TRIPLE2 Guide - Gravel Equipment

"We are planning an autumn gravel trip across Austria. Good idea? A week of rain, snow, and wind. So how do you prepare for a week full of uncertain weather influences? We provide the right tips for your gravel gear." 

700 KM x 11.000 HM

Who doesn't know it – a multi-day gravel bike trip is coming up and the question arises, what do I pack in my bikepacking bags? Or more specifically: What fits in our bikepacking bags on the gravel bike at all? Since we have to cover well over 100km and 2500hm+ every day, they shouldn't be too full. Low weight and small pack size is the motto. Therefore, our approach was to cover all weather conditions with minimal gravel equipment. 

Both rain gear and wind protection are super light and take up almost no space. We are Merino fans. This is proving itself now, because when cycling daily and especially when it comes to being out for longer periods and not being able to wash, Merino cycling clothing is the ideal companion and actually belongs on every gravel gear list.

With this equipment, we are starting our trip. 

"For our bivouac, we actually need more luggage than what is listed. But space is limited, and the selection is restricted to the essential gravel equipment for our adventure. However, we get so wet on the first day that bivouacking is out of the question. On the second day, it's continuous rain. Wet shoes. Everything is wet." 

"We get creative and put waterproof bags over our socks. Then into the shoes. A good idea, because by the time we reach the Großglockner Pass, it's just above 0° and we're trudging through knee-deep snow. The bag reliably keeps not only water out but also provides additional protection against the wind. It also keeps the feet a bit warmer. Although the difference isn't that significant. Nevertheless, our tip:" 

Pack two plastic bags for emergencies in your gravel gear! 

(The bags come with a sweat foot guarantee, by the way!)

The next few days will take us across Carinthia. We can expect a wonderful combination of gravel roads, trails, and lonely streets. The drizzle enhances the solitude - no cars, no people for miles around. The last stretch from Wiener Neustadt to Vienna is dry. For a change, a strong wind is now blowing against us.

Pack up!

On the gravel bike, a short merino jersey with a full zipper and bib shorts have proven to be the best base for us. With the bikepacking bags on the bike, we can ride without a backpack, thus utilizing the rear pockets for additional gravel gear such as a wind vest, wind jacket, and small items. Additionally, this setup allows for a more aerodynamic ride, enabling us to switch to race mode, especially on long distances. This is important because a fully loaded gravel bike can quickly weigh 25 kilos. 

On this basis, one can build up according to the intensity of the rain and the cold. Light rain and wind clothing is also part of the gravel equipment! And if necessary, the cold can additionally be combated with knee and arm warmers. A Baselayer made of Merino proves to be helpful in colder temperatures, which is available in both long-sleeved and short versions and forms the daily basis for the gravel equipment.