Nasal strips for gravel and bikepacking: prepare for long rides

What to look for on a long gravel ride

BreathersBliss Intense strips gently support the nasal sides without medication or an insert inside the nostrils. If you like that sensation, the aim is familiar nasal comfort throughout a ride, whether the route follows tracks or tarmac. Your mouth remains free for breathing, drinking and eating.

A strip does not filter trail dust or protect against pollen. Nasal comfort is also not a promise of extra watts. On a climb or demanding section, let your mouth contribute and adjust effort. If unusual breathing difficulty occurs, do not rely on an accessory to push through it.

Test before an endurance event or multi-day trip

Begin with a familiar loop, then assess adhesion on longer rides already included in your training. Wear the helmet and glasses you will take on the trip. While stationary, adopt your usual riding posture and check frame contact. During the trial, notice how wiping your face affects the edges.

Apply before sweating to healthy, clean, dry skin. Centre the strip as instructed and press the ends. The application timing guide helps organise this step. A fresh strip cannot compensate for wet or oily skin. Plan sun protection around the product instructions without giving up protection you need outdoors merely to improve adhesion.

Bikepacking: fresh preparation at each stage

Store strips in their packaging, dry and protected from dirt inside your luggage. Leave the adhesive backing on until application. A small supply of spares may help if you remove a strip during a stage, but replacing it still requires clean hands and cleaned, fully dry skin.

At camp or your accommodation, remove the worn strip gently and check the skin. Do not keep it on for several days just because it still sticks, and do not reapply a removed strip. Start the next day with a fresh one only if the skin is healthy and suitable application conditions are available. Leave irritated skin free of adhesive; riding without a strip is preferable to persisting.

On the route: fewer adjustments and a suitable pack

If an edge lifts, wait for a safe stop before attending to it. Do not take your hands off the bars to fix a strip on a descent or technical trail. Dab sweat without rubbing the ends; remove a troublesome strip at a stop and pack it out with your rubbish. Follow the wear instructions for your model rather than assuming one strip covers an entire ultra-distance event.

After testing, distinguish nasal comfort, adhesion and skin tolerance. An Intense pouch contains 30 single-use strips. For a trip, estimate planned uses and possible replacements, then compare the packs below. The goal is an appropriate supply, not continuous wear. Chest pain, faintness or unusual breathlessness require stopping exercise and seeking help.

Frequently asked questions