I’ve had few friends ask me recently, “Sean, what’s your favorite kind of article to write?” To be honest, I really don’t have an answer to that question. I’m passionate about the outdoors and love getting people interested in enjoying them, as well. However, if I had a list of favorite things to write about, I think that the Gear Up features would be right near the top. I love learning about and checking out new products and then sharing them with you each month. Today, this routine rolls steadily onward with an innovative product designed for those ultralight enthusiasts who roll along the backcountry on a bike. Keep reading for details on the Bikamper from Topeak.
Yes, there are those of us who are so willing to immerse ourselves in nature that we’ll venture out for a weekend in the wilderness with nothing but a bike and what we can carry in a small backpack. Tents can be hard to transport in such a way, though, which is where the Bikamper comes in. The Bikamper is a one-person, three-season shelter that, instead of using tent poles, attaches to a 26-inch (700cc) front wheel. The absence of tent poles reduces the tent’s weight drastically when packed, which is a bonus, especially on a bike.
Construction-wise, the Bikamper’s canopy and rain fly are comprised of water-resistant urethane Ripstop nylon, and the floor is constructed from Taffeta nylon, and is seam sealed to keep moisture out. There are also three mesh panels for ventilation. Furthermore, the Bikamper has multi-cord tie-downs to keep it secure in even the harshest winds.
When fully pitched, the Bikamper has roughly 16-square feet of floor space, and measures roughly 26 inches in height. Obviously, this isn’t the type of shelter you’ll be able to lounge around in or relax with the family, but for overnight, backcountry sleep, it’s perfect. When packed, the Bikamper is around the size of a loaf of bread and can be easily strapped to a bike rack or the handlebars for transportation. It also only weighs around 3 ½ pounds when packed, which makes it light enough to carry along on longer rides.
The price of the Bikamper varies depending on where you purchase it. I’ve seen it consistently fall into the $160-$175 price range, which is very affordable if you’re in the market for such a product.
If you fancy yourself a backcountry cyclist and are tired of the added weight of tent poles and standard tents, then Topeak’s Bikamper may be just what you’ve been waiting for. Not only is it lightweight and easily transportable, but it’s designed for backcountry biking and still has enough durability to withstand nearly everything the outdoors can throw at it. Really, the only problem you’ll have now is deciding which secluded trail to take it on first.
