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

I think that a hooped bivvy offers the worst compromise - heavy, not enough room to do anything but sleep and more faff than a normal bivvy bag.
If you want something bug proof look at something like the Lunar Solo or a Terra Nova tent. If you want lightweight and aren't bothered about bug netting, a bivvy bag and tarp will be your lightest option.
Everything is a compromise really.....

I have a bivvy bag, and I have lightweight (ish, for the amount of money I want to spend) 1 man tent. Was considering getting a tarp or going for one of those above

That is listed at 1.1kg

That's not the case that a bivy and a tarp will weigh less a hooped bivy - since when did 1 dac pole weigh more than even the lightest tarp?

@noltae - check out: [url= http://www.ultralightoutdoorgear.co.uk ]Ultralight outdoor gear[/url]

I hear what you're saying but there are some really light products around....

From this weekends, wet North Wales beach bivi ride
4 x fatty's

[img] [/img]

I have more hiking/expedition kit than cycling specific touring kit - I personally.question all this strapping everything but the kitchen sink to ones bike - How much weight do you want to carry on your bike tours? Its pretty much a given you'll be aiming to go relatively light - under 8kg is really easy to cycle with with just a decent fitting backpack - but I know kit junkies don't want to hear this right?

Anyone use this type of thing? Your thoughts??

Yes, I do..
Got my old work one, I like it.. Ok, so my tent weighs less, but yeah, I like it.

That's good enough for me

I have a Rab bivvy bag with a mesh section at the entry. No pole though. FWIW bivvies and tents both have their advantages which have nothing to do with weight.

noltae - Member
I have more hiking/expedition kit than cycling specific touring kit - I personally.question all this strapping everything but the kitchen sink to ones bike - How much weight do you want to carry on your bike tours? Its pretty much a given you'll be aiming to go relatively light - under 8kg is really easy to cycle with with just a decent fitting backpack - but I know kit junkies don't want to hear this right?

Far comfier and has a surprisingly good effect on traction, particularly on wee short rocky ups. I also enjoy the freedom of not having a big pack on, especially on a 3 dayer. With everything in small compartments on the bike, I can get to everything pretty quickly too.

I know kit junkies don't want to hear this right?

I have more hiking/expedition kit than cycling specific touring kit

Here's my mostly-DIY set up..
[img] [/img]

See how I made/use most of it in [url= http://www.drpidgeon.co.uk/blog.html ]my blog[/url]...

DrP

I have a bivvy bag, and I have lightweight (ish, for the amount of money I want to spend) 1 man tent. Was considering getting a tarp or going for one of those above

I've never used one but the hooped bivi bags always seem like they are not worth it unless you are camping somewhere with really extreme conditions.

Hi all its been a while since I posted on this thread but have finally got out for a bit more bike packing.
I have picked up a few more bits of kit since my last trip, most notably a Rab down sleeping bag (half price) and a Revelate designs sweet roll bar bag (from another forum member)
Both items made a difference and were very good. The sweet roll is really well secured, doesn't bounce around at all.

The trip was last week, while on holiday in Scotland visiting family I managed to sneak away for a couple of days.
The route was a Scottish coast to coast from Ullapool to Adrgay.
Not very technical but good riding across some fantastic countryside with big views in great weather.
I caught a bus from Inverness to Ullapool then road across to Croick, and down the road to Ardgay. Then road from there on the very quiet main road south pitching my tent on the east coast near the Glenmorangie distillery. I stopped in to visit family in Tain the following day before catching the train back to Inverness. Really enjoyed the trip. 😀

[URL= http://i307.photobucket.com/albums/nn298/Turner5spot20/Scottish%20C2C%202014/IMG_2193_zpsb864cec1.jp g" target="_blank">http://i307.photobucket.com/albums/nn298/Turner5spot20/Scottish%20C2C%202014/IMG_2193_zpsb864cec1.jp g"/> [/IMG][/URL]

