[Closed] Sick as a dog so, show me you Bivi / Bikepacking / Adventure racing gear.....

I would have thought the point of getting all those templates would be so they could test the feasibility of producing some 'standard' size frame bags?

Good point, the Alpkit bag that Paul E used in the Arrowhead 135 on an iO went on my Jones (just) for a while, and is now on a friends 19" P7 - so it's possible with a minor compromise on fit.

NCB - I really like your handlebar solution. Will have a think about doing something similar on my Mary bars.

Thanks for the positive coments re bar ends etc. I bought my dry bags from sports diect / field & trek. They do loads of sizes and are colour coded I think the green one on my bars is 25 L the small one for sleeping bag 15 L I think . There between £3.50 / £4.50 depending on size.

Stove windshields I would use say 0.6mm ally anything thinner will become pretty buckled pretty quick. Mine is from a piece of ti sheet.

D45 yeah was ready to roll wnt to try it out. Re thread above I can see the point of a tarp reducing wind chill factor, still not sure if I should get something like a small (expensive) terra nova tent as it comes in lighter than a bivvi bag + tarp etc. Would like to stick to low budget approach 😀

I was planning on heading to SD later to have a look at there bags so thats all good.

Can anyone point me in the right direction for titanium sheet please?

Agree with keeping a low cost approach but those Terra Nova tents do look nice...

stayhigh a piece of thin alloy is probably easier to shape than ti. I had roll the ti through a set of sheet metal rollers to get it into the curve. The thin alloy you could form around anything tubular.
Aloy is lighter too!

@jameso, can you share some pics here? All I've seen are a few marketing pics from alpkit, would be nice to see the real deal.

Thanks!

How about these two bags

[url= http://www.gelert.com/products/x-treme_lite_800_sleeping_bag ]X-treme Lite 800[/url] 2 season, comfort -.9 to 5.8 degrees, 800grams, pack size 36 x 15cm.

and

[url= http://www.gelert.com/products/x-treme_lite_1000_sleeping_bag ]X-treme Lite 1000[/url] 2/3 season, comfort -1.8 to 3.5degrees, 1kg, pack size 36 x 17cm.

Both are synthetic and under £50.

I have a Gelert 800 and 1200 (both of them weigh a bit more than they are supposed to)

I got really cold in the 800 when the temp dipped to -1 ish in May and I was wearing quite a few thin layers and a Patagonia Nano Puff jacket too. The 1200 I have slept in similar conditions and been fine, though obviously it's bigger and heavier.

The 800 will cram into an 8l alpkit airlok drybag, the 1200 into a 13l

I'd like a synthetic bag the size and weight of the 800 with the warmth of the 1200 but I am not really sure such a thing exists at any price

Hmmm worth a look too then as not that much difference in pack size or weight just a tenner in the price.

Choices choices lol

My favourite post of all time, inspired at last to get out. Quick question, where do you source the webbing/straps/buckles etc.. to lash stuff to the bike?

Here:

http://www.profabrics.co.uk/

And here:

http://www.pennineoutdoor.co.uk/

I'm sure there are more.

Marko

My favourite post of all time, inspired at last to get out. Quick question, where do you source the webbing/straps/buckles etc.. to lash stuff to the bike?

Edit: My local shop in Macclesfield has a stand full of (slightly overpriced) dry bags and these accessories:
http://www.podsacs.com/accessories_beltsbuckles.html

ebay +1 dirt cheap. webbing and 10 [more than needed] ladder locks for my handlebar harness was about £3.50

jameso - Member
if you're after any details pics of the bag etc let me know.

jameso - can you post some photos please?
ton - how much were they at the event? Any ideas on the price once they are start production?

re my Alpkit bag - just seen more pics of the bags on their site and mine's a thin cordura material rather than the VX42-type of the red bags on their site - the newer versions look better! So I'll not post mine as a distraction - all I can say is that they got the sizing etc spot on from my template and the new bags look even better.

The bike with Alpkit bag on is pictured earlier in the thread, a black steel Jones.

