Singletrack Magazine

Words Amanda, Hannah and as credited Photography as credited Let us try to persuade you that a night outdoors can be a life-affirming experience, rather than one that has you questioning your life choices. While it’s not technically legal to sleep outside in most places…

Charlotte Inman: In it for the breakfast views Charlotte co-founded Sisters in the Wild, which organises community-focused bikepacking and gravel riding experiences for women, non-binary and trans people. What’s the chief thing you look for when choosing kit? Lightweight stuff that leaves plenty of space…

Chris Hinds: Fast doesn’t mean uncomfortable Chris won the Great British Divide, so knows a thing or two about sleeping out. What’s the chief thing you look for when choosing kit? If it comes down to a decision between comfort and weight I’ll usually choose…

Emma Osenton: Dialled in traveller Looking for Emma? You’ll find her in the bushes cuddled up to a titanium bike. What’s the chief thing you look for when choosing kit?  Not sure there is one thing. It’s entirely dependent on what it is. Mostly light…

Kitty Dennis: Overpacker to ride for longer Co-founder of the Steezy Collective, we’re not sure when she’s ever indoors. What’s the chief thing you look for when choosing kit? Whether it’ll keep me out longer, both in terms of times of the year and length…

Sam Jones: Dirtbag camper who doesn’t mind a touch of luxury Sam has been championing Cycling UK’s ongoing bikepacking/camping challenge of #12nightsoutin1year.  What’s the chief thing you look for when choosing kit? Durability – the last thing you want is for your shelter or sleep…

Sanny: Like a veritable Scottish Mr T, I ain’t camping in no rain, fool! There can be few as enthusiastic about a night outdoors than our Sanny. What’s the chief thing you look for when choosing kit? At the risk of sounding like a bit…

Stu Taylor: Racing Dirtbagger Stu is another long-distance racer, who also enjoys a night out on his local hills. What’s the chief thing you look for when choosing kit? How packable the kit is and if it isn’t, do I really need it? A kettle…

Vedangi Kulkarni: All-weather bivvy freak As the youngest woman to cycle around the globe, Vedangi has plenty of experience of sleeping outdoors. What’s the chief thing you look for when choosing kit? Waterproofness and sturdiness of the material. Regardless of where you’re camping or what…

What’s the chief thing you look for when choosing kit?I mostly care about how small it packs, with comfort and durability as a joint second priority. I generally go by the rule that you ‘buy once, buy well’, so the fact my kit ends up…

What’s the chief thing you look for when choosing kit? I look for budget options that will also be useful for family camping trips, sleeping in my car, trips to the beach, etc. I’ve never had the opportunity or need for multi-night bikepacking trips, so…