Bikepacking Norway: My Gear List to Survive All Conditions.

[@JoeTheNorwegian]

A tip for finding water in Norway, is to look for graveyards. They always have running water, so people can tend to the graves, and water flowers etc. So if you see a church, and they are everywhere, then you have access to water. Great channel 👍

[@matthewnorway]

Good tip, thanks for your input.

[@CornishColin]

Same tip for the UK!

[@mojojojo6852]

Thanks! Do I have to filter it though?

[@JoeTheNorwegian]

It should be tap-water, so no. Just let it run a bit, in case it’s been standing for a while. Done it lots of times, never had a problem.

[@mojojojo6852]

@@JoeTheNorwegian Great, thanks!

[@megalep7025]

I have slept a lot outdoors in Norway for 35 years now, and I would recommend a balaclava for cold nights, you can usually roll them up and use as a hat also. It's important when the nights get cold to cover your head and throut/neck in order to stay warm, and that is especially if your sleepingbag is just at the temperature limit. Also thick socks will help. When it comes to mattresses, therm-a-rest have their expensive neo-air series that are not filled with insulation but built in a way that makes them insulate down to -21c approximately, and they are lightweight. Chech them out if you freeze easily. Tents, I prefer those with the outer sheet fixed to the inner tent, the "american way" as you go with msr and other brands is to first put up the inner tent and then cover it with the outer sheet. That sucks when the rain is pouring down because the interior gets soaky wet. The climate in scandinavia is well, often wet. Chech out Hilleberg, swedish tentmaker - very expensive but they have some really lightweight tents that should suit bikepackers as well as us backpackers. And I guarantee they are if not actually bombproof, they can withstand all the weather mother nature can throw at you in Norway. And yes the outer and inner tent are raised at the same time. I would also bring matches in waterproof box, it's always a pleasure to make a campfire when it's cold or after heavy rain to dry gear and get warm.

[@matthewnorway]

Thanks for sharing your experience. Them Hilleberg tents look super nice.

[@Strandlaeufer77]

As both cyclist and car owner here, I really recommend some reflective gear like a yellow vest or applying spray with reflective particles - available also in sport shops like XXL or Sport1. And lots of blinkenlights! Especially for the tunnels

[@matthewnorway]

Thanks for the good advice 👍

[@maxflight777]

I was going to say “nah” too much anxiety! … but you mentioned tunnels !! 😱✅

[@skynomad1]

You have very good camera presence. Enjoyable to watch and informative. Thank you.

[@matthewnorway]

I appreciate your feedback, thanks 🙏

[@jimmccorison]

I'm not sure what they're called in various areas of the world, but a wool buff is a great addition. They are simply a tube of material that fits over the head and/or neck. Pulling it down over your neck and pulling it up over your lower face is a game changer in wind or when descending in cold. Great list.

[@matthewnorway]

Good suggestion, thanks Jim 👍

[@HingLaw]

Thanks so much for this very all encompassing video on gears. Your talents surely make the video more enjoyable.

[@MrTheobus]

Now no one can say he didn't warn you. And also fun to watch.

[@gurgenmakaryan4428]

Heyy Matthew, greetings from Montréal! Honesty, you're the best! The information you gave for initial setup is the optimal and mostly must to have, what i suggest to everyone too, so someone who's looking for having knowledge about bikepacking, this video is priceless! It's in my plans to do the same trip!

[@Micha-fq6pn]

If i start bikepacking some day Norway will be on the top of my list 👍

[@kirillkirvas455]

21:08 hey I am russian and every time I go to Norway is only tourism like hiking or for example lyngen alps snowboarding. In a month i'll go for bikepacking. Nobody is getting invaded though😮 no panic!❤

[@sfryer61]

Enjoying the content - Norway looks great. I’m considering coming over, but don’t want to fly - ferries seem to be non-existent from the UK. I’d add to the list: Spare mech hanger, Buff, dry bags for clothing (if big enough have used over socks/hands on cold days to keep warm), Hiplok, lots of porridge! Cargo bib shorts are a good alternative to standard, btw - handy pockets and no need for cycling jersey.

[@GalymzhanKirbassov]

Very useful video, thanks a lot. I have similar clothing and gears, but I've never thought about drying my shoes like you showed.

[@lydiakloos6255]

Such a good, funny and very informative video, thank you!! Am going to use a couple / or a lot of your trips for my bikepacking adventure this summer in norway :)

[@arcticnaturenorway7637]

Great tips, just ordered my gravel bike. So i will be taking som small and longer trips here in Northern Norway!

[@matthewnorway]

Have fun!

