13 Reasons to Hate Bikepacking

I’d never actually say that I hate bikepacking, of course. Still, I get frustrated with it more often than I’d care to admit. For this video, I put together a list of some of the biggest frustrations that arise while bikepacking and thoughts on how to deal with them. Watch it below, and scroll down for a written list.

(1) Bike Woes: “My Bike Isn’t Made for This”

This is one of the biggest frustrations riders face, even before they hit the trail. Figuring out how to pack your bike, dial in your gear, and fit everything you need for an overnighter, a week, or even a month-long trip can be daunting, especially for those with smaller frames.

Fortunately, bikepacking gear has evolved significantly. Durable rear rack systems, well-designed handlebar and frame bags, and lighter, more compact camping gear make it easier than ever to maximize space. Riding with a group? Sharing gear can help lighten the load. But even with all these solutions, space will always be a challenge. Sometimes, you just have to accept that the microwave isn’t coming along.

(2) The Perfect Campsite Doesn’t Exist: “Just another mile?”

“Let’s go 10 more minutes… I’m sure we’ll find something.” Sound familiar? If you’ve been bikepacking long enough, you’ve likely found yourself endlessly searching for the perfect campsite only to realize you’ve ridden past a dozen decent ones along the way. Whether you’re on an unfamiliar route, nowhere near a suitable spot, or just being picky, it’s a common struggle.

From my experience, there are two ways to handle it. The first is to stick to an itinerary, planning routes and using vetted campsites. But let’s be real: bikepacking rarely goes according to plan, much like those so-called “15-minute” recipes that somehow take an hour. When in doubt, grab the first good-looking spot, trust your instincts, and call it a night.

(3) Bugs: “Mosquitoes, Flies, and Midges—What’s Not to Love?”

Making peace with these relentless little pests is nearly impossible, which is why they rank high on my list of summer bikepacking annoyances. Whether you’re in Scotland or the Midwestern U.S., they seem to have a personal vendetta against anyone on two wheels.

Luckily, there are ways to fight back. Lightweight long-sleeve shirts have come a long way, bug nets are a solid defense, and treating clothes with permethrin before a trip has worked wonders for me. Oh, and here’s a fun fact: mosquitoes aren’t fans of dragonflies. So, you could do what I did and clip a few to your Da Brim for moral support… or take it to the next level and start breeding your own personal squad of dragonflies. Mad scientist mode, engaged!

(4) Weather Betrayals: “That 30% chance of rain sure turned into a downpour.”

Weather will always be unpredictable, and for those of us who plan trips months in advance, cherry-picking the perfect conditions isn’t an option. But isn’t it just cruel when a “slight chance” of rain turns into a full-on deluge? Or when you find out—too late—that wildfires or flooding have shut down key sections of your route?

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The upside? You come out stronger, and you get to see if all that expensive gear actually holds up when it matters (I kid… mostly.) The best thing about bad weather? It usually passes. As the Carter family wisely put it: Keep on the sunny side, always on the sunny side of life. And if the rain doesn’t let up? Well, maybe it’s time to brush up on ark-building techniques.

(5) Things Always Break: “I’m in the middle of nowhere, and this happens…”

Flats, busted spokes, ghost shifting—why does it always happen in the worst possible place, rather than on some easy day ride? A broken component can quickly derail your plans, especially when one small failure spirals into a series of frustrating setbacks. A slashed tire? That’s rarely a one-and-done fix; it usually brings a cascade of challenges throughout the trip.

The good news? As long as your frame doesn’t snap in half, there’s almost always a way to limp to civilization. Preparation is key; know your basic repairs, pack the right tools, and don’t be afraid to lean on friends with more mechanical know-how. I’ve never had to hitch a ride home, even after my seat pack failed, my tire shredded, or my rim cracked. There’s almost always a way to keep rolling.

(6) It’s Just Too Long: “By Day 3, I’m questioning every life choice that led me here.”

Bikepacking days can be some of the longest hours you’ll ever spend in the saddle, and when they stack up back-to-back, it can be mentally draining. It’s easy to glance at a route page and underestimate just how demanding the mileage and elevation gain will feel in real-time.

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But here’s the thing: you’re in control. You set the pace, the expectations, and the goals. Suffering isn’t a requirement. Some days, I love pushing myself. Other times, I just want to soak in the surroundings, take it easy, or even skip a section altogether. A half-day, a zero-day, or an unplanned detour to a museum, lake, or restaurant? Those choices are yours to make. Remember, this is your adventure, so make it enjoyable.

