When we first set off to bike the Great Divide Mountain Bike route (GDMBR) in 2020 we had no idea what to pack! It was our first bikepacking trip and we were overwhelmed, but we consulted with very experience bikepackers to get the full scoop on what to pack for the GDMBR which helped immensely! After completing 1,000 miles of the GDMBR in 2020, we knew we’d have to go back again. So we set off again in August 2022 and completed the Northern Sections of the Great Divide Mountain Bike Route in Canada. We want to pass along what we learned in order to help you on your bikepacking adventures.
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If you’d rather consume this list via video, we have a Great Divide Mountain Bike Route Packing list video below. (Note: We added a few things in 2022 which are noted in the list below using *)
Full Great Divide Packing List
Bikes
We both used the Salsa Fargo Tiagra for the GDMBR and we have an in depth video review on our YouTube channel linked below. Overall, we have enjoyed these bikes and they are a pretty good fit for the Great Divide. Although, there were quite a few times on the trail where suspension would have been useful
Setup and Bags
Although the streamlined, bikepacking setup has been growing in popularity, we decided to go with a more traditional touring setup with panniers, mostly because we already had them and because it’s a bit easier to access some of the video gear we need on the go such as additional lenses and our drone.
Camping Gear
Big Agnes Fly Creek Mountain Glow Backpacking tent
Thermarest z-lite sleeping pad (cut in half – for taking breaks and keeping things dry while packing)
REI Co-Op AirRail Sleeping Pad * New in 2022 and loved it! Its not loud like other inflatable pads we’ve tried
REI Igneo Sleeping Bags
Stove Kit (includes, pot, stove, folding utensils, and bowls/cups)
Propane
Clothing (item #’s listed per person)
1 set of Merino Wool base layer top and bottoms
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- Men’s (Alex’s Fav): Top and Bottom
1 light weight fleece
1 warm compressible puffy jacket
1 Marmot Gortex Hardshell Jacket
1 hardshell rain pants
2 lightweight shirts for biking, 1 for sleeping
1-2 liner biking shorts or active underwear if that works for you
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- Women’s: Liz’s *New Favorites 2022: https://amzn.to/3TWH4Bk < This are by far the best I’ve tried, and they are quick drying because they are mesh!
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- Mens: Alex actually preferred to not use padded bike liners in 2022 and instead wore his active and odor resisting underwear here: https://amzn.to/3EyWTZo
1 night time/not biking underwear
1 stretchy baggy short to wear over padded liner shorts
1 running short
1 pair of hiking sleeves *New 2022 and love!
2 buffs
1 pair of sunglassesÂ
1 pair of biking glovesÂ
•Women’s: Liz had the Serfas half finger gloves and loved them for both trips!
1 pair of warm full fingered gloves that are flexible enough to bike with (Liz didn’t have these and regretted it)
2 pairs of merino wool socks
1 pair of night time socks
1 pair of low top hiking boots
1 pair of flip flops
Toiletries/Misc
Sunblock: Our two favorites linked here: Body Spray, Face Stick
Bug spray
Hand Sanitizer
Chamois cream (to put in small container)
Sea to Summit toiletry carrier
Mini travel size containers for creams etc
GoTubb Container for vitamins/medicines (LOVE these)
Vitamins, and medicines
Other First Aid Supplies (e.g. bandaids, Acetaminophen, Ibuprofen and Benadryl, alcohol swabs)
Toothbrush, Toothpaste, Floss
Disposable shaver (Liz)
Contacts/Glasses
2-3 Chapstick (1 with SPF)
Body cleansing wipes (super important)
Toilet Paper + Gallon size bag to put dirty TP (+ 1 spare as this will get nasty overtime)
Hydration: 2 squeeze bike bottles
Nuums (Love these)
3 liters worth of water bottles (total per person). NOTE: In 2020 we brought a Water Bladder for additional water storage, but would not recommend it
2 Water Filtration Devices
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Bike Maintenance
Tire Sealant (for tubeless setup)
2 Co2 Fast Tire Refil Cartilages
1 Co2 Cartilage adapter
Extra inner tube
Presta core remover
Extra cores
Pump
Biking Helmets
Bike Helmet Visor/Hat: https://dabrim.com
Bike lock
Zipties (Next time we’d also bring duct tape)
Duct Tape
Camera/Electronics
Canon EOS R (He now uses the Canon EOS R5)
DJI Mavic Air (drone)
GoPro Hero8 (we also brought a another older GoPro)
Anker Portable Charger (LOVE THESE)
Thank you and happy adventuring!
Liz (Pursuing Mountains)
