Bikepacking is gaining more and more popularity in France: riders spend their weekends riding from Paris to Fontainebleau, exploring routes along the Seine and the Marne or setting off for several days across the regions.
Summary:
Bikepacking bags
Tarp or bivy bag
Compact pump with pressure gauge
Powerful lamp
Bicycle multi-tool
Bicycle water bottle or water bladder
Windproof jacket
Powerbank
Conclusion
Routes and Roads experts offer a whole selection of useful gifts that any bikepacker will appreciate - whether they are leaving from Paris for Normandy or planning a night in the middle of the Montmorency forest.
Bikepacking bags
Panniers are a key element of bikepacking. They offer cyclists true autonomy and prevent them from carrying unnecessary weight on their backs. Their durable materials and moisture protection make them particularly suitable for the shoulder seasons in the Île-de-France region. The number of panniers you need depends on the amount of equipment you're carrying.
When bikepacking, all the equipment is distributed among several bags.
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The frame bag helps to distribute the weight and carry the heaviest equipment - perfect for long journeys like Paris-Versailles or Paris-Chartres.
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The large saddlebag allows you to store warm items, clothing or a sleeping kit.
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The small frame bag is perfect for carrying a repair kit and a first aid kit.
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The handlebar bag keeps essential accessories within easy reach: windproof jacket, snacks, power bank.
And for those who prefer a backpack, the Kanrock brand offers compact and ergonomic models for cycling and outdoor activities.
Tarp or bivy bag
An excellent option for spending the night in the forest or at a bivouac site. Lightweight and compact, the tarp or bivy bag protects against wind and moisture, takes up very little space, and is perfectly suited for short, self-sufficient getaways around Paris.
Compact pump with pressure gauge
Bikepackers often adjust their tire pressure depending on the terrain: asphalt, gravel, forest trails. And since bikepacking frequently involves changes in terrain—for example, going from asphalt to gravel tracks—a pump with an integrated pressure gauge allows for precise pressure control, even in the wilderness, for example, on the Meudon-Versailles route.
Powerful lamp
Many bikepackers set off before sunrise or return at night. That's why a powerful headlamp with good battery life remains an essential accessory for bikepacking. Its intense light allows you to ride with confidence on the roads of the Île-de-France region and, in forested sections, to spot roots, branches, and uneven terrain in time.
Bicycle multi-tool
Essential for self-supported outings. A quality multi-tool containing Allen keys, Torx keys and a chain tool, allowing you to repair your bike on the go, even when the nearest workshop is several kilometers away.
Bicycle water bottle or water bladder
On the road, it's not always easy to find drinking water. Cyclists should therefore carry at least 1.5 to 2 liters. A flexible, high-capacity hydration bladder or a shock-resistant water bottle would make an excellent gift for a bikepacker.
Staying well hydrated while cycling is essential for every cyclist.
Windproof jacket
A great gift for Paris's changeable climate. It protects against the wind on long straight stretches and packs easily into a handlebar bag. Bikepackers will also appreciate its lightness and quick-drying properties.
Powerbank
GPS, speedometer, lights, smartphone... everything needs regular recharging. An external battery, resistant to water and shocks, allows you to recharge devices for almost a week.
Conclusion
Bikepacking is all about freedom, adventure, and the chance to discover new routes without leaving France. Choose useful accessories based on your cyclist's habits and routes – and your gift will be truly appreciated!