[URL= http://i307.photobucket.com/albums/nn298/Turner5spot20/Scottish%20C2C%202014/IMG_2196_zps713d95ba.jp g" target="_blank">http://i307.photobucket.com/albums/nn298/Turner5spot20/Scottish%20C2C%202014/IMG_2196_zps713d95ba.jp g"/> [/IMG][/URL]

[URL= http://i307.photobucket.com/albums/nn298/Turner5spot20/Scottish%20C2C%202014/IMG_2206_zps41bb241f.jp g" target="_blank">http://i307.photobucket.com/albums/nn298/Turner5spot20/Scottish%20C2C%202014/IMG_2206_zps41bb241f.jp g"/> [/IMG][/URL]

[URL= http://i307.photobucket.com/albums/nn298/Turner5spot20/Scottish%20C2C%202014/IMG_2210_zps1e9829d2.jp g" target="_blank">http://i307.photobucket.com/albums/nn298/Turner5spot20/Scottish%20C2C%202014/IMG_2210_zps1e9829d2.jp g"/> [/IMG][/URL]

[URL= http://i307.photobucket.com/albums/nn298/Turner5spot20/Scottish%20C2C%202014/IMG_2212_zps18e17ce3.jp g" target="_blank">http://i307.photobucket.com/albums/nn298/Turner5spot20/Scottish%20C2C%202014/IMG_2212_zps18e17ce3.jp g"/> [/IMG][/URL]

[URL= http://i307.photobucket.com/albums/nn298/Turner5spot20/Scottish%20C2C%202014/IMG_2217_zpsb07d6aee.jp g" target="_blank">http://i307.photobucket.com/albums/nn298/Turner5spot20/Scottish%20C2C%202014/IMG_2217_zpsb07d6aee.jp g"/> [/IMG][/URL]

[URL= http://i307.photobucket.com/albums/nn298/Turner5spot20/Scottish%20C2C%202014/IMG_2222_zpsa1d3b6d7.jp g" target="_blank">http://i307.photobucket.com/albums/nn298/Turner5spot20/Scottish%20C2C%202014/IMG_2222_zpsa1d3b6d7.jp g"/> [/IMG][/URL]

[URL= http://i307.photobucket.com/albums/nn298/Turner5spot20/Scottish%20C2C%202014/IMG_2228_zpsc2412d2a.jp g" target="_blank">http://i307.photobucket.com/albums/nn298/Turner5spot20/Scottish%20C2C%202014/IMG_2228_zpsc2412d2a.jp g"/> [/IMG][/URL]
[URL= http://i307.photobucket.com/albums/nn298/Turner5spot20/Scottish%20C2C%202014/IMG_2225_zps33f52b17.jp g" target="_blank">http://i307.photobucket.com/albums/nn298/Turner5spot20/Scottish%20C2C%202014/IMG_2225_zps33f52b17.jp g"/> [/IMG][/URL]

Bit desperate starting the fire with whisky no?

Believe me not a drop was wasted!

Looks mint. I need to do more "relaxing by the fire with some whisky".

scotroutes - Member
Looks mint. I need to do more "relaxing by the fire with some whisky".

I'm up for it when you are Nick!

Latest update. 4/4 for bivvy-a-month.

[img] [/img]

http://www.blog.scotroutes.com/2014/04/count-me-out.html

nice words Colin, and pretty much sums up why I'll never do these trips as a race, far too nice a place to have your head down looking at your stem 🙂

Nick/Colin me too

Anyways, the bivvy I posted above has now shot up in price, almost three times 😮

So, tarps, buying ex military, DPM = naff of not?

DPM doesn' bother me but check the weight of these things

Yeah, looking at eBay at the moment, no weights listed, shall contact the sellers

Yeah, looking at eBay at the moment, no weights listed, shall contact the sellers

I've just weighed mine for you; 1004g including it's stuff sack.

They're very overbuilt, with loads of strengthening points all over them. This is so they can be folded in half and used as a stretcher if needs be (although it's bloody hard to carry someone on one!).

Cheers duffer.

Teetosugars - Member - Quote

scotroutes - Member
Looks mint. I need to do more "relaxing by the fire with some whisky".

