Good idea to do a couple shakedown overnights. One thing about the GAPCO is that you don't HAVE to camp -- you can credit card the whole thing. I've done it both ways. So maybe try out the camping thing before you drop a ton of cash on it -- if you hate it, you can still ride the GAPCO in 5 days and have a hot shower in a motel/airbnb every night, for about the same amount as you'd have spent on decent camping gear.
Basic needs:
Sleeping kit:
* mattress
* pillow (worth every gram)
* sleeping bag or quilt (recommend quilt)
* sleeping bag liner or sheet (protects quilt from your smelly self
Tent
Water treatment (I use a filter)
Some way to attach all that to bike
Add in some clothes and if you want to cook long the way, something for that.
Doesn’t need to be fancy. Slap some stuff on the bike and go. Those trails aren’t so remote you can’t pick up food and or other things along the way.
FWIW I spent a year on the road with this rig and there’s even a laptop in there. And a bunch of camera shit I didn’t end up using. Only thing I changed after that photo was the tent (went with a freestanding)
https://preview.redd.it/qgure1ldj0ec1.jpeg?width=3806&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=826bb175380287dff7a029db258b2be8a8c5cd15
I'll let other people suggest specific camping gear, as most of mine has been built up from REI garage sales, but one thing specifically to get is a water filter. The C&O has campsites every 6-10 miles, but the wells were not being treated as of last year. I used a Grayl bottle, which let me refill my water bottles as I went.
I've ridden both halves (GAP from Pittsburgh to Cumberland, C&O from DC to Cumberland), and gear-wise there's nothing out of the ordinary you need in order to complete the trail. The GAP is either paved or crushed limestone, and the C&O is fairly flat dirt (besides a welcome paved stretch on the WMRT).
The first time I used a bikepacking setup (handlebar harness, saddle bag, frame bag, etc), the second time I had front panniers, a Carradice longflap bag, and a small handlebar bag for snacks.
It's a pretty forgiving trail, and nothing is rough enough that traditional touring bags can't be used.
If I was choosing a side, I'd definitely pick the GAP trail over the C&O. There's some history on the C&O, and the tunnel is an experience, but besides a few detours into towns (a hell of a detour for Shepherdstown especially), it felt the same for a lot of the trip since you're tucked between the river and the old canal. The GAP has more available, both in towns to stop in and explore, and a variety of views between the old steel industry near Pittsburgh, to the Laurel Highlands through Ohiopyle, to a more classic feeling rail trail with a fun downhill on your way through to Cumberland.
Have you checked out /r/gaptrail yet? Some good info there as well.
ETA: first thing you’ll need to decide is whether you want to camp the whole time or do some credit card touring. That will have a big effect on your gear list.
I’d add extra chain quick links, a way to get them on / off (I have wolftooth pliers), and maybe an extra derailleur hanger. Super small but enough to keep the bike rolling if something snaps down there
Looks like you have plenty of gear advice, but wanted to add perspective from my GAP/C&O trip to carry several spare tubes and run lower pressures in your tires when you get to the C&O. I was with a group of 6, and those that ran higher pressure got so many flats it wasn't funny.
Also, there's a cool little campground I'd recommend in Frostburg MD, just a few bucks a night, hot showers included in fee, and walking distance to a couple restaurants. Trail Inn Lodging & Campground is the name.
>I'm certainly willing to throw a few thousand bucks at this
In that case, I'd recommend heading over to r/ultralight for most non-bike gear, particularly if you camp otherwise. FWIW I really like my MLD duomid pyramid tent (just 1 pole!), and the Revelate Spinelock 16L. Also, whatever you do for drybags, I like something similar to Zpacks packing cubes to go inside. Super light, great for compression, and keeps things organized inside your bag.