[@Audunsfitness]

Great video! Lots of good tips here. One very important thing to be aware of, though, is that both back and front lights mounted on the bike are mandatory by law in Norway when riding in low light conditions. There is even a 1350 NOK fine if you get stopped without one (if riding at night or in low light conditions). Also, only having a light on your helmet can be potentially dangerous if an approching car mistakes you for a pedestrian (since the light is moving) and can also dazzle an oncoming driver if using one of those high brightness spot types, as opposed to mounting it on the handlebar, fork or front bag pointed slightly downwards. Reflexes (aft, fore and on the pedals or pedal arms) and a bell are also mandatory at all times in Norway, although they do not incur a fine. Of course, additional small be-seen-type lights on the helmet or backpack are always smart, you can never be too visible on narrow Norwegian roads!

[@Eric-rt6tg]

Best gear recommendations I’ve seen so far. Like your channel, great content.👍👍👍

[@peterbouchard103]

Great.. Fine... Excellente... Funny.. Video! 👍👌😅

[@dennisdownes9319]

Great list!! DD

[@digital-collage-channel]

Super helpful content! Thank you so much Matthew!!!

[@mihail4391]

Great content with not much flaff around, you’ve got a new subscriber.

[@christopherhood9241]

always interested to see backpacking setups - very useful & fun.

[@matthewnorway]

Thanks Christopher!

[@samuelatienzo4627]

I just watched your movie of cycling through Norway and it’s now my new dream… this makes a post-COVID world feel so exciting!

[@matthewnorway]

It's the hidden gem in Europe!

[@RogerMain]

Informative as well as interesting. Thanks Lots of gear for bikepacking set up? A rear rack is what I like :)

[@MrBenoitvh]

Thanks!

[@SebastianDaniec]

A tip for cold nights is a bottle of hot water in your sleeping bag. Put it in a wool sock so you don't burn your self and it will keep you warm through the night. In the morning use the water to make coffe and food, it's not that cold so it will boil faster.

[@matthewnorway]

Great tip!

[@garyk0]

Love the video, but I have to correct you on your reference to your sleeping bag. Kathmandu is an iconic New Zealand brand, long ago sold to a foreign entity unfortunately. A +5degrees rating is a summer bag here in NZ too.

[@matthewnorway]

Good to know, thanks!

[@slitor]

There is a good chance you will find small gas cannister at gas stations as well. Especially the ones that is allready selling propane.,

[@DaemonViews]

Nice video. My only advice would be to wear a down jacket rather than a vest. Even ultralight hikers prefer the jacket. The added weight and bulk of the sleeves is super low and cold arms is no fun.

[@matthewnorway]

Good point!

[@MartinFeigenwinter]

I enjoyed watching - good entertainment

[@matthewnorway]

👍

[@TMooh11]

Funny and helpfull, thats how I like it! Would you bring anything else (or leave stuff at home) if you would cycle the lofoten, nordcape, kirkenes? (My plan for the summer if covid lets me)

[@matthewnorway]

If I’m in the north especially in the remote areas then I would bring all of the clothes mentioned. In addition, I would swap my down vest to a slightly thicker long sleeve down jacket. I would bring two pairs of gloves (one spring/fall, and one winter pair). You might be lucky and experience 15oC everyday but if the weather turns bad - winter gloves are a must on the bike up there.

[@TMooh11]

@@matthewnorway thank you, that's exactly what I planned on taking with me. I even have some waterproof socks and gloves :D I hope to be able to visit your loved country this summer!

[@dardanh245]

Awesome video. Very helpful. I'm planning on bikepacking this summer through central Europe. Can you advise how to not catch a cold when you're finished cycling for the day? Just take off base layer? I'm worried I'll get sick with all the sweat on me.. not being able to shower everyday.

[@matthewnorway]

You should always carry a set of off the bike clothing. After I finish my ride for the day (if it’s cold) I quickly change into my off bike clothing (usually wool). If you can wash the salt off your cycling clothing and leave to dry/air out. But if it’s too cold and won’t dry in time then don’t!

[@KaijaKastepisara]

Ajelin muinoisina aikoina Norjan päästäpäähän polkupyörällä. Söin lähinnä Mariekeksejä. NAM.

[@CouldBeBetter_]

Great video! Which merino shirts are those that you have on bike and on camp?

[@matthewnorway]

The brands are Norwegian. Devold and Dale of Norway.

