What to wear on a multi day bike trip?

13 Mar What to wear on a multi day bike trip?

We are dedicating this blog post to our recommendations for your outfit when going on recreational bikepacking or bike touring trips in the warmer months. In Belgium and the Netherlands, this typically falls between April and October. The trekking bike and its setup won’t be the focus of this text, as our Santos rental travel bikes are always in tip-top shape.

We will discuss clothing both on and off the bike. This post does not cover ultra-lightweight, fast-paced bikepacking trips but rather classic bike travel.

Best Bikepacking & Bike Touring Outfit for Warm Weather

On a sportier, gravel-style bikepacking bike, I might choose bib shorts. However, on a traditional touring bike, the seat is soft enough in my opinion, and since it’s just a leisurely trip, I prefer wearing regular shorts—ideally made of quick-drying material. This has two major benefits: it dries faster after washing at the end of the day and after the occasional downpour.

For a t-shirt, I also prefer a more technical material, like merino wool, but a regular cotton one works perfectly fine as well. A button-down, long-sleeve shirt can also be very versatile—you can roll up the sleeves when it’s warm or keep them down when the sun is particularly strong. (Or bring both.)

For an extra layer, I usually pack a sweater or fleece, but I rarely wear it while riding. Instead, I rely on my outer layer for extra protection against the elements.

A good windproof and/or waterproof layer is essential. A windstopper jacket can be very comfortable to ride in, and a reliable raincoat is a must. If you have to choose between the two (or don’t own a windstopper), bring the rain jacket. I highly recommend one with armpit zippers, as they allow better temperature regulation even in wind or rain.

Many bike travelers prefer riding in sandals. If you choose waterproof ones, they can handle almost anything. They keep your feet cool in hot weather, and you can keep wearing them in the rain without worrying about wet shoes or socks afterward. The sandals will dry naturally once the rain stops. The only downside is that crashing in sandals can be quite nasty—but let’s hope it doesn’t come to that! Otherwise, a light pair of shoes will do the trick.

Your head needs protection from the sun on hot days, so don’t forget a cap or a hat. The latter might even protect your neck, which is often exposed to the sun the most. Additionally, your headgear might withstand light rain, preventing you from needing your hood too soon. Lastly, sunglasses can be handy as well.

What to Wear Off the Bike During a Multi-Day Bike Trip

This part is all about personal preference and common sense. Personally, I like something light and comfortable—clothing that allows me to relax, take a short walk, or go out to dinner. Depending on your plans for the latter, you might want to choose an outfit that matches the venue.

In any case, I always bring long trousers and a warmer top layer in case of a chilly evening. One small item that can make a huge difference: an extra pair of shoes in case your cycling shoes get really wet.

Keep an eye out for future blog posts, as we will continue sharing our best tips for bike travel and bikepacking adventures!