How to choose the best tent for your bikepacking adventure?

You’re off on the trip of a lifetime cycling around NZ or have been persuaded to join some mates for a long weekend bikeriding the Hauraki Rail Trail, or the Old Ghost Road. Bikepacking is a great way to have fun and enjoy the great outdoors.

So you need a suitable tent, but how do you choose the best bikepacking tent for your adventure? There’s no tent that does everything for everyone. We all have our own priorities and are heading off on different bikepacking adventures.

Here are some essential things to consider when choosing your tent:

1. Weight: Low weight is very important. Most bikepackers will go for  lightweight tents around the 1kg mark, and definitely less than 2kg. There is usually some trade-off between weight and size or the number of features. Remember that the lightest tent might look good on paper but may not be the best option for you.
2. Packability: The smaller the packed size of the tent the easier it is to carry – your space is limited.
3. How many people: If there are 2 of you it may be better to share a tent rather than get two 1 person tents. You can get good sized 2 person tents at 2kg with more features.
4. Design: A non-freestanding single pole pyramid design cuts weight and handles winds well, a freestanding tent with poles might be heavy for one person but could be a good option if split between 2 people.
5. Materials: Lighter nylon performs well and is lighter than heavier polyester tents. DCF is ultralight but also ultra-expensive.
6. Size and Space: Look at the dimensions and interior space. How much room do you need? Is there enough floor space to comfortably sleep and sit up, as well as a vestibule storage area is ideal. You probably won’t be spending lots of time hanging out in the tent.
7. Weatherproofing: We recommend at least PU2000mm waterproof rating for the fly and PU3000mm for the floor to meet NZ camping conditions. A groundsheet can also add protection if needed or can be left at home if not.
8. Ventilation: Good airflow minimizes condensation inside a tent. Inner tent mesh panels and vents help reduce condensation. Ultralight single wall tents appeal but any condensation will be inside the tent and can be a major inconvenience. A slightly heavier double wall tent that handles condensation is usually more popular.
9. Easy Pitching: A tent that is quick and easy to set up is great. Pitching fly first with the inner already attached makes it simple and keeps the inner dry when raining.
10. Adaptability: Versatility can be beneficial to some bikepackers. Some offer the option to pitch only the rainfly or utilize the footprint separately, allowing for lighter setups when conditions permit.
11. Price: Last but by no means least budget is important. Often high-end tents offer advanced features and lighter weights but are substantially higher in price. Determine your priorities and find the right balance between quality, features, and price.

Make a list of priorities – work out your “must-haves” and “nice-to-haves”. Look for tents that tick off as many things on your list and make a decision from there. Assess your personal preferences and balance that with the needs of the conditions you'll encounter, and the length of your bikepacking trip. Read up on reviews, compare different models, and ask experienced bikepackers to help you make an informed decision.

 If you need some advice or have any questions then contact us at Intents Outdoors on email info@intentsoutdoors.co.nz or phone 09 415 9915.

Key Features of some of our Tents suitable for Bikepacking: