Camping by bicycle can be daunting, but it’s also one of the most rewarding experiences of any bike tour.
For folks who are new to camping, or those who’d like a refresher, we’ve compiled a list of ten camping tips for touring cyclists. These tips are organized into four basic categories: shelter, water, food, and safety.
The tent for your bike tour should be waterproof, free of holes, and as light and small as possible. If the one in your basement isn’t up to the challenge, purchase a new one. Remember, this will be your home for the next week/month, so choose something that will keep you and/or your cycling partner(s) warm, dry, and safe. Check out our favorite shelter option, here.
Wearing the right gear will increase your camping comfort. Pack layers that are quick-drying and warm enough for nighttime temps.
For a touring cyclist, drinkable water is the most basic need. It’s always better to have too much water than too little, even when you’d rather lighten your load. When you’re heading to your campsite, carry enough water for drinking as well as cooking, and for hydrating the next morning when you wake up. For me, that’s between 2 and 3 liters of water.
If you plan to camp at a site with potable water, it’s best to call ahead and make sure the water is still available. Sometimes wells dry up or certain amenities are closed without warning. If you can’t call ahead, pack a little extra … just in case.
This may surprise you, but it’s not always necessary to carry a cook stove on your bike tour. I’ve pedaled and camped a combined 7,000 miles without one. Whether or not you require a stove depends on your route, budget, dietary needs, and personal preference. (I’ve gone a long way on a loaf of bread, a jar of peanut butter, some jerky, and a bag of baby carrots… no water-boiling necessary!)
As with water, it’s better to have too much food than too little. Keep a couple of protein bars or other energy-packed snacks tucked away in case you run out of all other food sources.
Take the time to research the campgrounds along your route. Are they at higher elevations, with very cold nights? Is there wildlife present? Will you need to provide your own “bear safe container” in which to store your food? The more research you do ahead of time, the better you’ll feel sleeping under the stars.
Pack at least two light sources, for example, a headlamp and a handheld flashlight. Being able to see your surroundings at night is a matter of safety, so pack extra batteries and always have a backup light source if one should fail.
Be sure to carry a working cell phone, radio transmitter, GPS beacon, or other signaling device in case you need to call for help. A small first aid kit is also essential.
As you’re preparing for a bike tour, nothing is more helpful (or fun) than a backyard campout. Long before you depart on your big adventure, set up a makeshift campsite near your home. Practice setting up your tent, using your cookstove, and sleeping outside. You’ll learn which pieces of gear are essential, and which ones you can leave at home.
Comments
Will be on tour November and st present doing a lot of reading re needs etc we
The need for water cannot be overstated. Although I can carry five bottles with 125 ounces of combined capacity, my forgetfulness and poor planning had me starting a long, steep, dry, unshaded climb on an 80+ degree day with only 1-1/2 of them containing the elixir of life. Even after cadgng water from passing riders, the resulting dehydration left me in such bad shape the next day that I had to cancel the rest of the trip.
Forgot Password?
Enter your email address and we'll send you an email that will allow you to reset it. If you no longer have access to the email address call our memberships department at (800) 755-2453 or email us at memberships@adventurecycling.org.
Not Registered? Create Account Now.