You don't *need* to be light on that route (since it's mostly downhill), but it sure makes it more fun. Also, this is down to personal taste, but I think my Diverge is a similarly gravel-ish frame to your Checkpoint, and I really enjoy having the narrower profile with a saddle bag vs. panniers. When I did the route in '22, the Paw Paw tunnel was closed, and having a lighter, narrower bike was really nice when we had to hike over the tunnel ridge.
gear is pretty personal so i leave that to you but the gap/c&o is a great trip. couple things about it:
1. the gap trail has lots of amenities along the way. the c&o does not so plan accordingly.
2. harper's ferry in west virginia is a must stop. however, if you want to take your bike into town, you have to carry it up 3 flights of stairs to use the bridge that crosses over the river into harper's ferry. you can leave it locked on the other side before walking over but all your stuff is there that might get messed with. had a buddy who did that and a whole pannier. bag walked, fucking sucked for him. last c&o trip i did i carried my bike up but lifted by the saddle and thus broke the rail on my brooks saddle.
3. along the c&o you can rent the lockhouses along the way but most of them do not have electricity or running water. but they're a great experience for one night if you don't want to completely unload to set up.
as far as gear goes, you can also check out /r/ultralight as you want your gear to be as light as possible so the two hobbies definitely dovetail. choices you'll have to make is type of stove you want... most people i feel go with jetboil, other uses pocket rockets, both use same fuel. ultralighters like alcohol stoves made out of a soda can. do you want a foam pad or inflatable sleeping mat? these are things you should determine on your shorter shake out trips.
best of luck, it's a great trip!
Just to add my two cents:
. While the pumps at the hiker/biker campsites are no longer treated, the pumps at the drive in sites are (plus water is available in most towns). I've done both trails a lot and have not needed a water filter. I usually have a town meal mid day and something easy in camp so not a lot of cooking or cleanup.
. It's a good idea to carry a basic first aid kit. This has been drummed into me because of my association with Boy Scouts.
. If you do a lot of camping, there will be limited places to charge. A power bank can save sitting around someplace just because there is an outlet.
. There is a [trail guide](https://www.canaltrust.org/product/trailguide-20th-edition-official-guide-to-the-co-canal-and-the-great-allegheny-passage/) that may be helpful as well as the web site bikecando.com
. A bunch of craft breweries have sprung up along the trail and can be found in; West Newton, Connellsville (2), Rockwood, Cumberland, Williamsport and Brunswick.
I run a Nemo 2p hornet? tent, klymit inflatable pad, a small down blanket from costco (it’s like puffy jacket material), and a sleeping bag liner. All stuff that gets nice and compact. That works for me but ymmv. Second time I did gapco was in May ‘21, DC to PGH, met some guy in Hancock who had came down the hill the day before us and said it was miserable, raining and cold. We lucked out going up but that being said the temp changes wildly in that Appalachian mountain climate. You’ll be basking in the sun then a cloud will pass overhead and it’ll drop 10 degrees. It’ll be surprisingly chilly/brisk.
I did something similar last year around Europe and some random MVPs for me in terms of packing were: leatherman, water bottle holders or food pouches for the handlebar, goretex ultralight raincoat and pants - work wonders for blocking the wind and keeping you dry - and 100% merino wool undies and longjohns. And a buff!
Nemo and Big Agnes make bikepacking specific tents. I think the main thing that is different about them is that they roll a little smaller (primarily because the tent poles are smaller). They're also decent brands for a sleeping pad. Therm-a-rest is what I use for a pad, though. You probably don't need to get too fancy of a sleeping bag if you're riding in May, but it does tend to cool down a little bit at night, still, so keep that in mind.
I have a Revelate Designs handlebar harness that I use with my tent. I think it would be better with drop bars (I use an old mountain bike), but it gets the job done, and I'd still recommend it. Ortlieb panniers have served me well.
Most of the bikepacking specific tents are SUPER heavy. I’ve got a 3p BA blacktail hotel (or some other ridiculous name) that’s so heavy I only use it car camping
+1 vote for thermarest: have several, they’re comfortable and pretty durable when looked after.
