In this video I dig into bikepacking vs bicycle touring — not as a “panniers vs bags” checklist, but as two different ways of thinking about travel on a bike. I use my own path as the example: I started out as a pretty classic tourer (steel frame, full panniers, slow days, big distances across countries), and over time bikepacking pulled me into a more minimalist, off-road, wander-first style. The real difference isn’t just equipment — it’s terrain, intention, and the rhythm you want your days to have. I talk about why bikepacking often leans toward rougher surfaces, solitude, and a lighter setup that lets you explore trails and backroads without feeling “locked into” a route. Touring, on the other hand, has that long-haul, old-school tradition where you settle into a steady pace, carry more, and let the journey unfold through towns, people, and time. If you’re choosing your first setup (or you’re stuck between a touring bike and a modern gravel bikepacking build), my goal is to help you pick the style that matches your mindset — because that’s what actually determines whether you’ll love the ride.