This.
Very much, this...

So, tarps, buying ex military, DPM = naff of not?

Used to be usefull, kinda went with the job.. But there's far better/ lighter kit out there.

Northern England or maybe coastal Dumfries-shire? June/July?

Yes, we must sort...

Ex mil stuff needs research before buying.

Some of the curent kit is quite light (value for money) but you can go lighter at cost.

Seen some tarp/bivi/ponchos in the 400-600 gram area, i still have my old 1980's MOD poncho, weighs in about 1 kilo, my Terra Nova tent which sleeps 2 in midge free dryness luxury is about 1.3kg at minimum weight.
Haven't handled a current spec MOD Poncho, but as already stated they are tough and multi use, my old version doubles up for stretcher and bodybag duty, can be poppered up one side for a crude bivi bag affair but non breatheable. Keep the nuclear fallout off you as you sleep 🙂

Apologies in advance, the search function on here is dire...

Anyone using Alpkit's luggage (seat pack, framebag, handlebar harness)? Any feedback please as I'm thinking if diving in head first and retiring my 1980's Karimor panniers...

I have one of the centre triangle frame bags, very good bit of kit, well made and relatively cheap.

Alpkit Luggage - Hear positive things about the frame bags and the seat packs. Mixed reviews on the handlebar harness.

As you can see from the pic I am a Alpkit fanboi
Harness is fine just a bit of a faff to attach but once its on its fine kit seems well made!
[url= https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5247/13976099476_763711eb81_o.jp g" target="_blank">https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5247/13976099476_763711eb81_o.jp g"/> [/img][/url][url= https://flic.kr/p/ni2asm ]GOPR0062[/url] by [url= https://www.flickr.com/people/22534490@N00/ ]Richard Munro[/url], on Flickr
Rich
[url= https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5458/9388671792_f413840e6d_o.jp g" target="_blank">https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5458/9388671792_f413840e6d_o.jp g"/> [/img][/url][url= https://flic.kr/p/fiDp2A ]DSCF3559[1][/url] by [url= https://www.flickr.com/people/22534490@N00/ ]Richard Munro[/url], on Flickr
[url= https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5347/9301238955_65bd821c81_o.jp g" target="_blank">https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5347/9301238955_65bd821c81_o.jp g"/> [/img][/url][url= https://flic.kr/p/faVhhT ]DSCF3492[1][/url] by [url= https://www.flickr.com/people/22534490@N00/ ]Richard Munro[/url], on Flickr

Any 'real life' feedback? Would you buy again? Any 'bollux, I wish ......'? Ta.

err!!! it works only 6 months old would I buy again hope not!

V pleased with my alpkit gear, great value.

[url= http://bearbonesbikepacking.blogspot.co.uk/2013/10/alpkit-koala-your-questions-answered.html ]Koala Review[/url]

Yep would buy again, waiting for some bits to get back in stock.

Colin/Nick. Yes, sounds good. Will need to book time off ASAP as always won't know shifts until a week before

OK, sounds like you I reason not to. Thanks everyone.

Just had my Rig 3.5 turn up. How much para cord do you take with you?

Anyone done any bivvying in/around Kielder/Wark/Hexhamshire Common?

[quote=Houns ]Just had my Rig 3.5 turn up. How much para cord do you take with you?
None

I use 1.5mm Dyneema. I have it already made up into suitable guy lines. IIRC, two are 1.5m and two are 3m. I also use mini Line-loks for adjustment.

TBH, I usually set the tarp up as a flying V so the two guys I need for that are almost permanently attached.

[url= https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8250/8640743220_30d6abf64f_c.jp g" target="_blank">https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8250/8640743220_30d6abf64f_c.jp g"/> [/img][/url][url= https://flic.kr/p/eay4Vo ]Untitled[/url] by [url= https://www.flickr.com/people/22384952@N02/ ]ScotRoutes[/url], on Flickr

http://singletrackmag.com/forum/topic/fs-walking-pole-extender?replies=1#post-6002030

Anyone done any bivvying in/around Kielder/Wark/Hexhamshire Common?

