The perfect tent for your successful bikepacking adventure

What is Bikepacking?

As the name suggests, bikepacking is a bicycle tour in which the two-wheeler is packed with the most important equipment. This should make it possible to be completely self-sufficient along the way. With bikepacking, you don't have to rely on restaurants for your own food or on sleeping accommodations. By the unique investment in equipment, can be traveled in such a way on a long-term basis inexpensive the world. With the help of suitable bike bags, one's own equipment can be stowed in such a way that no losses are made in riding comfort. Neither in speed nor in maneuverability one is robbed in the ideal case. So side pockets, and usually backpacks, are dispensed with. Instead, the storage options fit snugly against the bike frame. Many small bags with little weight help. The cyclist himself has complete freedom of movement, as no luggage restricts him on his back. Bikepacking does not mean a bicycle trip in the classical sense. A classic bike trip is primarily about getting from A to B on your own. Taking care of oneself is not the main focus. The way of packing the bike is also different. Large bags are needed to carry as much luggage as possible. Whether this luggage has a slowing effect is secondary. Also, bikepacking is to be distinguished from a bike and Hike tour. bike and Hike tours are day trips where you want to climb a mountain peak by bike. As soon as the path no longer permits riding, the bike is carried or parked in order to reach the destination on foot.

Which bike is suitable bikepacking?

Bikepacking is all about the freedom aspect. Having to buy expensive equipment before the trip starts is not the point. This is also true for the ideal bike for a bikepacking tour. Theoretically, the best bike is the one you already have before you start your trip. Practically, some types of bikes make more sense than others. Unfortunately, it's the same with equipment. With high quality, lightweight products, the bikepacking adventure can often be enjoyed more straightforwardly. Gravel bikes or mountain bikes are particularly suitable, as nature can be best explored off the asphalt. A Fully is particularly suitable for off-road use. Sticks and stones can be rolled over without any problems. Driving on dirt roads is possible thanks to the two installed suspension elements, the suspension fork and the damper, despite the transported equipment. The equipment can also become a problem with the Fully. Attach the bags to the bike frame can lead to the fact that it no longer fully compresses. In addition, a Fully can tempt to choose paths for which you are too wide because of the equipment. Bikepacking is also to cover some miles. Fullys are often very heavy and thus exhausting to move on long tours. The suspension elements also swallow a lot of power, which should actually be converted into propulsion. So a hardtail is better suited for bikepacking. Normally, it is easier to attach the bags here. With a hardtail is also due to the lower weight more comfort to be expected. Equally well suited are Gravel Bikes. They are becoming increasingly popular in the bike cosmos for several years. Gravel bikes combine advantages from road bike and mountain bike. They are light and narrow, but have tires with tread. Thus, you can ride fast with the Gravel bike without having to rely on asphalt. Also on gravel roads or in the forest you have grip. Gravel bikes are particularly easy to attach bags to their frames. They are designed for bike touring. As a bikepacking novice, you don't need a special bike to try out the trend. After all, not everyone enjoys independently providing for and exploring the outdoors. If you're sure you want to spend a lot of time bikepacking, a gravel bike or hardtail is the way to go.

What equipment do I need?

Bags

The most important thing when bikepacking are the bags in which all other items can be stowed. After all, they determine whether the bike remains maneuverable and fast during the ride. Bags that are not suitable can also interfere with pedaling or impair functions of the bike. If they are too small, not everything important can be stowed. If they are too large, they quickly get in the way around. At the same time, the storage options should not be too heavy and should be able to be attached tightly to the frame of the bike. On the market there are many bike bags from different manufacturers. Particularly popular are the brands Vaude or Ortlieb. Evoc also produces not only practical bike backpacks, but also ideal bikepacking bags. In the bags can be stowed everything that is needed on a multi-day trip. It is useful to assign certain functions to the respective bags, for example, to store food, clothing and camping equipment separately. In this way, you can get to the required item in just a few simple steps. For the items themselves, weight, pack size as well as functionality are important. In general, only the things that are really necessary should end up in the bags. As with backpacking, you want to avoid every superfluous gram.