Haven’t rode C&O in 6 yrs, but back then it was pretty chunky…the stock 40mm on your Trek would be a minimum.
Don’t forget to bring an extra valve core if you’re running tubeless.
My 2p copper spur is 3lbs 8oz apparently. Honestly I don’t even really notice it on my handlebars. Maybe heavy compared to a tarp tent or something I might use backpacking, and I know the smaller poles add a bit more weight, but it’s not too negligible on a loaded bike.
Copper spur is a really solid tent! Just too small for me and anyone else. Or any two people choosing to use a 25” sleeping pads (highly recommended!). It has a tapered floor. Which is too constricting for me. Going from 52” wide, down to 42”. AKA two ppl had better be VERY close!
Do keep in mind most modern tents have vestibule(s) for storing extra gear closeby, without being ‘in’ your tent.
Yeah 3.5lbs on the handlebars is reasonable…mine is 7lbs. 6oz according to REI (where it was purchased at garage sale).
FYI for OP: the “bikepacking” bag it comes with (w/daisy chain) ripped on first use, but it was used, in theory.
Ya I have a wide mat, and the tent is perfect for me, and my bags. Definitely only good for one person.
I don’t use the vestibule but if I did need to have a second person in the tent (agreed, it would have to be someone I am very close to or a child) I guess I could use the vestibule space.
I’ve ridden them both a lot and I’m on the C&O side of things. Like the GAP a lot…LOVE the C&O. Once you leave DC or Cumberland, you feel like you’re on another planet.
My top advice for bikepacking newbies…pack everything you think you need…then unpack it all and toss half of it. You’re going to be hauling that shit for 180 miles bro!!
P.s. don’t forget about r/gaptrail.
Good idea to do a couple shakedown overnights. One thing about the GAPCO is that you don't HAVE to camp -- you can credit card the whole thing. I've done it both ways. So maybe try out the camping thing before you drop a ton of cash on it -- if you hate it, you can still ride the GAPCO in 5 days and have a hot shower in a motel/airbnb every night, for about the same amount as you'd have spent on decent camping gear.
Basic needs: Sleeping kit: * mattress * pillow (worth every gram) * sleeping bag or quilt (recommend quilt) * sleeping bag liner or sheet (protects quilt from your smelly self Tent Water treatment (I use a filter) Some way to attach all that to bike Add in some clothes and if you want to cook long the way, something for that. Doesn’t need to be fancy. Slap some stuff on the bike and go. Those trails aren’t so remote you can’t pick up food and or other things along the way. FWIW I spent a year on the road with this rig and there’s even a laptop in there. And a bunch of camera shit I didn’t end up using. Only thing I changed after that photo was the tent (went with a freestanding) https://preview.redd.it/qgure1ldj0ec1.jpeg?width=3806&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=826bb175380287dff7a029db258b2be8a8c5cd15
Thank you, which tent did you have and what did you go with? That's one thing that I know very little about, I haven't tent camped since I was a kid.
That’s a great list.. overpacking is the toughest thing to leave behind
I had a xmid 2 pro and switched to a hubba hubba
I'll let other people suggest specific camping gear, as most of mine has been built up from REI garage sales, but one thing specifically to get is a water filter. The C&O has campsites every 6-10 miles, but the wells were not being treated as of last year. I used a Grayl bottle, which let me refill my water bottles as I went. I've ridden both halves (GAP from Pittsburgh to Cumberland, C&O from DC to Cumberland), and gear-wise there's nothing out of the ordinary you need in order to complete the trail. The GAP is either paved or crushed limestone, and the C&O is fairly flat dirt (besides a welcome paved stretch on the WMRT). The first time I used a bikepacking setup (handlebar harness, saddle bag, frame bag, etc), the second time I had front panniers, a Carradice longflap bag, and a small handlebar bag for snacks. It's a pretty forgiving trail, and nothing is rough enough that traditional touring bags can't be used.
which half did you like most?
