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Clothing List

Intro

Determining the appropriate clothing for an expedition across Norway’s diverse terrains and climates poses a multifaceted challenge. There’s no one-size-fits-all guide, and your choices should align with personal preferences. Nevertheless, it’s crucial to acknowledge the potential for temperature swings exceeding 20°C/68°F on certain days. Mastering the art of layering, both adding and shedding as needed, becomes imperative to regulate body temperature, with the choice of materials significantly impacting your overall comfort.

 

The underestimated harsh conditions that can be experienced in the mountainous and arctic regions contrast sharply with the warmth experienced in lowlands and coastal areas. It might initially seem counterintuitive to pack gloves and wool clothing during a sunny departure from Oslo in the height of summer. However, two days later, traversing a lofty mountain pass swathed in numerous layers, the wisdom behind every item mentioned below will become abundantly clear.

“I did a 2 week tour with my cycling group. Stayed in a different place each night. It was great. My only complaint was not bringing good enough gloves. Did not realize how drastic the weather could be. The two weeks were so different, and I had some hypothermia issues.”​
Dutch Bikepacker (2023)

Layering Basics

This well-established method empowers you to manage comfort by easily donning or shedding layers in response to local weather and climate changes. To grasp the art of layering for outdoor activities, it’s crucial to understand the purpose of each layer:
  1. Base layer (underwear layer): efficiently wicks sweat away from your skin.
  2. Middle layer (insulating layer): retains body heat, safeguarding you from the cold.
  3. Outer layer (shell layer): provides a barrier against wind and rainfall.
  4. Second middle or outer layer: if the temperature really drops, a second outer jacket or insulated layer may be required.
For any Norwegian bike adventure where you’re heading into the unknown, it’s advisable to have this four-layering system to deal with all eventualities.

Merino wool is King when bikepacking Norway

Simple 3 layer system to follow while cycling

How wicking technology works

Material is Key

As you assemble the layers of your cycling attire, take into account these fabric attributes:
  1. Wicking: Opt for polyester, nylon, or merino wool base layers. Unlike cotton, these moisture-wicking fabrics efficiently draw sweat away from the skin and dry quickly, making them perfect for various base layer items like vests, sports bras, short- and long-sleeve t-shirts/jerseys and socks. The superior moisture management of these materials also extends their suitability to other types of clothing.
  2. Insulating: While clothing doesn’t generate heat, efficient insulation helps retain the body’s produced heat, ensuring warmth. A thermal mid-layer is crucial to storing heat.
  3. Waterproof and Windproof: These properties are essential for an outer layer or shell, preventing the elements from saturating your clothes with rain or robbing your body of heat through wind. Note that water/wind-resistant jackets and water/windproof jackets differ greatly. Resistant material will be more breathable but only deal effectively with moderate wet & windy weather. Proof material will handle harsh weather and block wind from entering but can lack breathability. Advanced shells offer a combination of waterproof and breathable features such as Pertex Shield Air membrane. Coated non-breathable shells, although more affordable, may feel akin to wearing a plastic bag in a sauna. 
  4. Sun Protection: Clothing with an ultraviolet protection factor (UPF) rating provides defense against the sun’s harmful UV rays. When cycling for many hours a day, protecting your skin with the right clothing is essential.
 

Wool is King

Buying outdoor clothing is an expensive endeavour, and usually, your wardrobe will be built up over many years. You may try to cut costs where possible, but some items I feel are worth investing in. My number one investment for base and mid-layer items is Merino wool. Every Norwegian I know has wool clothing when heading out in nature and here is why. Benefits of Merino Wool for Outdoor Activities:
  • Moisture Wicking: Merino wool has natural moisture-wicking properties, pulling sweat away from the body and keeping you dry.
  • Temperature Regulation: It helps regulate body temperature by insulating in cold weather and releasing heat in warm conditions, providing comfort in various climates.
  • Odor Resistance: Merino wool has natural antimicrobial properties that resist the growth of odor-causing bacteria, keeping garments fresh even after prolonged use.
  • Softness and Comfort: Merino fibers are finer and softer than traditional wool, reducing the itchiness often associated with wool clothing.
  • Breathability: The fabric allows air circulation, preventing overheating during strenuous activities.
  • Quick Drying: Even when wet, merino wool dries faster than many other materials, reducing discomfort and the risk of hypothermia.
  • UV Protection: Provides some level of UV protection, shielding the skin from the harmful effects of the sun.
  • Biodegradable: Being a natural fiber, merino wool is biodegradable, contributing to environmental sustainability.
Disadvantages of Merino Wool for Outdoor Activities:
  • Cost: Merino wool products can be more expensive compared to synthetic alternatives.
  • Durability: While generally durable, merino wool may not be as resistant to abrasion as some synthetic materials, making it susceptible to wear over time.
  • Shrinkage: Improper care, such as washing in hot water or using a dryer, may lead to shrinkage.
  • Not Vegan-Friendly: Merino wool comes from sheep, making it unsuitable for those who adhere to a vegan lifestyle.
  • Maintenance Requirements: Requires more care than some synthetic fabrics, with specific washing instructions to maintain performance and longevity.

A buff/neck gaiter is light and perfect to keep your neck, ears or face warm on cold mornings or evenings.

