5 Tips for a Smooth Family Bikepacking Trip

5 Tips for a Smooth Family Bikepacking Trip

Balancing long bike adventures with family life — and running a business — is definitely a major challenge. However, over time, I’ve learned a few tricks that turn short family rides into moments of shared joy: here are five tips from our experience bikepacking with kids.

Words & photos : Simon Bergeron, cofounder of Panorama Cycles

"I do miss the big adventures—but everything in its own time. Those will come back one day. The precious time spent with my young children, however, won’t."

Before having my two kids, I naively thought it would be easy to combine long bike adventures with family life. Add running a business into the mix, and personal time quickly becomes a rare commodity.

I do miss the big adventures—but everything in its own time. Those will come back one day. The precious time spent with my young children, however, won’t.

Over time, and through our many family outings, I’ve picked up a few small things that make a big difference. Here are five tips from our experience to help make bikepacking with kids a fun and rewarding experience for everyone.

1. Include your child in the planning

Looking at maps together, spotting key stops along the way, and understanding the route helps spark curiosity and gives your child a sense of ownership over the adventure.

2. Let them bring what they want (as long as it fits!)

A stuffed animal, some Legos, a favorite book… Even if it doesn’t fit the minimalist bikepacking checklist, these little comforts make the experience more personal and enjoyable for your child.

3. Pick a closer campsite rather than one too far

For kids, the highlight is often sleeping in the tent—not the ride itself. On an overnight trip, aim for a campsite which is at a distance within their comfort zone. Once the camp is set up, you can always hop back on the bikes for a short loop or move on to another activity (see the next point 😊).

4. Mix in other activities

Add some variety to keep things exciting. Stash the bags and hit some mountain bike trails, go for a swim in a nearby lake, hike up to a scenic viewpoint, or visit a local farm. Switching things up helps avoid boredom and keeps your child engaged.