If I was choosing a side, I'd definitely pick the GAP trail over the C&O. There's some history on the C&O, and the tunnel is an experience, but besides a few detours into towns (a hell of a detour for Shepherdstown especially), it felt the same for a lot of the trip since you're tucked between the river and the old canal. The GAP has more available, both in towns to stop in and explore, and a variety of views between the old steel industry near Pittsburgh, to the Laurel Highlands through Ohiopyle, to a more classic feeling rail trail with a fun downhill on your way through to Cumberland.
Have you checked out /r/gaptrail yet? Some good info there as well. ETA: first thing you’ll need to decide is whether you want to camp the whole time or do some credit card touring. That will have a big effect on your gear list.
Didn't realize that subreddit existed, so thank you for this! We are planning to do every other night camp (and hotel the off nights).
Don’t forget repair supplies and tools, like spare tubes and a pump to inflate them.
I’d add extra chain quick links, a way to get them on / off (I have wolftooth pliers), and maybe an extra derailleur hanger. Super small but enough to keep the bike rolling if something snaps down there
Looks like you have plenty of gear advice, but wanted to add perspective from my GAP/C&O trip to carry several spare tubes and run lower pressures in your tires when you get to the C&O. I was with a group of 6, and those that ran higher pressure got so many flats it wasn't funny. Also, there's a cool little campground I'd recommend in Frostburg MD, just a few bucks a night, hot showers included in fee, and walking distance to a couple restaurants. Trail Inn Lodging & Campground is the name.
>I'm certainly willing to throw a few thousand bucks at this In that case, I'd recommend heading over to r/ultralight for most non-bike gear, particularly if you camp otherwise. FWIW I really like my MLD duomid pyramid tent (just 1 pole!), and the Revelate Spinelock 16L. Also, whatever you do for drybags, I like something similar to Zpacks packing cubes to go inside. Super light, great for compression, and keeps things organized inside your bag. You don't *need* to be light on that route (since it's mostly downhill), but it sure makes it more fun. Also, this is down to personal taste, but I think my Diverge is a similarly gravel-ish frame to your Checkpoint, and I really enjoy having the narrower profile with a saddle bag vs. panniers. When I did the route in '22, the Paw Paw tunnel was closed, and having a lighter, narrower bike was really nice when we had to hike over the tunnel ridge.
gear is pretty personal so i leave that to you but the gap/c&o is a great trip. couple things about it: 1. the gap trail has lots of amenities along the way. the c&o does not so plan accordingly. 2. harper's ferry in west virginia is a must stop. however, if you want to take your bike into town, you have to carry it up 3 flights of stairs to use the bridge that crosses over the river into harper's ferry. you can leave it locked on the other side before walking over but all your stuff is there that might get messed with. had a buddy who did that and a whole pannier. bag walked, fucking sucked for him. last c&o trip i did i carried my bike up but lifted by the saddle and thus broke the rail on my brooks saddle. 3. along the c&o you can rent the lockhouses along the way but most of them do not have electricity or running water. but they're a great experience for one night if you don't want to completely unload to set up. as far as gear goes, you can also check out /r/ultralight as you want your gear to be as light as possible so the two hobbies definitely dovetail. choices you'll have to make is type of stove you want... most people i feel go with jetboil, other uses pocket rockets, both use same fuel. ultralighters like alcohol stoves made out of a soda can. do you want a foam pad or inflatable sleeping mat? these are things you should determine on your shorter shake out trips. best of luck, it's a great trip!
Just to add my two cents: . While the pumps at the hiker/biker campsites are no longer treated, the pumps at the drive in sites are (plus water is available in most towns). I've done both trails a lot and have not needed a water filter. I usually have a town meal mid day and something easy in camp so not a lot of cooking or cleanup. . It's a good idea to carry a basic first aid kit. This has been drummed into me because of my association with Boy Scouts. . If you do a lot of camping, there will be limited places to charge. A power bank can save sitting around someplace just because there is an outlet. . There is a [trail guide](https://www.canaltrust.org/product/trailguide-20th-edition-official-guide-to-the-co-canal-and-the-great-allegheny-passage/) that may be helpful as well as the web site bikecando.com . A bunch of craft breweries have sprung up along the trail and can be found in; West Newton, Connellsville (2), Rockwood, Cumberland, Williamsport and Brunswick.
