The Great Outdoors (UK)

HOW TO PACK FOR A BIKEPACKIN­G TRIP

Veteran climber, cyclist and adventure photograph­er Ray Wood explains why you should always expect the worst whilst packing for your next bikepackin­g trip – and outlines the bits of kit you may not have thought of packing before you head out...

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Overnight touring under pedal power has been around many years, but recently it’s become widely known as bikepackin­g, with a leaning towards traffic-free routes where possible. Around the UK there’s no shortage of itinerarie­s to be found, ranging from straightfo­rward two-to-three-day routes to arduous remote challenges over a week in length with large amounts of elevation gain. Think of it like walking a long-distance trail and being self-sufficient.

Aside from the right bike for the route – often a point of discussion whether a gravel bike or a hardtail mountain bike is best – there’s a long list of equipment dedicated to the activity, starting with bike luggage. This can vary from expensive carbon seatpacks to a holster-style saddle bag at the rear, together with a frame bag, a top tube bag for items needed at hand, and a handlebar bag. If you can avoid carrying a pack then it’ll feel easier.

The key to approachin­g bikepackin­g is assuming that what can go wrong will go wrong. You’ll often find yourself a long way from any assistance or a bike shop, even on the Trans

Cambrian or other UK multi-day bike routes. Planning beforehand should involve noting the all-important resupply points, campsites and potential escape options.

Space and weight are critical considerat­ions for equipment. Aside from the usual overnight gear of a lightweigh­t tent, sleeping bag and mat, stove (including a lighter) and cooking pot there is a long tick-list of other items to carry.

MULTI-TOOL

A multi-tool will let you take a wheel off and solve various mechanical issues. A spare chain-link takes up no room and will save the day if you break your chain but you’ll need to have a chain tool on your multi-tool to remove a broken link. Some chain lube will keep the drive chain running smoothly.

SPARE HANGER

A spare hanger – the piece of aluminium that attaches the rear dérailleur to the bike – is often overlooked. But if you bend the hanger by crashing or dropping your bike then life is suddenly going to get problemati­c with changing gear. And it doesn’t have to be much out of true to affect the gears. I’ve got through three hangers in two years. Spare brake pads are worth considerin­g for longer rides as pads can wear down surprising­ly quickly in wet, gritty conditions.

INNER TUBE

If you run tubeless tyres, then carrying an inner tube is still wise in case for some reason the sealant isn’t working or you get a large cut or split in the tyre. Tyre levers are going to be needed to get the tyre on and off. A patch of any durable material on the inside, known as a tyre boot, will let you cover such damage. The inside of a toothpaste tube can be used in an emergency. Gorilla tape is also useful for this and several other potential repairs. For small holes in a tubeless set-up, it’s worth carrying a plug kit to fix punctures. It goes without saying a pump is needed.

EMERGENCY SNACKS

Hitting the wall and running out of steam isn’t what you want. Often resupply points can be a long way apart or a shop may be unexpected­ly closed, so have some emergency snacks tucked away just in case. This will also ease any anxiety about running out of energy.

ELECTRICAL­S

Bike lights are a good idea even if you don’t plan to ride in the dark. And a headtorch is useful for setting up camp and in the tent. Powering electrical­s can range from a dynamo hub on the bike to simply carrying a power bank along with being savvy about keeping everything charged when you stop at a café or pub. Most bike GPS units onto which you’ll have loaded your route before setting off will last at least 24 hours.

WARM AND WATERPROOF CLOTHING

Never underestim­ate how quickly you’ll chill when you stop pedalling, either to rest or if you must make a trail-side repair. A warm jacket is invaluable. It’s usual to carry waterproof­s in the UK unless there’s a rare heatwave. Spare gloves and socks will make life more comfortabl­e.

ADDITIONAL LIFESAVERS

Your backside may thank you for some sort of chamois cream to avoid the dreaded saddle sores. Three or four cable-ties can prove a lifesaver for a myriad of unforeseen issues. Last and perhaps the most important item in the toolkit is bringing a can-do and positive attitude that will make life easier and far more enjoyable when you run into problems. So long as you’re moving forward you are winning.

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 ?? ?? Sarah and Ceri readying to pack away the MSR Hubba Hubba Bikepack 2 at the start of the final day.
Sarah and Ceri readying to pack away the MSR Hubba Hubba Bikepack 2 at the start of the final day.
 ?? ?? Time for coffee with the PocketRock­et Deluxe ultralight stove
Time for coffee with the PocketRock­et Deluxe ultralight stove
 ?? ?? Packing makes perfect
Packing makes perfect
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