Gloves should be able to handle 5°C/ 41°F . Ideally lower if cycling in the shoulder seasons.

Ensure your outer layers are visible and that you stand out on the road.

What to Take

  • What to take: ultimately depends on your distance, terrain and climate. If you’re bikepacking with limited storage space you may decide only to have one cycling outfit (bib shorts, jersey, base vest, socks, etc). Two or even three outfits may be recommended on longer trips to allow for better washing and hygiene procedures. The key guideline is to carry items that are either guaranteed to be frequently used or are indispensable for handling a range of weather and climate conditions. 
  • Fashion vs Practicality: While various cycling brands and hiking labels can offer quality gear if opting for more regular outdoor clothing, ensure it’s not excessively baggy or loose, as this could pose challenges in windy and adverse conditions. Practicality should outweigh fashion, with each item serving a specific purpose. Also, consider the colours you’re taking. Wearing all black because you feel it makes you look good isn’t so wise when you’re cycling through a dimly lit tunnel. Outer layers should ideally be visible, even if that means you don’t feel as cool!
  • Washing on the Road: You should’nt find it too difficult to wash clothes while cycling through Norway. Many campsites and some hotels and Airbnbs will offer washing facilities (campsites are usually $5 per wash). If you plan to wild camp and wash clothes in lakes and rivers, don’t use soap or products that pollute the water. Even if your soap is biodegradable, chemicals in the soap can change the pH levels in the water, making it toxic or challenging for animals to thrive.

Our Sponsor

Outlined below are the essential items I’d bring for a two-week expedition across Norway. Examples are sourced from our clothing sponsor, Velocio, a premium cycling brand based in New Jersey, USA. They offers quality apparel suitable for road, mountain, and bikepacking/touring escapades.

 

Base Layer, Jerseys & T-shirts

When it comes to base layers, they come in a sleeveless, short and long-sleeve format. What is right for you is up to your own preferences and requirements. I would recommend having two types, polyester and merino wool, for a long journey. Above the base layer, a cycling jersey is a practical second option on comfortable, warm days.

If you don’t like wearing cycling jerseys and prefer something more casual, well-fitted t-shirts are a good alternative, but they lack the open zip and handy pockets that jerseys provide.

Mid & Outer Layer

When it starts to get chilly on the bike but is dry and calm, an insulating mid-layer is the perfect garment to maintain a comfortable temperature. Either a fleece or softshell type are good examples of material that will keep the warmth in. Fleeces are usually warmer and also good to use off the bike. Nylon softshells will be more restricted but will offer some water/wind resistance.
If the temperature really starts to drop with rain and wind on the horizon, a quality outer layer that is both wind and waterproof will be essential. Remember, you want a hood that either goes over your helmet or, alternatively, a hoodless jacket with a cycling cap. The latter may be more practical and comfortable. It is also essential to buy a jacket that is breathable. Material such as Pertex® Shield Air are leaders in this field but have a premium price tag. None breathable outer layers are terrible to cycle in and should be avoided no matter how low the price is. 

A light and easy to pack down jacket is perfect to thrown on after your ride to maintain your body heat

The ALPHA LONG SLEEVE mid layer from velocio is perfect for both on and off the bike.

You may have limited space for clothing and should think about weight and how the item folds/roll-up.

Lower Body

Other Essentials

Off the Bike

 

When you are finished cycling for the day, it is important to change clothes into dry, warm items that prevent you from getting cooldown chills after physical exercise. If you’re camping, you should not underestimate how cold it can get at night, especially in the highlands. I have experienced close to zero degrees Celsius at 700 meters above sea level in early summer. The right warm clothing makes all the difference.

Summary

New to Bikepacking/Touring: the extensive list of necessary items may seem daunting, accompanied by the perception of a hefty budget requirement. However, most people should already have some outdoor clothing that will suffice for certain layers (or can at least borrow from family or friends).

 

Essential Investments: a good Merino wool base layer ($70-100) and a fully water/windproof breathable jacket ($200-400) are two items you should invest in. They will probably last over 10 years and be useful for many outdoor activities (not just cycling). Other essential investments are where the body gets cold the quickest (hands, feet/toes, and head). Quality water/windproof gloves, wool socks, thermal shoe covers, and a neck gaiter/buff are all essential investments to fully protect you in any environment. 

 

Sales/Second Hand: the world is awash with outdoor clothing, and big sales happen in off-seasons. Take advantage of these times as you could save 50%+, a strategy I’ve personally employed. Additionally, numerous second-hand outdoor clothing options are available online through platforms like eBay and other marketplaces.

 

Invest in Quality: While opting for cheaper outdoor clothing might be tempting, such choices can lead to discomfort and potentially dangerous outcomes. At first glance, the price tags on outdoor gear in many Norwegian shops appeared steep compared to what I was used to. It wasn’t until I embarked on mountainous excursions with Norwegians that the rationale behind their preference for quality gear began to unfold. As the Norwegian saying goes, “Det finnes ikke dårlig vær, bare dårlig klær!”—there is no such thing as bad weather, only wrong clothing. Prioritizing quality over affordability is an investment in safety, comfort, and enduring gear performance.

Great Products

Tunnels

Public transport

Food & drink

Weather & climate

Getting to Norway

Bike box travel

Gear list

Opening & closure of roads

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