Where to sleep while bikepacking: how to choose the right shelter!

Where to sleep while bikepacking? That is an important question. Bikepacking comes with many different challenges, and two of the questions we get asked the most are, “Where to sleep while bikepacking?” and “What bikepacking shelter do you recommend?” 

Sleeping while bikepacking can be a unique experience that takes some getting used to. In this article, we will teach you everything you need to know by discussing where to sleep, different bikepacking sleeping system options, and much more. 

There are no rules to sleeping when bikepacking

The first point to make when it comes to bikepacking is that there are no rules on how you plan to sleep or your bikepacking shelter. So many factors will affect it. You can go whichever way you like, and the community will openly accept it.
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Some choose to use campsites, others like to wild camp, and you might even find yourself in a hostel or hotel while bike touring or when you start bikepacking. Whatever the trip requires is the route you have to take. If you are in the wilderness, camp, or in a city, you might need to pay for accommodation.

Some of the best bikepackers use a minimal bikepacking sleep system but mix their trips with various sleeping options. There is no need to drag a four-person tent around if you won't be able to use it.

Different shelter types for bikepacking

When it comes to a bikepacking shelter, there are loads of different options you can choose from. The better the sleeping system you use, the more space it will take up and the more it will weigh. It is a toss-up between comfort and convenience. 

Hotel

Sleeping at a hotel while bikepacking offers comfort, rest, security, weather protection, and convenience. It provides a comfortable bed, hot shower, and amenities for recovery after a long day of cycling. Hotels offer secure accommodations and shelter from inclement weather, ensuring safety and comfort. Additionally, hotels provide convenient services such as laundry facilities. Also, when the weather is bad, you can take this opportunity to dry your clothes and equipment. When you start bikepacking, this might be the easiest option to go for, but it reduces your freedom and your budget.

Someone else's place

Sleeping at people's places while bikepacking, known as hospitality exchange, offers a unique and enriching experience. Platforms like Couchsurfing and Warmshowers connect travelers with hosts who offer free accommodation for a night or two. Additionally, staying with friends or family along the route is an option. This approach not only saves money but also allows for cultural exchange and memorable experiences. However, safety and clear communication with hosts are essential considerations.

Tent

Taking a tent is, in our opinion, is the best way to sleep and offer the most comfortable experience outdoors. You can shut yourself off from the elements and feel like you have your own space. 

A tent is an excellent way of going, but it weighs considerably more than other systems, and packing it can be very challenging with the poles and anything else you might need. There are packable bikepacking-specific tents, but they are only rarely cheap. It is the best best three season bikepacking shelter.

Bivvy

The next bikepacking shelter we have the bivvy bag. A bivvy bag is basically a small waterproof bag that you sleep in while in your sleeping bag. It does protect you from the elements to an extent but is not as good as a tent. It is perfect if you enjoy sleeping under the stars. 

Bivvy bags are incredibly light, and most weigh around only 300 grams for a non-hooped bivvy and 500 grams for a hooped bivvy. Hooped being structured at the open end. They are good if you want to travel light and save space. Great for how to sleep during a bikepacking race.

Hammock

Not seen as much when it comes to bikepacking, a bikepacking hammock is an incredibly useful bikepacking sleep system in the right situations. You can string it between two trees and sleep inside. It is perfect if you don’t like sleeping on hard ground.

Although lightweight, often sheltered, and very packable, hammocks need trees to string to. This can make it more challenging to wild camp and will not work in all locations. It is unique and worth trying, but sometimes, it is not ideal as a best three season bikepacking shelter.

Tarp

Another option for a bikepacking shelter is to use a tarp. In this method, you use a large waterproof sheet to cover yourself while sleeping in a sleeping bag or bivvy. You sometimes need to get creative to set them up, but they do offer an excellent solution.

Tarps are great and very useful if you are traveling as a pair. You might find that they work well, but by the time you take the tarp and add the other sleeping kit, you are taking the weight of a lightweight tent. 

Where should you sleep while bikepacking?

Finding the right place to sleep can be challenging for many bikepackers. When you first start bikepacking and are building your experience, it is easy to make mistakes, one of the most common being sleeping in the wrong place. We also have a guide on how to choose a bike for bikepacking to be able to reach the best wild-camping spots.

In this next part, we want to tell you where we recommend sleeping. This is not as straightforward as under a tree or in a barn. We have always found the best way to think about this is to think about it depending on where you are. Here’s what you need to know.

Forest

When it comes to finding a place in a forest, you want to be off the roads and trails, especially if you are riding a gravel bike. The trick is to be hidden but also be able to find your way back to the route easily. You will want to find some good flat ground and try to avoid sleeping anywhere too damp. 

Cities

Cities can be difficult to sleep while bikepacking and you have to be really careful. We recommend getting a hotel, hostel, or campsite in a perfect world. Failing that, you have the option of getting out of the city or sleeping in a park, but again, it is not always safe or legal. Where to sleep when bikepacking city? Indoors is the best option.

Flatlands

When it comes to open ground or flatlands in remote areas, it can be very challenging. We recommend finding a small off road and setting up somewhere out the way if you can or maybe wait until late night and sleep behind a building on the side of a road as a last option.

Mountains

When sleeping in the mountains, be cautious of unpredictable weather, wildlife encounters, altitude sickness, terrain hazards, navigation challenges, water sources, and environmental impact. Prepare accordingly with appropriate gear and knowledge to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience.

Beach

The beach might seem like an ideal place to sleep when bikepacking, and it can be an amazing experience. You can camp on a beach, but you need to make sure that the tide is not going to come in and get you when you are sleeping.

Is wild camping even legal?

In most places, wild-camping is not legal

Many people go wild camping when bikepacking. It costs nothing, you can sleep in many different places, and you do not need to worry about booking. However, it is important to remember that in many places, it is not legal to wild camp with a bikepacking sleep system.

Inform yourself well

Before traveling anywhere, it is good to ensure that if you plan to wild camp, it is legal. In many countries, it is not, but in others, it is. The last thing you need is the police waking you up and telling you to move on and having to back away your best three season bikepacking shelter.

Be respectful

Respecting nature during wild camping is crucial. It helps preserve its beauty, minimizes our impact, protects wildlife, and promotes sustainability. Let's enjoy the outdoors responsibly and ensure future generations can experience its wonders too.

Should you go bikepacking and camping?

Bikepacking is an incredible way to see the world and there is something very special about sleeping rough and having that freedom. If you are looking for the perfect bikepacking bike make sure to check out the bicycle website for everything we have to offer. We have a huge selection of gravel bikes, mountain bikes, and road bikes ready for purchase on our shop.