[@andycolby5541]

Good content and also light hearted, but gets the point across. Couple of questions Matthew? Do you use your phone or Garmin for Navigation and pre populate routes? And if you have to deviate due to a local diversion, is it usually obvious, to get you back on route? 2nd question notice you had. couple of external power banks. Weight! Have you ever thought about a dyno set up off the front wheel? I'm about to research this, as ai have Hunt wheel set which do make a specific dyno wheel which would give an option to keep something charging whilst pedalling those long days! Have some more questions about logistics, but for another day which you may cover in one of your vids, but for now thanks for sharing with us. Andy

[@matthewnorway]

Hi Andy, I’m getting a lot of questions these days and there is a lot to go into here. Therefore, what I’m doing now is taking note of questions and will answer them in detail on my LIVE Q&A March 9th 20:00 GMT+1 (19:00 UK). If you can’t make it the video will be posted afterwards with dividers so you can find your questions answered with easy.

[@andycolby5541]

Thanks Matthew.

[@mrsporty9669]

Scandinavians are nice people 🚴🌟😊

[@Bikepacking]

Just subbed great video

[@matthewnorway]

Awesome thank you!

[@moi7748]

Good, informative video 👍👍 When you're talking about woollen clothing is it all merino wool?

[@matthewnorway]

Yes, only quality merino wool 👍

[@weldion]

The reason you had to apply a lot of dry lube on your chain when raining has one simple answer: Muc-Off. Worse dry lube is really hard to find.

[@AB-ki4li]

Great video. I am preparing for a northern sweden summer bike tour. Can I get a similar sleeping bag as you (with Limit around 0) for the mountain areas like Kebnekaise?

[@matthewnorway]

If you’re cycling the area and sticking to the roads, then yes , a similar sleeping bag with a laying system should be fine for summer. But if you’re going hiking in the mountains and plan to camp there then I would suggest a warmer sleeping bag.

[@AB-ki4li]

@@matthewnorway Thank you. Hope Norwegian border open to Sweden in the summer.

[@gualdus]

Eres un tío simpático Matthew,buen vídeo,...👍🏻where do you come from?

[@matthewnorway]

Gracias! Reino Unido

[@marcellopacifici]

hi Matthew, would you mind telling the brand of your wool jumper? It looks great

[@matthewnorway]

High quality Norwegian Brand called Devold: www.devold.com/nb-no/produkttype/langermet-ulltroeye/?category=Herre&sortStrategy=0

[@marcellopacifici]

@@matthewnorway tusen takk!

[@The.ambience.outdoors]

Great videos mate! Have you done any info videos on what type of repair kit is needed for a journey like this? Planning a trip to Norway this summer and that’s my biggest concern. Keep up the awesome work!

[@matthewnorway]

Repair kit depends on what sort bike you are taking and how far you are cycling. There will be bike shops in all the towns you pass. I usually bring a couple of tubes, small patch kit, multitool, 2 levers.

[@The.ambience.outdoors]

@@matthewnorway thanks. Appreciate you taking time to answer. Your videos been really inspiring. Planning to bike from sälen in Sweden, to Lofoten this summer ☀️

[@euanmclaughlan2823]

​@@matthewnorwayhi great videos planning on touring Norway, how did you get to Oslo with the bike, did you fly from the UK? If so how did you get your bike on the plane bike box

[@matthewnorway]

cyclenorway.com/bike-box-travel/

[@DominiqueB]

@@matthewnorway You forgot to mention a (good) pump to go with the tubes. ;-) I'd add to that a derailleur hanger, if your bike has one, maybe a chain breaker if your multitool does't have one, a small can of chain oil with a small rag (stashed in 2 ziploc spillproof baggies), and some surgical gloves.. Also nice and taking zero space, a couple quick links, and a derailleur cable. Bikes are pretty simple machines, easy to maintain and troubleshoot. Your best bet to lessen your concern, is make sure _before you leave home_, that all is in working order, replace whatever dodgy parts you might spot (including worn tires, brake pads), and practice taking the bike apart and putting it together (if you have to to ship it), to figure out what might be busted or banged out of alignement, and figure out how to take care of it.

[@kornenator]

Interesting to see that pretty much nobody mentions locks for bikepacking (and where to put them on the bike ideally), how do you go into a shop?

[@matthewnorway]

I bring my bike into the shop. Light zip locks are a good option but I’m always loosing it.

[@Audunsfitness]

Check out the Tigr locks, very light, and takes minimal space inside the frame (or in a framebag if you use one). Can also be mounted under the downtube, depending on the bike of course. Best option I've found after a LOT of research. An option to just semi-secure the bike while you go into a shop is one of those tiny Abus pull-out wire luggage locks.

[@RavelloBikes]

I liked your video. I have noticed that tourists talking lists neglect to share (outside of the wool shorts) what you wear to keep warm at night. Are you buff??

