You don't need to be an 'investor' to invest in Singletrack: 6 days left: 95% of target - Find out more
Bivi trip was good. Will post more pics later, but here's one from first thing this morning
[url= http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5024/5645363465_04e7b3d50e.jp g" target="_blank">
[url= http://www.flickr.com/photos/15512491@N08/5645363465/ ]Sunrise[/url] by [url= http://www.flickr.com/people/15512491@N08/ ]ianbarrington[/url], on Flickr
Oh, Page 39 too 😀
mucho jealous looks gorgous
That looks bloody early in the morning 😉
Awesome trip last night thanks Ian and Flatfish great fun.
Stuart that pic was around 7am, Ian found us a superb bivvy spot at altitude 😉
[img] 
[/img]
Tents! NOOOOOOOoooooo! So wrong! Were you expecting torrential rain & swarms of locusts or something? 😉
Seriously though, looks like you guys had a great time. I'm looking forwards to my Easter bank holiday weekend bivi tomorrow 🙂
Hey no tents there!
IanB's tarp in front and Flatfish's Rig7 tarp with a pole to hold up the one end as no trees where we were to lash a line to. 😀
We had a great time and the ride home was sublime this morning.
OK, here's a quick picture summary of our short Brecon Beacons trip:
Riding up 5 mile climb:
[url= http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5221/5645799003_dafcb23275_m.jp g" target="_blank">
[url= http://www.flickr.com/photos/15512491@N08/5645799003/ ]IMG_0076[/url] by [url= http://www.flickr.com/people/15512491@N08/ ]ianbarrington[/url], on Flickr
Is that a Wildcat Handlebar harness?
[url= http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5262/5646364210_8eb0d9f84b_m.jp g" target="_blank">
[url= http://www.flickr.com/photos/15512491@N08/5646364210/ ]IMG_0079[/url] by [url= http://www.flickr.com/people/15512491@N08/ ]ianbarrington[/url], on Flickr
Climbing the Gap:
[url= http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5145/5645803131_6030ec721e_m.jp g" target="_blank">
[url= http://www.flickr.com/photos/15512491@N08/5645803131/ ]DSCN0559[/url] by [url= http://www.flickr.com/people/15512491@N08/ ]ianbarrington[/url], on Flickr
My compact and bijou Integral Siltarp:
[url= http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5021/5646366898_c2a90fe5e7_m.jp g" target="_blank">
[url= http://www.flickr.com/photos/15512491@N08/5646366898/ ]IMG_0083[/url] by [url= http://www.flickr.com/people/15512491@N08/ ]ianbarrington[/url], on Flickr
The Flat One's behemoth of a tarp, the Alpkit Rig 7:
[url= http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5269/5646367366_dbb7d5a303_m.jp g" target="_blank">
[url= http://www.flickr.com/photos/15512491@N08/5646367366/ ]IMG_0084[/url] by [url= http://www.flickr.com/people/15512491@N08/ ]ianbarrington[/url], on Flickr
Sunrise:
[url= http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5182/5646367840_cdc3e02afc_m.jp g" target="_blank">
[url= http://www.flickr.com/photos/15512491@N08/5646367840/ ]IMG_0092[/url] by [url= http://www.flickr.com/people/15512491@N08/ ]ianbarrington[/url], on Flickr
Keeping up to date with the the bivi thread:
[url= http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5183/5645805525_025945bb1d_m.jp g" target="_blank">
[url= http://www.flickr.com/photos/15512491@N08/5645805525/ ]DSCN0573[/url] by [url= http://www.flickr.com/people/15512491@N08/ ]ianbarrington[/url], on Flickr
More about this later...:
[url= http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5024/5646368778_85ec39f8aa_m.jp g" target="_blank">
[url= http://www.flickr.com/photos/15512491@N08/5646368778/ ]DSCN0579[/url] by [url= http://www.flickr.com/people/15512491@N08/ ]ianbarrington[/url], on Flickr
Breakfast:
[url= http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5104/5646369476_751a67e90f_m.jp g" target="_blank">
[url= http://www.flickr.com/photos/15512491@N08/5646369476/ ]IMG_0099[/url] by [url= http://www.flickr.com/people/15512491@N08/ ]ianbarrington[/url], on Flickr
Packing up:
[url= http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5061/5645807113_49fb0060d0_m.jp g" target="_blank">
[url= http://www.flickr.com/photos/15512491@N08/5645807113/ ]IMG_0106[/url] by [url= http://www.flickr.com/people/15512491@N08/ ]ianbarrington[/url], on Flickr
Leaving camp:
[url= http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5183/5646371234_0feee41d44_m.jp g" target="_blank">
[url= http://www.flickr.com/photos/15512491@N08/5646371234/ ]DSCN0581[/url] by [url= http://www.flickr.com/people/15512491@N08/ ]ianbarrington[/url], on Flickr
Home-ward bound:
[url= http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5181/5646372406_3cfdfcd252_m.jp g" target="_blank">
[url= http://www.flickr.com/photos/15512491@N08/5646372406/ ]DSCN0583[/url] by [url= http://www.flickr.com/people/15512491@N08/ ]ianbarrington[/url], on Flickr
Sweet (cheeky) descent:
[url= http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5061/5646372802_f8c708b997_m.jp g" target="_blank">
[url= http://www.flickr.com/photos/15512491@N08/5646372802/ ]DSCN0584[/url] by [url= http://www.flickr.com/people/15512491@N08/ ]ianbarrington[/url], on Flickr
Ian
great pics as ever Ian cheers for showing us the way and making us breakfast rolls this morning - top lad 😀
No problem Pete - it was a pleasure 🙂
I'm still not jelous 😉
I was jealous of the 29ers my 26er looked so twee 😉
Looks like a great time was had by all - where was the bivi site?