I am the same as scotroutes. 1.5mm dyneema guys with mini lineloks. When i use my hammock i include 2mm dyneema ridgeline with toggles attached to 1.5mm dyneema loops tied to ridge line with prusak knots for adjusting tension.

Paracords sags when its wet and its quite heavy when its all soaked!

Any thoughts on vegan foods for bikepacking?

There are loads of dried packet foods in all the supermarkets that are vegan (some Ainsley Harriot couscous, pots and packets of pastas/noodles, etc) all need only boiled water and are very cheap. I tend to take a water filter so that I can have unlimited water.
Occasionally I have porridge too.

Can't say it's the best food, but it fills a hole!
Then nakd bars, fruit/nuts, clif bars, etc.

Any thoughts on vegan foods for bikepacking?

Yep, after lots of different tries I reckon I've got this sorted to an extent.

[b]Fast, cheap and easy options[/b]

Sainsburys Pour & Freeze bags (8 for £1) are my starting point.

For breakfast decant 1&1/2 Oat so Simple pots (3 pots makes 2 breakfasts) into a P&F bag
These just need 200ml water to make a decent helping of porridge.
Pour the water in, squeeze a bit of air out and seal the bag, mix up by squeezing and shaking, leave to stand for a couple of minutes. (add nuts / raisins etc.)

For dinner same priciple but use Noodles / Cous Cous / Pot Noodles. Add dried sausage etc.

Vegan sausage?

Sausage is optional 😀

Right ho.... I am now the proud owner of a bag of Alpkit stuff; MTM frame bag, seat pack and s&m style handlebar harness for an existing 12l dry bag.

What do people pack where and do you camelback as usual? Any tips n tricks gratefully received.

I'm a died in the wool pannier man so this is all a bit weird. Best leave in the dark for my first foray lest anyone spots the weirdness 🙂

I tend to pack related bits and pieces together, so sleeping bag, mat, bivy and tarp on the bars, spare clothes in seat pack, food and cooking kit in frame bag and tools and snacks in a small top tube bag. I like to ride without a rucksack but have used a Camelback bumbag to carry water and a waterproof.

I like to have plenty of dry bags in varying sizes to organise stuff so it's easy to find. This also helps to keep wet stuff separate from dry stuff. Packing a couple of supermarket carrier bags is always a good idea.

After a couple of trips, I have sorted what I need now, and what I don't, you'll be the same. As for camelbak, no, I try not to use it as often as I can, I cable tie a bottle holder on the top tube and plan on getting one of those ones that CTBM sells that go on the top cap. 2 bottles is fine, I have no qualms about drinking from a burn when in the sticks.

Pretty new to this but had a great couple of weekends away so far - one of them at the Welsh Ride Thing.

I've got a Wildcat seat and bar harness and a Revelate small framebag. "Modular sleeping system" TM 🙂 (bivvy bag, sleeping bag and liner) plus poles goes on the bars. Shelter and some stove bits go in the seat pack. Tools, tubes, miscellaneous heavy bits go in the framebag. Clothes go in a rucsac along with a bladder and snacks.

Tried an Alpkit bar harness but didn't work on my bike (soon to appear on the classifieds ) - would be fine with a taller front end. Bit more on this thread .... http://singletrackmag.com/forum/topic/bikepacking-colour-choice-poll-help-me-decide

Improvements? I'm going for a bigger bag on the bars (up from 8l to 13l). Looking for a secure side entry bottle cage so I can get a bit more weight off my back. Later on will probably look for a full frame bag but that can wait.