Hi cat69 got the large webbing straps on my bars from local Wilkos shop. The are sold as luggage starps to put around your suitcase to stop it bursting open on your holiday from the costas!
Were about £2 each

[IMG] [/IMG]

Been lurking on this thread fir ages love it!

I got some straps off ebay for about £3 with those spring crocodile clip catches. They were on there as canoe tie down straps.

I've got Friday pencilled in as my first ever bivvy ride. Really looking forward to it; I'm convinced that I'll either be hooked or put off completely 🙂

NCB, those are big straps! 25mm webbing is plenty strong enough

If you're looking for drybags, Lomo Watersports do a wide range found this one particularly suitable for bar bag
http://www.ewetsuits.com/acatalog/dry-bags-uk-info_354.html

[img] [/img]

miketually - hope the weather gods smile on you! (you'll be hooked btw).

My first night out I was eaten alive by midges for 2 hours prior to them giving up at 11:30. Complete misery, but it was still amazing!

OK, whilst we're on the subject of drybags, has anyone seen any with attachment points like the Alpkit Xtras?

I really want a 13l one, but Alpkit have no stock.

page 39 someone mentions Sea To Summit bags have loops

Ah, nice one, was sure I'd looked at their site, but must've missed them. Cheers!

Just won this on eBay, I expect it to be rubbish but then you never know! Anyone have one?

[url= http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=160831182677&ssPageName=ADME:B:EOIBSA:GB:3160#ht_500wt_922 ]Clicky[/url]

[b]AlexSimon[/b] - Member
miketually - hope the weather gods smile on you! (you'll be hooked btw).

Woke up with the sun at 4, so I'm home already.

Loved it 🙂

I did a little write-up of my first bivvy ride, with some kit notes at the bottom: [url= http://mactually.co.uk/?p=389 ]Newsham Moor bivvy ride[/url].

Nice one Mike. If you had rain and still enjoyed it, then you're definitely hooked! 🙂

So.

Alpkit frame bags? Got the email today, visited site, and, surprise surprise..... sold out. Bit of a bugger.
Anyone order one?

I managed to order one on Monday night. I posted a PSA about their availability but they all went fairly quickly.

http://singletrackmag.com/forum/topic/psa-alpkit-framebags

Great and inspiring post, glad to see it keeps growing ! Since my last visit I already have a DIY frame bag done, handlebar harness waiting the last sewings and, well and many ideas for a seat bag on my head, even though that one is the most tricky of them all to get nailed down.

Keep'em coming !

Hey, there was another forum dedicated to bikepacking that I looked at last year, relatively small but the founder made his own tarps and gear - does anyone know the site I mean?

The guy might even be registered here.

here you go:

http://www.bikeandbivi.co.uk/php/

That's the one, thanks a lot!

Two weeks and Two wheels in Scotland

http://bearbonesbikepacking.co.uk/phpBB3/viewtopic.php?f=10&t=1026

Two weeks and Two wheels in Scotland

http://bearbonesbikepacking.co.uk/phpBB3/viewtopic.php?f=10&t=1026

@chew, Lovely pics and write up - thanks for the inspiration

Chew that trip is incredible! Nice one

available! just ordered one. GOGOGO

http://www.alpkit.com/shop/cart.php?target=product&product_id=16786&category_id=324

Too fousand too hundred!

Some nice cheap frame bags on Ebay right now.
Good enough small bag for £13 if anyone is looking....

[url= http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/MOUNTAIN-FIXIE-ANY-BIKE-TOP-TUBE-STASH-POUCH-TOOL-BAG-HARD-TO-FIND-CYCLE-LUGGAGE-/180926796316?pt=UK_Sports_Leisure_Cycling_Bags_Panniers_SR&hash=item2a2013d21c#ht_500wt_1180 ]MOUNTAIN,FIXIE,ANY BIKE TOP TUBE STASH POUCH/TOOL BAG HARD TO FIND CYCLE LUGGAGE | eBay[/url]

[img] [/img]

[IMG] [/IMG]

First look type review of the Coleman Avior x2 tent.
http://www.composite-projects.co.uk/2012/07/coleman-avior-x2-tent/ 🙂

Morning. Damned hot day. Had a naked rambler pass by just after this at around 5am.

this is why.

