Packing list for your Alpine crossing on a gravel bike | Sport Conrad Blog | Advices, Guides, News and Outdoor Equipment

An Alpine cross on a gravel bike is an unforgettable adventure – especially if you are completely self-sufficient and travelling with a tent. However, the more metres in altitude you cover, the more important a minimalist setup becomes. This packing list is aimed at all bikepacking enthusiasts who don’t want to sacrifice comfort entirely, but still want to travel light and efficiently. Here you will find a compact overview for your self-supported adventure across the Alps – reduced to the essentials, but with everything you really need.

Everything we brought for our Alpine crossing. Photo: Claudia Klingelhoefer

Bike & Accessories

Gravelbike (maintained, oiled, inspected)
Bikepacking bags
Tire levers
Chain lock or main lock
Lights

🔍 Secret Tip: Zip ties & gaffer tape – tiny lifesavers for small breakdowns, weigh nothing, save tours.

Sleep & Shelter:

Ultralight 1 to 2 person tent (under 1.5 kg). This is usually easily divisible
Sleeping mat (self-inflating or foam, <500 g)
Summer sleeping bag (comfort range up to approx. +5°C)
Microfiber towel
Pocket knife / multitool
Lighter / matches
Foldable seat pad

🔍 Secret Tip: Ultralight hammock with mosquito net – a genius alternative on clear-weather nights.

Kitchen & catering:

Light stove & cartridge
Titanium pot or aluminium cup (if you want to cook yourself)
Travel cutlery / spork
Dry food, bars, instant coffee if necessary
Water bottle (water filter / tablets if necessary)

🔍 Secret Tip: Mini spice mix in a pill box – salt, chili, garlic powder, etc. for a real meal feel.

Clothing:

Cycling jersey + bib (for changing)
Rain jacket + insulating jacket (e.g. Primaloft)
Base layer / merino underwear (long-sleeved), hat
Slippers or sandals
Underwear and socks
Arm and leg warmers
Gloves
Buff / neck gaiter

🔍 Secret Tip: Merino underwear – doesn’t smell, dries quickly, perfect for multi-day tours.

Tools & technology:

Multitool, spare tube, tubeless plugs
chain oil, brake pads, cable ties
Mini pump or CO2 cartridge
Smartphone with offline maps
Powerbank + USB cable + GPS device
Headlamp or small battery powered light

Other:

First aid kit
Mini lock
Credit card, ID, some cash
Sunscreen, toiletries (minimal)
Mini shopping bag if you shop at the supermarket
Wet wipes
Notepad + pen (for spontaneous journaling or notes)

💡 More Useful “Secrets”

Mini clothesline or paracord + clothespins
Earplugs – help with sleeping at campsites or noisy spots
Ziplock bags – for organization and weather protection
Piece of aluminum foil – as a windscreen for cooking or a pot stand

→ Here you can download our packing list