Hello! Im wanting to plan a couple bike packing trips this summer with my partner, first a small introduction trip (e.g. 2-3 days) in either the cotswolds or lakes to see if we (mainly she) likes it, and then a bigger 7-8 day one in Cornwall in September.
I appreciate there are probs lots of posts on this here already about general advice, but i wanted to add some specific context... im quite an advanced cyclist, have a lot of the road and gravel gear already. I have a Surly midnight special gravel bike with carbon forks with all the mounts needed for bikepacking equipment. My girlfriend has a fairly entry level roadbike, but shes open to getting a gravel bike so we can start bike packing. I wouldnt say she's massively confident on a road bike, but enjoys it.
My questions are around gear. I want to make it as easy for her as possible, and expecting to carry most of the bulky gear myself (tent, camping stuff), so thinking of getting a couple frame bags, handlebars bag, saddle bag. My first q was whether getting a gravel bike for my patner is ABSOLUTELY essential... Her bike is a Liv Avail 2, so a road bike. If the route we pick is pretty much all road, could it work if I carry most and she just gets a frame bag? Or should we look at getting her a gravel bike regardless? I would prefer to have some trails in there so leaning towards a new bike.
My other question is on cooking... what's the lightest, most compact way of cooking? I cant imagine we'll be cooking all our meals, as she will want a tiny bit of luxury (eating out some nights). We wont be wildcamping either, and will probs stay 1-2 nights in an Airbnb to give her a break.
And just generally, how much STUFF do you end up taking? Obviously clothes will need to be at a minimum, but what are the things you dont realise you need, but really do and take up lots of space, which might be a reason she will need to carry more than what just a frame bag can handle?
Any broader advice or tips is massively appreciated! On camping gear, ive bought a Simonds Dyneema 2 man which says ultralight, and looking at getting their camp mats as well.
Thank you!