Camping equipment

To be able to spend the night on the bikepacking tour, whether on a campsite or on the mountain, some things are essential. These include a sleeping bag and a sleeping pad, a tent or a tarp. Tents protect against wind, insects and rain. If they are insulated, they provide protection from dropping temperatures. A tarp is a type of tarpaulin used much like a tent. Traps are not completely enclosed like a tent and therefore do not provide equivalent protection. On the other hand, they usually weigh less. Depending on the area of use, either a tent or a tarp may make more sense. If you want, you can take a bivy sack with you for inclement weather. Wild camping is generally prohibited in Germany. The reason for this is primarily to protect wildlife and plants. In the worst case scenario, wild camping puts you at risk of being reported to the police.

Clothing

Especially in the mountains, the weather can be unpredictable. Therefore, a rain jacket is a must, rain pants are also useful. A set of change of clothes makes it possible to change sweaty, wet clothes. A jacket or sweater that provides extra warmth is especially important for the evening. Many cyclists rely on padded cycling shorts, but this is not absolutely necessary. With an individually adjusted saddle, even excursions of several hours on the bike can be ridden without pain. A bicycle helmet, gloves, functional clothing and cycling shoes, on the other hand, are irreplaceable while riding.

Catering

To be able to supply themselves independently, many bike packers rely on a small outdoor stove. In addition, a small pot and cutlery, and a lot of delicious dishes can also be conjured up in nature. For example, boiling water can be used to prepare pasta. What is quickly dismissed as a boring dish at home is a real treat in the open air. Sufficient food is just as important. Nuts or protein bars are particularly suitable, for example, as they provide a lot of energy and take up little space. A drinking vessel is also indispensable. Not every tour will have enough places to fill up on drinking water. Being prepared for this is vital. If necessary, other utensils such as a cutting board or coffee maker can be taken along.

Accessories

To check the weather and plan routes, a smartphone including charger or a navigation device is important. In addition, a power bank can replace the missing power source for charging. If you want to be on the safe side, take a map with you for orientation. In case of a fall, it is important to be able to take care of yourself first. A first aid kit must not be missing in any case. Also the bicycle should be kept independently in shot. This succeeds with a multitool and spare parts. Spare tube, repair kit and bicycle pump help in case of a flat tire to get the bike back on the road quickly. Before setting out on your own, it is helpful to at least watch an explanatory video on the Internet about what to do in the event of a flat tire. During the bikepacking tour, it can always happen that there is a supermarket on the way, or another stop. A bike lock to protect your own bike from theft should also be present.

Bike

A roadworthy bicycle complies with the regulations if the necessary equipment is attached to it. Among other things, this means lights, reflectors, reflectors or bells. During a bicycle tour, it can happen that the weather turns and you take refuge in a nearby shelter late in the evening. Especially at this time of day and in bad weather, it is important to be able to see the route and be noticed by other road users. A general bike check is also worthwhile, especially on long bike tours. The brake pads, tire tread, tire pressure and a functioning light are worth a quick look before setting off.

What is the best way to load your bike ?

Bikepacking bags are usually attached to the frame itself, as well as to the handlebar and seatpost. The aim is to keep the bike as agile and fast as possible. In addition, neither the freedom of movement of the rider, nor the functionality of the two-wheeler should be restricted. To keep the bike agile, a sensible loading of the various bags is equally important. This means that heavy equipment should be stowed as low as possible and very close to the frame. The frame bag is particularly suitable for this. The center of gravity must be as far down as possible, otherwise a dysbalance quickly occurs during the ride. The heaviest equipment usually includes the camping stove, tent, water, food or multitool and spare parts. Equipment that takes up a lot of space, i.e. has a lot of volume, fits in the saddle bag. The sleeping bag, the tarp, spare clothes or gas cartridges for cooking can be stowed here. Light items go in the handlebar bag. Snacks for the road, smartphone or navigation device and the first aid kit are suitable for this.

