Setting Your Goals

Before hitting the purchase button on your pack setup, or expanding on what you currently have, it’s worth taking the time to be clear and realistic about your goals. Are you planning on going super minimal and finishing within the head, or, if this is your first ultra, are you merely planning on finishing?

Your goals will directly influence the kit you need. If you’re aiming to ride fast with minimal stops, a lightweight, stripped-back setup will help reduce weight and save time. On the other hand, if your priority is simply to finish, a more modular approach makes sense—using more attachment points on the bike to carry a bulkier setup, with less emphasis on saving grams and more on staying comfortable and prepared.

Everyone rides for their own reasons, so it’s best to choose a setup that suits your goals. There’s little value in copying someone aiming for finishing first if that’s not your objective.

Creating A Pack List

Creating a pack list for Badlands is essential because the event is completely self-supported, meaning every item you need – from tools and food to clothing and navigation, must be carried with you. The terrain is remote and demanding, covering deserts, mountains, and long stretches without resupply. A well-considered pack list helps you balance minimal weight with maximum preparedness, ensuring you’re not slowed down by excess gear or left vulnerable by missing essentials.

It also plays a key role in strategy and mental readiness. With extreme heat, unpredictable weather, and tough riding conditions, having the right kit can make or break your ride. A pack list allows you to plan for contingencies like mechanicals, night riding, or unexpected bivys, giving you the confidence and focus needed to perform at your best.

Finally, once you have obtained your list, give it a test ride before. Try a few overnighters to make sure you’re fully comfortable using your gear. When you’re sleep deprived, there’s nothing worse than either forgetting a crucial piece of kit, or not knowing when or how to use it at the right time. This will also save you time!

Sleep System

The main bulk of pack space is usually taken up with a sleep system. Depending on whether you are planning on bivvying, taking a tent, or using accommodation options on the route, your sleep system will take a different form and necessitate more or less space.

Heat extremes – it may be 45 degrees in the desert during the day, but during the evenings at altitudes of over 2,000 metres, the temperatures can drop into single digits. Although many think of Badlands as an event defined by high temperatures, you don’t want to be caught out – particularly if planning on riding during the nights to escape the daytime highs

Depending on the level of comfort you desire, we would recommend bringing a packable sleeping mat, as sleeping on gravel can be quite brutal. In terms of your sleeping bag, you’ll be needing something lightweight, that’s warm and balances packability with sufficient insulation.

A comfort temperature racing around 5°C to 10°C (41°F to 50°F) is a good baseline, depending on your cold tolerance and sleep system. If you sleep cold or expect bivvying at altitude, go closer to 5°C or below.

Choosing Your Packs

Handlebar Packs – Use this space for light, compressible items like your sleep system. A front-heavy setup can affect steering, so keep the weight minimal and double-check cable clearance before you roll out.

Frame Packs – Heavier items like tools, food, spares, or water are best stored in the main triangle of your frame. Keeping weight low and central improves handling and helps reduce wobble, especially when descending on loose ground. Frame Pack Sizing tools are a great way to measure up frame packs to your bike, ensuring your desired packs will fit with and/or without your bottles.

Saddle Packs – Ideal for clothing or mid-weight gear. Avoid sway by placing heavier items near the seatpost and cinching everything down tightly. Match the weight of your saddle and handlebar packs to keep the bike feeling balanced.

Top Tube and Cockpit Storage – Keep essentials like snacks, suncream, tools, or electronics within reach. These smaller packs let you stay efficient on the move without constantly digging through bigger bags.

Be Strategic – Plan your packing around your sleep setup and refuel strategy. If you’re riding through the night, stay warm, but don’t overpack. Water is heavy, so make the most of refill points rather than carrying excess. The goal is to ride light, stay fast, and stay focused. Badlands is unforgiving. A well-packed bike helps you ride smoother, faster, and with fewer surprises when things get rough.

Hydration

With long stretches between water stops and unpredictable conditions, on-body carry plays a vital role at Badlands. Riders need quick, reliable access to hydration, nutrition and key essentials without having to stop or dig through bags.

Hydration vests are especially valuable, offering extra water capacity and convenient front pockets for snacks, tools or sun cream. They also help distribute weight evenly, improving comfort during long, hot days in the saddle. As outlined in our guide to on-body carry, smart use of body space can complement your on-bike setup, helping you ride lighter, faster and more efficiently.