It was near Brecon 😉
I 'd just about work d that one out!
My guess is on the ridge running above and east of the gap?
check your text 😉
Can i just ask, all these photo's of improvised tarp solutions seem to show one person getting fully under a tarp and still using a waterproof bivvy... then their mate doing the same. For all the talk of saving weight it seems none of you have though up the obvious solution of sharing one tarp, heads under, feet out.
fair comment but we were trying out tarp set ups in readiness for the WRT.
In answer to your query yes we could have shared a tarp between the 3 of us but someone was just thinking of himself 8)
all these photo's of improvised tarp solutions seem to show one person getting fully under a tarp ... then their mate doing the same. ........sharing one tarp, heads under, feet out.
Crikey, if I go to sleep outside in the wilds (or in the UK 😉 ) the last thing I want to do is snuggle up with two or three other people I'm not a parent or partner to. I've got a young family and have to do that often enough at home. When I go out on a bivi I want some space.
getting fully under a tarp and still using a waterproof bivvy...
I'm not bothering taking a bivi bag out tomorrow. I'll just use a sleeping bag like the good old days before I wasted tons of money on superfluous bivi kit 😉
There was some discussion last night as to whether we should put the tarps up at all, though I was glad to shelter from the cool evening breeze under mine in the end. For reference, we were over 600m height.
As valleydaddy says, it was a bit of a kit test in advance of WRT with the aim of becoming a bit more practiced in being self sufficient, albeit with some company.
Another thing to note is that for longer trips the drier you can keep waterproof breathable fabric the better it performs. The last time I slept out during a wet night with the lower part of my bag out of a very small tarp my sleeping bag was soaked due to condensation as it couldn't breathe efficiently through the film of water. For trips of longer than a couple of nights an exposed bivvy bag isn't really practical especially with very lightweight down sleeping bags.
You could argue that a full on goretex/event hooped bivvy bag used with a shared tarp would work but then the bivvybag on its own is heavier than many of the lightweight solo set ups shown here.
The last time I slept out during a wet night with the lower part of my bag out of a very small tarp my sleeping bag was soaked due to condensation...
I'm finding that, rain or shine, the foot end of my sleeping bag nearly always suffers from condensation in my bivi bag (Rab Survival Zone)
For trips of longer than a couple of nights an exposed bivvy bag isn't really practical especially with very lightweight down sleeping bags.......You could argue that a full on goretex/event hooped bivvy bag used with a shared tarp would work but then the bivvybag on its own is heavier than many of the lightweight solo set ups shown here.
If your using a tarp them a bivi bag isn't necessary, except perhaps to draftproof your sleeping bag if it's extra windy.
In fact, even without a tarp, a bivi bag's only needed if it's wet, or there's a cold wind, or as an external 'liner' to add an extra layer of insulation to a not-quite-adequate sleeping bag. You can carry a bivi bag on a multiday trip but you're not obliged to use it every night unless conditions dictate.
That's very true Slugwash. We do seem to think that if we've no tent then we must have a bivvy bag. The last few nights around here a sleeping bag and mat would be all that's needed.
Just packing my new bag for tonight.
Slugwash is gonna be really jealous.
In my experience it doesn't matter what fancy kit you use, you will never negate bag dampness, but using a fleece liner as an outer certainly helps.
Hi all new here,
1st off just gotta say this is one of the BEST blog feeds going on at the moment 😀 Loads of good information and links, well done and keep up the good work.
