Looking for gift ideas for that special bikepacker in your life? Lucky you! Bikepacking is a gear-intensive hobby and there are tons of practical and interesting items bikepackers would love to receive as gifts.
Here’s the thing though: we bikepackers are usually trying to carry less stuff, not more. Stuff is heavy! And the stuff we do carry is often specific to our particular bike, style of riding, and personal preferences.
My goal with this gift list is to offer ideas that a majority of bikepackers will actually use and love. We’re a diverse bunch, but I’ve spent enough time around other bikepackers to know what’s popular. I’ve also bikepacked many thousands of miles and received many bikepacking-related gifts from my family (these days I give them a wishlist full of specifics, which makes us all happy). Most of the bikepacking gifts on this list are items I personally use and love.
Before we jump in, a couple general tips for choosing gifts for bikepackers:
- If you feel comfortable, ask them what they need! They probably have a wishlist of coveted gear in their heads or even written down.
- When buying a specific piece of gear, camping equipment, or clothing without knowing if it’s needed, make sure it’s returnable. Include a gift receipt so they can exchange it themselves, or make it very clear that you’ll help them return it and they can use the money to buy something else.
When you buy through affiliate links in this post, I may earn a small commission. Thanks for your support! I always offer unbiased opinions based on real experience from the road and trail. Learn more.
Affordable Gift Ideas (Under $30)
These affordable bikepacking gift ideas are exactly the type of small but valuable items we bikepackers love most. Give one, stuff a stocking with several, or combine with a more expensive idea below for a bikepacking-themed gift basket.
Bike Peddler Helmet / Eyeglass Mirror
Show you care by helping your friend or loved one stay safe while bikepacking. This lightweight mirror will help them see what’s coming up behind when riding a busy road. It clips to a helmet or sunglasses so you don’t have to wonder whether it’s compatible with their handlebars. I never hit the road without it!
GEAR AID Tenacious Tape – Reflective
Show you care with a gift that says “I want you to stay alive!” Every bikepacker should add a bit of this tape to their setup — bags, clothes, wheel spokes and rims, pedal cranks — for those times when they’re stuck riding after dark on a busy road (it happens). Bonus: it’s easy to cut into fun shapes.
Bikepacking Adventure Books
When we can’t be out bikepacking, reading about other people’s bike adventures is the next best thing. Many are available on Kindle and some even have Audible versions, if that’s how your bikepacker likes to roll. A few of my personal favorites:
You can also find a big list organized by place and riding style at BikeSleepBike.
Mid-Range Gift Ideas ($30 – $100)
These quality items cost a little more but will deliver big value to the bikepacker on your gift list. Gift them alone or combine with a smaller item above for a fun bikepacking gift basket.
Airshot Tubeless Tire Inflator 1.15L
If your favorite bikepacker runs tubeless tires (and they probably should), this tool will help them with one of the most frustrating parts of the installation. They’ll need a floor pump too; I recommend the Topeak Joe Blow Sport if they don’t already have one.
Learn more: my Airshot review
Revelate Designs Handlebar Harness
I hesitate to include any bikepacking bags since most bikepackers have very specific wants (be prepared to return or exchange), but this is one of the most popular and versatile handlebar carrying systems. If your bikepacker is just starting out and doesn’t have their own system already, they’ll surely appreciate it.
More Expensive Gift Ideas (Over $100)
These bikepacking gifts will make a big impression and bring your bikepacking friend or loved one many years of value. Just make sure they’re returnable; some folks might already have them or need something different.
This section would be the obvious place to include bigger ticket items like bikepacking bags, technical clothing, and camping gear. I’ve included a few popular examples to give you ideas, but I recommend asking your favorite bikepacker what they actually need. They’ll be stoked to receive exactly the thing they’ve been dreaming about.
Bikehand Home Repair Stand
If they work on their own bike and don’t already have a work stand, they’ll love you forever when you give them this! Add a bottle of Pumice Hand Cleaner for a fun and extremely practical combo.
Jabra Elite 4 Bluetooth Wireless Active Earbuds
Not everyone likes to listen to audio while bikepacking, but for those who do this is the ultimate luxury upgrade to whatever earbuds they currently use. Bikepacking-friendly features include adjustable HearThrough mode, support for using just one earbud, and long battery life with convenient USB-rechargeable case.
Smartwool Merino Base Layers
Clothes can be tricky (be prepared to return or exchange if it’s not the right fit), but many bikepackers love merino wool for its stink-resistance and thermoregulation properties. Smartwool is a quality brand, and their lighter weight t-shirts (for folks who don’t ride in a jersey) and half-zip long sleeve shirts (which fit over helmets) are most versatile.
Gift Cards, Subscriptions, and Donations
Not every gift needs to be a physical object. Here are some creative ideas for bikepackers who already have everything or prefer to choose their own gear.
Gift Certificate to Their Local Bike Shop
If you know their favorite local shop or mechanic, a gift certificate for repairs or bike parts will certainly be appreciated. If you can’t figure out their go-to shop, try choosing a reputable one in their town – they’ll still appreciate having somewhere local to buy parts or accessories.
Bikepacking Collective Membership
If they’re not already a member of bikepacking.com’s Bikepacking Collective, you can gift them an annual membership that includes the printed Bikepacking Journal, access to prizes and exclusive gear, and the satisfaction of supporting a beloved resource of the bikepacking community.
Bikepacking Roots Donation
For a bikepacker who already has everything and wants to support the community, consider making a donation on their behalf to the bikepacking advocacy group Bikepacking Roots. It even comes with a thank you gift you can pass along.
Adventure Cycling Membership
If your bikepacker likes road touring and/or has ever talked about “The Great Divide,” there’s a good chance they know and love Adventure Cycling. Membership comes with a subscription to their print magazine, discounts on gear and maps, and the satisfaction of supporting America’s premier bike travel nonprofit.
Travel Fund Contribution
Gear is great, but what most of us really want is the experience of taking that gear out on the road or trail for an epic trip. Travel logistics can be expensive and any bikepacker will appreciate a contribution. Tell them it’s for a comfy hotel room, decadent meal, plane ticket to somewhere awesome, or whatever else you’d like to support.
Surely by now you’ve found the perfect bikepacking gift idea for your friend or loved one. If you’re still unsure, just ask them! They probably have their own wishlist of dream gear they’d be happy to tell you about.
More Bikepacking Resources
If this article helped you, you might also enjoy these others:
- Best Bikes for Bikepacking Based on YOUR Style
- The Great Divide Mountain Bike Route: Answers to All Your Questions
- Creative Ideas for Budget-Friendly Bikepacking Gear
Or, visit the Exploring Wild bikepacking resources center for LOTS more!


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