7 minute read

Bikepacking Tents

Say hello to bikepacking, an exciting activity that combines cycling with camping. Whether you’re alone or with friends, it gives the ultimate freedom to explore.

Here we focus on Big Agnes’ tents that take the DNA of their bestselling backpacking models and add cycle-friendly features to make your journey into bikepacking a breeze.

12” Shortstik Poleset Ideal for packing onto handlebars, panniers and saddlebags, or just saving space in any pack. Extended Footprint The extended footprint creates a vestibule floor for dry, dirt-free changing and gear storage. Sold separately. Waterproof Stuff Sack The nifty waterproof compression stuff sack has a daisy-chain webbing system that makes attaching the tent to your bike frame really easy!

Tiger Wall UL2 Bikepack

BIG AGNES SOLUTION-DYED FABRIC Ever at the forefront of product development, 2021 is another exciting season for Big Agnes as they become the first brand to introduce Solution-Dyed Fabrics to the camping equipment category.

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In solution or dope-dyeing, colour pigment is added to colourless polyester or nylon in its molten state, and when the fibre is extruded, colour runs through to the core. When the fibres are spun into thread and fabric is woven, it already has the required colour and no traditional dyeing process is needed. Compared to traditional piecedyeing, solution-dyeing reduces energy consumption by 80% and water use by 50% - a massive plus for the environment. Additionally, solution-dyed fabrics have increased UV resistance and better colour stability.

Big Agnes Copper Spur HV UL2 Bikepack

Based on their best-selling Copper Spur tent series, Big Agnes created this incredible bikepacking version. Enhanced for two-wheel travel, it’ll fit neatly in your paniers or attach to your bike frame. For comfort, awning-style vestibules provide extra shelter in the downtime. • Solution-dyed silicone-treated ripstop nylon flysheet • DAC Featherlite NSL Shortstik Poleset • Two doors and vestibules • Multiple storage options including helmet stash • Compression stuff sack fits onto handlebars

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Solution-Dyed Fabric

Copper Spur HV UL2 Bikepack Footprint £74.99

Code 646620

Big Agnes Tiger Wall UL2 Bikepack

Meet the lightest two-door bikepacking tent Big Agnes makes. Built for on and off-road cycling adventures, it has a helmet stash and webbing loops so you can dry wet gear. When it’s time to push on, the short stuff sack can be attached to your bike in multiple ways. • Solution-dyed silicone-treated ripstop nylon flysheet • DAC Featherlite NFL Shortstik Poleset • Two doors and vestibules • Storage including helmet stash • Compression stuff sack fits onto handlebars

Big Agnes Blacktail Hotel 2 Bikepack

If you’re looking for comfort and space on your next cycling trip, choose the Blacktail Hotel. With a large front porch and access from the rear, there’s plenty of room to sort out kit after a day of riding. Bike-friendly, it packs into a compact stuff sack for easy transportation. • Compression stuff sack fits onto handlebars • Polyester flysheet with PU coating • Lightweight aluminium Shortstik Poleset • Two doors and vestibules • Large front storage porch

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Solution-Dyed Fabric

Tiger Wall UL2 Bikepack Footprint £84.99

Code 646621

Copper Spur HV UL2 Bikepack £449.99

Capacity: 2 person Weight: 1.59kg/1.33kg (min) Pack size: 34 x 18cm Code 646020

102cm

250cm

224cm

59cm 132cm 59cm

Tiger Wall UL2 Bikepack £424.99

Capacity: 2 person Weight: 1.33kg/1.11kg (min) Pack size: 33 x 17cm Code 646021

99cm

240cm

218cm

54cm 132cm 54cm

Blacktail Hotel 2 Bikepack £299.99

Capacity: 2 person Weight: 2.95kg/2.66kg (min) Pack size: 33 x 20cm Code 646023

107cm

360cm

229cm

76cm132cm 152cm

Photo: Osprey

Originally designed for emergency use, bivi bags are minimalist shelters that divide the outdoor community. For some, they are things of necessity, insurance against unplanned nights, never to be used out of choice due to their lack of comfort and protection. For others, they offer the ultimate free-camping experience; fully immersing you in your environment with a front-row view like no other.