So iam a keen camper and enjoy cycling so my girlfreind signed me up for the WRT for my birthday 😆 and after reading all 39 pages so far think iam nearly there with my kit but thought id show you my prototype all in 1 cooking system.
[IMG] 
[/IMG]
[IMG] 
[/IMG]
[IMG] 
[/IMG]
[IMG] 
[/IMG]
[IMG] 
[/IMG]
[IMG] 
[/IMG]
550ml Aluminum pot with screw lid = 72g
Pot cozy with lid = 23g
Aluminum wind shield = 23g
Soda can stove (max fuel capacity 2 oz) = 11g
primer pan = 7g
2 oz Fuel bottle empty = 16g
Aluminum folding spork = 20g
Silicon lip guard for drinking hot food right out of the pot= 6g
Plastic prep mat = 11g
Foam Holding Pad for eating hot food right out of the pot = 4g
Total weight 191g
You could make this lighter by removing some items or cutting a few bits down on size!
@ matty2fatty - nice bit of work there fella 😀
Make sure the lids not screwed on whilst cooking or it'll explode 😯
[IMG] 
[/IMG]
ppssssssssssssssssss KERBOOOM 😯
Thanks, usually just rest the lid on top of the pot, but could put a few holes in the top but seems a shame as can also use it to carry cold/hot water with as well, ahh and can also use it as a hot water bottle !!!
ahh and can also use it as a hot water bottle !!!
Hopefully you won't need that function on the WRT 😉
But holes would allow you to drain stuff.
WRT will be warm enough that you'll not need a hot water bottle.
WRT will be warm enough that you'll not need a hot water bottle.
here's hoping
[IMG] 
[/IMG]
True I wont need a hot water bottle but wanna try and make it universal as possible, maybe add two lids 1 with holes and 1 with out then can change as your need do.
Come across this the other day
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=280646350145&ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT#ht_500wt_1156
or
http://www.luxeoutdoor.com/eng/catalog-topic-gallery-view1.asp?id=821&selfpath=/12/125
anyone used one??
not used one but maybe worth a punt for the price if available again.
but at around 1kg not bad for a "tent" to get out of bad weather
Well time for the first bivi trip of the year. Was planning to get the train from Leeds to Dent, but missed that so settled on Skipton for a start.
Beautiful day, great decents, and a nice bar meal in Kettleworth.
Rode up into the hills to make camp, before sunset.
[img] 
[/img]
Then snap, chain broke 40 miles from home. Its going to be a long walk. 😯
Managed to set up camp while i thought of a plan.
[img] 
[/img]
Luckly the chain snapped in a place where a could singlespeed it. Gently rode/pushed my way back to Skipton, fingers crossed that the trains were running on an Easter Sunday. They were phew....
Not the adventure i planned but an 'adventure'...
Some nice pics there chew 😀
Adventure is what it's all about 😆
If your using a tarp them a bivi bag isn't necessary
...unless the ground is already wet from rain! The bag I was using at the time also happened to be a Survival Zone but I never really suffered with excessive condensation at other times.
Great pictures Matty and thanks for the inclusion of the weights 🙂 Did you make the pot cosy?
[Did you make the pot cosy?]
Yes made it myself, gotta say it all well made and works well keep hot for a cup of tea/coffee for over an hour
Where did you get the material?
At £13 I'm tempted to buy one, but I'm always up for a bit of MOYG
got it from B&Q
[url= http://www.diy.com/diy/jsp/bq/nav.jsp?action=detail&fh_secondid=10617653&fh_reftheme=promo_159792389%2cseeall%2c%2f%2fcatalog01%2fen_GB%2fcategories%3c%7b9372016%7d%2f_eco_indicators%3e%7bsaves_energy%7d%2fcategories%3c%7b9372050%7d&fh_view_size=12&fh_location=%2f%2fcatalog01%2fen_GB%2fcategories%3c%7b9372016%7d%2f_eco_indicators%3e%7bsaves_energy%7d%2fcategories%3c%7b9372050%7d%2fcategories%3c%7b9372230%7d&fh_eds=ß&fh_refview=lister&isSearch=false ]link[/url]
Will start to sell these got 10 on the go at the moment just gotta work on a price 😀
Looks like everyone's had some nice bivi action over the weekend..
nice pics
Not everyone 😕 😉
No I've got to wait to next weekend before I can get out for the first test of everything SDW here we come.. Bet the weathers rubbish now after it being so nice this weekend..
It'll be scorching next weekend 'cos I'm out too ... in fact I shall be out nearly all week 😀
I really like this thread, it has to be one of the longest running yet! I am really interested in the idea of using the bike and front wheel as a support for tarp, as in Ian bs pics above, Ian do you secure the bike to the ground first?