What do you look for when buying a tent?

A tent makes it possible to camp wherever you want when bikepacking. In addition, it provides protection from all kinds of disturbing factors that keep you from a good night's sleep. For example, no mosquitoes or ants get inside the tent. Also the wind does not whistle so much around the ears. At first, the thought quickly arises that tents are too unwieldy to take with you on a bikepacking tour. After all, poles, pegs, inner tent and outer tent are not necessarily handy luggage. On the market, there is a suitable 1-person tent or 2-person tent for everyone with a small pack size as well as little weight. Before buying, it is important to pay attention to various points. There are particularly small tents that weigh hardly anything. Manufacturers mark ultralight tents with UL for ultralight. A lightweight tent should still be waterproof. A look at the water column provides information about this. One speaks from a water column of 1500mm of a waterproof tent. However, it also depends on the workmanship of the seams, whether a tent can really withstand the rain. On the other hand, particularly high-quality processed tents with lower water column can also withstand the rain. Before buying to fall back on field reports of other Bikepacker, is worthwhile, in order to experience no bad surprise. Tents should also be robust. To save weight, many tents are sold without a base. However, the bare tent floor is quickly perforated by stones or the like. So before the first tour, it is worth checking how your own tent is doing. There is no such thing as the perfect tent. You will always have to make compromises. In order to acquire the best trekking tent for you, further preliminary considerations are important. One should estimate in which area of use it is realistically needed. For example, it makes a difference whether you travel with a tent only in the summer, or also in cooler seasons. A tent that is suitable for all purposes will not make you happy. Rather, it should be equipped for the purpose that is relevant to you.

Tent size

To find a tent that is customized to your needs, there are some questions you should ask yourself before buying. For example, how much space you need. If you are traveling alone, you quickly tend to the 1-person tent. These tents are so small that you usually can't sit upright, or turn around without bumping into the tent wall. There is also not much storage space for equipment. So either pay attention to the dimensions before buying such a tent, or risk investing in a slightly heavier tent with a larger pack size, but more space. Especially on multi-day tours you want to cook in the awning. For this, the bikepacking tent needs a vestibule. This is a bulge in which, for example, luggage can also be stored dry. Since it is worthwhile even for people traveling alone to carry a 2-person tent, both tents for one, as well as for two people, are presented in the next section.

Tent type

In a tunnel tent, the vestibule is at the front, behind it is slept. Tunnel tents have narrow sides and are therefore more stable in the wind. The tent poles are on the outside. This means that the inner tent and outer tent always remain connected. So when it rains, the tent can be pitched without the inner tent getting wet. In addition, it is usually faster than the construction of a dome tent. The disadvantage of tunnel tents is that they are not free-standing. You have to brace them. This is not possible on every surface without problems. Both too hard and too soft ground are unsuitable. With tunnel tents, there is a risk of a lot of condensation forming. Since the ventilation hoods are far apart, ventilation only works properly when the tent is properly positioned in the wind. In contrast to the tunnel tent, dome tents offer a larger surface area. Especially tall people are better off here, in tunnel tents it can happen that they bump their feet against the inner tent. Dome tents can be used as free-standing tents and do not necessarily have to be guyed. The vents are closer together, condensation can be avoided for the most part. If more than one person sleeps in a tent, condensation can still usually not be avoided. In dome tents there is less storage space for luggage, because the vestibules are smaller. They also tend to weigh a bit more than tunnel tents because they require more poles. Since the inner tent and outer tent are set up separately, pitching a dome tent in the rain is often problematic. Dome tents do not have to be a double wall tent. If tents have only one wall, they have a little less weight. But the ventilation is usually worse. Which tent is best for you depends on what you particularly value.

What are the best bikepacking tents?

Various manufacturers have proven themselves with lightweight material and high-quality workmanship of their tents. These include MSR, Nordisk, Big Agnes, Salewa, Naturehike, Vango or Decathlon, to name a few brands. Due to the innovative, high-quality workmanship, some tent models go beyond any price range. Nevertheless, there are alternatives that are affordable and still do what they were produced for: provide a place to sleep while traveling. Here are some camping tents presented.

