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6 Bikepacking Comfort Upgrades Worth Carrying

Mick Turnbull

160,066 views

Bikepacking doesn't have to mean roughing it or dealing with a sore body. In this video, I break down 6 game-changing comfort upgrades that are absolutely worth the extra weight on your next adventure. From leveling up your camp setup to smoothing out rough gravel roads, these items will completely transform your riding and sleeping experience.

FULL DISCLOSURE: I purchased all of the gear featured in this video with my own money so I could give you a completely honest, unbiased review.

GEAR LINKS & RESOURCES (Note: Some links below are affiliate links, meaning I earn a small commission from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you. Thank you for supporting the channel!)

• Redshift ShockStop Seatpost: https://amzn.to/3SZFggr
• Click-Stand Bike Stand: https://www.click-stand.com
• Pump: https://amzn.to/4yn5QyV
• Da Brim Hat Brim: https://dabrim.com/collections/cyclin...
• Lightweight Camp Chair: https://amzn.to/4xeCqCi
• Premium Camp Pillow: https://www.nemoequipment.com/collect...

⏱️ TIMESTAMPS:
0:00 - Introduction: Why Comfort Matters
0:32 - Upgrade 1: Smoothing Out the Ride (Redshift Seatpost)
1:33 - Upgrade 2: Tyre pressure
2:33 - Upgrade 3: Click-Stand
3:56 - Upgrade 4: Sun Protection (Da Brim)
5:26 - Upgrade 5: The Camp Luxury (Lightweight Chair)
7:11 - Upgrade 6: Sleeping Like a King (Pillow)
8:28 - Final Thoughts: Is the Weight Worth It?

If you enjoyed this video, make sure to hit that LIKE button and SUBSCRIBE for more bikepacking gear reviews, route guides, and tips!

Instagram: Instagram: mick.turnbull

#bikepacking #adventurecycling #gravelbike

20 Comments

@MickTurnbullFilms Creator 3 weeks ago (edited) Pinned

I bought all of these items with my own money because I genuinely wanted more comfort! For me, the extra weight is 100% worth the comfort.
What about you? Are you a minimalist, or do you bring a few luxuries along? Let me know below! 👇

@hughjaars2285 2 weeks ago

There are 2 types of bike packers: those who realise that chairs are great; and those who will eventually realise that chairs are great.

@jbanhers 2 weeks ago

Love the no nonsense and completely valid list!

@michaelmcarthur7134 12 days ago

Freestanding tent. Thick sleeping pad. Dropper post. Tires no smaller than 2.4. All worth the weight.

@cameronwells6766 4 hours ago

Totally agree with the camp chair 👍

@tevoro12 4 days ago

Great video, Mick. Love these kinds of videos.

@Colleenann61 3 weeks ago

The Da Brim has saved me in the extreme heat and exposed areas. I’ve been using one since my first trip to New Zealand in 2012.

@daveebert7747 3 weeks ago

Great list, because I own most of those items.😅 Along with the redshift seatpost I also own the suspension stem, another game changer. I finally retired my Thermarest ultralight for the Big Agnes Rapid SL and for me my sleep went from a 4 to 9.5. Even on an overnighters I bring my chair, at 69 years old my butt really appreciates it after a long day in the saddle. Great video

@Margarinethebutterlover 3 weeks ago

I did a lot of cycle touring in the early 2000 with a Bob Yak trailer, Brisbane to Melbourne backroads and Cairns to Cape York the biggest trips. Same bike but with very different tyre set ups. Widest possible tyres for Cape York and changing pressures to suit the terrain/sand/mud/hardpack was crucial.
We did everything to save on weight as we had to carry a lot of water at times. We cut off the handles of our spoon and fork, even trimmed down our toothbrushes.
To relax and recline around a fire at the end of a gruelling day was to take off the wheel off the Bob Yak, fold a thermarest into the cargo area and you had a laid back seat with a back rest! It definitely made the rest and recouperation of an evening so much more enjoyable, and we definitely awoke with fresher leg and back muscles for the next day.

@tempoendurancecoaching6879 10 days ago

The Flextail pillow has been a game changer with 30 days on the Tour of Aeoterea last winter. Great video, I always leave the chair behind and wish I hadn't.

@AdventureFast 3 weeks ago

Next life changing upgrade. A 'non mummy' rectangle and wide mattress. Ive always had trouble sleeping while backpacking. But that simple change made a massive difference for me. Love your vids Mick. Keep em coming.

@dkmackie 6 days ago

Totally agree, just did UK divide and a chair at the end of the day was divine!
Cheers for your vids dude 👍

@mikekearsley2407 12 days ago

Ok Mr. Pillow, I just bought your pillow. Thanks from Seattle

@Johann-4354 2 weeks ago

Thank you. This was helpful.

@FlyingTrilobite 2 weeks ago

Thank you for these tips! Da Brim sounds excellent and I haven’t seen a click stand before.

@pipercup4214 2 weeks ago

Thank you for the recomendations - especially the Da Brim.

Greetings from Germany

@amandaphillips7705 2 weeks ago

Very informative Mick

@gnmurray5955 2 weeks ago

I made my own click stand after you showed me yours. A good idea. My latest pillow is a Zenbivy pillow case and inflatable insert. It has 2 hooks on the bottom which clip into a pair of patches with loops glued to the mattress. Eliminates the case of the disappearing pillow 😂 The Zenbivy is also unbelievably light and compact. A good alternative to the Nemo.