🏕️ Choose your tent and sleeping bag wisely to avoid damage
Opting for an ultralight, compact tent is already a decision to ride without being weighed down by excess weight. Tents specially designed for bikepacking meet this requirement. They deploy quickly, stand up to the vagaries of the rain and offer cosy shelter when the mercury drops.
The choice of equipment also extends to the bivy, an even lighter alternative to the traditional tent. These bivouac bags envelop the sleeper and his mattress, promising a night under the stars, protected from insects and humidity.
Mattresses, whether inflatable or foam, must combine comfort and insulation. Nobody wants to wake up with the cold of the ground seeping into their bones. Quality mattresses, often offered at competitive prices especially during sales, are precious allies for a restful night's sleep. It's a good idea to look at reviews, check delivery options and keep an eye out for promotional codes to equip yourself intelligently.
As forthe comforter, it must be adapted to the climatic conditions. A good comforter is synonymous with warmth and softness, even when the rain is drumming on the tent canvas (that lovely lullaby version of nature 🥰 ).
Finally, for those who prefer to test before investing, renting tents and camping equipment is an option to consider. It allows you to familiarize yourself with the products before purchasing them.
⛺ In bikepacking, the best accessories give hope
Bikepacking at night has its share of surprises, and being prepared with the right accessories ensures serene moments under the stars. When darkness envelops the camp, adequate lighting becomes crucial. From compact LED lamps to headlamps, there's no shortage of options for illuminating the evening or last-minute repairs.
For gravelers and mountain bikers, panniers need to be sturdy, waterproof and practical. Choosing models that fasten securely avoids the inconvenience of equipment wobbling around on rough roads. Saddlebags provide extra space for bivouac gear, while frame panniers keep essentials close at hand.
The Bike Tarp, a protective cover designed to fit a bike, protects it from the elements at night. This dome of tranquility deploys easily (even if you have two left hands 🫣) and provides safe shelter from morning dew or unexpected rain.
As for trekking enthusiasts venturing out on roads and trails, they'll appreciate equipment tailored to wilderness survival. From thermal blankets to emergency whistles, the aim is to ensure your safety without getting in over your head.
😋 The hiker's meal isn't just compote
The end of a day's bikepacking invites you to recharge your batteries with a good meal. A hiker's cooking needs to be both simple and invigorating. A portable stove becomes your best friend for simmering hot, comforting dishes. Compact and easy to use, it fits into any pannier and lights up in the blink of an eye.
For those who prefer traditional methods, nothing beats a campfire, conditions permitting. A good old-fashioned cooking kit, including a small retractable saucepan, is all you need to prepare hearty meals. The golden rule: keep it light and versatile.
Dehydrated ingredients, such as soups and purées, save space and provide a hot meal after a long hike. Adding a few spices or dried herbs awakens the taste buds without weighing down the load.
A bikepacking trip is planned around refueling stops. From energy snacks to dried fruit, the important thing is to maintain a balanced nutritional intake to sustain the effort (and not end up on the kneecaps! 🥵 ). In this way, the hiker can get back on the road each morning in high spirits and good spirits, ready to tackle the next few kilometers.
🌄 Choose your bivouac spot without a hitch
For the novice bikepacker, a few tips are in order to fine-tune the choice of bivouac site.
The tranquillity of a night under the stars depends largely on the location chosen. Looking for flat terrain far from the noise of civilization not only guarantees a good night's sleep, but also total immersion in nature.
Avoiding low-lying areas that could turn into water traps in the event of rain, and staying away from trees that could topple over, are elementary precautions.
An essential criterion is the ability of a location to offer an unforgettable experience, whether in terms of its charm or the quality of its welcome. Greengo, in particular, meticulously selects accommodations rated for their excellence and that "little something" that makes them special.
** Authenticity goes hand in hand with environmental responsibility**. Hosts commit to following a sustainability charter, getting fair value for money and providing a warm, local welcome (an opportunity to sample the region's culinary specialties! 😋). What's more, the environmental assessment of these venues is based on a rigorous methodology comprising around 100 sustainable criteria and a precise carbon assessment.
These criteria categorize the sustainability of accommodations, offering travelers greater transparency and confidence in their choice. Greengo's evaluation grid thus becomes a transitional tool that values the efforts of hosts while enabling bikepackers to contribute to more responsible tourism.
