Neil’s Bikepacking Layering System (Video)

First things first: figuring out what kind of weather to expect and the climate you’ll be bikepacking in is essential. We include a helpful “Must Know” section at the bottom of all our routes, which covers the best time to go and what kind of weather you might encounter. Understanding the typical weather should help determine if you need any special gear, but beyond that, the best thing you can do is keep an eye on the weather a few days before heading out. You can usually get a decent idea of the temperature about a week out and track storms closer to your start date. With that said, always expect the worst and hope for the best.

I’ve been watching the weather closely with an upcoming trip to ride the Fool’s Loop in Arizona. The route contains massive elevation changes, a factor that will drastically affect my layering pack list. The route starts in Phoenix, the warmest spot, but climbs into the hills, where things cool off significantly. These elevation changes are important for any route, especially in the mountains. For example, in my home of Gunnison, Colorado, the 8,000-foot valleys get pretty warm in the summer but cool as you rise to the 12,000-foot passes nearby.

Looking at weather specific to areas around Phoenix, the temperature is expected to be 60°F at our start. Meanwhile, 100 miles in, at nearly 5,000 feet, the temperature is drastically different at 48°F. Understanding and planning for what will likely feel like a near-20-degree temperature swing, I know that I should prepare for the full range of temperatures. And that’s usually my approach for bikepacking anyway. Where I live, conditions can vary greatly, so I’ve learned to be ready for just about anything.

Another important consideration is the length of your trip. Understanding how long you’ll be out there can help dictate how many extra items you need to bring. I won’t pack many extras if it’s a week or less. Even on longer trips, finding a washer and dryer along the way is usually easy for a quick freshen-up. For this roughly five-day trip, extras aren’t really necessary. I’ll stick to the essentials and keep the packing light.

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What I’m Wearing

Let’s start with what I’ll likely begin riding in. This is important because it’s a big part of the layering system. If you don’t need to carry extra gear while bikepacking, don’t.

Starting with base layers, I typically start my trip with padded shorts and a base layer. The padded short is obviously a personal preference, but I’ve found for long distances, something pretty minimal helps reduce unwanted chafing. I’ve gone back and forth between Merino wool and Pearl Izumi mesh layers for an upper base layer. Over that layer, I usually wear a wool shirt. I’ve been rocking Ornot ones recently, and I also use these Borealis wool shirts I’ve had for years. I stick with something lightweight and breathable for shorts, usually a nylon short that isn’t bulky or restrictive.

The goal is to have something that breathes well. On top of the T-shirt, I typically opt for a sun hoodie. An exceptional protective layer, it protects me quite well here in the West, where the sun is brutal. Plus, it adds a bit of extra warmth, especially when paired with my T-shirt and base layer. This system helps keep me warm in cooler mornings (think 40 to 50°F), and I can shed layers as needed. Sock-wise, I grab whatever breathable pair I have that isn’t full of holes. Shoe choice tends to be terrain-specific. I’ll be wearing my beloved Shimano GE5s for this trip since there’s a bit of singletrack and because these are some of the best shoes I’ve used. Of course, Da Brim is coming along, and I’ll attach it to my Smith helmet for that extra sun protection.

Overall, these are the clothes I’ll be wearing throughout the day while pedaling. They wick moisture remarkably well, provide enough layering for warmth when needed, and offer built-in sun protection right from the start.

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In My Bags

This is where things get both fun and frustrating. More often than not, you’ll need to pull out a layer or two during the day, and it’s always good to have comfy items for camp. I usually store most of my clothes in my front roll. This isn’t always the case, as my setup varies between rigs, but I typically prefer clothing up front and my sleep system in the back. That said, when things get wet, the arrangement might change. But, for the most part, my clothing layers stay up front. Items I don’t anticipate needing during the ride go deeper into the bag, and things I might grab quickly are packed toward the ends or sides, depending on the style of bag I use.

Rain Gear

I always bring a rain jacket, and usually, not a minimalist one. Right now, I’m using the Gore Endure rain jacket. This one is cycling-specific, so the hood covers the helmet and fits nicely when riding. It’s essential to bring a jacket that can be worn over other clothes, as it doubles as an extra layer for warmth at night or on chilly mornings. Rain layers trap heat, creating a cozy microclimate, especially when paired with a down jacket.

The Gore Endure rain pants have been a game-changer. Like many other newer options on the market, they offer excellent breathability and have zippers or openings so you can take them off without removing your shoes. If needed, they can also double as a warm layer at camp.

Surprisingly, I’ll also bring a pair of dishwashing gloves. I picked some up last year in anticipation of a rainy day because they will keep your hands dry and work great to keep them warm. Since they don’t breathe, they create a sort of vapor barrier that helps to retain warmth. The vapor barrier system naturally occurs to some extent with most rain gear, so it’s something to keep in mind if you need extra warmth.

Mid-Layers and Accessories

Closer to the center of my bag, I pack buffs and warm gloves. These often come out at the start of the day and might end up in my frame bag if I anticipate needing them for a descent. I carry two off-brand buffs—one for my neck and another as a hat. For gloves, I usually bring a lightly insulated pair. I’ve loved my Handup insulated gloves lately, though I sometimes swap in my Gore insulated gloves. They’re a bit bulkier but do a great job keeping my hands warm when the temperature dips below freezing. I also pack one long-sleeve layer, usually a lightweight wool shirt. It’s great for camp, cooler riding conditions, or as a replacement for a sun hoodie.

Down Layers

I pack my down jacket in the middle of my bag, where it stays dry. Typically, I bring a lightweight one that packs down small. For the past three seasons, I’ve been using the Mountain Hardwear Ghost Whisperer jacket, and it’s kept me warm, even down to the mid-20s°F when paired with my rain jacket and other layers.

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I’ve also worn down pants for the past three years, and I can’t believe I didn’t start earlier. They’re incredibly warm and lightweight. That said, if the price of downpants is something you can’t quite stomach, I’ve often packed lightweight wool long underwear instead. They’re a more practical and affordable option that keeps you warm at night.

Extras

Finally, I always bring a nice pair of wool boxers. These are for camp or swapping out my chamois mid-trip to change pressure points while riding. I really like the Borealis wool boxers since they don’t have any seams near the butt, which is perfect for riding comfort. And last but certainly not least, a nice pair of thick warm socks to change into at camp. Our wool BIKEPACKING.com ones always make the cut.

At Camp

When I get to camp, I usually find my tent spot, set up my tent, blow up my sleeping pad, and lay out my sleeping bag. Then, I’ll bring my bag of clothes into the tent so I can change. I’ll throw on a fresh pair of socks, put on wool boxers, and wear my riding shorts over them. I might leave everything on for the upper half, ditch the base layer, and swap in the wool long-sleeve. As the temperature drops, I’ll eventually layer up with my down gear. If we’re hanging out late into the evening and I need some extra warmth, I’ll put on a buff, warm gloves, and rain gear.

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Overall, this layering system is modular and designed to work together. It keeps me warm when I need it and breathes when I don’t. Although some people swear by bulky wool layers, I avoid them. Instead, I use lightweight, functional layers and always avoid cotton, as it doesn’t wick moisture well. Ultimately, the goal is to meet all your needs without overpacking or bringing unnecessary extras. It’s about staying warm and dry without carrying more than you need.

So, what does your layering system look like? Is it similar to this, or do you do things differently? Let me know in the conversation below!

Further Reading

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