Christophe Noel
Expedition Leader
Should you find yourself longing for an extended bikepacking jaunt, and be so lucky as to have deep pockets, an understanding spouse, and a desire to have the ultimate kit, this list may interest you. Below is a list a group of us compiled outlining some of the best bikepacking products we've ever used. It is important to note - we have used everything on this list within the last year on multiple trips. These are proven products that offer the ultimate in low weight, performance, convenience, durability and comfort.
STORAGE:
Custom frame bags: Carousel Design Works and Relevate Designs $500-700
Custom bags are tough to beat. There's no better way to maximize storage space without the threat of excess bulk. It's also impossible to improve on the overall balance custom bags provide. There's little wonder why anyone who races big multi-day events like the Divide Race, Colorado Trail Race or other such epics use custom bags. It's just the way to go. Carousel and Revelate are also the most reputable makers of such bags. If you want this type of system, order it now! These hand made bags are in high demand.
Pack: Osprey Hornet 24 $120
This 24 liter pack weighs a shade over 600 grams. What's more impressive is how comfortable it is. As long as you maintain appropriate bikepacking loads in it (under 7 pounds) it's pretty awesome. It's a bit delicate, but it's also full featured, well made and beautifully designed.
SHELTER:
Tent - Nemo Equipment GoGo Elite $399
Tipping the scales and a touch over 2 pounds, this is a super shelter for bikepacking. The airbeam structure eliminates the troublesome challenge storing tent poles, and the inside space is far more generous than a standard bivy. I mount mine to my bars and it all but vanishes. It pitches in about 2 minutes and provides incredible storm protection and sleeping comfort.
Bag - Western Mountaineering Summerlite $350
This 35 degree down bag tips the scales at an etherial one pound, three ounces. Needless to say, it packs down to near nothing. Slip it in that Hornet 24 pack and you'll never know it's there.
Pad - Thermarest NeoAir Xlite Reg $159
Never has this level of comfort weighed so little. At nearly 3" thick, full length, 20" wide, this super warm pad is only 12 ounces. This is in our opinion critical kit. If you can't sleep well, you can't recover. If you can't recover, your trip is doomed. *PACKING TIP: Since this pad is not foam-filled, it doesn't need to be contained in a stuff sack. We fold our NeoAir pads and slip them into the hydration sleeve in our packs under our water reservoirs. The pad vanishes in there. It's also very protected. A folded NeoAir Xlite takes up about the same space as an issue of Overland Journal...slightly lighter.
FOOD / HYDRATION:
Stove - Optimus Crux $65
It's tiny. Fits in the closed palm of your hand yet boils half a liter of water in under 90 seconds. Not even all that expensive. 95 grams.
Pot - MSR Titan Tea Kettle $75 (Titanium)
I've had my kettle since 1998. It's been through hell and might be my favorite piece of kit. At 3 ounces its obviously light. It also easily holds one fuel can and the tiny Optimus Crux stove. Tight and compact.
Water treatment - Steripen Adventurer Opti $100
People love to doubt the effectiveness of this product. My group of friends have consumed countless liters of water processed with this system. It works. However, it does have to be used in the right environment, and used properly.
Water Treatment - Katadyn Mini $120
This is a better option if your trip might take you to places were water sources might be silty or foul tasting. Still, a teeny system. It's slow, but everyone could use a break from the bike now and then.
These are just a few of our favorites. More to come.
STORAGE:
Custom frame bags: Carousel Design Works and Relevate Designs $500-700
Custom bags are tough to beat. There's no better way to maximize storage space without the threat of excess bulk. It's also impossible to improve on the overall balance custom bags provide. There's little wonder why anyone who races big multi-day events like the Divide Race, Colorado Trail Race or other such epics use custom bags. It's just the way to go. Carousel and Revelate are also the most reputable makers of such bags. If you want this type of system, order it now! These hand made bags are in high demand.
Pack: Osprey Hornet 24 $120
This 24 liter pack weighs a shade over 600 grams. What's more impressive is how comfortable it is. As long as you maintain appropriate bikepacking loads in it (under 7 pounds) it's pretty awesome. It's a bit delicate, but it's also full featured, well made and beautifully designed.
SHELTER:
Tent - Nemo Equipment GoGo Elite $399
Tipping the scales and a touch over 2 pounds, this is a super shelter for bikepacking. The airbeam structure eliminates the troublesome challenge storing tent poles, and the inside space is far more generous than a standard bivy. I mount mine to my bars and it all but vanishes. It pitches in about 2 minutes and provides incredible storm protection and sleeping comfort.
Bag - Western Mountaineering Summerlite $350
This 35 degree down bag tips the scales at an etherial one pound, three ounces. Needless to say, it packs down to near nothing. Slip it in that Hornet 24 pack and you'll never know it's there.
Pad - Thermarest NeoAir Xlite Reg $159
Never has this level of comfort weighed so little. At nearly 3" thick, full length, 20" wide, this super warm pad is only 12 ounces. This is in our opinion critical kit. If you can't sleep well, you can't recover. If you can't recover, your trip is doomed. *PACKING TIP: Since this pad is not foam-filled, it doesn't need to be contained in a stuff sack. We fold our NeoAir pads and slip them into the hydration sleeve in our packs under our water reservoirs. The pad vanishes in there. It's also very protected. A folded NeoAir Xlite takes up about the same space as an issue of Overland Journal...slightly lighter.
FOOD / HYDRATION:
Stove - Optimus Crux $65
It's tiny. Fits in the closed palm of your hand yet boils half a liter of water in under 90 seconds. Not even all that expensive. 95 grams.
Pot - MSR Titan Tea Kettle $75 (Titanium)
I've had my kettle since 1998. It's been through hell and might be my favorite piece of kit. At 3 ounces its obviously light. It also easily holds one fuel can and the tiny Optimus Crux stove. Tight and compact.
Water treatment - Steripen Adventurer Opti $100
People love to doubt the effectiveness of this product. My group of friends have consumed countless liters of water processed with this system. It works. However, it does have to be used in the right environment, and used properly.
Water Treatment - Katadyn Mini $120
This is a better option if your trip might take you to places were water sources might be silty or foul tasting. Still, a teeny system. It's slow, but everyone could use a break from the bike now and then.
These are just a few of our favorites. More to come.
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