u/DirectorOk2475

Hello fellow cyclists! AFAB NB and new to bikepacking, chamois, the whole deal. Thanks for making this an inclusive place!

*In writing this, I think I answered my own question, but I'm still curious to hear what layering systems others have found success with for similar circumstances, so please do share!*
I'm planning a 5-6 week route on the TA in NZ for late this year, with side quests to do some Great Walks, trail runs, visit family, chill. I'll also be traveling for a couple of months leading up to the trip, which isn't focused on bike touring so much as sightseeing and rest. I've got myself in quite a packing conundrum, as I have ~3+ vacations wrapped into 4+ months.

I'm getting my bottom layering system for the bikepacking bit in order and could use the advice of those who regularly mix in some trekking/camping/running with their extended bike routes. Below are the items I know, think, and am unsure about bringing, with context for each. Any feedback from those with similar experience would be appreciated!

Know I will bring:

• 1 pair Bedrock sandals - for both riding and daily airing of the toes
• 1 pair trail runners - for both riding and hiking/trail running
• 3 pairs socks - 2 for riding/hiking w/ trail runners, 1 for camp
• 1 pair rain pants, full side zip
• 1 pair SmartWool baselayer for camping/sleeping
• 1 pair Terry padded bike shorts - can be worn alone, purchased but still need to test these
• 1, probably 2 pairs Branwyn merino thong underwear - for off-bike times/days, already have and like

Think I will bring:

• 1 pair padded liner bike shorts - can be paired with layers below, purchased but still need to test these
• 1 pair Outdoor Voices zip-off hiking pants - have lived in these for 2 weeks backpacking previously, can be worn as shorts, capris or pants

Unsure I will bring: *where I need help!!*

• 1 pair loose running shorts that can be worn over liner bike shorts? or...
• 1 pair MTB shorts to wear over liner bike shorts, but mostly because I like the aesthetic more than running shorts, but still need something to run in...?
• What to bleed into when off the bike - for the bike part, I've read the recent threads on this and know that many here love a disc or cup; (graphic content incoming) I'm a super light, erm, clotty bleeder (IYKYK) and things tend to stick (or resist) more than absorb, so I'm leaning toward just staining my chamois when the time comes. But I'm realizing that one of my off-bike undies should be compatible with menstrual liners/pads... so I answered my own q and overshared in the process!

What am I missing? TIA!

Apologies to the mods if this should be in the weekly discussion.

tldr; I think my issue largely has to do with constantly interrupted streaming (pausing all the time), leading me to give up and listen to the same downloaded playlists over and over again.

I started an annual membership at the beginning of the year. I’m listening to less music, and especially less new music. I was excited about Qobuz, for one, to get out of the Spotify algo and diversify my music listening. But when I’m out and about, I can hardly get anything to load. I have very little pulse on what new music is coming out, and when I do see something I’m interested in, I have no incentive to listen, because it won’t even play.

When I’m home, I use the desktop app, which doesn’t have the option to create radio stations from songs or albums, the main way I like to find new music.

I’m kinda sad and feel like giving up. There’s plenty of room on my phone and I’ve increased the Qobuz data limit, but still, insufferable pausing. Sorry for being so negative, I want to love this app, I really did. My partner and I even talked about writing letters to Qobuz about how cool we think they are but where we see room for improvement (lol).

Has anyone had similar issues and managed to troubleshoot and now love Qobuz?

Edit: didn’t expect this to gain so much traction, but loving hearing everyone’s different wins, challenges, suggestions, processes for using Qobuz to its full potential. I downloaded the beta version of the app and found that it completely resolved my pausing issues with no other adjustments to quality, data usage, etc. (shared in comments that have mobile data set to cd quality already). I’m so excited to make some new playlists that I won’t have to remember to download (with the app open and screen unlocked) before leaving the house. Now I just have to put my 300+ playlists in chronological order as they were on Spotify… 😅