[img] [/img]

Is that what you were doing when I called in to see you on friday?

PSA: Planet fear in Keswick has an ex display Helium 200 for £99 8)

No. This was this morning. Friday was being a parent and taxi. Sorry to miss you, Jurassic the camping shop said you passed through, small town.

Thats alright, you didn't have the bike I wanted.
Had a nice ride round the place though.

I did, however, find some stickers from your good self.
[img] [/img]

Missed the Wurzels though. 😥

Worth has the best pub in the world... Marvelous view. The caves are good for a sneaky bivy but are often used for raves so not always peaceful.

After being totally inspired by this post I had my first go at bikepacking this weekend. Sorry about the pic quality.

My bike:
[img] [/img]

3/4 thermarest and old single-hoop goretex bivvy bag on the bars, either side of cables and held in place with two straps. Map on top of this under rubber bands. Spare clothes stuffed in with bivvy bag.

[img] [/img]

Top-tube bag with energy bars and phone.

1.3kg down sleeping bag behind the saddle, in a stuff sack from a synthetic Decathlon bag - this bag has compression straps built in which makes it easy to attach. Small saddle pack attached below the sleeping bag with multitool, spare tube and levers.

Two bottles with 750ml of plain water in each. I considered getting a cheap triangle frame bag to replace one bottle, but the 35°C heat meant that I needed a LOT of liquid.

Camelbak Mule with 2.5l of isostar, food pump and other tools.

I usually run a fast XC tyre on the back (Specialized Fast Trak or an old Michelin XCR Dry2) but a fully loaded test ride saw me put a big hole in a Michelin so I went with a Specialized Captain control front and back, pumped up a bit more than usual.

It was moderately epic. I thought that two 70km days would be reasonable, so I planned to do this:
[url= http://www.gpsies.com/map.do?fileId=jzjhauqdbnqjettu ]http://www.gpsies.com/map.do?fileId=jzjhauqdbnqjettu[/url] The route was chosen to take loads of fireroads. Most of the first day follows the "Grand Traversee de l'Herault" or GT34 - a bike/horse/foot trail that goes from near Montpellier to almost Carcassonne. After that I planned to go up fireroafd to the summit of Roc Blanc and bivvy up there, then the second day was to traverse the long line of La Seranne to Mont St Baudille, take a rather spicy descent and come back via fireroads and a GR footpath that uses an old rail track for most of it's length (GR653).

First day up to the summit of Roc Blanc went really well. No bike problems, but the final long, long fireroad climb really meant I had to dig deep (and keep stopping - amazing the difference a few extra kilos make!).

Near the start, looking at Hortus and Pic St Loup:
[img] [/img]

First view of the days objective - Roc Blanc:
[img] [/img]

From near the top of Roc Blanc looking at Pic St Loup from the other side:
[img] [/img]

From the top of Roc Blanc I had the first surprise. The ridge path was exactly that: a path along a ridge. The end of the fireroad was just a carpark, and exposed to the wind so I started climbing down the path, to see if I could get to the end of the rocky section before bivvying. Not far along I found a lovely flat platform sheltered from the wind:
[img] [/img]

I slept well. Day2 did not go as planned. The ridge path became a tiny, unrideable path through dense spiky vegetation over rocks. I lost the path, clambered through bushes then found it again and descended down to what looks like a big right turn on the map, I think. All that took about an hour.

But sometime during that hour I'd managed to loose my map...

I tried to follow trails from memory, but I got really badly lost. What looks like a long obvious ridgeline on the map is really quite flat on top, with a myriad of hunters/animal tracks that seem to be good then just stop in the middle of bushes. I got cut to ribbons whilst sturggling through dry spiky vegetation with a fully loaded bike balanced across my shoulders.

