KIT ME OUT FOR
BIKEPACKING
BIKE
If you’ve got your own wheels, then you’re set. Otherwise, you'll need a cycle with a sturdy aluminium or steel frame, wide tyres, good front suspension, a comfortable saddle and plenty of ground clearance.
BACKPACK
You sort of need to invest in a bike bag (C/K) to get the best of the experience. If not, pack your kit into a small rucksack – the Osprey Tempest/ Talon 30 is ideal. Also ideal to supplement your on-bike bags for extra warm clothes, tools and water. PICTURED: Osprey Tempest 30 £100
CYCLING SHORTS
You could do your ride without them, but the pad inside will make the experience much more pleasant in the buttocks department. PICTURED: dhb Classic Shorts £45
SADDLEBAG
Attach to the underside of the saddle and the seat post so you can carry up to 17 litres (or more) worth of kit. This is a good place to stash a good sleeping bag (inside a dry-bag) as this will likely be the bulkiest item you take. PICTURED: Alpkit Big Papa £90
SNACK BAG
When on the go the general rule is to eat every 20 minutes after the first hour, so have snacks to hand. These bags can be also used for a water bottle, your phone or a small camera and can be fixed to either side of the bike’s stem. PICTURED: Alpkit Stem Cell Dry £28
HANDLEBAR HARNESS
Pack heavy kit such as a bivvy, stove, food, sleeping mat into a dry-bag and secure in this harness to the handlebars of your bike. This keeps the weight off your back. PICTURED: Alpkit Kanga harness £55
STOVE/CUTLERY
It’s possible to do this without a stove but warm food and a hot drink are one of life’s little luxuries. Make sure to carry extra matches and gas and, of course, don’t forget cutlery! PICTURED: Primus Lite + £105; Lite My Fire Spork £2 ; Lifeventure Ellipse Cutlery £3.99
WATER FILTER
If you’re heading out where water is going to be scarce, carry a water filter to ensure you’re getting a good clean drink. PICTURED: MSR Trailshot Microfilter £40
INNER TUBES
Hopefully your tyres will do a good job at preventing punctures, but it’s always a good idea to have a couple more inner tubes to hand. PICTURED: Halfords £2.99
PUMP
If you get a puncture, you’ll need to be able to inflate it again or risk carrying the bike as well as your kit. Always carry a pump! PICTURED: Lezyne Pressure Drive Mini ABS Pump £23.50
DRINKS BOTTLES
Keep hydrated! Plan ahead to calculate how much fluid you’ll need for how long you’ll be out. A general rule is 500ml per hour of cycling. PICTURED: Camelbak Podium £14.99
FOOD
If you don’t want the fuss of having to cook while you’re out grab a camping meal. FIREPOT meals use only natural ingredients and you get over 500 calories worth of good grub. PICTURED: Outdoorfood FIREPOT £6.50
REPAIR KIT
Don’t go anywhere without a repair kit and know how to use it. When you’re out in the wild there won’t be anyone out there to fix it for you. Carry a good multi-tool (plenty of Allen keys), inner tube patches, cable ties, gaffer tape, chain tool and spare link. PICTURED: Park Tool I-Beam 3 Mini Tool £22.50
TENT/BIVVY
If you’re really keen to reduce weight and have a fast and light adventure take a bivvy bag, like the Rab Ridge Raider. This looped bivvy bag will give you some headspace as well as being lighter and more compact than a tent. If you’re after a lightweight tent take a look at the Gear Guide (included in this issue) for more ideas. PICTURED: Rab Ridge Raider £210
HEADTORCH
You’ll want light on your head for moving around camp in darkness – and the Actik’s 300 lumens is more than enough to see by. PICTURED: Petzl Actik £50
SLEEPING BAG
Invest in a sleeping bag that will keep you cosy, but isn‘t too bulky. The SkyeHigh 2-3 season sleeping bag is adequate for all but winter. PICTURED: Alpkit SkyeHigh 500 £150
SLEEPING MAT
A light and compact mat for summer touring will keep you off the ground to help retain body heat, and help protect from lumpy terrain. PICTURED: Exped Synmat Hyperlite £115