Bikepacking is more than just cycling – it's an adventure that takes you through breathtaking landscapes and creates unforgettable memories. But how do you capture these special moments? In this guide, we'll show you how to perfectly document your bikepacking tours.
Why Should You Document Your Routes?
Every bikepacking tour tells a story. The switchbacks through the Alps, the lonely forest trail in the Black Forest, or the coastal road along the Baltic Sea – all these routes are part of your personal cycling history. Good documentation helps you:
- Find your favorite routes again
- Share tours with friends
- Track your progress over the years
- Create unique memorabilia
The Right Equipment for Documentation
GPS Device or Smartphone
The most important tool is a reliable GPS device or your smartphone with a tracking app. Popular options include:
- Komoot – Ideal for route planning and navigation
- Strava – Perfect for performance data and community
- Garmin Connect – For Garmin device users
- Wahoo – Reliable and easy to use
Don't Forget the Power Bank
For multi-day tours, a power bank is essential. Make sure you have enough capacity (at least 20,000 mAh) and charge your GPS device overnight.
GPX Files: The Gold Standard of Route Documentation
GPX files are the universal format for GPS data. They store not only your route but also:
- Elevation gain and profile
- Speed and time
- Waypoints and markers
Tip: Export your GPX file after each tour and save it securely. This way, you'll always have a backup of your best routes.
Photos and Videos as Supplements
Beyond pure route data, photos bring your documentation to life. Here are some tips:
- Take photos at notable points (summits, lakes, special signs)
- Capture the small moments too (campsite, meals, breakdowns)
- Use the panorama function for wide landscapes
- Enable GPS on your camera for geo-tags
From Route to Artwork
The most beautiful way to immortalize your bikepacking tour is with a personalized route poster. With your GPX file, you can create a unique piece of art at Track To Print:
- Upload your GPX file
- Choose design, colors, and map style
- Add title, date, and personal details
- Order your poster in your preferred format
This turns your tour into a real eye-catcher on the wall – and a wonderful reminder of your adventure.
Conclusion
Good documentation makes your bikepacking experiences unforgettable. With GPS tracking, photos, and a personalized poster, you'll preserve every kilometer for eternity. So: saddle up, GPS on, and off to your next adventure!