bikepacking adventure

Bikepacking Essentials That Will Transform Your Trail Adventures

When you think seriously about bikepacking, it means you have to learn to move beyond just strapping camping gear to your bike.

However, you don’t need to break the bank stocking up on high-dollar bikepacking gear. What’s more important is to be sure you don’t overlook the basics that can improve your ride quality, safety, and overall experience on your next trail adventure. So, with that in mind, here are some bikepacking essentials to consider before your next ride.

Get Everything Ready in Advance

bikepacking on mountain road

Take the time to consider what you take with you before going bikepacking. You’ll want to be sure you’re not only well-prepared, but also that you have quality gear!

Before you decide to go for another bikepacking adventure, there are a few things you should consider. For instance, experienced riders understand that rim width affects tire performance, safety, and comfort when loaded with gear and moving through technical terrain. 

Because of this, it is crucial for any serious bikepacker to learn how to measure rim width. Riders will typically guess at compatibility or refer to marketing literature, but measuring your true internal rim width with digital calipers provides the exact measurements to choose the ideal tire for your type of adventure.

Similarly, having tubeless tires is vital because the liquid sealant within tubeless tires automatically seals minor punctures from thorns, glass, and jagged rocks, so you don’t find yourself stranded on the side of the road wishing you, well, had tubeless tires.

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Bikepacking Essentials

Here are some bikepacking essentials to have before your trip:

  • Find the perfect sleeping system to maximize your bikepacking adventure. A good mix of a quality sleeping bag, pad, and shelter will determine whether you wake up refreshed, or exhausted. Modern sleeping systems offer a balance of packability and weight without sacrificing comfort. Using a wide sleeping pad (24+ inches) is recommended, as it ensures the quality of sleep by supporting natural sleeping postures. Plus, who wants to sleep on a skinny, little pad anyway?
  • When on a bikepacking adventure, you want to be sure you have a way to effectively purify water. Water purification systems now come with huge filter bags so you can easily access the water in remote places. Be sure to go with a water purification system that offers a large opening to make it easy to refill from various sources – one with a double-opening system is even better, as it allows you to manage drinking and filtering with ease.
  • To address the charging or powering of any electronic devices on your bikepacking trip, be sure to pack a power source. A 24,000mAh power bank can power devices for days, and there’s no need for expensive dynamo systems unless traveling to highly remote locations.
  • Be sure to carry a multi-tool with you on your bikepacking trip. Having the right repair and tool setup can totally turn a trip-ending mechanical problem into just a minor hassle. Today’s multi-tools mix bike-specific repairs with some general handy stuff. Just be sure to have a solid bike multi-tool with a chain breaker, tire levers, spare tubes, and patch kits.
multi tool for camping

Be sure to pack a good multi-tool on your bikepacking trip.

  • Get the right frame bag. A frame bag puts your heaviest, densest loads (spare parts, tools, batteries, food) where they should be: low in the bike’s center of gravity and in the frame triangle. This way, instead of fighting top-heavy instability on technical terrain, your bike exhibits natural behavior. You can still lift the front end over obstacles, balance at low speeds, and corner safely rather than continually compensating for clumsy weight transfers.
bikepacking in mountains

Now That You Have Your Bikepacking Essentials…

These bikepacking essentials work synergistically to enhance your experience. The trick is to spend money on tried-and-true, resilient gear, as opposed to just finding the cheapest options. With quality bikepacking gear, you can spend time enjoying the exploration of God’s Creation, as opposed to fiddling with inferior gear.

Now, get out there and experience that stunning scenery and activities that make bikepacking a rich form of adventure travel.

Safe riding!

 

hiker on a peak

Pack For Adventure | 8 Things To Take On Your Hiking Trip

Written by N1 Outdoors on . Posted in Blog, Hiking

A hiking trip can involve incredible adventure.

Beautiful sights, the thrill of conquering a peak, or traversing bottomland are just a few of the many escapades that await.

But, while imagining your final destination can captivate the imagination… you first need to prepare for the trip!

hiking family

It can be rather challenging to be ready and at the same time pack only what is necessary… which is why this guide was created.

And while you want to be sure you have everything you need, you also don’t want to take so much that you feel like your backpack is fighting you every step of the way!

So, whether you’re taking an ambitious hike or a more leisurely stroll, let’s cover 8 things to take on your hiking adventure!

First, Assess The Trip

The first thing that needs to be assessed when deciding what to take hiking is the level of the hike’s toughness as well as its duration.

For example, a 10-mile walk may sound like a fun adventure, but if you usually take short, relaxed strolls, it’s advisable to take an easy trail.

