_g-11.png){kind=small}
APEX1
The Most Packable Bikepacking Tent
Disclaimer: All reviews contain subjective opinions of the NANZA team.
[Funding Status]
Pledges: $49,884
(as of Oct 15, 2025)
Live until: November 5, 2025
@ 5:11 AM (PDT)
[Reward Price]
Early Bird: $528 USD (25% off retail)
* Shipping fee not included.
[Estimated Shipping Time]
Jun 2026
NANZA Tl;dr
The APEX1 is a groundbreaking one-person tent system created specifically for bikepackers — i.e., riders who carry all their gear on a bicycle and camp overnight on multi-day trips. Unlike conventional backpacking tents (which assume you carry your gear on your back and often sacrifice pack size for comfort or space), this tent is built from the ground up to meet the unique constraints of a bike-packing setup: highly limited bag volume, the need to stow gear on multiple small bike bags (frame bags, saddle packs, handlebar rolls), and the desire to minimize weight and bulk.
The design is modular: depending on how light or comfortable you want to be, you can deploy just the outer fly (minimalist, lightest), or add the groundsheet, or go full double-wall with inner mesh tent and floor. By leveraging the bicycle itself as part of the tent’s structural system (using the bike’s handlebars and cockpit area as an anchor/pole point), the APEX1 reduces the number of poles and amount of tent fabric required, which in turn lets the packed volume shrink to roughly that of a large water bottle (around 1 litre) while still delivering over 2 square metres of usable interior space.
Summary
Packed Volume & Size Efficiency
The APEX1 claims to fold down to approximately one litre of volume, which is extraordinarily small for a tent offering full functionality. This means it can more easily fit into tight spaces on a loaded bike: handlebars, top tube bag, saddle roll, or even strapped to the frame rather than dominating one of your main packs. That kind of compactness is a key advantage for bikepackers, where every cubic-centimetre counts.
Weight Options & Modularity
Depending on how much you bring, you can choose: fly-only (~480 g), fly + groundsheet (~~650-700 g), or full double-wall (fly + inner + floor) (~790 g) according to various sources. This gives you flexibility: a minimalist setup for fair weather, or a more comfortable setup for tougher conditions—so you can tailor the tent’s weight to the trip profile.
Bike as Structural Support
A standout feature: the bike itself becomes part of the tent’s structure. A guy line runs from the fly to the handlebars, which act as a pole/anchor and help provide interior headroom and space.
By doing this, the designers claim about 30% more internal volume compared to if they’d used a conventional pole layout. This is clever because it exploits gear you already carry (the bike) instead of adding more weight/poles.
Interior Space & Usability
Despite its tiny packed size, the APEX1 offers a generous floor footprint and headroom for a solo user. For example, interior length is about 220 cm (~87″) and width around 75 cm (~30″) in one spec, with peak height ~119.5 cm (~47″) in the full inner configuration. That means tall riders should still fit, and you’ll have some room for gear. By designing smartly around the bike’s structure, they’ve achieved a good balance of compactness and livability.
Materials & Sustainability Considerations
The outer shell is made from double-sided silicone-coated ripstop nylon; the outer fabric is left undyed (which the brand says reduces CO₂ by ~30%). Additionally, the seams are stitched using impregnated thread rather than relying on adhesive/tape, which enhances repairability and long life in the field. For long-haul trips this kind of design matters. For a user like you who values tradition and craft, the attention to detail and repairability might be appealing.
Setup Speed & Field Use
The tent setup is claimed to take under five minutes in favourable conditions. That kind of quick pitch is relevant when you’re arriving at camp after a long ride or when conditions impact daylight. The fewer complex steps, the less time you spend messing with gear and the more time you have to relax, draw, or enjoy your surroundings (which ties into your brand of appreciating the slower, more considered process)
Modularity & Flexibility of Use
Because you can choose the level of setup (fly only vs full inner), you get adaptability: if you’re on a fast, light ride in fair weather you go lighter; if you’re in more demanding terrain or colder nights you step up to the full inner. That flexibility means one investment covers multiple trip profiles—an advantage for someone managing gear complexity. Also, the “shell-only” option means you can stay minimalist without completely giving up the brand or comfort.
Compact Pole & Peg System
The pole system is collapsible — e.g., one spec lists pole length collapsed ~32.5 cm (~12.7 ") — making it easy to stow in a small bag. That ensures the “ultra‐packable” claim holds true not just for fabric but for structural components too. The pegging system (6 or 7 stakes recommended for stability) is also minimal, aligned with bikepacking realities where you might be on harder ground or limited anchoring options.
Shipping:
Shipping can be calculated at checkout and will differ in time as well as price depending on your address!
What We Love
1. Availability & Production Timeline
The Kickstarter campaign launched with early-bird pricing at ~CHF 420 (~US $525) and retail around CHF 560 (~US $700). First production run was planned for November 2025 with deliveries early 2026. That means while the tent is exciting, it is still a pre-order risk: manufacturing, sizing, or supply chain issues could impact timelines. If you’re thinking of backing it, that timeline and risk should be part of your calculations.
2. A Symbol of Innovation in Outdoor Design
More than just a tent, the APEX1 represents a new direction in outdoor gear philosophy. It merges advanced material engineering with human-centered design, promoting sustainability, portability, and minimalist aesthetics. For bikepackers and adventure artists alike, it’s a product that celebrates exploration and self-reliance—proof that practical design can also be inspiring.
What We Don't
1. Dependence on the Bicycle for Structure
The tent’s stability depends heavily on how securely your bike can be positioned. On uneven terrain, sandy ground, or soft soil, keeping a bike upright and stable can be tricky. If the bike tips over or shifts at night, the tent structure can sag or partially collapse. Aper could design a small, detachable support rod or frame adapter as an optional backup for when the terrain doesn’t allow a stable bike setup. That would maintain the weight advantage while increasing versatility.
Is it Worth it?
The APER APEX1 Bikepacking Tent stands out as a highly worthwhile purchase for anyone who values efficiency, mobility, and thoughtful design in their outdoor gear. Built specifically for cyclists, it eliminates the need for traditional tent poles by ingeniously using your bike’s frame as the main structure, allowing for an incredibly compact, lightweight setup that saves both space and effort. Despite its minimalist form, it offers impressive durability and weather resistance with premium materials designed to withstand diverse environments. The tent’s quick setup time—less than five minutes—makes it ideal for spontaneous stops and multi-day journeys, while its double-wall design ensures excellent ventilation and moisture control for comfortable rest. The APEX1 also demonstrates meticulous attention to detail, featuring integrated storage solutions and a packable size that fits neatly into small bike bags. Its sleek, aerodynamic shape reduces wind drag when packed, and its eco-conscious design reflects a commitment to sustainability without compromising performance. Though it comes at a premium price point, the combination of innovation, functionality, and portability makes the APEX1 a smart long-term investment for serious adventurers and minimalist travelers who want the freedom to camp anywhere their ride takes them.