Tunnel tents

Jack Wolfskin Gossamer: The Gossamer is a classic tunnel tent for one person. The inner tent can also be used individually as mosquito protection. It has a pack size of 44 x 14 cm and weighs 1.75 kg. It is robust. It is very flat and can withstand any weather. Thanks to the color and size, you can camouflage well in tall grass. The entrance is quite small, which is often the case with tents of this type. The tent combines low weight, small pack size and low price: for about 100€ the tent offers everything you need, the greatest comfort it does not bring.

Grand Canyon Richmond 1: The 1-person tent has a pack size of 38 × 12 cm and weighs 1.52 kg. Both outer tent and floor have a water column of 2000mm. The tent is double-walled. The sleeping area turns out quite small. For this, the tent can be purchased for under 100€ and is one of the cheaper models on the market, despite high-quality materials.

Dome tents for one person

Ferrino NEMESI 1 Pro: The 1-person tent is easy to set up. The outer tent has a water column of 3000mm. The floor is waterproof up to 8000mm. Thus, it provides excellent protection in bad weather. With 15x35cm it has a small pack size. The 3-season tent is priced at around 200€. It has a vestibule to store the equipment. The weight is 1.5 kg.

Naturehike VIK1: The single wall tent can be set up quickly even in the rain. The pack size is 46 x 16 cm. The scope of delivery includes pegs and cords for tensioning. The usable inner length is about 2 m. Thus, the tent is more suitable for small people. It can be purchased for around 150€. It weighs 1.25 kg and has 2000mm water column. The floor is waterproof thanks to 4000mm.

Dome tents for 2 people

MSR Carbon Reflex 2: The MSR Carbon Reflex 2 trekking tent is ultra-lightweight. Thanks to carbon fiber poles and an entrance area without zippers, it comes to a weight of 0.84kg. The pack size is 43x13cm. It needs to be guyed. The tent has two doors and plenty of space inside. On Amazon, the tent is available for around 600€. Two tent poles allow a simple assembly and disassembly, within a few minutes it stands. The outer tent is made of ripstop nylon and has a water column of 1000mm. The tent floor comes thanks to its coating on 3000mm water column. Inside there is room for two sleeping pads. The inner tent allows good air circulation, so droplet formation overnight is rare. Guy ropes as well as additional hooks for tensioning are not included with the tent and must be purchased separately.

MSR Elixir 2: The MSR Elixir 2 is freestanding and designed for two people. It has a pack size of 51 x 17 cm. The weight is 2.77 kg. The package includes a tent ground pad as well as aluminum pegs and tent guy ropes. Two entrances with large vestibules provide plenty of space. You can buy the 3-season tent for around 300€. The inner tent can be used without the outer tent. The outer tent is made of ripstop polyester with 1500mm water column. The floor has 3000mm water column.

MSR Hubba Hubba NX 2: This tent is one of the most popular models among bikepackers. The outer tent is made of ripstop nylon and has a water column of 1200 mm, the floor has a water column of 3000 mm. The pack size is 46 x 15 cm. The 2-person tent has two entrances. In terms of price, it is about 400€. The tent is freestanding and designed for three seasons. The inner tent can be used without the outer tent. Thanks to the ventilation flaps at the head and foot ends, the tent is well ventilated and tends to have little condensation. An additional tent pad must be purchased separately. The tent weighs 1.54 kg. Included are inner and outer tent, poles and pegs. It can be set up in a few minutes even as an inexperienced camper.

Naturehike Cloud up 2 Upgrade: The 2-person tent has a pack size of 40 × 13 cm. It comes to a weight of 1.8 kg. Both the outer tent and the floor have a water column of 4000 mm. This is a significant difference from other tents. It is better protected from moisture than other models. The package also includes pegs and guy ropes. It is easy and quick to set up. The tent is not insulating, so there are the same temperatures inside as outside the tent. Even in windy conditions, the tent remains stable.