How to Pack for a Bike Tour

Step 1
Put your saddlebags, called panniers, on the bike. Clip the hooks on the panniers to the top of the rack, with the elastic on the bag's back facing the wheel. The larger panniers hang from the rack over the rear wheel and the smaller ones from the front rack.

Step 2
Line each pannier with a garbage bag in case of rain.

Step 3
Pack items tightly, filling the garbage bags inside the panniers with camping gear, cooking supplies, spare clothes and tools. Balance the weight so that one side of the bike is not heavier than the other.

Step 4
Put on the handlebar bag. It should hang from a clamp that came with the bag, and it attaches to the center of the bike's handlebars.

Step 5
Fill the handlebar bag with sunglasses, sunscreen, wallet, snacks and other items that require frequent access. If your bag has a map pocket, slide your folded map into the appropriate section.

Step 6
Strap your sleeping bag and tent to the rear rack with bungee cords or nylon straps. The cords should run from the front of the rack, over the bag and tent to the rear, and then back. Fasten tightly.

Step 7
Shake the bike from side to side - when everything is mounted - to see whether anything falls off.