Gear and equipment

So you have your bike you have your route, and now it is time to pack everything you need and while everyone is different with different comfort levels and tolerances for the ever-changing conditions that bikepacking the UK brings. But there are a few things to think about when packing your bike with the gear you will need. Let’s start with some essential clothing items and the best way to approach what to bring.

Layering System

• You might have heard that in the UK, pretty much all over the place, the weather is not always the best and often isn’t always predicable. You see when bikepacking around the UK one day it might be sunny one day it might be rainy or just freezing cold or perhaps windy. The temperature around the UK can vary and is normally a few degrees warmer in the south from say north of the England/Scotland boarder. So using a laying system is going to be the best route to be able to provide as much comfort while on a UK Bikepacking adventure. Using the layering system is going to make the times when the weather is not at its best that little more tolerable. The layering system designed to keep you comfortable and protected in varying weather conditions. You can add or remove layers as needed to regulate your body temperature. When you're active, you may start with fewer layers to avoid overheating. As you slow down or when the weather gets colder, you can add layers for warmth. If you start to sweat, you can remove layers to prevent moisture build-up, especially in cold conditions where sweat can make you feel colder. By using a layering system, you can adapt to changing weather conditions and stay comfortable and protected during your bikepacking adventures. You don’t have to wear Lycra of cycling specific clothing either but its worth investing in some fast drying clothes for your adventures for when you do get wet, Also when out on longer bikepacking adventures these fast drying clothes are great when it comes to washing day, after washing hang on the bike and let the wind dry them. There is no one rule works for everyone but I think excepting that it is impossible to stay 100% dry at all time while riding a bike. However, much waterproof jackets trousers shoes you buy eventually you will get wet, having multiple layers and fast drying clothes is the best option for a comfortable ride.

Waterproof Jacket

A good waterproof jacket is essential when bikepacking in the UK wherever you might decide to cycle, and not just to keep the rain off you but also the wind. The UK landscape changes quite a lot, from rolling countryside to moorland to exposed mountainous landscapes. You can be at sea level or a couple of thousand ft above. As you climb here in the UK, the temperature will drop and is often a lot windier, so a good waterproof jacket is essential for keeping the worst of you. When sourcing a waterproof jacket for UK bikepacking I would recommend finding something that has a hood that can fit over a helmet and that is not too tight-fitting so you can add or remove layers underneath as needed. Having a loose fitting waterproof jacket also helps with the breathability of the jacket. Personally, I prefer to stay away from cycling specific waterproof jackets as they tend to be more performance orientated and tight-fitting. Not always offering as much protection and normally costing a lot more. I would also avoid waterproof jackets that have a net liner as once that gets wet it takes forever to dry. You want your waterproof jacket to keep you as dry as possible but also dry as fast as possible.

Socks

The next piece of clothing that is very important is the socks, now there are many different types of socks, different thickness and materials. You might prefer some merino wool socks, merino wool has natural antibacterial properties which means it doesn’t require as much washing, good for when you are on the road for multiple days and might wear a pair of socks for multiple days. When it comes to socks though, the real key is not material type But ultimately what ever sock you personally prefer, it’s best to take a couple extra pairs than you think you might need. Better to have a couple extra clean pairs of socks than not. Being a small item and not taking up much space, it’s a good idea to carry a few extra pairs because bikepacking in the UK will require some wet feet at some point, no matter how hard you dry to keep them dry.

Shoes

Sticking with the feet for a little bit longer shoes are an important choice and whether you are wearing shoes with cleats or not make sure the shoes are slightly on the bigger size for bikepacking this not only allows for different thicknesses of socks during the different temperatures that you will no doubt experience bikepacking in the UK but allow your feet to swell. Having extra room for your feet to swell will keep the shoes comfortable throughout multiple days or weeks of bikepacking. The last thing you want to have are blistered feet from shoes that are too tightly fitted. A lot of cycling shoes, especially XC shoes, can be on the smaller size as they are going for performance. When It comes to cleat specific shoes, I have personally found that shoes that are entry level and normally just use Velcro straps tend to be wider than those with boa straps or ratchet. I can tell you which shoes you should buy because everyone’s feet are different but make sure they fit slightly on the bigger size. Also with bikepacking in the UK there is often times where you will need to hike your bike so being comfortable for this is a must. And with the different types of terrain from rocky terrain to bog to grass, it’s important to make sure the shoes have a decent amount of grip. Personal experience for me is to avoid stuff that are fairly flat on the bottom like some of the Five ten shoes as it makes hiking up wet grass practically impossible and opt for something with a good amount of thick tread underneath. The UK bikepacking routes will often have steams or rivers that you might need to cross, in the dryer months these are normally quite shallow, but it still poses the question of taking a separate shoe or sandal that you can use to make the stream or river crossing. I know at least one person who swears by riding in sandals all the time, but with all the rocky terrain, it’s not something I’d recommend. But is an option with specific cycling sandals available. In my experience with bikepacking in the UK most streams or rivers can be crossed without getting your feet wet anyway and often when you can’t cross them without getting wet feet there is often multiple crossing every 50- 100m for example meaning you will be stopping to change shoes quite often. But it’s not a bad idea to carry a pair of sandal or beach shoes if you really don’t want to get your feet wet.

Ticks & Insects

Remember, you get wet, you get cold!

Bikepacking in the UK has its perks that we really don’t have too many dangerous animals no bears, but we do have a fair few insects that will give you a nibble most of which won’t cause you any long term harm, it might just be a little itchy for a while. However, we do have ticks in the UK and with a lot of bikepacking routes going through grassy and wooded areas. Tick bites are not always going to cause any issues, but being bitten by a tick can cause you Lyme disease. You might not feel a tick bite, so you need to check your clothes and skin regularly, especially if coming through grassy or woodlands areas. So why am I talking about ticks, well it can be a good idea to wear trousers and long sleeve t-shirts in the UK while bikepacking to reduce the chance of being bitten by a tick.

Insulated Jacket

Carrying a good jacket for warmth is essential for about 10 months of the year in the UK, In July and august you can normally get away with just a waterproof jacket for the early morning or sat in camp or when on higher ground. However, it is a good idea to carry either a down jacket or some form of synthetic down or anything that is insulated and is packable. Unless you are on a winter adventure in the UK it is usually too warm to cycle in something like a down jacket, however it is very useful for the evening when in camp or if you are a cold sleeper you can use it to sleep in. And when you finish are waiting for the train, after riding a bike, and then you stop it can feel colder as you start to lose your heat.

Whatever you decide is right for you to take, just make sure that you understand your own ability and tolerances to the conditions you will likely come up against while bikepacking in the UK. The temperatures can change throughout the year. From below freezing in the winter and around mid 20s in the summer. You need to make sure you check the conditions before heading out. And make sure you pack everything you need to keep warm, dry and safe.