Cathryn
Legendary Member
- Location
- Marlborough, Wiltshire
This is a discussion that came out of my previous 'podcast' thread. I've noticed all the cool kids on Insta are talking about 'bikepacking' instead of 'touring' when they mean loading up their bikes and going on an overnight/longer trip. I'm intrigued.
Is it the same thing? Is it different?
Is it an assumption that 'tourers' are predominantly older, less 'cool' and on more traditional bikes whereas 'bikepackers' are younger, hipper, riding gravel bikes and eschew panniers for some intriguing new rack-attaching bags? Is it an age thing? A kit thing? A bike thing? Or is it completely different?
I say this as a 45-year-old woman who is very content to call herself a 'tourer'*
* based on previous life before children/in my heart/on the numerous spreadsheets I've planned trips on since Lockdown 1.0
Is it the same thing? Is it different?
Is it an assumption that 'tourers' are predominantly older, less 'cool' and on more traditional bikes whereas 'bikepackers' are younger, hipper, riding gravel bikes and eschew panniers for some intriguing new rack-attaching bags? Is it an age thing? A kit thing? A bike thing? Or is it completely different?
I say this as a 45-year-old woman who is very content to call herself a 'tourer'*
* based on previous life before children/in my heart/on the numerous spreadsheets I've planned trips on since Lockdown 1.0