After a couple more hours of very slow progress I spotted a path heading down the hillside to the valley below, near St Jean de Bueges (the village in this picture):
[img] [/img]

Fortunately I found it, and escaped downwards, dropping about 600m in about 20mins. This picture shows one of the sections between terrifying crumbling hairpins:
[img] [/img]

After lunch in a cafe:
[img] [/img]

I followed the road parallel to the ridge. No way did I have the reserves to go back up to the top of Mt St Baudille and do the descent, but I picked up my original planned route and went to St Jean de Fos by fireroad:
[img] [/img]

No more pictures after this, as I managed to loose my phone SOMEWHERE on the long descent down... This meant that I was absolutely ragged, still about 35km from home and with no backup.

Fortunately an old lady out for a run (!) found it and handed it in at a local Town Hall, where I picked it up the next day. How lucky!!

I did Aniane to La Boissiere on the GR653 - rocky but mostly flat old railway, then I dropped my plan and used the road to head home.

A very interesting experience.

wow - proper adventure. Losing a map and a phone would have me panicking for sure. At least you found civilization in time for lunch!

Not that I'm at all jealous as I look forward to my 4 day double shift weekend 😯 but I wouldnt have liked it......

Looks like a great trip and beautiful views 🙂

That ^^^^^ looks ace Tim...

I need to get out there and Bivi..

8 days and counting Nick 😉

is it worth asking on here if anyone wants in ?

Aye, why not Steve.. Guess most will be at SITS tho?

Friday evening's 'avoiding the Olympics™ opening ceremony' bivi excursion.....

[center][img] [/img]

[img] [/img]

[img] [/img]

[img] [/img][/center]

Tidy

Any tips for packing a full Susser?

Craig5 - Have a look at this thread on [url= http://forums.mtbr.com/bikepacking-bike-expedition/post-your-fs-bikepackers-780748-post9188344.html ]MTBR[/url] for a few ideas.

Been dropping in and out of this thread for what seems like ages, having not done a bivi ride for years finnaly got some one to come out and play for 3 or 4 day trundle along the trans cambrian way.

Cameras charged kits sorted the adventure starts tomorrow with a drive up to the start 🙂
[URL= http://inlinethumb51.webshots.com/50034/2920208790103304323S600x600Q85.jp g" target="_blank">http://inlinethumb51.webshots.com/50034/2920208790103304323S600x600Q85.jp g"/> [/IMG][/URL]

Most fits in the topeak panier i use for my commute extra clothes and goodies in the back pack.

Just to save me having to trawl all the way back through whats the ideal size tarp to get and any handy links?

Was thinking 2 x 3m?

Something like [url= http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/NEW-DD-TARP-SOLO-2-8m-x-1-8m-Ultralight-Camping-Basha-/220817399212?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_3&var=&hash=item3369be1dac ]THIS[/url] or [url= http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/BRITISH-ARMY-DPM-BASHA-SAS-military-tarp-camo-bivi-tent-/110459219301?pt=UK_SportsLeisure_HikingCamping_Tents_JN&hash=item19b7e1ed65 ]Camo-tastic[/url] maybe?

That camo tarp is what ive got fit 2 under it, not the lightest but very durable. Can double up as a stretcher thats how robust it is.

stayhigh a 2m x 3m should give you decent coverage for solo use but may limit your set-up choices. Something nearer 3m x 3m will open up lots more options. DD are quite popular but being PU nylon are fairly heavy. It's certainly worth paying a few £ more and getting something in Silnylon ... it'll be around half the weight for a given size.

You can do things like this with a 3m x 3m

[img] [/img]

Slugwash - the point of a canoe is you *can* take everything, and not have to slum it - you should have had a 3 man tent, BBQ, beer, burgers, pillows and duvet etc.
Not that I did that on last weeks canoe trip down the Tay, oh no, that would be excessive. 8)

Slugwash - the point of a canoe is you *can* take everything, and not have to slum it - you should have had a 3 man tent.......pillows....etc

Tent? What's a tent then ?? 😉

The last time I slept in one of those was on the 2010 OMM and that was 'cos it was compulsory. (although the view from our flysheet below might suggest that it was a better option than a bivi bag)

[img] [/img]

As for the pillow, please make reference to my canoe trip piccies above where you'll see a token luxury scatter cushion in three of the shots 8)

@parkesie: have a good 'un 🙂 and don't forget to post some photos up when (if) you get back 😉

Thinking of taking my 10 year old hammocking with me on Wed night (weather in the peaks looks perfect). Any tips for taking young children.

