Fun and uphill-optimized over the most beautiful trails

Large, heavy rucksacks and panniers attached to the bike are necessary when you're out and about for several days. Complete nonsense, and above all, not very sexy if you want to have fun on the trails.

This summer, my girlfriend and I went on a trail vacation in the form of a six-day tour from Valais to the Aosta Valley and back. Even though the adventure character would have been extremely appealing, the outdoor sleeping option was out of the question. Because even with the lightest setup, we would have had to accept compromises in terms of riding enjoyment.

Optimizing the experienced

Already on a three-day tour in summer 2019 with little luggage, it was a logical consequence to make some further optimizations for six days. Back then, we had a full 16-liter Cube backpack, but this time we wanted less. So we limited ourselves to the minimum, and this comprised just one ten-liter backpack each (Evoc FR Lite Race and Camelback K.U.D.U 10) - one full and one two-thirds full of lightweight items.

The fact that we only rely on rucksacks is only half the truth. In terms of space, ten-liter backpacks would suffice. However, to distribute the load and prevent back pain, my girlfriend decided to strap an Ortlieb "Seat-Pack 11" to the bike. This bikepacking saddle bag works well, stays firmly in place and is waterproof. Only on technically demanding descents can it become a bit of a hindrance when shifting the center of gravity to the rear.

This material was included

• Powerful pump
• A spare inner tube plus tube patches
• Tire plugs
• one chain lock each
• one mini tool with chain riveting tool
• a mixed bundle of cable ties
• a mini portion of chain oil
• Some cereal bars and fat gels
• Compact camera
• charging cable for cell phone and camera
• one mini toiletry bag each with a small toothbrush, deodorant and small necessities
• toothpaste and sunscreen for shared use
• A mini pharmacy

The good weather and the decision to stay in hotels meant that we only had so little luggage and were able to save on clothes. We still brought an insulating layer and rain protection - these are essential in the mountains. What we wore didn't come in duplicate - except for the socks. We cleaned bib shorts, functional shirts and bike shirts almost daily in the hotels, by hand or machine washing.

Packed clothes per person

• Light, long trousers for the evenings
• lightweight flip-flops
• a clean pair of merino socks
• one pair of underpants
• one short and one long merino T-shirt
• one ultralight rain jacket
• one down vest
• warm hat

Even with such a modest packing list, it amazes me that I managed to fit everything into one rucksack. It's tight but it works, and tackling a tour like this with little luggage is worth it for the sake of trail fun.
In the end, however, everyone has to decide for themselves how much or little they want to take with them on a multi-day tour. And if you're unsure whether your rucksack isn't too full, remember the words of a wise man: "The lightest thing is what you don't have with you."