How to Bikepack in the Desert

For many, optimal bikepacking conditions arrive in the spring and linger until late summer. In the off-season, there's one reliable way to cycle on dry trails under a clear sky: head for the desert.

Like any bikepacking route, the desert's unique terrain calls for its own gear and preparation. The trails tend to be less forgiving on your bike, and climate conditions can be challenging. With a curated setup and an appetite for dust, a desert bikepacking trip can still be a great way to scratch the touring itch before springtime arrives.

Between the Oregon Outback, Columbia Plateau, and Kittitas Valley, I’ve biked a sizable chunk of the PNW’s high desert. Here's what I've learned about making the most of it.

Go Tubeless

Desert bikepacking is rife with random poky things trying to ruin your trip. There's no end to the goatheads, cacti shrapnel, and volcanic rocks that secretly want to kill your tire pressure. My advice: run tubeless tires.

For the uninitiated, "running tubeless" means forgoing an inner tube and inflating your tire directly against the rim, with liquid sealant inside to plug punctures. Initially, I was resistant to the idea. I figured tubeless would just mean increased bike maintenance, since the sealant needs topping off every few months. Alas, after killing 6 bike tubes in one week, I traumatized my way into the tubeless system.

It's been 2 years since I swapped to tubeless and I haven't had a flat tire since. I've literally pulled a goathead out of my tire and watched the hole seal itself within seconds. It's kind of magical. If you've ever considered making the switch, just do it.

Become Your Own Hydration Station

Bikepacking in the desert means maximizing the amount of water that can be carried on your bike. Water sources are few and far between, so it's up to you to become your own hydration station.

I typically try to carry 3-4 liters of water on my bike between water sources. This means lots of water bottles and a dependable way to filter water. I’m clearly a biased source here, but the Vecto + Sawyer Squeeze combo works really well. If you need extra liters to get you through a dry stretch, the 4L VectoPlus is easy to strap down to a rack.

A couple of quick lifehacks. Firstly, a full water bottle is heavy, and a low center of gravity is the key to a smooth bike ride. Keeping heavy items mounted low on your bike will stabilize bike handling and keep your ride from feeling tipsy, turny, and twitchy. Secondly, carbs and electrolytes are your best friends while cycling. Keeping your nutrition systemized is a huge differentiator between a fun ride and a grueling ride.

Lately, my favorite source of electrolytes has been Woodstock Organic Banana Water. Don't knock it 'til you try it.

Pack a Western Novel

It would be a great disservice to beat around the bush here, so I must come clean... Bikepacking in the desert can, at times, be incredibly boring.

Sometimes the landscape remains unchanged for miles, and it's a mindless pursuit of the horizon ahead. The only sources of entertainment are the squeak of a dry bike chain and your own imagination. I can only help you with the latter.

Add a western novel to your packing list! Nothing romanticizes the dry, desert landscape like a harrowing story about outlaws and justice.

Tired of pedaling after 4 hours under the sun? I have the solution for you! With a childlike sense of wonder, you're now a cowboy (tired bikepacker) crossing the frontier (Strava route) alongside your trusty steed (squeaky bicycle). Personally, if I'm in a rush to set up camp before dark, I'm actually making haste to escape the law after a devious heist.

Add these to your reading list: "Lonesome Dove" and “Streets of Laredo” by Larry McMurtry, and "Shane" by Jack Schaefer.

Prep for Cold Temperatures

One of the harshest realities of the desert climate comes after sundown. Temperatures get chilly, and it's important to plan ahead for a good night's sleep. A couple of key items for cold-weather camping:

• An all-season sleeping pad with a high R-value. I've been using my Therm-a-Rest XTherm pad for 7 years, and though it's a high-investment piece of gear, I've never thought twice about replacing it.

• Merino wool layers. Perfect for preserving body heat, and the odor-resistant material makes it at least feel like you're changing into a clean layer.

• Extra socks. Sweaty socks turn into cold socks at night, and you're going to want a backup pair. 

• A hot water bottle. Toss one into the foot of your sleeping bag and you've got a DIY space heater. I'm keen on using the HydriamX, which doubles as my sleeping bag warmer and a bottle for pour-over coffee.

Fall is upon us, which means desert bikepacking is opening up as a viable trip option. PNW bikers should check out OMTM.com and dirtyfreehub.org for all kinds of route resources and trip planning beta. Bikepacking.com also has an excellent route map feature.

Maybe I’ll run into you on your next ride! Happy trails.