Also, don’t forget to pay attention to the climate and the weather conditions of your target hiking destination. Will you be walking through a hot, barren wasteland, or a shady area such as a forest?

hiking plan

Knowing the details of the environment you will be hiking will also assist in making sure you pack adequately and not forgetting essential items like clothes, hats, or umbrellas. In the same way, being knowledgeable about the destination will keep you from overpacking.

The choice of what backpack to take is also important insofar as comfort is concerned because it affects how the body load is distributed and how it causes tension.

The other aspect of preparation is goals and objectives, which should be achievable. Though you may envision climbing high mountains, starting with some easier mountains is wise for gaining experience and confidence.

Essential Items for Every Hike

Now that you’ve assessed your hiking destination, let’s take a look at some specific items you can take on your trek…

1. Navigational Items

Navigational items should be staples you take with you hiking, even if you are traversing a familiar area.

compass and map

Trails can often appear very similar, and a hiker could very well find oneself on the wrong trail and lost. So, when planning to go out, ensure you have at least a paper map of the area and be sure to and study it to know the terrain and location of the area you will be in.

Now, before you downplay the use of paper maps, keep in mind that a smartphone with GPS is certainly handy, but also unreliable, particularly in places with poor network or low battery charge. Therefore, a paper map and a simple compass should always be carried along in your pack.

On the other hand, if you take a GPS device with you, be sure to familiarize yourself with it’s usage, as it could certainly come in handy if you are to get lost or if you find yourself in a survival situation.

2. Mini Whiteboard

A mini whiteboard may not be an object that people think of when they make a list of what to take hiking, but it can actually come in very handy. For one, it can also be used to leave messages in an emergency. It can also be beneficial when one of the members in the hiking group has a weak voice or is unable to speak loudly enough due to weather conditions.

Miniature white boards can also have a more functional purposes, such as mapping or writing directions about the trail, or to making a list of things to do.

Some hikers like to take notes, and while some hikers bring along a journal, others prefer a mini whiteboard because it’s portable, reusable, and easily accessible. It’s a smart accessory for any hiker to be well-organized and safe on the trail.

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3. Hiking Sticks

Hiking sticks (also known as trekking poles) can be helpful, especially when the ground is hard, steep, wet, and muddy.

They relieve pressure on your knees, increase your steadiness, and enable you to regulate your speed, which is especially important when going downhill.

hikers with poles

Though a branch can be used in the worst case scenario, contemporary hiking sticks are produced from lightweight but very strong materials such as carbon fiber or aluminum, have handles, and come in sizes that are easily adjustable, depending on the ground’s surface.

4. Clothing and Footwear

It’s essential to wear appropriate clothing for the climate and the ground conditions. Earing multiple layers of clothing can help you regulate body temperature as needed. In the same way, moisture-wicking fabrics help keep sweat and moisture away from the skin, making it easier to evaporate.

When going for a hike during the day, long sleeved, light colored clothes can help with sun protection and anti-mosquito clothing helps keep those pesky bugs at bay.

hiking boots on feet

The type of shoes you wear should also be suitable for the specific conditions present on the terrain. Trail runners or sandals may be enough for short, level terrains, whereas for rough or muddy terrains, sturdy shoes with high ankle support are best.

Be sure you wear them beforehand to break them in, to prevent painful blisters while on the trail.

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5. Sun Protection

hiking sun

UV rays can be extreme, even on a cloudy day, and especially in high altitudes. So, skin protection should not be considered just a luxury, but a necessity.

You need to be sure to take a sunblock with a high SPF number, SPF lip balm, and UV-blocking sunglasses in your checklist. A hat or cap with a wide brim also protects the face and the back of the neck from the sun. Be sure to reapply sunscreen frequently if you are sweating or in wet conditions.

6. Headlamp

If you’re planning a day hike, you might not think of taking a headlamp. However, it’s small, compact, and could be the only apparatus that helps you get home in one piece.

It’s good to be aware that in forests and valleys, it can get darker sooner than in open areas. Also, if a you end up staying on the trail too late, hiking out becomes much more dangerous, as you may not be able to adequately see the trail or obstacles on the way.

So, a good waterproof headlamp allows the hands to remain free and yet keep the trail adequately illuminated. It’s also advisable to carry spare batteries before you embark on the trip.

7. First Aid Kit

A small first aid kit should be part of every hiker’s gear. It should at least contain adhesive bandages, antiseptic wipes, blister treatments, gauze, and tweezers.

There may be other items you will want to add, like medications, allergic reaction treatments, or insect sting kits.

