There’s no better way to get about in the great outdoors and reconnect with your friends, than to go on a bikepacking trip in the countryside.
Cycling, sunshine and camping, what's not to love?
You might have the perfect group of people, and the perfect route, but with the Great British weather not always playing ball, it’s essential that you’re prepared for a bit of everything.
So you’ve washed your favourite padded shorts and waterproof, your arm and leg warmers are rolled up and ready to go, and you’ve packed your energy sachets to avoid the dreaded cycling bonk!
What else do you need? Well, whether it’s your first bikepacking break, or you’re a seasoned cyclist, shopping for all the bits and bobs is no easy feat.
Here at Valley and Peak, we’ve done all the hard work for you, and put together our list of top 5 picks to take your trip to the next level.
Bonfus Midus 1P Ultralight 1 Person Tent
Weight: 295g
This tent is a game changer when it comes to your overnight stays. Designed with solo adventure in mind, you’ll get your own sleeping space to enjoy before the next day’s cycle. At only 295 grams, you’ll barely feel this in your backpack, and its secure setup helps protect you from any high winds, without limiting room. This tent is simply a must-have.
Therm-A-Rest Hyperion 20 UL Sleeping Bag
Weight: 550g
Perfect for when the weather turns on you, this sleeping bag uses thermally-efficient box baffled construction in key areas to ensure warmth and comfort in an ultralight package. This is also a great one for space saving as it packs down to a miniscule size for such a generous bag. When bikepacking, one of the most challenging aspects is balancing performance and weight, this one ticks both of those boxes. There’s nothing better than zipping up and crashing out after a long day on two wheels, make sure it’s a comfortable experience!
MSR PocketRocket 2 Mini Stove Kit
Weight: 278g
At 278g for the whole kit, the PocketRocket is a revolutionary product for your pack. The stove included in the kit boils 1 litre of water in just 3.5 minutes, so you’ll have a cuppa in your hand before you know it.
It’s ultra-compact, but is big enough for a pouch meal, or a hot (or cold) drink. As a bonus, it’s BPA-free, and comes with an extra bowl at no space-cost! Once you have your PocketRocket, you’ll essentially be equipped with an on-the-road kitchen.
Valley + Peak X Contact Coffee Co Coffee Bags
Weight: minimal!
When you wake up after your restful sleep in the Bonfus Midus, or have a mid-route pitstop, there’s nothing quite like a good coffee. If you haven’t got room in your pack for an espresso machine, Contact Coffee Co. have got your back.
With these bags, you don’t have to compromise, and you can boost your day with a good quality brew with a view. Team these up with your MSR PocketRocket kit, and you’re good to go!
Weight: 135g
In the cycling world, a bonk is not a good thing! To stop yourself from physically and emotionally ‘hitting a wall’, you need to keep up your intake of carbohydrates. This way, you top up your body’s glycogen stores, and can then typically do moderate exercise for about 90 minutes after.
For lunch, Firepot’s Mac’n’Greens is a great option to top up those stores, and can be used together with your PocketRocket. At 575 calories, 82g carbohydrates and 24g protein, this meal has the perfect combination to keep you fueled for your adventure. Don’t fancy this meal? Try browsing our food section; we have over 75 other options for you to choose from.
We hope you’ve loved our top picks as much as we do. With these five, we’re weighing in at a total of around 1.3kg. This gives you plenty of room for extra socks and padded shorts.
With all your equipment bought and packed, it’s time to arrange your meeting point and start your bikepacking venture with friends.
RECOMMENDED READING
ESSENTIAL GUIDE TO ULTALIGHT GEAR
13 OF THE BEST BIKEPACKING TENTS
A MINDFUL APPROACH TO BIKEPACKING