Planning a first bikepacking trip can seem daunting; finding the right bike, the right racks, bags, a tent, and all the rest is a lot to tackle. Especially for a first bikepacking trip when you don’t have experience using any of the many options available. How do you choose?! And a lot of this gear can come with a hefty price tag.
At Bikepacking Roots, we know that there are a lot of barriers to getting into bikepacking, and from our own experiences and talking with many others over the years, we know that gear is a major one. Gear can be expensive and it can be hard to know what will work for your bike.
One of the ways communities have been meeting this challenge is by developing gear libraries. Gear Libraries enable riders to borrow gear to experience bikepacking for the first time and can also serve as a great way for riders to try out gear to find what best suits their specific needs.
“I have been volunteering with my local gear library run by Wild Wolf Cycling Collective for the last couple of years, and my favorite part by far is when people are returning borrowed gear after their trips,” shared Bikepacking Roots’ Community Programs Manager Danielle Parnes. “I hear their stories about how they made it up a hill they didn’t think they could, how the gear made the trip possible, and then they start asking about what trips they should go on next.”
We’ve seen these gear libraries make bikepacking so much more accessible to so many people, so we are excited to announce the launch of our Community Gear Library Resource Hub in partnership with Old Man Mountain.
The Gear Library Resource Hub is designed to spread awareness of bikepacking-specific gear libraries in hopes that people curious about bikepacking can connect with local community groups or bike shops that host gear libraries as one way to feel supported in their bikepacking journey. The Resource Hub includes a map of gear libraries across the country, along with information about what the gear libraries provide and how to borrow from them. Beyond that, the hub includes resources to support people who may be considering setting up or running their own gear library or may be looking for best practices to improve a gear library system they have started. The resources include strategies for acquiring gear, keeping track of gear and ways to manage lending, and how to store and maintain gear. Finally, the hub includes a new blog series that will regularly spotlight an awesome community gear library to show all of the different ways that gear libraries can be implemented in practice.
The Bikepacking Roots team is excited to keep adding new gear libraries to the Resource Hub as we support our Community Stewards and BIPOC Bike Adventure Grant Recipients in developing gear libraries and connect with other community groups across the US and Canada. If you currently host a gear library that is not on our list, please submit it or reach out to connect with us!
“This Resource Hub has been in the works at Bikepacking Roots for over two years now, and access to gear and the creation of gear libraries is a frequent topic of conversation among our Regional Stewards,” shares Bikepacking Roots’ Executive Director Noelle Battle, “We are excited to continue lowering barriers to bikepacking and are grateful to the brands and individuals who donate gear to support new riders through gear libraries.”
What’s a gear library?
They’re like a regular library, but instead of books you can borrow bikepacking bags, camping gear, and sometimes even bikes. This allow folks that are new to bikepacking to get started without needing to invest in a lot of gear, lets you try out what you like and what works for your bike, and often allows you to access gear that can make your trips safer – like a sleeping bag and pad that’s appropriate for the weather of your trip. Plus, volunteer librarians are often there for support, helping you figure out what gear you need for a specific trip, what bags will work on your bike, and even give you tips for local routes!
What kind of stuff will a Gear Library have?
Gear libraries vary, but you are likely to find:
- Bikepacking bags, racks, and strap systems
- Camping equipment: tents, sleeping bags, sleeping pads, cooking equipment, etc.
- Other useful things like electronics, tools, maps, etc.
- And some libraries have bikes
*The Bikepacking Roots’ Community Gear Library Resource Hub focuses on gear libraries that contain at least some bikepacking-specific gear. There are also many general outdoor gear libraries in cities across the country that lend gear that could be useful for bikepacking such as camping gear.
Check out the resource hub to learn more, find a gear library near you, or learn how to start one!