(7) It Hurts: “Oh man, my ___ is killing me.”

Long days on the bike don’t just test your mental endurance; they take a serious toll on your body. Sore legs, aching shoulders, numb hands, swollen feet—being physically uncomfortable is a fast track to not wanting to ride.

The best way to avoid this? Test your setup before the trip. Try out that saddle, dial in your fit, and put in a few long rides to see what works (and what doesn’t). Small adjustments can make a huge difference. That said, some discomfort is inevitable. The good news? Your body adapts faster than you think.

(8) No Sleep ‘Til Home Bed: “Ugh, I can’t fall asleep…”

Some people just don’t sleep well while bikepacking. Whether it’s an unfamiliar tent, a deflated sleeping pad, or just being too wired from a full day of riding, a rough night can make the next day that much harder. And if you think you hear rustling outside your tent, don’t worry, it’s definitely a bear. Or a squirrel.

One of the best pieces of advice I’ve ever received? Embrace the experience. Shift your mindset. That feeling of being out there is part of it. Of course, a solid sleep setup—a comfortable pad, a warm bag, and even a small pillow—makes a world of difference. And earplugs? Absolute lifesavers, especially if your camp neighbor snores like a freight train.

(9) Nothing Fits: “I swear it all fit yesterday. Why won’t it fit now?”

The classic bikepacking puzzle: you packed everything perfectly at home, but after your first night out, your gear has mysteriously expanded. This happens all the time, but it’s avoidable. The best pack job is the one you’ve practiced repeatedly.

When you’re cold, tired, or rushing in the morning, packing won’t be as precise, and that’s okay. I always leave a little extra space in my bags—whether it’s my seat pack, handlebar roll, or frame bag—so I have some flexibility. The key? If it fit once, it will fit again. Slow down, use your body weight to compress your gear, and trust the process.

(10) Hiking, Not Riding: “That fun-looking trail turned into a soul-crushing hike-a-bike…”

We’ve all been there or will be at some point. Sometimes, bikepacking means getting off and pushing, whether you planned for it or not. And yes, it’s frustrating. A loaded bike can double its weight, making steep or technical terrain significantly harder.

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But here’s the thing: hike-a-bike is part of the experience. It’s usually short-lived, gives your pedaling muscles a break, and offers a new perspective on the landscape. Some of the best views and most rewarding descents come after a tough push. Never be discouraged if you have to hike. Embrace it. After all, Jobst Brandt made hike-a-bike look like an art form.

(11) Water Woes: “Are we going to die out here?!”

When it comes to water, most bikepackers fall into one of two extremes: carrying way too much or frantically searching for the next source. And then there’s that moment when you finally find water, only to realize it looks… questionable.

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Through trial and error, I’ve learned that bringing a little extra is usually the safest bet. But water is heavy, and every extra liter adds strain. The key is studying your route, identifying resupply points, and realistically assessing their reliability. Always carry two filtration methods, like a pump and purification tablets. A small cloth can also be a lifesaver for pre-filtering out debris before running it through your main system. A little planning goes a long way in keeping hydration stress-free. And if you need extra storage, get creative. Mounting bottles to your fork, top tube, or down tube can free up valuable space.

(12) Always Hungry: “Why didn’t I bring those five other bars?”

When it comes to food, overpacking or underpacking is a fine balance. Figuring out how much to carry takes practice, and most of us get it wrong at some point. Running out of food can wreck morale, but hauling too much weighs you down.

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Here’s the reality: when you’re pedaling all day, your body burns through calories fast. By day two, you’re usually running a deficit, so packing extra food is rarely a bad idea. Yes, it takes up space, but it also brings peace of mind. And the best part of bikepacking is snacking guilt-free! A stash of candy, trail mix, or your favorite comfort food can turn a tough ride into a great one.

(13) Unplanned Bodily Functions: “There’s nothing better than pooping outside?”

What’s a Neil video without some poop talk? We all do it, but let’s be honest: when nature calls mid-ride, things can get really uncomfortable. Trusting a fart while bikepacking? Let’s just say that was a lesson I only needed to learn once.

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Beyond the personal disasters, managing waste responsibly is crucial. In some areas, digging a cathole is fine; in others, you need to pack it out. Knowing the rules and following Leave No Trace principles keeps trails clean and future riders happy. And there’s something oddly satisfying about an open-air bathroom with a scenic view. That fresh breeze? Hard to beat.

Further Reading

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