging waste, and promoting Leave No Trace principles.

This seems like a rather vague statement that could be applied to any industry, but we’d be happy to see these types of initiatives prosper in bikepacking and help build an ethos supporting LNT and low-waste bikepacking within our community. We first developed our Leave No Trace for Bikepackers resource back in 2014, and we’ve continued to grow and nurture this information for newcomers and bikepacking veterans, alike—not to mention our Low-Waste Bikepacking Guide, which was revamped last year. For 2024, we plan on extending our efforts to highlight makers and companies who are embracing a more sustainable future in gear and apparel manufacturing.

6. Destination-Specific Routes: As more bikepackers seek unique and challenging routes, there could be an increase in the development of destination-specific bikepacking routes. Local communities might also actively promote and contribute to the creation of trails and routes.

It’s great to see communities and local organizations embrace bikepacking and support routemaking. We launched our Bikepacking Network Hub model last year with the release of the Gunnison Bikepacking Routes Network and are excited to work on more projects like it. Watch this space for more this year!

7. Media and Storytelling: The bikepacking community has a strong tradition of storytelling through various media channels. In 2024, we might see continued growth in bikepacking-related content, including blogs, videos, podcasts, and social media, sharing experiences and inspiring others to embark on their own adventures.

Inspiration is the magic bullet, and there has already been some great stuff this year. We’ve been doing it since 2012—often imitated but never duplicated. :-) But what about print, Robots? We’ll keep it alive and well with The Bikepacking Journal, and maybe next year you can add it to your list of predictions.

8. Bikepacking Events: The popularity of bikepacking events and races may continue to rise. Organizers might develop new and diverse routes, catering to different skill levels and preferences.

While not everyone likes racing, we love seeing new events pop up all over the world and feel that these community happenings bring people together and add another dimension to what we all love. It’s a uniting factor for our community, and we intend to continue to grow the breadth and depth of coverage of events, far and wide.

9. Customization and Personalization: Bikepackers may increasingly seek customized and personalized solutions for their gear and setups. This could lead to a rise in DIY projects, tailor-made gear, and a focus on individual preferences.

Custom bike frames and frame bags are always in, and DIY is at the heart of bikepacking, so maybe there’s nothing groundbreaking here, Robots. But, perhaps this might be a cue for more mainstream bag makers to take a step back and start offering more colors or mix-and-match options within their lineup. Not everyone wants black and gray fabric.

What do you think? How did AI do? Let us know what you hope to see in bikepacking’s future in the conversation below.

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