Now the obligatory photos:

Bike and bags:
[url= https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7311/14148200961_5093857f09.jp g" target="_blank">https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7311/14148200961_5093857f09.jp g"/> [/img][/url]
[url= https://www.flickr.com/photos/simon_r/14148200961/ ]21-P5042197[/url] by [url= https://www.flickr.com/people/simon_r/ ]Simon_R[/url], on Flickr

Bike and bags again ...
[url= https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2939/14148703742_bc8d2865d5.jp g" target="_blank">https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2939/14148703742_bc8d2865d5.jp g"/> [/img][/url]
[url= https://www.flickr.com/photos/simon_r/14148703742/ ]30-P5042206[/url] by [url= https://www.flickr.com/people/simon_r/ ]Simon_R[/url], on Flickr

Welsh Ride thing bivvy site (slightly dodgy tarp set up!)
[url= https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5487/14148660572_2938649789.jp g" target="_blank">https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5487/14148660572_2938649789.jp g"/> [/img][/url]
[url= https://www.flickr.com/photos/simon_r/14148660572/ ]15-P5042191[/url] by [url= https://www.flickr.com/people/simon_r/ ]Simon_R[/url], on Flickr

Big skies
[url= https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7425/14148695102_7b2bfd7309.jp g" target="_blank">https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7425/14148695102_7b2bfd7309.jp g"/> [/img][/url]
[url= https://www.flickr.com/photos/simon_r/14148695102/ ]27-P5042205[/url] by [url= https://www.flickr.com/people/simon_r/ ]Simon_R[/url], on Flickr

Room with a view:
[url= https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3670/14096793818_db46fc05a3.jp g" target="_blank">https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3670/14096793818_db46fc05a3.jp g"/> [/img][/url]
[url= https://www.flickr.com/photos/simon_r/14096793818/ ]09-P5252277[/url] by [url= https://www.flickr.com/people/simon_r/ ]Simon_R[/url], on Flickr

Great spot ....
[url= https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2895/14283889155_493d865796.jp g" target="_blank">https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2895/14283889155_493d865796.jp g"/> [/img][/url]
[url= https://www.flickr.com/photos/simon_r/14283889155/ ]14-IMG_1863[/url] by [url= https://www.flickr.com/people/simon_r/ ]Simon_R[/url], on Flickr

Stuck with a couple of problems.

1) I've got my sleeping bag in a bar mouted bag with a DIY made harness, but the tyre buzzes when the fork compresses. Would paying for one solve this or is it just a problem for 29er's? I can mount it on top but it's not too stable (but didn't fall off on a short ride, just wobbles a lot).

2) Those of you just strapping the drybag to the saddle/seatpost, what are you packing in it, I've ended up with all the loose stuff in there (sleeping bag on bars as it's lightest, tent in frame bag as it's heaviest). So that leaves clothes, food, cooking stuff, and sleeping mat. The mat gives some shape, but not enough to stop it rattling and setling down and falling off.

Lets talk sleeping bags, I have an alpkit 800orsomethinglikethat which is lovely and warm but I am paranoid about getting it wet so unless its freezing or I have a tent it gets left behind, I also have DD hammocks sleeping bag purchased on a whim, its heavy and bulky when packed but I like the top opening zip because I am always to warm and I like the waterproof footbox because J canstand up in it and get into the hammock or wriggle into the bivvy without bothering about getting it muddy.

Neither of them are particularly great in summer as I get to hot and end up sleeping on them rather than in them, they are also not tiny packed.

I was thinking 2 season bag as I will have a down jacket with me anyway but also wondering about quilts and even consider just sewing some pertex to a very fluffy blanket and using that.

Thoughts.

tyre buzzes when the fork compresses

Both are podsacs bags. The 10l one takes the bag with room for a bivi bag or jacket too, the 7l bag barely holds the sleeping bag, has to be sat on to compress it enough to roll the top over, but it is the compression type so once rolled there's another splashproof layer keeping water out.

I might try an alpkit one on that basis if they're longer and thinner. Or do you mean sausage roll like this:
[img] [/img]
rather than a footlong of gregs finest reconstituted pork and pastry?

The sleeping bag itsef I've no idea how warm it's supposed to be, it's pretty old, but it is down so replacing like for like would be expensive, but buying a less bulky bag might be the nuclear option, I'm rarely cold in it, but then I rarely use it outside of summer.

I was thinking 2 season bag as I will have a down jacket with me anyway but also wondering about quilts and even consider just sewing some pertex to a very fluffy blanket and using that.

