Everything you need for a night in the backcountry, fitting inside a frame bag. The ultralight approach isn’t about suffering—it’s about selecting the right gear.
The Sub-5-Pound Sleep System
Shelter: Tarp (10oz) + bivy (8oz) or ultralight tent (24-30oz). The tarp-bivy combo is lighter but requires skill. Modern ultralight tents like the Tarptent Notch offer near-equal weight with easier setup.
Insulation: Down quilt (16-22oz for 30°F rating) beats traditional sleeping bags for weight and packability. Enlightened Equipment, Katabatic, and UGQ make bikepacking-friendly options.
Pad: Inflatable at 10-14oz (Therm-a-Rest NeoAir) or closed-cell foam at 8oz. Foam is bombproof but bulky; inflatables pack small but can puncture.
What Fits Where
Frame bag (3-5L): Quilt compressed in stuff sack, inflatable pad rolled tight, camp clothes
Seat pack (10-15L): Shelter, pad if foam, extra layers
Handlebar roll (8-12L): Sleeping system alternative location, keeps weight forward for balance
The exact configuration depends on your bike’s geometry and bag dimensions. Experiment before committing.
Cutting Weight, Not Warmth
The biggest weight savings come from temperature rating accuracy. A 20°F bag weighs significantly more than a 35°F bag. Know your conditions and bring exactly enough insulation—not a “just in case” winter bag for summer riding.
Wearing all your clothes to bed is legitimate technique. Your cycling layers become sleep layers, reducing what you carry.
What to Skip
Pillows: Stuff sack filled with clothes works identically.
Camp chairs: Sit on your pad, against a tree, or on the ground. Chairs are luxury weight.
Excessive camp clothing: One dry base layer and one warm layer covers most conditions.
The Comfort Threshold
Everyone’s threshold differs. Some riders sleep fine under a tarp with minimal insulation. Others need enclosed shelters and thick pads to function. Find your minimum—the point below which sleep quality tanks—and pack to that level, not below it.
Ultralight isn’t about carrying the absolute minimum. It’s about carrying exactly what you need and nothing more.
