Top Ten Unusual Bikepacking Essentials | Bikepacking Tips

It's always nerve-wracking leaving your bike and possessions outside the shop or cafe as you stock up on supplies. If you want to put off the opportunists then we recommend this easy to carry D-lock by Hiplok. This high-security lock will keep your bike safe but it is also easy to carry, thanks to Hiplok's patented Clip + Ride system. Simply hook the lock onto your belt or a strap on your bag. No more faffing with frame mounts. With its Diamond Sold Secure rating, you can have peace of mind when leaving your bike locked up.

These silicone squeezy bottles can withstand being a bit squashed in a bag and keep your lotion or wash care secure inside Lifeventure even provide a few handy pre-printed labels, so you'll never put body wash in your shampoo bottle! In all seriousness, these reusable bottles are a great solution to taking some overnight home comforts without taking the entire bottle.

Always forgetting to stay hydrated out on your bike adventures? Filling a trusty bottle with water for your journey is essential! Why not fill up your Nalgene bottle before you head out.

Continuing on the water theme - have you figured out how to carry water bottles whilst cycling? Enter bottle cages, because nobody wants to carry a three-litre hydration backpack while out riding consecutive days. This Bottle Cage from Trek ensures a secure hold while maintaining a lightweight construction and strong structure, so you don't have to worry about losing your bottle mid-ride.

OK, one more water related one - the in-built water filter by Katadyn. This ultralight 1L filtration bottle removes bacteria, cysts and sediment from your water. Fully collapsible, it packs down small enough to fit in even the tightest spaces. 100% worth the investment if you're travelling to places where you'd rather purify before drinking.

Sometimes there's just not enough space for everything on the inside of a bag, or sometimes you want to secure the bag a bit tighter to your frame. For either situation, the Restrap Fast Straps will do the job; you can even connect multiple together to create a long Frankenstrap. Crafted from robust Hypalon, these useful straps are a must have for bikepackers.

While a bike specific multitool is mega helpful for the nuts and bolts of the bike, a more multipurpose multitool like the Leatherman will keep you right for everything else. This best seller comes with 18 tools ranging from pliers to a small knife. Please note: due to legal changes in the sale of bladed products in the UK, all knives are purchasable in store only with age ID to over 18s only.

You've got your bike lights for seeing (and for being seen) when you're riding, but how about when you stop to set up camp? A headtorch means you'll keep your hands free to cook and put up the tent, and this Petzl Tikka can be powered by three AAA batteries or the CORE rechargeable battery (not included), thanks to the HYBRID CONCEPT design. It packs down small, so keep it handy in the top tube bag or frame bag for your first go-to when you stop.

Dirty bagging whilst bikepacking really is optional. The Sea to Summit Wilderness Wash Wipes is a general use soap that's gentle on fabric and skin. The extra thick non-woven fibre is soft and your skin and will remove sweat and dirt from your skin. They are PH balanced for human skin, containing aloe vera and vitamin E.

Yes you read that correctly - versatile food. Staying well fuelled is so important when you are embarking on multiple-day cycles. Whether it's your main meal at the end of the day, or a quick snack break, you can never pack too much food on your trip. One of our favourites Summit To Eat and Potato Stew for an end-of-cycle meal. A great on-the-go snack option could be Jelly Belly Sports Beans or the Grenade Chocolate Chip Salted Caramel Protein Bar to give you an extra kick of energy.