More like this:[img] [/img]
Not round, but long a thin in the profile. I always find they rotate and point down through use, which may make things worse for you.

Ahh, I see what you mean.

Might work, the strap guide thingies on the alpkit bags might hold them up.

Got the smaller podsack bag to try first, just means transfering even more stuff to a seatpack.

Turned up today, not just stories but advice and ideas
10/10 from me

[img] [/img]

I saw him talk at the mountainfilm film festival in edinburgh I liked his attitude!

Given up trying to DIY a saddle bag harness, seems to alternate between prototypes that either settle down and loosen or are too wobbly to start with, is there anything comparable to the Alpkit Koala bag (on price and size), but in stock?

Seeing as I can only just squeeze a sleeping bag under the bars it needs to be big-ish to take

Alpkit 3/4 mat,
myti mug and stove
food
clothes (spare riding kit + down jacket)

The revelate one would fit the bill, but a few £ too many.

is there anything comparable to the Alpkit Koala bag (on price and size), but in stock?

Ive got a Wildcat Gear seat harness that holds a drybag. Ive used it with a 13l drybag though not sure if you'd get all that kit into it, especially the mat. Have you tried rolling your sleeping bag in the sleeping mat? Lot of us do that as it helps make compacting the bag easier.

Anyhoos - linky below for the Wildcat harness.

http://www.wildcatgear.co.uk/shop/seat-systems/wildcat-gear-tiger/

but the tyre buzzes when the fork compresses.

This is less likely to be 29er related, and more likely to be stack height related. The maximum size bag is clearly going to be a function of the stack height, bikes with a really low stack will buzz when the forks compress. The bloke I rode the WRThing with had this very issue with a wildcat harness - not Wildcats fault, it strapped everything up perfectly, but the distance from handlebars to crown wasn't big enough for a dry bag.

Those of you just strapping the drybag to the saddle/seatpost, what are you packing in it,

I tend to roll stuff up in my sleeping bag or in my mat - out front is the sleeping bag, with stuff for the night rolled into it (spare socks, food etc. out back is the sleeping mat, with suff for the night in it (more food, bivvi bag), in the frame bag is stuff I might want in the day plus cooking kit and repair stuff.

Last weekend, I set off with a mate up to Edinburgh to cycle Sustrans Coast & Castles north route from Edinburgh to Aberdeen.

The route itself is pretty flat, bar a few hills and steady drags. It's a nice route, mainly tarmac with the odd gravel section (Kinross and along from Montrose). It's a nice scenic route with plenty of towns along the way to stop off at. A cross bike or road bike with sturdy tyres is ideal for the route. My mate had 25mm road tyres and had a couple of punctures.

Kit wise, I travelled my lightest yet - SMD Lunar Solo, Neoair Xlite, Exped pillow, Lifeventure Downlight 660 bag, 1 pair riding kit, shorts, T shirt and socks for off the bike (forgot to pack undies so went commando!) Montane Fireball smock and Montane single track jacket, tools etc on bike. All carried in 2 dry bags, deter frame bag and a montane bat pack.

We camped at campsites to make things slightly less daunting for my mate who's first trip it was. This worked well as we were able to leave the bikes locked up at the site and head into town for dinner and drinks. Train connections were great (they run the length of the route). On the Sunday night, we grabbed a train back into Edinburgh and stayed in a hostel by the station which meant that we could do some sightseeing on the Monday before returning home.

