The world's biggest cycling event is just around the corner. Twenty-one stages, starting this year in Brussels and covering the entire length of France. Riders need to be able to go the distance over stages ranging from fast and flat to mountains and time trials.

As the most famous endurance race in cycling, the stages inevitably travel across a range of elevation and landscapes. 

Whether you're heading over there to join the millions of fans that will line the roads this year, or you've been inspired to take on your own Grand Tour, Osprey believes they have the pack for you.

Say Bon Voyage at the Grand Depart

The tour begins on July 6th with a flat stage in Brussels. If you’re planning on flying over you’ll be looking to carry a few key luggage items. 

The Osprey Rolling Transporter series is the perfect, ultra-durable piece of luggage for active travellers. It will swallow all of your clothing and gear with ease and protect it all with a water-resistant, TPU coated high-denier nylon. The durable HighRoad™ chassis and extra-large wheels can handle the rigours of both rough travel handling and varying terrain. This is perfect for those who want a rolling duffel that can double as both a leisure companion and a method for hauling all of your cycling gear.

If you’re flying carry-on only, Rolling Transporter’s carried version is a great option. The classic Transporter Duffel comes in a 40L volume that conforms to EU maximum carry-on luggage dimensions and includes the same AdventureProof durability as the Rolling Transporter.

Equip yourself for a day by the roadside

Spectating 3,500 km of professional cycling is tough work. There’s no yellow jersey for those who follow the race in its entirety but that doesn’t mean you can’t wear the best backpack. You’ll be carrying all the important supplies to make it through the day, from hydration to race guides.

The Skarab and women’s specific Skimmer are great options as an all-rounder active daypack. Equipped with an AirScape™ back panel with bump-foam ventilation and an integrated rain cover, you’ll be ready for all conditions. Bucket-Zip access gives you plenty of room for accessing and storing your essentials while mesh side-pockets keep those must-haves on hand at all times.

If you need something to support you as you walk long segments of the mountainous stages, then a low volume hiking daypack is the right solution. The iconic Talon and the women-specific Tempest have a close and comfortable fit for a long day of spectating. The seamless lumbar to hipbelt body wrap means that the weight of the pack is carried and transferred to the right locations in your body. Hipbelt pockets keep essentials at hand and a front stretch pocket is perfect for stashing a hat or raincoat.

Ride your own Grand Tour

Finally, maybe you’re taking the opportunity to ride some of the French countryside yourself. If you’ve been inspired by the greats you’ll need to remember that there won’t be a support car carrying water or a teammate to hand you those essentials. A pack specifically designed for long, warm rides is what you’ll need.

The Syncro 20, exclusive to Wiggle in Wolf Grey, is equipped with an AirSpeed™ ventilated trampoline suspended mesh back panel which is designed to keep you cool during intense activities or warm weather. It also boasts a range of cycle specific features such as the LidLock™ bike helmet attachment, the internal organiser for bike specific tools and spares and a BioStretch™ hipbelt and harness which provides stability but also flexibility when you need it most.

If you’re looking for something more compact then the Seral 7 Waist Bag is a great option. This pack, exclusive to Wiggle, includes a 1.5L Hydraulics™ Reservoir, front zippered pocket, hipbelt pockets and a respectable main compartment.

So whether you’re a spectator or a passionate cyclist who has been inspired, be sure to carry to best packs for the job.

 

About the author

NChamanian's picture
Nassrin Chamanian
Published on: 18 Jun 2019

Pretty OK at bikes. Enthusiasm outstrips ability.