Currently, the only thing I'm doing differently to normal is shortening the ride slightly. Anything else you'd advise?

Make sure they're plenty warm.

hmmmm - running into problems getting anything strapped to the front of the 24" Islabike. The v-brakes are getting fouled whatever I try. Can't use my Wildcat gear harness either. hmmmm

All set for our first father and son night under the stars (just slightly bigger backpacks that I would have liked).

[img] [/img]

Loving the bivvys that involve canoes and kayaks. That is my next aim, get one of those sevylor ones (no room to store a rigid) one, brush up on the scottish inland access laws for water and off I go 🙂

Made it back alive from doing the trans cambrian. Absolutely shattered after 3 great days in the hills. Some pics and details to follow 🙂

cupra - Member
brush up on the scottish inland access laws for water and off I go

A few pictures from the Trans Cambrian way

loaded up and ready to go at the start in knighton

[URL= http://inlinethumb23.webshots.com/50262/2781914630103304323S600x600Q85.jp g" target="_blank">http://inlinethumb23.webshots.com/50262/2781914630103304323S600x600Q85.jp g"/> [/IMG][/URL]

Think some one gave up cycling on the 1st climb.
[URL= http://inlinethumb64.webshots.com/51711/2096391580103304323S600x600Q85.jp g" target="_blank">http://inlinethumb64.webshots.com/51711/2096391580103304323S600x600Q85.jp g"/> [/IMG][/URL]

This about sums up day 1 grass up grass down.
[URL= http://inlinethumb39.webshots.com/9958/2527149910103304323S600x600Q85.jp g" target="_blank">http://inlinethumb39.webshots.com/9958/2527149910103304323S600x600Q85.jp g"/> [/IMG][/URL]

What its all about
[URL= http://inlinethumb30.webshots.com/52189/2155384210103304323S600x600Q85.jp g" target="_blank">http://inlinethumb30.webshots.com/52189/2155384210103304323S600x600Q85.jp g"/> [/IMG][/URL]

We found summer
[URL= http://inlinethumb17.webshots.com/49296/2899808990103304323S600x600Q85.jp g" target="_blank">http://inlinethumb17.webshots.com/49296/2899808990103304323S600x600Q85.jp g"/> [/IMG][/URL]

Bed time
[URL= http://inlinethumb12.webshots.com/49483/2452464090103304323S600x600Q85.jp g" target="_blank">http://inlinethumb12.webshots.com/49483/2452464090103304323S600x600Q85.jp g"/> [/IMG][/URL]

Good morning
[URL= http://inlinethumb40.webshots.com/51751/2182786530103304323S600x600Q85.jp g" target="_blank">http://inlinethumb40.webshots.com/51751/2182786530103304323S600x600Q85.jp g"/> [/IMG][/URL]

nice spot for breakfast
[URL= http://inlinethumb32.webshots.com/49311/2942791790103304323S600x600Q85.jp g" target="_blank">http://inlinethumb32.webshots.com/49311/2942791790103304323S600x600Q85.jp g"/> [/IMG][/URL]

maybe we wont stay here.
[URL= http://inlinethumb47.webshots.com/52142/2428386030103304323S600x600Q85.jp g" target="_blank">http://inlinethumb47.webshots.com/52142/2428386030103304323S600x600Q85.jp g"/> [/IMG][/URL]

Noisy bugger
[URL= http://inlinethumb27.webshots.com/49370/2329261650103304323S600x600Q85.jp g" target="_blank">http://inlinethumb27.webshots.com/49370/2329261650103304323S600x600Q85.jp g"/> [/IMG][/URL]