Does anyone know when the tiger frame bags are likely to appear? Would love to get one but can't wait/ afford to go the revelate route....
James - I don't secure the bike to the ground first and the tension in the fabric and guy lines holds it in place. A bit tricky to erect to begin with, but perfectly do-able in 5 mins or so. If it was very windy pitch, I would pass the guy line over the top of the wheel, back round under the rim and through the tarp loop again before tightening up against the peg - this would make the bike less likely to slip if the tension in the tarp reduces in a gust. Various ways of doing it - clove hitch is another example.
tiger frame bags - do you mean Wildcat? Things are likely to get rolling again early June, after the Welsh Ride Thing. In the meantime, the email channel is open to get some idea on options/ costs: http://www.singletrackworld.com/members/wildcat
The trouble with using the bike as an integral part of your shelter is that it can be a right pain if you want to ride to the pub later 🙂
Anyway, here's my kit for a three week camping trip across the Pyrnees I did a couple of years ago. Not much there...
[url= http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2464/3849610321_8f13078ab8.jp g" target="_blank">
Left to right: Epic seat bag which takes 2 green drybags - 1 spare riding gear (one shorts, one jersy, spare socks), 1 evening wear (shorts, belt, pants, long sleeve wool top), flip-flops, silk bag liner, blue bag contains Big Agnes sleeping bag, above is sleep mat, then yellow beanie, arm warmers, pack towel, Haglof Goretex jacket with bungey washing line, phd down vest, glasses, iPod, Garmin and charger, penknifes, spork. Also washbag, lock and little tool kit on bike. Done.
Oops yes wildcat, not tiger, Cheers for info!
Things are likely to get rolling again early June, after the Welsh Ride Thing.
Damn, was going to ask about a bar roll for WRT 🙁
Chipps - you can always pitch the tarp in the beer garden 😉
Notice you've got no cooking stuff there which saves a bit if you can aim for civilisation each night.
Tiger - we're aiming to do a small run of these in time for the WRT, so don't worry.
Ian - I'm not convinced about my Revelate bar roll and having seen stuart's I may well be up for one if any are available for the WRT
It weren't mine Steve ... I was just acting as test monkey 😉
I have to say test results were very favourable and this from a man who owns a Revelate harness.
I have been following this thread for a while now and it has inspired me to go and buy some kit,here a few pics from first night bikepacking overlooking Carnetown.
[url= http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5108/5653262496_cfd07ef8e2.jp g" target="_blank">
[url= http://www.flickr.com/photos/46168911@N06/5653262496/ ]Photo0091[/url] by [url= http://www.flickr.com/people/46168911@N06/ ]dave j2[/url], on Flickr
[url= http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5023/5652693615_d05c266c3b.jp g" target="_blank">
[url= http://www.flickr.com/photos/46168911@N06/5652693615/ ]Photo0090[/url] by [url= http://www.flickr.com/people/46168911@N06/ ]dave j2[/url], on Flickr
Ian Any tube bags on the cards?
Tube bags??
Here is my different take on the Siltarp set-up. Rain coverage is excellent and provides a nice shape from head to toe. One side goes to the floor for wind protection, the other is raised about a foot for greater coverage and a better view of the surroundings. The fabric is nice and taught which creates a very stable shape.
[IMG] 
[/IMG]
Like Ian's, weight is around the 300g mark including decent pegs. With the 2g Terra Nova pegs from my laser comp tent it would be around 230g but useless in anything other than lawn turf!
Tube bags??Oh they may not be called that the half frame bags like these
https://www.revelatedesigns.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=store.catalog&CategoryID=1&ProductID=5
Looks like we've all had adventures this weekend 😀
Just back from last night's bivi with the kids (my two, Sharki, Si & Shinythings 😉 ) I'm currently trying to remove marshmallow remanents from the fabric of my six year old's sleeping bag. They're now banned from further excursions, (kids [u]and[/u] marshmallows). The highlight of the trip was all being woken up at 5.30 in the morning by a cuckoo calling from about five feet above our heads 🙂
[img] 
[/img]
[img] 
[/img]
[img] 
[/img]
[img] 
[/img]
[img] 
[/img]
[img] 
[/img]
[img] 
[/img]
[img] 
[/img]
[img] 
[/img]
[img] 
[/img]
Slugwash, Thats brill nothing like a couple of teddy bears to keep you warm.. Would love to take my girls but not sure if they would like it..
