{"id":6098,"date":"2024-01-15T10:36:41","date_gmt":"2024-01-15T09:36:41","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.welovecycling.com\/uk\/?p=6098"},"modified":"2024-01-15T10:36:41","modified_gmt":"2024-01-15T09:36:41","slug":"embrace-the-chill-surviving-a-winter-bikepacking-trip","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.welovecycling.com\/uk\/2024\/01\/15\/embrace-the-chill-surviving-a-winter-bikepacking-trip\/","title":{"rendered":"Embrace the Chill: Surviving a Winter Bikepacking Trip"},"content":{"rendered":"

Embarking on a winter bikepacking trip can be both a daunting and exhilarating prospect in equal measure, especially if you\u2019ve never experienced one before. But what a thrill it is. Pushing yourself beyond your comfort zone and into that crisp air will banish the winter blues before you\u2019ve even finished setting up camp.<\/strong><\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Maybe you\u2019ve camped in winter before but never by bike or perhaps you\u2019re a seasoned bikepacking pro but only in summer. Combining the two requires another level of packing, and probably a change in your gear and set-up. So, where to begin?<\/p>\n

The right bike<\/strong><\/h2>\n

As with many bikepacking trips, you might struggle to choose the \u2018perfect\u2019 bike \u2013 with changing terrain and different preferences in carrying capacity. But your bike should certainly be able to handle winter, especially if you\u2019re in a fat-bike territory or if you need plenty of extra room to carry the biggest and warmest sleeping bag you can find.<\/p>\n

Clothing<\/strong><\/h2>\n

On the bike: dressing for winter on the bike is tough, though off-road riding can be significantly easier to manage temperature-wise than road riding as you\u2019re likely not going quite as fast. Layering is crucial to manage insulation,<\/a> as well as when you\u2019re working hard on the climbs or descending fast. A good base layer \u2013 not one made of cotton, to wick sweat \u2013followed by your insulating layers and then a windproof and\/or waterproof layer on top. If it\u2019s wet, you\u2019ll want to stick to synthetic layers but if it\u2019s dry, then down is a great option for warmth with minimal weight.<\/p>\n

Off the bike: the weather may dictate how many sets of clothes you\u2019ll want to take but the fewer the better, as more clothes = a heavier bike. If it\u2019s dry, you can likely get away with one set for riding and one set for evenings (depending on the length of your trip, of course). Something with anti-odour or anti-bacterial properties like wool is good. If it\u2019s wet, then depending on when you can dry your clothes will determine whether you bring an extra set for the day.<\/p>\n

\"Bikepacking<\/a>
Remember that several thin layers are always warmer than one thick one, as the air trapped between each one acts as insulation.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Footwear<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Wool socks with insulated, waterproof boots<\/a> should keep your feet warm and dry \u2013 just remember they shouldn\u2019t be too tight as you may get cold due to a lack of circulation! If it\u2019s particularly wet and\/or cold, then neoprene overshoes<\/a> can be used for added protection.<\/p>\n

A spare pair of socks for the evening wouldn\u2019t go amiss either in case your feet do get wet \u2013 but if you\u2019re one of those people whoare very serious about going lightweight, you may forgo the second pair.<\/p>\n

Sleeping<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Depending on how \u2018wintery\u2019 it is where you are will determine how extreme you go with your sleep set-up, as you still want to keep the weight down where possible. Equally, you\u2019ll want a good night\u2019s rest on your adventure, so be sure you\u2019ll be warm.<\/p>\n

As well as a warm sleeping bag<\/a> with a comfort rating around the lowest you may experience overnight, you will want to invest in a sleeping pad with a high R-value or one that is rated for year-round use, like this NeoAir XTherm. <\/a>Ensure your tent is up to the job too, with a snow skirt if necessary if the conditions are extreme.<\/p>\n

Cooking<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Some bikepackers choose to leave their cooking gear at home, lightening their load and eating in cafes and restaurants along their route or carrying food that doesn\u2019t need cooking. But for others, cooking is part of the camping experience<\/a> and a hot meal at the end of a cold day\u2019s ride will be just the fuel you need since your body burns more calories to keep warm. If you do choose to carry a stove, check it can handle cold conditions and be aware that your fuel may not burn as efficiently in cold temperatures.<\/p>\n

Electricals<\/strong><\/h2>\n

One thing to bear in mind in winter is how the cold can affect your devices. Batteries can drain quicker in the cold so keep these protected or close to your body and consider taking a spare.<\/p>\n

Bikepacking in winter, especially in the wilderness, can be a risky activity, so make sure your phone is fully charged before you head out, as well as your power bank (or two). If you\u2019re going really remote, then a satellite communicator could be a useful addition to your packing list.<\/p>\n

Extra tips<\/strong><\/h2>\n