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For cyclists, camping is the perfect opportunity to discover and experience new regions again and again. We have put together a number of useful tips for bike & van and bikepacking. Tips on equipment, camper van equipment and the answer to the question of how to build your own camper van in 7 steps. Free travel with the following know-how!
Tips for a biking holiday with a motorhome
Sleeping under the stars and having breakfast in the morning with a view of the picturesque Alpine pass or the sea - camping is a real adventure! But what should you bear in mind when the bike is attached to the rear rack of a motorhome and the first road trip begins? What about planning and what about safety? There's also an equipment ABC so that nothing is missing on your adventure and you are prepared for all eventualities. With our tips, you're guaranteed a successful start to van life!
Come on, let's barbecue! Camping barbecues in the test
Camping and barbecuing - for many people, they simply belong together. It's practical because you don't have to fire up an entire outdoor kitchen. And it's wonderfully relaxed thanks to the campfire romance that such a barbecue exudes. If gas is used instead of coal, it can be used almost anywhere: the gas burners do not spread smoke and radiate the heat upwards. This keeps the bottom of the barbecue cool and there are no glowing coals to dispose of after the fun.
Eating outside tastes particularly good! We compared 9 camping barbecues: ideal for camping and weekend trips. Particularly compact versions are even suitable for bikepacking.
Book tips: Camping & Bike - Literature for planning and dreaming
When you have a quiet minute on a camping holiday or while bikepacking, or once you've ridden enough, you can sink into a book. Fitting: one that deals with the same topic. Fascinating stories from travellers and drop-outs, useful tips, recipes for cyclists and more - the camping literature from Delius Klasing covers everything to do with versatile camping and cycling holidays. At home on the road - that's the motto.
Camping & biking: 35 tips for camping equipment
In recent years, the range of intelligent camping equipment has increased considerably. We have put together a selection of products that will support you in all the challenges of camping life. Including: charging systems, rear carriers, roof tents, camping lights & cooking equipment, camping guides, water filters for clean drinking water, tools and more.
Bikepacking tent MSR Hubba Hubba
MSR is expanding its popular Hubba Hubba tent series with a tent specially designed for Bikepacking developed version. We have already tested the lightweight one-man tent on various tours. The design is optimised for both short overnight stays and longer tours and is characterised by a particularly compact pack size. The new tent integrates the proven features of the Hubba Hubba series with a waterproof handlebar bag and shorter tent poles.
Tent, sleeping bag & sleeping mat from Big Agnes
Warm nights, long days - now is the time for the best bikepacking tours. We have therefore asked a manufacturer that is relatively unknown in this country Tent, Sleeping bag and Sleeping mat that are specially designed for transport on a bike. Lightweight, easy to stow and yet functional - that's what Big Agnes products from the USA aim to be. The tent can be easily attached to the handlebars. But how well do the other products perform on the tour?
Bikepacking equipment from Nemo
The experts at Nemo know that weight, pack size and comfort are decisive factors on multi-day bikepacking tours. That's why Nemo New highlights for cycling holidays developed: a tent, a sleeping mat, a down quilt sleeping bag and a pillow.
Anyone looking for compact and lightweight equipment for camping trips by bike should definitely take a closer look at the latest products from Nemo. Bikepacking promises great freedom on two wheels. Cycling into nature and sleeping in the open air - what could be better? However, anyone embarking on a bikepacking trip has to realise that it also involves exhausting days and cold nights. There's usually not much room in your bags for all the accessories you need and heavy equipment can quickly spoil the fun. Nemo therefore offers special bikepacking equipment, from tents to sleeping mats and quilted sleeping bags to pillows, which can be packed small and hardly weighs anything on the scales. The current Camping gear from Nemo is one of the lightest in its class and yet should not compromise on sleeping comfort.
Exped camping equipment
Exped has long been a household name for camping enthusiasts. The Swiss outdoor expert stands for high-quality and very lightweight equipment - but this often comes at a price. We picked up a 1-person tent, a summer sleeping bag and a sleeping mat for warm temperatures to test out on a bikepacking adventure, big or small, and set off. The short escape from everyday life: Friday evening, pack your bike, ride to the next but one campsite by the lake and hopefully spend a peaceful night there. The decisive factor for such a short trip is how uncomplicated the equipment is.
Tent, sleeping bag and Sleeping mat from Exped - this time we tested this base for bikepacking from the specialist for ultralight equipment. The items weigh a total of 2.2 kilos and fit perfectly on the bike. But what else can this camping equipment do?
Ultralight sleeping pad from Vaude
Vaude is presenting two new sleeping mat series for next spring, which are designed to take sleeping comfort on outdoor adventures to a new level. The super-lightweight air mattresses in the Allround and Performance series promise maximum comfort with minimum weight and pack size - a combination that should be particularly interesting for bikepacking tours and ultra-light trekking adventures. As usual with Vaude, only sustainable materials are used for the new sleeping pads: the mats are made entirely from recycled polyester, which reduces the ecological footprint without compromising on robustness.
Quilt sleeping bag and sleeping mat from Zenbivy put to the test
Zenbivy from the USA offers a sleeping bag-quilt system that impresses with its versatility: the sleeping bag can be converted into a blanket and the inflatable sleeping mat can be connected to the quilt.
For us, the Zenbivy Light Quilt, which is suitable for summer, is a pretty ingenious model. The US manufacturer offers different versions for spring to the Arctic Circle. We opted for the one that has its comfort range at 10 degrees, which seems suitable for the German summer - especially in this wet July. It also comes with an inflatable sleeping mat and a few accessories.
Do-it-yourself campervan: How to build your campervan in 7 steps
Are off-the-shelf campers too expensive, monotonous or require too many compromises for your MTB holiday? Then get active yourself and start your own vanlife project. A modular system makes it easy to realise your wishes and ideas. Then there's the authorisation and, and, and. But the first step is to get started! And then one thing at a time. Our guide will help you to realise your dream of owning your own motorhome!
Bikepacking for beginners: packing list for the first overnighter
On his first overnighter, editor Stefan Frey wanted to take a short break between two working days and escape the train. Relaxed bikepacking between the editorial office and his home office - that was his plan. Here is his report and his packing list. What do you absolutely need, what contributes to comfort? And how do you get through the overnighter adventure on your bike safely and well?
Bikepacking harness made from titanium
For bikepacking, it is crucial that crockery is light, robust and compact. This is where the cooker and pot from Soto come into their own. Thanks to titanium, weight and durability are no problem for bikers.
"Soto" means "outdoor" and is a pioneer for gas and petrol cookers. With the latest series of titanium harnesses, the Japanese company is aimed specifically at discerning bikepackers. Each set weighs just 127 grams. The lightweight pots and the minimalist cooker are not even extremely expensive.
Maik Schröder
Editor
