Choosing the right kit is no easy feat. We all have our individual preferences & criteria. We often don’t get it right first time either! I’ve used a lot of reviews during my kit selection process for ultra-distance racing & other adventures – so I wanted to share my thoughts on the kit I’ve used in the hope that it helps you find the kit you’re looking for (& save you some money in the trial & error phase!)
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PreTents Soloist Review
The PreTents Soloist is a 1-berth, pyramid, double walled tent. Single pole, pyramid tents should be the answer for a lot of bikepackers – they’re advantageous in terms of pack size & wind resistance, at the detriment of freestanding design. Specification (provided by PreTents, actuals may vary); After doing not much research when buying the…
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MSR Hubba NX Review
The MSR Hubba NX is a 1-berth, semi free standing double walled tent. Probably the most popular tent brand in Europe at the moment? I’d had a lot of success car camping with the 2-berth Elixir II, hence I figured I’d try a smaller & lighter version for cycle touring & bikepacking. Specification (provided by…
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Hilleberg Allak 2 Review
The Hilleberg Allak 2 is a free standing, double walled & double entry 2-berth tent. Perhaps the gold standard in tents; Hilleberg is a brand synonymous with bomb-proof tents. The Allak 2 comes from Hilleberg’s ‘red label’ range, which favour lighter materials over absolute strength – whereas their black range is reserved for the most…
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Diaries of an Aspiring Ultra-Distance Cyclist: Bikepacking Sleep Systems
I thought I’d share some thoughts on different bikepacking sleep systems & shelters for different types of events. I’ll start this post with the age-old classic caveat of ‘it depends’. There is no right & wrong answer! 2023 hasn’t been about racing, or really much in way of touring for that matter! But of the…