In its simplest form, bikepacking is an overnight or multi-day adventure on your bike. Whether that's a weekday micro-adventure or a multi-week expedition, bikepacking is all about stripping things back and discovering new places.
It's also about travelling light and, for many riders, being self-sufficient as you navigate anything from a leisurely road loop to more technical terrain, off the beaten track.
You don’t need loads of expensive gear to get going, either. In fact, one of the best things about bikepacking is how little you actually need to get started.
Of course, as you become more adventurous, there's the opportunity to expand your kit list, but a bikepacking bag or two will get you started for an overnight or weekend trip.
And the good news? Decathlon has launched the new ADVT 900 range of bikepacking bags, designed to be lighter, more hardy and more spacious than previous versions of the multi-sport retailer's bags. The ADVT line-up also includes two pannier bags.
As ever, Decathlon has kept a keen eye on price, with the range starting at £14.99 / €19.99 for the fork bag and rising to £59.99 / €69.99 for the 24-litre pannier bag.
Here's the full range:
- 4-litre fork bag
- 6-litre full-frame bag
- 9-litre full-frame bag
- 3-litre half-frame bag
- 3.5-litre handlebar bag
- 15-litre handlebar bag
- 1.2-litre food pouch / bottle bag
- 1-litre top tube bag
- 15-litre saddle bag
- Saddle bag harness
- Handlebar harness
- 14-litre pannier bag
- 24-litre pannier bag
Three highlights from Decathlon's new ADVT 900 line-up
That's the full range, now let's hone in on three highlights from the line-up, to get your bike loaded up for a bikepacking adventure.
- Shop the latest bikepacking gear at Decathlon
Decathlon Rockrider ADVT 900 saddle bag
- Check price on Decathlon.com
Most bikepacking setups start with a saddle bag, and the new ADVT 900 bag has a roll-top enclosure to expand capacity anywhere from six litres to 15 litres.
It's IPX6 waterproof rated, made from a tough laminated material and has a built-in valve to force air out when closing the bag.
It's designed to fit in the ADVT 900 harness. The harness attaches to your bike, and the bag then slots securely into the harness.
- Check price on Decathlon.com
Decathlon Rockrider ADVT 900 full-frame bag
As the name suggests, a frame bag is designed to sit within the main triangle of your bike's frame. It's a streamlined option that doesn't adversely affect the bike's aerodynamics or centre of gravity.
As well as the main compartment (with a waterproof zip), the ADVT 900 full-frame bag has an internal mesh pocket, internal straps for a bike pump or tent poles, and a small port through which to feed a cable or hydration bladder hose.
Decathlon offers the full-frame option in two sizes: 6 litres (pictured above) and 9 litres, plus there's a smaller 3-litre half-frame bag.
- Check price on Decathlon.com
Decathlon Rockrider ADVT 900 top tube bag
A top tube bag is a great option to keep essentials close to hand.
That might include your smartphone for mid-ride photos, or easy-to-access snacks. After all, what bikepacking trip isn't complete without a barrage of Instagram photos and plenty of snacks?
Handily, Decathlon's ADVT 900 top tube bag has a small opening for a charging cable, too.
The bag has a 1-litre capacity and can be fastened to your bike with screws (if your frame has top tube mounts) or straps.
- Check price on Decathlon.com
Three gravel bikes from Decathlon
Need a bike ready for a bikepacking adventure? Gravel bikes are popular for good reason, providing a middle ground between speed, comfort and multi-terrain versatility. Here are three options from Decthalon, at a range of prices.
- Shop more gravel and touring bikes on Decathlon.com
Van Rysel Discovery Microshift Acolyte 1x8-speed
If you're after a budget gravel bike for your first bikepacking adventure, then the keenly-priced Van Rysel Discovery has an aluminium frame, 38mm tyres and an eight-speed Microshift Acolyte groupset.
- Check price on Decathlon.com
Riverside Carbon SRAM Force
This Riverside gravel bike has a lightweight carbon frame, 1x SRAM groupset and carbon Reynolds wheels.
It also currently has more than £1,000 off the retail price.
- Check price on Decathlon.com
Triban GRVL 900
This Triban GRVL 900 is one of the most beautiful bikes Decathlon has to offer, thanks to the polished titanium frame, hand-built in Italy.
It has a 1x Shimano GRX 600 drivetrain, Fulcrum RR900 tubeless wheels and 40mm Hutchinson Touareg gravel tyres.
- Check price on Decathlon.com