Some of the descents were interesting with panniers
[URL= http://inlinethumb40.webshots.com/51431/2346207060103304323S600x600Q85.jp g" target="_blank">http://inlinethumb40.webshots.com/51431/2346207060103304323S600x600Q85.jp g"/> [/IMG][/URL]

Long way down
[URL= http://inlinethumb31.webshots.com/49694/2298387600103304323S600x600Q85.jp g" target="_blank">http://inlinethumb31.webshots.com/49694/2298387600103304323S600x600Q85.jp g"/> [/IMG][/URL]

The end
[URL= http://inlinethumb25.webshots.com/51224/2440513310103304323S600x600Q85.jp g" target="_blank">http://inlinethumb25.webshots.com/51224/2440513310103304323S600x600Q85.jp g"/> [/IMG][/URL]

Details on the route can be found [url= http://imba.org.uk/where-to-ride/trans-cambrian-way/ ]here[/url]

Was a pretty epic 3 days even with the sun shining the whole time the route was sodden and hard going in places.

looks nice, well played. love the wake-up view. I've just got my Alpkit frame bag so had all the kit packed up today for a few test rides, and all seems stable, with plenty of room for extras now most of the stuff is in the frame. Need to find somewhere decent and local to do a night now.

--double posted

This was our father and son hammocking camp.

[img] [/img]
Apologies for the grainy iPhone shot.

New posh hammocks were ace! (and midge-proof)

Which posh hammocks are they?
WWBB or HH? Can't quite make them out.

Did your lad enjoy it?

They are UK Hammocks Woodsman X

http://ukhammocks.co.uk/shop/article_4/Woodsman-X-hammock-%28single%29.html

I considered the others, but in the end liked the thought of someone in the UK making a living from sewing them up to order. Matt was great on the phone too. Amsteel Whoopie Slings are genius!

He offered to make a 3/4 size version for my 10yo, but in the end we decided to get 2 adult ones for greater flexibility.

I've got an underquilt and top quilt, but they are too heavy for taking on the bike, so I'll save up for some lightweight versions one day. So we just used cheap silver karrimat from Decathlon and sleeping bags.

Edit: oh he [i]loved[/i] it. Slept 8 hours without waking (I got about 6). The hammock was his main birthday present and this was the first chance we got to use it!

That's easy - the same as for land. You have completely open access - just don't be a dick.

@druidh thanks, that last bit could be my downfall though 😉

Aha, I've got a woodsman lite basically the same but without a bug net.
A hammock for a 10 year olds birthday? Blimey, he's going to grow up an expensive son!

Well after slowly gathering bits of kit from here and there I'll be heading out for a maiden voyage next week. Got a rough idea for a 3 day ride along the lesser known North Downs Way which clocks in around 115 miles from my front door so should it all end in disaster I can escape relatively easily.

Heres my kit list:

Alpkit Hunka bivvy bag
Alpkit Wee Airic self inflating mat
Robert Saunders pertex sleeping bag
Army Tarp 2.4 x 1.7m
Inflatable pillow (poundshop special)

Kathmandu solo cook set
Generic burner plus gas
Spork

Baselayer longs
Merino LS baselayer
Fleece Gilet
Wooly Hat
Waterproof

Bikepack Repack SL large seatpack (bag & tarp)
15l drybag on bars (bivvy, mat, fleece)
Deuter Futara 28l backpack (everything else)
3L bladder

An assortment of cereal bars, biscuits & malt loaf
Porridge with powdered milk and fruit
Prepacked meals from asda (cant remember the name off the top of my head, its a wet pack that you heat in a pan).
Cous cous (to go with the above)
Toiletries: toothbrush/paste, wet wipes, deodorant, antihistamines, small 1st aid kit

I do still need to get a headtorch, thinking Petzl or maybe cheap and cheerful job from Sports Direct and some paracord.

Also while I think of it I was thinking of aome sort of mosquito net to stop any nasty bugglies eating me while I sleep. Any ideas?