Cracking looking adventure there Slugwash my girls love camping so looking forward to taking them soon, will probably be a walking bivvy rather than bikes though
Cheers for the comments guys 🙂
my girls love camping so looking forward to taking them soon, will probably be a walking bivvy rather than bikes though
It's often easier to transport smaller kids several miles by trailer rather than making them walk and ending up carrying them as well as all the kit. My son (who was cycling) jettisoned his rucksack on the climb out onto Dartmoor and I had to stick it in the back of the trailer. He'd brought along tons of crap that never got used like extra shoes, toiletries and tins of beans. I'll be implementing draconian baggage charges that would put Ryanair to shame next time he comes along 😉
I guess your right but my 2 are still little so would be a park up in forestry and a 30 min walk tops into the woods/wherever to give them a taster. 😀
That way if it went tits up we could pack up and be back home pronto 😉
Nice rigging on your tarp there Anthony, a bit of tensionmakes all the difference! I have the backpacking light duo tarp and may have to try the bike as support method, I usually bivy on foot and using a hammock, however this opens up options for more open (treeless) country or even campsites!
I just got back from my fist trip. Bit of a cock up, forgot to pack the lighters, so couldn't boil any water for food & coffee 😳 . Thankfully I had gone a bit overboard on trail mix and energy bars for 2 big days of riding, so was able to survive (with an added visit to a garage on day 2 for snickers bars and some cola).
At least next time I know I can either take less energy bars & trail mix, or leave the cooking stuff at home to really save weight.
oh and I also learnt that carbon forks don't take away enough of the clatter for 2 long days riding. another day of that and pron would have been no use to me for weeks.
No way of making tea!! ... I'd have to go home 😉
I agree Stuart I'd have to start rubbing sticks together to get a brew on 😉
@stevemorg2 - no problems - will post up some more details this week. We've got about 10 fabric blanks with the logo on to turn into harnesses.
@Dave J - didn't realise Carnetown was comparatively close to me. What tent are you using there?
@Anthony - looks good. I didn't persevere with that kind of set up as I couldn't handle the slippy fabric, a wheel a toddler and a cat all at the same time when I was experimenting. I can see the benefit if the conditions are more adverse. Will have to have another go. However, it looks tricky to get right though, and would those be 26" wheels?
@Bigface - yes, we're doing partial frame bags. Dubbed the Lynx, they'll be comparable to the American equivalents. Drop a mail to the wildcat address if you'd like to discuss features/ cost etc.
@slugwash - like the look of that trip. Kudos for taking the kids. Ours are a bit young yet (one nearly 3 years and one four weeks), but would love to get them out into the hills when they're older.
[img] 
[/img]
[img] 
[/img]
[img] 
[/img]
@IanB, The tent I was using was a Coleman Bedrock,it was a bit heavy at 2.5 kg but I wanted comfort over weight and I did,nt have far to go as I live in Cilfynydd. I bought the tent off Amazon for £28,I found the tent really warm compared to large family tents,I took a load of thermal gear with me and ended up sleeping in shorts.
Not sure if this will be worth it for people, but just saw this on the Aldi special offers: [url= http://www.aldi.co.uk/uk/html/offers/special_buys3_18649.htm ]http://www.aldi.co.uk/uk/html/offers/special_buys3_18649.htm[/url]
Good find, although somewhat large for bike duties!
Ian, they are indeed 26" wheels but I suspect a 29er would still allow enough fabric to play with. It's actually really easy to rig up, it takes 1 to 2 mins tops and uses 10 pegs as some guys are shared. Once you have got all the guys fixed there is no real danger of wheel slippage unless you boot it by accident.
Chaps, bit of a school boy error...Stu's got me work email address and Im off this week... If anyone has already got the grid ref email Please can someone forward it to me, Ive got no kids, wifes out for the day and Im home alone, Bring on the route planning!!! 8) scott.manleyATo2.co.uk
Sent.
I link these grid references a lot 🙂 (cheers Stu, keep repeating, must not sleep in house, must not sleep in house, must not sleep in house,)
Cheers 😀
A couple of these just turned up:
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=310304373027
Look pretty well made, loads of pockets plus rain cover and carry strap for off-bike time. Will try a shakedown on Saturday's 100km circumnavigation of Brizzle.
Gogledd Cymru it is then da iawn
I've not got the money spare for the Siltarp 6'x8' and a lot of places are out of staock anyway so for an extra 150grams and a tacky colour I've just [url= http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/6-x-8-CAMOUFLAGE-TARPAULIN-DPM-BASHA-BIVOUAC-CAMO-TARP-/380305179245?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_3&hash=item588bf4826d ]THIS[/url] for under a tenner including delivery
Any good?
Ha, are you lot too busy plotting WRT routes to notice 1600 posts.
Nothing useful to add though.