Day 1 we rode from Edinburgh to Kinross (approx 35 miles), day 2 was 80 miles from Kinross to Montrose and day 3 around 45 miles into Aberdeen:

[url= https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2925/14503105954_2f7b70a084_z.jp g" target="_blank">https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2925/14503105954_2f7b70a084_z.jp g"/> [/img][/url][url= https://flic.kr/p/o6Ad7W ]IMAG0312[/url] by [url= https://www.flickr.com/people// ]DKNWHY[/url], on Flickr

[url= https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2922/14501055381_672fa581f8_z.jp g" target="_blank">https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2922/14501055381_672fa581f8_z.jp g"/> [/img][/url][url= https://flic.kr/p/o6pGye ]IMG_1192[/url] by [url= https://www.flickr.com/people// ]DKNWHY[/url], on Flickr

[url= https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3874/14317843898_fa54b9dba5_z.jp g" target="_blank">https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3874/14317843898_fa54b9dba5_z.jp g"/> [/img][/url][url= https://flic.kr/p/nPdGay ]IMG_1206[/url] by [url= https://www.flickr.com/people// ]DKNWHY[/url], on Flickr

[url= https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5569/14504446885_250e29551c_z.jp g" target="_blank">https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5569/14504446885_250e29551c_z.jp g"/> [/img][/url][url= https://flic.kr/p/o6H5Jr ]IMG_1190[/url] by [url= https://www.flickr.com/people// ]DKNWHY[/url], on Flickr

[url= https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2928/14317838749_b09e3e7711_z.jp g" target="_blank">https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2928/14317838749_b09e3e7711_z.jp g"/> [/img][/url][url= https://flic.kr/p/nPdECM ]IMG_1213[/url] by [url= https://www.flickr.com/people// ]DKNWHY[/url], on Flickr

[url= https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3864/14317785510_fa5e729b0f_z.jp g" target="_blank">https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3864/14317785510_fa5e729b0f_z.jp g"/> [/img][/url][url= https://flic.kr/p/nPdoNS ]IMG_1195[/url] by [url= https://www.flickr.com/people// ]DKNWHY[/url], on Flickr

[url= https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5581/14504431725_6cb0b7e96a_z.jp g" target="_blank">https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5581/14504431725_6cb0b7e96a_z.jp g"/> [/img][/url][url= https://flic.kr/p/o6H1e4 ]IMAG0317[/url] by [url= https://www.flickr.com/people// ]DKNWHY[/url], on Flickr

More pictures on my flickr stream:

[url] https://flic.kr/s/aHsjYxzauP [/url]

It was (just gone) the solstice so I took time out for a wee loop around bits of the Cairngorms.

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http://www.blog.scotroutes.com/2014/06/twa-lairigs.html

Can't say I really recommend the Lairig Ghru with a bike (though everyone should do it once)

Has anyone tried the Karrimor bivvy bag?
Looking for a cheap, summer, dry weather only option but something that will keep my down bag dry.

Mountain Warehouse are doing cheap bivvy bags. I got one as a bit of a spare/back-up option. Much lighter and smaller packed than my expensive RAb Event one - but I'm betting a lot less breathable too.

Is anyone bikepacking/bivvying in or around the North East? If so, fancy letting me tag along? I'm not a dick, honest.

Suffering huge mojo losses at the minute, hoping company will resurrect it.

put up a post on the BearBones forum

Can't remember my login details!

Can't remember my login details!

An email in the right direction could sort that out: stuart@bearbonesbikepacking.co.uk

Have read this entire thread over the last week - inspiring stuff from everyone who's contributed. Intend to set off down the Celtic Route West in October. Currently working out just how much of my kit should be waterproof!

...is there anything comparable to the Alpkit Koala bag (on price and size), but in stock?

I'm still working my way through this thread from the beginning, so apologies if this has been covered already and I haven't got to it yet, but can you get patterns for making seat packs etc.?
I know a few people make their own gear, so is it done by trial and error, or are you making copies of someone else's design?

I was wondering this myself, is it just Alpkit or Wildcat? Nobody else makes anything similar?

Plenty of people do make there own, but its generally from scratch and having to make it up as you go along.

Depends if you have the skills/patience/spare fabric as otherwise it could just be as easy/expensive to buy one

I've got one of the Apidura seat packs, a little bit more than the Alpkit & Wildcat ones but very nicely put together and works really well.

[url= https://www.apidura.com/product/saddle-pack-compact/ ]https://www.apidura.com/product/saddle-pack-compact/[/url]

I emailed Tori (the owner) and she was really quick at getting back to me about stock levels, etc.