Both involve long distances on bikes, but the philosophies differ dramatically.
Bikepacking
Adventure-focused. Off-pavement capable. Camp where you land.
- Frame bags, seat packs, handlebar rolls
- Often on gravel, trails, remote roads
- Self-supported, flexible timing
- Destination is secondary to journey
Randonneuring (Audax)
Timed distance certifications. Road-focused. Checkpoints must be reached.
- Brevets: 200km, 300km, 400km, 600km
- Paris-Brest-Paris: The ultimate goal (1200km)
- Allure libre: "Free pacing" within time limits
- Self-sufficiency is paramount
Overlap
Both value endurance, self-reliance, and exploration. Some riders do both. The gear has converged: lightweight, efficient, durable.
Choose based on your motivation: pure adventure or structured challenge.