Campers setting up tents and gear at a site in lata Kekabu, one of the public forest parks offering camping grounds for a minimal fee.
BICYCLE camping is an adventure for bold cyclists who love to explore the great outdoors.
The call to tread the beaten path in search of the “perfect” campsite can be irresistible for bike campers.
However, camping with bicycles takes plenty of planning and preparation.
First, the bicycle must be fitted with luggage racks to carry camping equipment, cooking gear, eating utensils, a tent and other essentials.
Happy campers traversing a trail in Perak.
Bike panniers, specifically designed for bicycles with luggage racks, are used to haul camping gear, adding to the overall weight of the bicycle.
Large panniers can hold around 20 litres of luggage while smaller front panniers carry about 12 litres.
This system allows bike campers to pack according to the duration of their ride.
Items like tents, sleeping pads and sleeping bags take up much space and are usually carried in a bike duffel strapped to the top of the luggage rack.
A tarp set-up seen with a bicycle.
Speaking of tents, a solo lightweight backpacking tent is ideal for the trip.
Some tents can be as expensive as a budget bike, but good ones are made for long-term use and shield you from the elements.
In hot and humid weather, some bike campers prefer using a tarp.
Tarps cost a fraction of tents, offer excellent ventilation and protection from the sun and rain, are easy to set up and don’t take up much space.
To complete the experience, campers might use a bug hut to keep insects away while sleeping.
A bike camper preparing a simple meal of sausages at the campsite.
Another option is a hammock, especially if you’re camping in forested areas with plentiful trees.
Each shelter type – tent, tarp or hammock – has advantages and shortcomings, so choosing the most suitable method for setting up camp can be a matter of personal preference and debate.
Ultralight cooking kits and stoves are available for meals, though they can be expensive.
Innovative campers might use hexamine tabs or alcohol stoves, which are slower than butane gas stoves but more cost-effective.
Other typical meal kits includes a pot, stove and eating utensils.
Riders preparing to hit the trail for a bicycle camping trip.
For easy meals, bike campers can carry instant food like noodles and rice in lightweight foil packs. They simply add water and heat the meals to replenish the calories burned during the ride.
Remember that a fully kitted rig can easily weigh over 30kg, so most bike campers prefer a sturdy bike frame for load-bearing.
Steel frames are often favoured for their firm riding experience. Trekking groupsets are highly recommended when selecting a drivetrain.
A 3x10 gearing system provides the flexibility to tackle any terrain and gradient.
There are many exciting venues for bike campers to explore, including public forest parks all over Malaysia, where camping is allowed for a fee.
Some campsites offer cooking sheds, toilets and shower facilities, but the comfort level depends on what each site provides.
A campsite at lata Kekabu in Perak.
For the hardcore camper who prefers a more natural setting, venturing deep into the trail in search of a clean stream and quiet camping ground is ideal.
Knowledge of these spots is often shared via social media, where many bike campers upload pictures and descriptions of their experiences.
These resources are invaluable for beginners planning their trips.
So, if you’re considering riding your bicycle loaded with camping equipment, it’s best to be fully prepared.
Happy trails!
