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 Hoja 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 Hoja 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. Hoja SUN FIELD SUIT M]
Biking in warmer climates is a dream, but the sun can be relentless. Enter the Hoja 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!
