Seeking to test the adage “run what ya brung,” YouTuber Phoenix James recently pedaled out for a no-budget bikepacking overnighter at a nearby state park. Watch his video to see how he fared on his 30-year-old bike with a loaded basket here….

Ahead of a larger trip in the works, for his latest video, YouTuber Phoenix James loaded up his 30-year-old Gary Fisher 26er for a shakedown ride to a state park an hour away. He loaded up a lunchbox, a found basket, and a duffle bag for a night of disconnecting from his everyday routine just a short ride from home. Spending money only on a little beer and a campsite reservation, his trip is a testament to the fact that it doesn’t take much to have a great time bikepacking, and the best gear is often the gear you already have.

In the video, he shares an overview of his no-budget build, documents his ride, and reflects on the experience of getting out for an easy sub-24-hour adventure, complete with a proper camp coffee and a slow morning beside a lake. Watch it above, and find a sampling of our many budget-focused resources in the Further Reading grid below. If you’re interested in following along with Phoenix James’s upcoming ride, follow along (and catch up on his other videos) here.

Further Reading

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