A 5-day bikepacking trip with too much weight becomes a 5-day suffer-fest. This tool breaks your rig into categories — shelter, sleep, clothing, food, water, electronics, bike — and gives you per-day totals plus resupply points. Realistic numbers from actual bike-touring kits, not ultralight fantasy.
| Category | Day 1 | Mid trip | Final |
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Every kilo on the bike costs roughly 1 W to pedal on the flat and much more uphill. A 25 kg rig adds ~250 W to a 10% climb vs unloaded — which moves your pace from 12 km/h to 8 km/h. Over 5 days of climbing, that's hours.
The standard "10-15 kg kit for multi-day" guideline assumes you've made deliberate choices. Most first-time bikepackers end up at 20-25 kg because they packed for every contingency.
Cyclists with ultralight experience can do 6-8 kg for warm summer camping. Most riders will end up at 12-15 kg on a first trip, which is still very manageable.
Water is heavy (1 kg/L). Plan to carry 2-3 L maximum and refill at known sources. In remote areas, a 4-6 L capacity is the practical upper limit.
For first tours, a tent is easier — more weather protection. Tarps save 0.5-1 kg but require more setup skill and good campsite selection.
This calculator was built to answer a question most online versions skip or oversimplify. It runs entirely in your browser; no inputs are stored or transmitted. The math is grounded in standard cycling physics and physiology models, and is suitable for hobbyist and intermediate training use. It is not a substitute for a coach, sports scientist, or professional bike-fit service.
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This calculator is provided for general informational and educational purposes only. It is not medical, mechanical, or legal advice. Predicted values depend on inputs you supply and simplified physical models; real-world outcomes vary. Use at your own risk. Brand names are descriptive only and do not imply affiliation.