[@matthewnorway]

See from 3:56

[@edenbreckhouse]

The MSR shares a problem common to so many tents in that you put up the inner first - which is not good if it's raining. Also, given that the sleeping mat is insulated why a sleeping bag instead of a sleeping quilt?

[@matthewnorway]

Yeah I agree with the MSR but I've got pretty fast at putting it up! You make a good point about a sleeping quilt. I personally prefer a sleeping bag with a hood that provides extra warmth if required. But then again the quilts are usually a bit lighter and are becoming a popular alternative option.

[@Oslohiker]

Best place to buy gas canisters is Biltema, because they are half the price.

[@matthewnorway]

Thanks for the tip - always a good place for cheap outdoor stuff.

[@Oslohiker]

@@matthewnorway Well, canisters are of the same quality than other canisters, unlike most of their other stuff.

[@geirjohannessen8132]

Amd eal turmat and kvikkl lunsj.have a Nice bike ride.

[@WanderABit]

Thank you for helpful video, pity you didn't name all the gear you use. Can I ask you what sleeping bag liner you use -- it is really small. And also -- what first aid kit you show in the video, I am still looking for actual package, red, without velcros, and I cannot find anything compact for a bike. Thank you in advance for reply.

[@matthewnorway]

Sleeping bag liner is a silk one I bought about 20 years ago for £20. Just google camping silk liner and find a small compact one. Price today is about €50-60 for a good one. The first aid bag is some crappy thing I got free which I used as a prop in the video. If you’re only traveling in Scandinavia don’t buy a full first aid kit as there will be things in it you don’t need. I just bought 2 bandages, 5x bandaids, disinfectant spray , tape and 5x paracetamol. I fitted all that in a side pocket on my frame bag. The health care system is world class here and you will never be far from help if required . Worry about grazes and scratches and anything else is a phone call away.

[@maxflight777]

The problem with the pro is stove and the Jetboil … is they can’t really “slow cook “ they tend to be a bit “fast” !

[@al-nashmiali5304]

I have trek road bike. it's tire size is 700×23 mm . is ut suitable for bikepacking in norway?

[@matthewnorway]

No. 30mm + recommend

[@bentenn1010]

what about the bags?

[@matthewnorway]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/h5mXh6xvqc-Leq8

[@ashleywright3913]

Great advice! I used my regular air mat in Autumn last year up near Maridalsvannet and wondered why I was so bloody freezing - time for an upgrade. Have you found any cheaper places to buy some of this gear in Oslo? Online?

[@matthewnorway]

Yep, I noticed a big difference with insulated! I usually use bikeshop.no - they do a lot of bikepacking and camping gear at competitive prices. I also double-check products on www.prisjakt.no. And sometimes XXL has really good deals (cheaper than the UK) but you have to keep an eye on their sales.

[@DominiqueB]

A cheaper way to go is to use one of those thin reflective "survival" blankets under the mat to help reflect a bit of your body heat back to you. I also like adding under the inflatable a thin foam mat that a) provides insulation, usually enough in summer, 2) helps if/when the inflatable mat gets a puncture and deflates, iii) protects the mat against some of those punctures. ;-)

[@bohdanshcherbak6303]

21:00 this comment is quite relevant in 2022

[@matthewnorway]

So true!

[@skirolf]

How many kilos?

[@matthewnorway]

Heavy set for a month of travel 26-28kg (bike and bags) + water. Light set up for a few days 12-15kg

[@maxflight777]

I find your advice compelling! Why do I say that ? … you don’t mention brands … just a description.. You are trying to guide us through the kit “jungle” without adverts or “selling “ Superb video ✅

[@sirprancealott2003]

Nice one. Do you have a part deux shows how you pack it on bike? if not get on it

[@peterforde9513]

And what goes great with duck tape? Plastic ties!

[@matthewnorway]

a must - good point!

[@hrabi-k9t]

Fuck down gear. I manage with synthetic gear just fine on multi week trips. Animals should not be suffering for our comfort.

[@Siseja]

australians call them plasters

[@matthewnorway]

I worked in a seafood restaurant in Sydney many years ago. I cut my finger once and went to the manager asking for a plaster. He looked at me in complete confusion. But I remember now he was American!

[@Siseja]

@@matthewnorway hahah that explains it. When I got a cut in Australia at a surfing camp and asked for a plaster, the Australian teacher sighed in relief and said "finally someone who uses the right word!" So that's sorta drilled into my brain

[@grobbosixtyone]

I’m Australian and I’m call them bandaids. I’ve never called them plasters

[@Siseja]

@@grobbosixtyone huh that's so weird! Because the Australians i talked to def used plaster