If you’ve made it this far, you’ve probably got a bikepacking mission in mind, but wondering how to pack? Lucky for you, here at Curve, across the whole team we’ve put our fair share of hours into not only riding our bikes but also figuring out exactly what gear we love to take with us.
Today we’re talking about a pretty simple question. Do I pack a tent or a bivvy (essentially a glorified bin bag, AKA a fabric coffin) for your next bikepacking mission?
If there’s one thing we’ve learned in our collective Curve years of bikepacking, it’s that bikepacking isn’t just one hobby, it’s a collection of hobbies all rolled into one. There’s the bike riding, the adventure admin, the camp catering and then there’s the gear selection and testing division. The latter itself can be broken down further still. The sleep kit experiments alone could bleed your bank account and spare time dry. But we digress…
In years gone by this bivvy vs tent dilemma was an easier choice with the significance of the weight and packed size difference between them. But as the weight and packed size difference has reduced in recent years, the decision about which option is best for which excursion relies more on personal preference, climate and terrain than how much real estate it occupies on your handlebars.
Let’s get in-tents:
PRO TENTS FOR BIKEPACKING
Somewhere to get changed out of or into that festy cycling kit you’re rocking.
The luxury of a vestibule; dry shoes anyone??
Modern bikepacking specific tents have internal storage pockets and hanging space for helmets and more.
More protection from the rain and wind.
CON TENT FOR BIKEPACKING
Usually a bigger packed size/ trickier to carry or fit on your bike.
Usually heavier than a Bivvy.
It takes longer to set up and pack up.
Can be difficult (or impossible) to set up on very rough or rocky terrain.
Tents are usually more visible once they’re set up, making it harder to stealth camp.
May not perform as well in very windy conditions.
What about a Bivvy then?
THE BEST THINGS ABOUT A BIVVY:
Lightning fast set up/ pack up - unroll your sleep burrito and you’re in business.
Tiny packed size.
Lightweight.
Can set it up on any terrain.
Low profile, for easy stealth camping.
BIVVY BADNESS:
If you zip it up and haven’t showered, it’s a smell you’ll never forget.
There’s very limited room to store gear to keep it dry.
No space to hang out, or change clothes.
If it’s hammering rain for a long time, it’s not that fun.
May terrify locals if they find you sleeping in the fabric coffin. Perhaps consider setting up in a cemetery instead of a child’s playground?
Increased condensation if you zip it all the way up.
THE CURVE CREW’S FAVOURITE SHELTERS:
* Mountain Laurel Designs eVent Soul Bivvy; many races to the rock have been ridden (& won) by Curve staff with one of these!
* Outdoor Research Alpine Bivvy. April’s luxury suite for non-racing scenarios.
* Nemo Hornet 1P. Ryan’s home (& office) during his life by bike in Europe. Ryan also enjoys sleeping on the floor at Curve HQ but we don’t think that counts.
* Expedition expert Gus, loves his Six Moon Designs Lunar Solo Backpacking Tent; ultralight and always Mongolia ready.
* Jesse’s pick is the Tarpent Cloudburst 3, for Tent is the New Rent & more.
We hope this helps narrow down your gear selection. We know far too well that it’s never an easy decision packing for your first or tenth trip! That's why we designed a bike with the biggest carrying capacity we could manage so we can bring everything with us for rides to the rock.
If you need help with other packing solutions, we have some more assistance for you!
How to go Bikepacking with a laptop
Should I Dynamo?
Aerobics gear is for aerobics - should we ditch lycra for adventure cycling?
If sleeping outside isn’t for you? Here’s a packlist for you Flashpacking Legends:
Flashpacking Pack List
As always, any questions, feel free to reach out to sales@curvecycling.com and we will assist if we can.