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The author provides a comprehensive review of the gear used during a solo two-day bikepacking adventure along the Pennine Bridleway. The narrative details the clothing, equipment, and accessories chosen, alongside reflections on their effectiveness and suggestions for future trips. Here’s a summary of the key points:
Clothing
- Casual vs Athletic Shoes: The author’s biking shoes, Sidi Asper Velcro, were comfortable for cycling but less suitable for walking due to limited fit adjustment.
- Layering: The Galibier Female Roubaix Merino Jersey was a favorite for its softness and breathability, layered with a Santini rain gilet for warmth. The Patagonia Nano-Air Ultralight jacket proved versatile for both riding and sleeping, while the 7Mesh Co-pilot waterproof jacket was essential for rain protection.
- Gloves: Fox Ranger Fire gloves were ideal for colder conditions, while Dakine Covert gloves were better for warmer weather.
- Accessories: A Buff Merino Lightweight was invaluable for sleeping and additional warmth. DHB knee sleeves protected against chafing but became uncomfortable over time.
Bike Packing Gear
- Ortlieb Packs: The Ortlieb Seat Pack 16.5l, Handlebar Pack-Flex, and Frame-Pack Top Tube 4l were used to store essentials. The seat pack held the emergency kit, waterproof socks, and compression shoes, while the handlebar pack contained the sleeping bag. The frame pack stored snacks, a battery pack, and small tools.
- Sleeping Setup: The Alpkit Hunka XL bivvy and Exped Ultra 5R sleeping mat provided a comfortable night’s sleep. The sleeping bag, Exped Ultra -5, was praised for its coziness.
- Emergency Kit: Included essentials like Nixit, tick tweezers, a space blanket, and chamois cream, though many items went unused.
On-Bike Accessories
- Navigation: The Coros Dura computer was highly praised for its clear mapping and useful features. An OS map in a plastic sleeve was a backup navigation tool.
- Lights: A Lezyne 1800+ front light was mounted on the fork but created shadows, limiting visibility for night riding. A Moon rear light was looped into the seat pack for visibility.
- Locks: A Hiplok Spin lock was used but proved cumbersome. The author suggests using an Abus folding lock for ease of access in the future.
- Hydration: Two water bottles were carried—one for hydration mix and a Water-To-Go Eco 75cl Active bottle with a filter for refilling from streams.
Gadgets and Tools
- Battery Pack: The Nitecore NB20000 GEN 3 battery pack was essential for charging devices, including a HoverAir X1 Pro Max flying camera, which was fun but drained power quickly.
- Tool Kit: A One Up Pump and EDC tool were carried, though the author wished for a tubeless repair kit to fit inside it.
Reflections and Lessons
- Forgotten Items: Lip balm, a pen knife, a spork, and a 3-pin plug were missed during the trip and would be added for future outings.
- Improvements: The author suggests experimenting with newer knee sleeves, a more accessible lock, and a better-organized frame pack with internal pouches.
- Bib Shorts: The Castelli Unlimited Cargo Women’s Bib Shorts were preferred for comfort and functionality, though the Albion ABR1 Pocket BibShorts also performed well on day two.
Final Thoughts
For a first-time bikepacking adventure, the author felt well-prepared and not overly burdened by gear. The trip highlighted areas for improvement, such as better organization, additional comfort items, and more efficient packing solutions for future rides. The author invites readers to share their own gear tips and experiences in the comments.
