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I am going to be taking a week long bike trip (Mostly road) to Northern Norway. Equal chance of lashing rain & sun splitting teh sky, so clothing for all situations required
So do I keep it to the absolute minimum in light bikepacking mode & smell like a tramp at the end, or go traditional panniers & have all required comforts?
Advice please?
Bikepacking mode
Take the right kit (Dr Bronners, small travel towel, easily washable clothes) and there's no need to smell
Are you camping or staying in accomodation?
Camping throughout. Just found a good deal on merino shorts & tee's so the clothing is nearly sorted. May still go with small panniers so that I have free space for food etc.
Go minimal. Merino to ride in, find somewhere to swim every day.
When and where are you going? I'm off to the Lyngen Alps in a couple of weeks with the wife for a week of ski touring. Can't wait.
sounds great mm. Can lend you pair of front Ortlieb panniers if needs be..
Heading for Lofoten 1st week in Aug.
There's a great free campsite between Svolvaer and Henningsvaer, to the south of the main road, called Kalle Beach (google it and you'll find some nice pics). Basic facilities (i.e. pit toilet and tap) but absolutely amazing spot, great for paddling! Stayed there on a two week climbing trip a few years back. Also, the climbers cafe in Henningsvaer lets you use their shower if you buy a coffee (you could buy a pint but at ~£12 it'd be an expensive shower!). Wonderful part of the world.
EDIT: Given the time of year take mozzie repellent (good idea to pitch right by the sea if you can).
Motorman, where was the merino deal?
having done a 3 month uber lightweight tour I can recommend:
1) Merino (base layers and socks. Stink-free)
2) Down smock, like a klattermusen liv sweater, fits in a pint pot but fluffs up to a full down jacket size.
3) Montane pertex shower jacket
4) a buff or two.