Getting into (or already deep into) bikepacking? We've put together this handy resource list as a one-stop hub of expert knowledge to make your next trip on two wheels even better.

Route Creation/Discovery

• Ride with GPS: Good for creating routes, or finding routes others have created. This link is to OGE's collection of local Vermont bikepacking routes. Ride With GPS can also be used for turn-by-turn navigation on a phone or bike computer.
• Strava Heat Maps: These are great for discovering roads and trails you aren't familiar with, but a lot of people ride. Typically a pretty good indication they are bike-safe routes.
• Bicycling layer on Google Maps: On your computer, go to the 3 lines on the left. On mobile, look for the layers button on the top right. You can also download offline maps on your phone, which is highly recommended for any area you go to (or might accidentally end up in).
• Komoot: A free phone app and website, their maps delineate between gravel and pavement.
• Maps.me: A free phone app and website that allows you to download international and local maps and search resources while not using cell service.
• Trailforks: A great resource for discovering off-road trails.

Packing List

There's no right way to pack your bike, but this list has served one of our staff's foremost bikepacking experts well:

Camping/Sleeping Resources

• Dispersed camping is a free option where you just find a spot to tuck your tent, with no established facilities or structure. Please see the Vermont Primitive Camping guidelines for best practices. It is also legal to dispersed camp on any National Forest land that isn't already an established campground.
• Hipcamp: A website similar to Airbnb, but just for camping spots. It works well for finding places to stay when there isn't an official campground in the area.
• Warm Showers: Couchsurfing for touring cyclists. All the hosts are also bikers so they often know safe routes in the area, where the bike shops are, or have tools at their house. It's a great way to find community, and if you have the ability to at your home, you can host people too!
• FreeCampsites.net: A nice resource for finding legal, free camping spots anywhere. It can sometimes be inaccurate in its suggestions, so take it with a grain of salt, but it's still worth checking.
• Be kind and courteous to the locals and land by following leave no trace guidelines. Always tip well while traveling through small towns (and always).

General Resources

• Radical Adventure Riders: This is a collective of female, trans, and non-binary folks specifically working to uplift queer and BIPOC voices. They are doing excellent work to increase accessibility in the bikepacking world and are worth a follow!
• Bikepacking.com: A HUGE resource for all things bikepacking, from routes all over the world, to gear lists, to inspiring stories... There's a big internet black hole to explore here.

Have fun and happy riding!