Bikepacking Gear Breakdown for the Northcape4000: What Goes in Which Bag?
On a multi-day bikepacking adventure, every gram counts — but you still need to bring all the essentials. The key is distributing your gear so that weight doesn’t negatively affect the handling of your bike. In this post, I’ll walk you through how I pack my setup — bag by bag.
Seatpack Ortlieb Small (Bag weight: 370 g)
Contents:
- SeaToSummit Spark 1 sleeping bag – 385 g
- Bivi – 300 g
- Thermarest sleeping pad – 370 g
- Vaude sleeping bag liner – 300 g
- Sleep shorts – 50 g
- Towel – 150 g
- Down jacket – 300 g
- Long-sleeve Merino shirt – 188 g
- Beanie – 40 g
Total contents weight: 2,083 g
Total weight incl. bag: 2,453 g
Why these items?
The seatpack is ideal for lightweight yet bulky items like sleeping gear and extra clothes. Since these are only needed at camp, they can be stowed in a less-accessible rear bag without issue.
Cyclite TopTube Bag (Bag weight: 188 g)
Contents:
- 7500 mAh Power Bank – 180 g
- Long Gloves – 58 g
- Summer Buff – 35 g
- Cap – 40 g
- Reflective Vest – 75 g
Total contents weight: 388 g
Total weight incl. bag: 576 g
Why these items?
This bag is easy to access while riding, making it perfect for clothing and power banks that might be needed on the go. If the weather changes, gloves, cap, or the rain pants can be reached without unpacking other gear.
Cyclite AeroBag (Bag weight: 208 g)
Contents:
- Short cycling shorts – 205 g
- Short-sleeve jersey – 150 g
- Short-sleeve Merino shirt – 120 g
- Socks – 40 g
- Arm warmers – 49 g
- Leg warmers – 97 g
- Rain jacket – 184 g
- Rain pants – 160 g
Total contents weight: 1,005 g
Total weight incl. bag: 1,213 g
Why these items?
This aerodynamic front bag is great for clothing that’s only accessed once a day or during planned stops. It holds all spare cycling apparel without compromising airflow or steering balance.
Framepack 4L (Bag weight: 200 g)
Contents:
- Rechargeable front lamp – 100 g
- USB charger – 30 g
- 10,000 mAh power bank – 220 g
- Multitool – 306 g
- Knife – 150 g
- Spare tube – 100 g
- Toothpaste – 50 g
- Spoon – 10 g
- First aid kit – 100 g
- Sunglasses – 70 g
Total contents weight: 1,136 g
Total weight incl. bag: 1,336 g
Why these items?
Located in the bike’s center, the framepack is the best spot for heavier items that need to be easily accessed — like tools, lights, electronics, and emergency clothing. The central position helps keep the bike balanced.
Food Pouch (Bag weight: 50 g)
Contents:
- Compact Bike Lock – 50 g
- Sunscreen – 50 g
- Haribo Vampire gummies – 175 g
Total contents weight: 275 g
Total weight incl. bag: 325 g
Why these items?
This small, handlebar-mounted pouch is perfect for grab-and-go items during quick stops. In addition to the lock and sunscreen, there’s still room for snacks like energy bars, nuts, or dried fruit — essential for quick refueling without unpacking.
SP Connect Bag (Bag weight: 125 g)
Contents:
- USB-C Cable – 5 g
- Micro USB Cable – 5 g
- Lightning Cable – 5 g
- Shokz Bone-Conduction Headphones – 49 g
- 5000 mAh power bank – 112 g
Total contents weight: 176 g
Total weight incl. bag: 301 g
Why these items?
This is the go-to spot for electronic accessories. It’s weatherproof and always within reach — keeping your charging cables and headphones organized and safe.
Additional Equipment on the Bike (Mounted or fixed)
| Item | Weight |
| Supernova M99 Dy Pro Headlight | 120 g |
| E3 TAIL LIGHT 2 | 12 g |
| USB Rear Lights (2x) | 80 g |
| Saddlebag Battery Light | 56 g |
| GoPro | 155 g |
| USB Charger | 54 g |
| Spare Tube | 150 g |
| Allen Wrenches (2x) | 25 g |
| Tire Levers | 20 g |
| Patch Kit | 20 g |
| Chain Wax | 20 g |
| Spare Derailleur Hanger | 50 g |
| Zip Ties / Velcro Straps | 30 g |
| Spare Chain Link | 5 g |
| Duct Tape (50 cm) | 5 g |
| Brake Pads | 20 g |
| Aerobars | 500 g |
| Aerobar Risers | 75 g |
| Bottle Cages (2x) | 25 g |
| Wishbone Mount | 190 g |
Total additional equipment weight: 1,667 g
Overall Gear Weight Summary
| Category | Weight |
| Empty bags | 1,141 g |
| Bag contents | 5,063 g |
| Mounted gear on bike | 1,667 g |
| Total gear weight | 7871 g |
Final Thoughts
This packing strategy prioritizes accessibility, weight distribution, and practicality. Heavier items are stored low and centered in the frame, while lighter, bulkier gear is stowed in the rear. Essential tools and weather gear are always within reach. With under 9 kg of total gear (not including food or water), this setup keeps the ride nimble, efficient, and ready for multi-day adventures on two wheels.
