Layering For Bikepacking (How I Pack)

Ever wonder what to wear while bikepacking? You’re in luck! In this video, Neil shares his bikepacking layering system, including what he wears on the bike, at camp, and in wet or very cold conditions. Plus, he highlights key tips to help you plan your own layering system for your next adventure.

Outline:
Intro - 0:00
The Plan - 2:06
Riding Layers - 4:45
On The Rig Layers - 7:39
When I get to Camp/Outro - 13:01

Mentioned Links:

#bikepacking #pedalfurther
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::About The Host::
Geometry: 150lbs, 5'9.5", 32" inseam, +2.5" Ape index

[truemarmalade]

Big ups on the Ornot gear! Their merino baselayer, underwear, and shorts are also a valued part of my loadout.

[alahadac]

I just amazed how the bikepacking world hasn't discovered water proof socks and gloves. It will change your rides! I used my sealskinz socks even on summer rides.

[PumpkinVillage]

Great video. Mine is very similar to what you use except for winter gear I carry. Thanks and take care, Al

[cyrusdesmarais]

Nice breakdown! I also like adding in a lightweight fleece to layering . I have a fleece vest that's always in my kit, and easy to take off/throw on-the-go!

[a.jeweleye]

Going to be gorgeous down here in AZ next week! Especially considering how dry it's been this season so far; going to make for some 🤌🏼 vistas, skies, and sunsets. Enjoy the spin!

[peterharrington]

I favour Merino base layers for colder conditions as I feel they're also good to sleep in as well as use around camp, with a fleece top and shorts, plus optionally a down billet and Merino arm warmers. Ride kit basically just subs in cheap bib shorts instead of the base layers.

[alsmit]

Very reasonable system laid out here. I use a similar setup but less base layer heavy with a stretchy fleece for a camp/under rain jacket layer and fleece pants (thrifted pjs) for cozy camp pants.

[ssava]

All on point! Wool dominates. Off bike however in camp I hate wool and synthetics. Will bring 1 cotton t shirt next to skin especially sleeping! Layer with down if needed

[skier]

My new favorite layers are 1) a Brynje mesh top that pulls away sweat like nothing I've ever worn before, and 2) a MH Kor Airshell jacket. Combine an ultra-breathable base layer with an ultralight wind/light rain shell and you get a light, packable combo that can go from nicely bundled to dumping heat easily. I wear those two for ski touring and can often do full laps without adding/removing anything else.

[davehoover]

I sure do miss Kitsbow. I run pretty much the same light merino layers, but do add a Kitsbow vest which is a bit bulky, but is perfect for cool morning riding and an extra layer at night. I added down pants for fall and spring rides and looking to step up my rain pants as they are great for wind or weather and seem to have gotten a lot better in the breathability department. Great run down!

[Windingify]

Brynje makes a mesh t-shirt that is supposed to be warmer and more versatile than your standard wool/merino shirts. It does however look ridiculous, so just for underneath wear 😁

[Raveler]

My layering is similar, but I skip the shortsleeve baselayer. If I need a baselayer, I use a cheap "32 degree" longsleeve baselayer (though I mostly use it for wearing in the hammock while camping as sleep clothes.) My on-bike clothing is either an Outdoor Vitals wool t-shirt, or sun hoody, or both if more warmth is needed, with their windbreaker on top, if more warmth is needed. I wear OV long pants with a zoic chamois underneath, pretty much year round - I really don't like the feeling of brush hitting my legs, especially in the tick-infested parts where I live.

For raingear, I've been very disappointed in rain jackets and pants - I've wrecked two pairs of rain pants just from swinging my leg over the bike, and the rain jackets I've tried either wet out or boil me in my own juices. I'm planning to try out a cycling-specific poncho for my next tour, and hoping that it will cover my camera gear in my backpack and will be both dry and breathable.

In camp, I love my Sierra Designs down booties. They don't have much of a tread on them, but are perfect for keeping my feet warm and giving me some capability walking around the hammock. I also have an offbrand amazon down jacket for cold nights, and spare pair of gloves, just in case. That's kept me warm enough in my hammock, along with a proper trail quilt and underquilt, down to a few degrees F below freezing.

[andreahughes]

One suggestion: If you bike in a high insect area (e.g. Michigan mosquitoes and flies in summer), there are very light and packable head nets, net jackets, and net pants available. With bug spray, these help. Generally more important at camp then when riding. But you can get awful bug days riding too. If very bad, you may actually want a face shield for your helmet. But at least wear glasses.

[jeremylukedominicbate]

I stick with wool, because I won't use synthetics- like the down jackets and pants. I've got nothing against down, just the polyester they cover it with, or some such magical material.

[sKid-gqns]

Hello. What brand of shorts is that? Thanks

[mhargler]

I also have the Gore Endure jacket and the Ghost Whisperer jacket in that same color lol

[christopherbrahan]

Where are you all headed in AZ next week? Im flying into Phoenix from NH on the 26th. I wonder if I'll pass by you all.

[bbrobs]

Can you please do us Canucks or the folks in the rest of the world a solid and convert your freedom Fahrenheit to Celcius?
At first I thought "this guy is complaining about -1°C?"

Love all the Ornot stuff, it's so practable!

[Tonbo]

I’m still mourning Kitsbow’s untimely demise.