What equipment do you need for camping and bivouacking in the mountains?
Camping and bivouacking for bike touring
Sleep is the #1 factor in recovery and therefore in the pleasure of touring. Purists will tell you: camping, and especially bivouac, are the foundations of cycling adventure. Whether you prefer the comfort of a tent or the minimalism of a bivouac, here's our advice and our selection of equipment so you can set off light-headed and well-equipped.
Tips for a successful and respectful bivouac
Respect for the environment
Bivouac is a wonderful experience that allows us to reconnect with nature. To preserve this freedom, let's respect a few simple rules:
- Respect the local flora and fauna
- Take all your garbage with you
- Avoid campfires (unless specifically authorized)
- Insert yourself discreetly and leave the area without a trace
Choice of equipment
For roaming by bike, equipment should be light, compact and sturdy:
- Prefer versatile equipment
- Some stores offer rentals, ideal for testing before buying
- Check compatibility with your bike (bindings, volume)
Comfort above all
A good night's sleep makes all the difference:
- A small inflatable pillow greatly improves comfort
- A ground sheet insulates from the cold and protects your mattress
- A sleeping bag suitable for the season is essential
Tents : Your shelter for the night
Choosing the right tent for your size and the size of your group is crucial. Here's our selection of tested and approved tents for bike touring.
Forclaz MT900 Minimal - Décathlon
The minimalist tent par excellence, ideal for solo cyclists. Lightweight, compact and easy to assemble, it offers excellent value for money.
MSR - Reference in the outdoor world
MSR tents are renowned for their exceptional quality and durability. Perfect for mountain conditions, they offer optimum protection against the elements.
Husky Bird 3 Plus
Excellent value for money.value. The 4-seater Family version offers an optimal weight/volume/comfort ratio, ideal for small groups or those who want more space.
Tarp : The ultra-light alternative
Even lighter than a tent, the tarp is a minimalist solution for cyclists in search of lightness. Bordering on the belle étoile, it offers basic protection from the elements.
Trekking tarp Forclaz Trek 900
The tarp is a variant for minimalist bike packing approaches. Note that it has no structure. You'll need to attach it to your bike or between two trees. We recommend testing its installation before setting out.
Sleeping bags: warmth and compactness
Prefer warm, compact models, most often in natural feather. Here's our selection of sleeping bags suitable for different weather conditions.
Simond MT900 0°C
The right price/performance ratio for a sleeping bag suited to cool nights in the mountains. Comfortable down to 0°C, it's perfect for mid-mountain touring.
Millet Light Down 0°C Emerald
The French benchmark for mountain gear. This bag combines lightness and thermal performance for the coldest nights.
Ferrino Nightec Lite Pro 600
Another good value for moneyvalue with eco-friendly manufacturing. This bag offers an excellent compromise between weight, warmth and durability.
Inflatable mattresses: Comfort and insulation
A good mattress should be compact, lightweight and very solid. Here's our selection of tested mattresses for bike touring.
Thermarest - The reference
Thermarest mattresses are renowned for their exceptional quality. Lightweight, compact and extremely comfortable, they offer optimal thermal insulation.
Simond - French design
Simond mattresses combine French design and robust quality. Perfect for itinerants looking for a good compromise between comfort and durability.
Sea to Summit - Wide choice
Sea to Summit offers a wide range of camping and bivouac mattresses. Their products combine innovation, lightness and comfort for all conditions.
Tip for your mattress
A small manual inflator extends the life of your mattress by limiting moisture inside. It also avoids blowing and thus introducing moisture into the mattress.
Accessories essential for bivouacking
Stoves
A good stove is essential for preparing hot meals and drinks. Choose a compact, efficient model.
Popotes
A lightweight, durable popote is essential for cooking while camping. Choose compact and versatile models.
Inflatable pillows
A small inflatable pillow greatly improves your comfort at night. Compact and lightweight, it's an accessory that makes all the difference.
Ground tarpaulins
A ground tarpaulin protects your tent or tarp from punctures and moisture. It also extends the life of your equipment.
Our tested and approved bivouac-bike pack
Here's the combination we use and recommend for bike touring:
Tarp Simond
Lightweight, versatile protection against the elements.
Simond MT900 0°C Sleeping Bag
Comfortable down to 0°C, ideal for cool nights in the mountains.
Simond inflatable mattress
Comfortable and insulating for restful nights.
Bâche de sol Quechua
Additional protection against moisture and punctures.
Réchaud Camping-gaz
Reliable and operational for over 25 years, perfect for preparing your meals.
Ready for adventure?
You now have all the information you need to choose the perfect camping and bivouac gear for your mountain bike itinerary.
If you have any questions or need personalized advice, please don't hesitate to contact us. We'll be delighted to help you prepare for your next adventure!