8. Food

Were you wondering if we were ever going to get to food?

Depending on the length and difficulty of your hike, you will need the appropriate amount of calories. In general, good hiking foods will be shelf-stable, lightweight and be packed with nutrients.

And remember, convenience is key. So, be sure to pack nutritious and convenient food that is either ready-to-eat or quick to prepare.

It’s also helpful to take foods that require minimal to no cooking.

Now, Go Get On The Trail!

The secret to a successful hiking trip is to be well equipped, but not too encumbered with gear and equipment. The eight items we have covered are the basics to ensure that you have a safe and fun experience.

Here’s to fun and safe adventures!

Kifaru Shape Charge MOLLE webbing stitching

Backpack Hunting And Hiking Gamechanger | [The What, Why and How of MOLLE Webbing]

Perhaps you’ve hear the term “MOLLE webbing” and wondered, “what in the world is that?”

What does MOLLE stand for?

Before we look at what MOLLE webbing actually is, let’s first cover what the acronym itself stands for.

MOLLE stands for (Modular Lightweight Load-carrying Equipment).

Kifaru Shape Charge inner MOLLE webbing

MOLLE webbing is a widely used system that is designed for modular gear attachment. It typically consists of heavy-duty nylon or polyester straps that are stitched in a grid-like pattern onto backpacks, vests, and other tactical or outdoor gear.

The MOLLE webbing system allows users to attach compatible pouches, holsters, and other accessories in a secure and customizable way.

For the backpack hunter, MOLLE webbing offers a significant advantage over regular packs by enabling the hunter to organize and carry essential gear such as ammo, rangefinders, knives, and first-aid kits without cluttering the pack’s main compartments. The webbing enhances both accessibility and weight distribution of the pack, making long treks through rough terrain more manageable for the user.

The Origins of MOLLE Webbing

The MOLLE system was developed by the United States military in the late 1990s as an upgrade to the older ALICE (All-Purpose Lightweight Individual Carrying Equipment) and ILBE (Improved Load Bearing Equipment) systems.

Kifru Shape Charge Backpack with lock on and steps

The key feature of MOLLE is the PALS (Pouch Attachment Ladder System), which consists of horizontal rows of webbing stitched at regular intervals. These rows of webbing allow gear to be woven and secured using straps, creating a stable and reliable attachment system.

Designed to improve modularity and adaptability in the field, MOLLE was officially introduced in 1997 and it rapidly became the standard for military load-carrying gear.

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How MOLLE Webbing Works

MOLLE webbing functions by way of a simple, yet effective, interwoven strap system. When attaching pouches or accessories, the user threads straps through both the MOLLE webbing on the backpack and the attachment points on the accessory itself. This weaving pattern ensures that gear remains secure, preventing excessive movement or detachment during strenuous activity.

Kifaru Shape Charge MOLLE webbing on waist straps

MOLLE-compatible pouches and gear often include reinforced straps, as well as snap closures to further secure the attachments. The result is a load-bearing system that offers hunters, military personnel, and outdoor enthusiasts the flexibility to configure their pack to suit different hunts, missions, or hikes/treks.

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Why MOLLE Webbing Is Useful for Backpack Hunters

For backpack hunters specifically, weight distribution and gear accessibility are critical.

MOLLE webbing provides the ability for the user to carry extra gear externally, keeping essential items within reach without overloading the interior of the backpack.

Some key benefits of MOLLE webbing include:

  • Customization: Hunters can attach only the gear they need for a specific hunt, reducing unnecessary weight.
  • Efficiency: Quick access to essential items like a knife, GPS, or survival/first-aid kit without digging through the main compartment.
  • Durability: Made from heavy-duty materials, MOLLE webbing is built to withstand harsh environments and tough conditions.
  • Versatility: Can be used to carry everything from extra ammunition to survival gear, making it adaptable for various hunting scenarios.

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The MOLLE Revolution

MOLLE webbing has changed the game for how hunters, military personnel, and outdoor enthusiasts carry their gear.

Originally developed for the military, MOLLE webbing has reach the masses, largely by way of the outdoor industry and has since become a staple in outdoor and tactical gear, offering superior customization, organization, and durability.

For backpack hunters, integrating MOLLE-compatible equipment into their setup can mean the difference between a well-prepared, efficient hunt and a frustrating, disorganized experience in the field. MOLLE webbing provides a way to secure all types of outdoor gear such as pouches, portable stoves, first aid kits, and more.

So, whether you’re heading into the backcountry for days on a hunt or a hike, or just needing quick access to essential gear and accessories, MOLLE webbing is a game-changer for sure.