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    Bikepacking autonomy

    Energy 3 h 12 slides

    Ultra-light gear for long rides

    Learning objectives

    By the end of this module you'll be able to:

    • Choose between a hub dynamo and portable solar according to the distance and type of expedition.
    • Size your power bank (Wh = Use/day × Days × 1.25) and convert mAh into real Wh.
    • Choose a suitable ultralight water filter (Sawyer in Europe, +UV in tropical areas).
    • Navigate offline reliably (Komoot, OsmAnd, IGN map) while saving battery.
    • Optimise the calorie density of your food (target ≥ 5.5 kcal/g) to lighten your load.
    • Bivouac legally and according to Leave No Trace principles.

    Slide 1 of 12

    Introduction

    Self-supported bikepacking: why every gram counts

    Module 8 — Bikepacking | Azimut AI Nomad

    Bikepacking pushes autonomy to its extreme: limited space, critical weight, zero infrastructure. Unlike in a van, every watt-hour and every litre of water has to be earned. This module covers energy, water, navigation and food for expeditions from 3 days to 3 months.

    20-36 Wh/day

    Typical electricity use (smartphone + GPS + lights)

    2-4 L/day

    Minimum water needs per cyclist depending on effort and temperature

    3-5k kcal

    Daily calories needed depending on elevation gain and terrain

    Slide 2 of 12

    Dynamo

    Hub dynamo: energy from your own legs

    SON 28, SP PD-8X and alternatives

    ModelPowerWeightPriceReal output
    SON 286 W410 g350-500 EUR3-5 Wh per hour of pedalling
    SP PD-8X6 W460 g250-350 EUR3-4.5 Wh per hour
    Shutter Precision PV-83 W320 g180-250 EUR1.5-2.5 Wh per hour
    Shimano DH-UR7003 W580 g120-180 EUR1.5-2 Wh per hour

    Converter required: a dynamo produces alternating current. A USB converter (Sinewave Reactor, Cinq5) is needed to charge your devices. Extra budget: 80-150 EUR.

    Slide 3 of 12

    Solar

    Portable solar: charging at camp

    Folding panels and solar power banks

    ProductPowerWeightPriceUse
    BigBlue 28W28 W670 g70 EURBest W/EUR ratio
    BioLite SolarPanel 5+5 W390 g60 EURUltra-compact, built-in battery
    Anker 625 (100W)100 W1,800 g200 EURBase camp / slow expedition
    Goal Zero Nomad 2020 W550 g130 EURTough, multiple connectors

    In practice, a 20-28 W folding panel produces 40-80 Wh a day in a European summer (6h of exposure). In winter or under forest cover, divide by 2-3.

    670 gweight of the BigBlue 28W — the best power-to-weight ratio on the market in 2026

    The rest of the module is waiting for you

    9 more slides, quizzes and a badge to earn.

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