My Top 5 Essentials For Your First Bikepacking Adventure
Today, I'm thrilled to share the insights gained from our epic bikepacking adventure this summer. Get ready as I unveil my top 5(6) favorite things for bikepacking – lessons learned and gear tested on the open road!
[1. Bibs]
The absolute must-have for any bikepacking endeavor is bibs. Not only for bikepacking but for biking in general. Trust me, attempting a multiday bikepacking adventure without bibs is a lesson learned the hard way. Why? Chafing and rubbing on your thighs and butt.
[2. Sleep Poncho]
The Fjällräven Specialized Sleep Poncho takes versatility to a whole new level. Need to keep warm during a break? Unleash the poncho. Arrived for the night? Stay cozy in the poncho. Time to sleep? Transform it into a sleeping bag. In the morning, revert it to a poncho for warmth during breakfast and prepping to go. Featuring a convenient front pocket, it's perfect for essentials whether in poncho or sleeping mode.
[3. Rain Poncho]
In the unpredictable realm of bikepacking, facing rain poses three challenges: Rain itself, sweat, and ease of change. The rain poncho addresses all three. Designed with biking in mind, it keeps you dry with features like hand covers, adjustable buttons, and a hood spacious enough for your helmet. Ventilation is key, preventing sweat buildup, and the one-piece design ensures ease of use, saving you from the constant on-and-off struggle. A zippered chest pocket adds extra functionality.
[4. Hip Pack]
Biking is the focus, but adventures unfold off the saddle. The expandable hip pack steps in for those moments. In "ride mode," it serves as a hip pack, keeping essentials like water bottles, sunglasses, or a multitool within easy reach. Need a backpack? Expand it to 11.5 liters for refueling or spontaneous day hikes. Versatility at its best.
[5. Shorts]
For those who prefer not to stroll in just their bibs, the S/F RIDER'S HYBRID SHORTS M make an appearance on the list. Ideal as an outer layer for biking, these shorts offer stretch, reinforcement in the right places, and quick-drying capabilities – perfect for hiking. Multifunctional and versatile, just like the rest of the gear.
[6. S/F SUN FIELD SUIT M]
Biking in warmer climates is a dream, but the sun can be relentless. Enter the S/F SUN FIELD SUIT M. Crafted from the same material as the shorts, it provides breathability, sun protection, and wind resistance. With two chest pockets and two zippered side pockets, it's a practical addition to your bikepacking arsenal. Plus, if you're feeling a bit shy about flaunting your bibs, the Sun Field Suit might just be the diversion you need.
If you enjoyed this insight into my top 5 (6) bikepacking essentials, I've also shared a video detailing all the gear on my bike, which you can watch here. For a glimpse of the full adventure, check it out here. The video of the top 5 bikepacking essentials is right here:
Until the next adventure, happy trails!