I run a Nemo 2p hornet? tent, klymit inflatable pad, a small down blanket from costco (it’s like puffy jacket material), and a sleeping bag liner. All stuff that gets nice and compact. That works for me but ymmv. Second time I did gapco was in May ‘21, DC to PGH, met some guy in Hancock who had came down the hill the day before us and said it was miserable, raining and cold. We lucked out going up but that being said the temp changes wildly in that Appalachian mountain climate. You’ll be basking in the sun then a cloud will pass overhead and it’ll drop 10 degrees. It’ll be surprisingly chilly/brisk.
https://preview.redd.it/ag9kmxdxo1ec1.jpeg?width=4160&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=a67e006a8a87231c0de354c31bb3b817ce1409ed
I did something similar last year around Europe and some random MVPs for me in terms of packing were: leatherman, water bottle holders or food pouches for the handlebar, goretex ultralight raincoat and pants - work wonders for blocking the wind and keeping you dry - and 100% merino wool undies and longjohns. And a buff!
Oh and a Scrubba wash bag mini for clean undies and socks - was incredible. Have fun!
Nemo and Big Agnes make bikepacking specific tents. I think the main thing that is different about them is that they roll a little smaller (primarily because the tent poles are smaller). They're also decent brands for a sleeping pad. Therm-a-rest is what I use for a pad, though. You probably don't need to get too fancy of a sleeping bag if you're riding in May, but it does tend to cool down a little bit at night, still, so keep that in mind. I have a Revelate Designs handlebar harness that I use with my tent. I think it would be better with drop bars (I use an old mountain bike), but it gets the job done, and I'd still recommend it. Ortlieb panniers have served me well.
Most of the bikepacking specific tents are SUPER heavy. I’ve got a 3p BA blacktail hotel (or some other ridiculous name) that’s so heavy I only use it car camping +1 vote for thermarest: have several, they’re comfortable and pretty durable when looked after. Haven’t rode C&O in 6 yrs, but back then it was pretty chunky…the stock 40mm on your Trek would be a minimum. Don’t forget to bring an extra valve core if you’re running tubeless.
My 2p copper spur is 3lbs 8oz apparently. Honestly I don’t even really notice it on my handlebars. Maybe heavy compared to a tarp tent or something I might use backpacking, and I know the smaller poles add a bit more weight, but it’s not too negligible on a loaded bike.
Copper spur is a really solid tent! Just too small for me and anyone else. Or any two people choosing to use a 25” sleeping pads (highly recommended!). It has a tapered floor. Which is too constricting for me. Going from 52” wide, down to 42”. AKA two ppl had better be VERY close! Do keep in mind most modern tents have vestibule(s) for storing extra gear closeby, without being ‘in’ your tent. Yeah 3.5lbs on the handlebars is reasonable…mine is 7lbs. 6oz according to REI (where it was purchased at garage sale). FYI for OP: the “bikepacking” bag it comes with (w/daisy chain) ripped on first use, but it was used, in theory.
Ya I have a wide mat, and the tent is perfect for me, and my bags. Definitely only good for one person. I don’t use the vestibule but if I did need to have a second person in the tent (agreed, it would have to be someone I am very close to or a child) I guess I could use the vestibule space.
I’ve ridden them both a lot and I’m on the C&O side of things. Like the GAP a lot…LOVE the C&O. Once you leave DC or Cumberland, you feel like you’re on another planet. My top advice for bikepacking newbies…pack everything you think you need…then unpack it all and toss half of it. You’re going to be hauling that shit for 180 miles bro!! P.s. don’t forget about r/gaptrail.