When it comes to riding bikes, even the smallest problems can become a wrench in the spokes. So it’s no surprise that bikepacking, which involves bike-specific racks, packs, and camping gear, has some healthy barriers to entry.
That’s where “gear libraries” come in. These gear rentals are often free for those looking to get involved in their local bike community. Of course, the concept of “free” isn’t too common in the U.S., but the community bike groups that manage these resources want to expand a culture of generosity and love of the outdoors. The main issue is simply finding and connecting to them.
That’s why Bikepacking Roots, a nonprofit dedicated to growing the bikepacking community, has created the Community Gear Library Resource Hub. This searchable map offers a collection of bikepacking gear libraries around the country, and it’s growing fast.
“The point of most of them is to make the gear as accessible as possible,” Danielle Parnes, Bikepacking Roots’ community programs manager, told GearJunkie. “Anytime people are riding their bike outside, it’s a good thing.”
Gear Library: More Than a Rental Shop
Both cycling and camping involve specific gear, basic navigation, and at least some fundamental skills and fitness. So, you’ll probably want some help along the way to the trail.
Moreover, bikepacking is distinct from touring, which focuses on paved roads. Instead, this nascent sport opts for mountain or gravel bikes on dirt trails. So when it comes time to gear up for your first bikepacking journey, it’s not just a question of finding gear. You’ll need the right gear for your bike and the camping trip you’re aiming to take.
That’s why Gear Libraries and the people who run them are so important.
“When I started bikepacking, I had friends loaning me things that I needed,” Parnes told GearJunkie. “That was the way I started being able to get out on my mountain bike and bikepack.”
So when many first-timers visit a gear library, they bring their bike along. The volunteers, often bike mechanics or other bike experts, help diagnose what racks will work with your frame, and gear will likely be needed, based on the trail, season, and other factors.
What Types of Gear?
The available gear in these libraries will vary, but they tend to offer the varied mix of gear that’s necessary to pull off a bikepacking adventure.
That includes various kinds of racks for attaching larger packs alongside the front and rear wheels. Many renters also borrow packs, which are specialized for bikepacking through their attachments and waterproofing. These can also hang on the handlebars, fit under the seat, or be nestled within the frame.
“Some of the most popular gear is the bags that fit on your bike,” Parnes said. “Especially because the size and shape of those depend on the shape of your bike.”
Many gear libraries even have bikes that they loan out, which are often donated by locals. But the other big draw for first-timers is the camping equipment. It’s not just about finding a tent, sleeping bag, and mat, but also having them small enough to make it easier to pedal and get to where you’re going.
“Having stuff be a little more lighter and compact is going to make that first trip you’re going on easier and comfortable,” Parnes said.
How to Get Started
For the most part, these gear libraries operate on an honor system. They’ll often ask you to give some contact information and a copy of your ID. In addition, you’ll get information about how to take care of the gear and leave it in good condition for the next aspiring bikepacker.
Other than that, many of these libraries will simply ask for a donation.
“What we find is that people are more than happy to chip in a small amount,” Parnes said. “As gear libraries get larger, or need to rent a space, sometimes they charge a small fee.”
Find Yours Today
So far, Bikepacking Roots’ Community Gear Library Resource Hub only has about 18 of these gear libraries, many of them located in major cities like Portland, Denver, Atlanta, Los Angeles, and Austin. But the hub only became available this year, and is growing quickly. Another four libraries have already contacted the nonprofit about inclusion.
Even if you don’t have a library near you, there are other ways to give bikepacking a try. For example, many local bike shops offer group trips. That includes L.A.’s Wild Wolf Cycling Collective, which also runs a gear library and is featured in many of this article’s photos.
If you lack any of those resources, Parnes suggests looking for DIY methods and using what you have. It’s possible to snap normal dry bags onto handlebars, along with other out-of-the-box methods for bringing camping gear on your two-wheeled trip.
Also, both Bikepacking Roots and Bikepacking.com have lots of information about classic routes around the country. However you figure it out, bikepacking is worth the effort, Parnes said. “Riding bikes is really fun, so if you’re able to combine that with exploring the backcountry, you just to get more of both!”
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