So, who are these intrepid individuals who disregard comfort for the thrill of the experience? Traditionally, bivi bags were the domain of alpine and big wall climbers. Used for a degree of protection as they settled down on rocky ledges, where there was scant space for a tent, and the need to shed every gram possible was paramount to success. These days gram-counting is no longer the reserve of alpinists. Many adventurers are driven by the desire to lighten the load in their packs so they can go faster and further. The ultralight mindset has spread, with backpackers, bikepackers, and solo adventurers all looking to master the art of the bivouac. As with other ultralight equipment, bivi bags are specialist pieces of gear. They require consideration and knowledge to make sure they are right for your adventure. Selecting the correct location for a bivi, along with a sound understanding of factors such as wind direction is critical. So too is an appreciation of whether a bivi bag is right for your trip with the weather forecast, trip duration, and the presence of biting insects all key considerations. One way to expand your camping options is to use a tarp alongside your bivi bag. The combined weight and pack size is usually lighter and smaller than a one-person tent and gives you more flexibility. Highly versatile, a tarp can increase weather protection, extend your living area, provide a shelter for cooking and more. TOP TIPS FOR A SUCCESSFUL BIVI

Don’t go to bed cold.

Wherever you are camping, it is crucial to start your night warm. Jogging on the spot, swinging your arms, and star jumps are all simple ways to help raise your temperature. Your sleeping bag traps the heat you release and creates a layer of warm air around your body. If you start cold, it is far harder to warm up; even with the best insulation around you.

Protect your gear.

Once your sleeping bag is inside your bivi bag, there is not much room left over. Make sure you have a way to keep the rest of your kit dry. Put your clothing and essentials into waterproof dry bags. If you are carrying a pack, protect it with a waterproof cover.

Take time to find the perfect pitch.

Find a flat, sheltered spot that offers wind protection. A rock wall, trees, a hollow; these will all help to provide cover. And definitely make sure that you are not setting up in a water run-off channel.

Rab Storm Bivi £134.99

Made from waterproof Hyperlite Storm fabric, this simple and reliable bivi bag features a small mesh vent panel underneath the zip storm flap. • Waterproof Hyperlite Storm fabric • Zipped entrance at head • Small mesh vent panel Weight: 0.66kg Pack size: 25 x 13cm Code 212233

Rab Survival Zone Lite £144.99

A single person bivi designed for emergency use, lightweight Pertex Quantum Pro fabric provides windproof, water-resistant protection. • Water-resistant Pertex Quantum Pro fabric • Overlapped welded seams • Drawcord entrance Weight: 0.24kg Pack size: 25 x 11cm Code 212237

Rab Ridge Raider Bivi £349.99

Use this low-profile, freestanding bivi for backpacking and bike touring. Waterproof Pertex Shield Air upper is highly breathable, reducing condensation and increasing comfort. • Waterproof Pertex Shield Air upper • Bathtub floor with taped seams • DAC pressfit pole at head, short pole at feet • Internal mosquito mesh door • Nine DAC V-stakes Capacity: 1 person Weight: 0.89kg Pack size: 32 x 15cm Code 212235

Rab Siltarps

Ultralight yet fully waterproof, Rab’s Siltarps provide essential shelter from the elements. Extremely versatile, they feature multiple webbing loops for set up using trekking poles, trees, and more.

Siltarp 1 £64.99

Capacity: 1 person Weight: 0.22kg Size: 240 x 150cm Pack size: 18 x 10cm Code 212051

• Ultralight Sil-Coat 30D Cordura ripstop • Fully waterproof and incredibly strong • Hypalon reinforced corners • Multiple webbing loops • Stuff sack included

Siltarp 2 £109.99

Capacity: 2 person Weight: 0.39kg Size: 300 x 240cm Pack size: 20 x 10cm Code 212050

Photo: Osprey

Photo: Lowe Alpine