Sick as a dog so, s...
 

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

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...it could just be as easy/expensive to buy one

That's what I thought in the end, so I've ordered a Wildcat Tiger seat pack. For the amount of work involved in making something similar, it didn't seem worth it.

However, frame bags are a different matter.
Eventually, I want to make four for the tandem. With the extra down tube, there's a lot of spaces to fill.
I'll start with making one for a solo first though.
If you buy a catalogue for £1.50 from Pennine Outdoors, you get 5 free samples, so which would be best to choose from this lot.
http://www.pennineoutdoor.co.uk/fabrics/medium-and-heavy-weight-weather-resistant-fabrics
There's 10 there that look likely to me, so I'm tempted to get two catalogues and try them all, unless someone can say that some are definitely better than others.


 
Posted : 30/08/2014 11:05 pm
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daleftw, I'm in Durham and wanting to get out more. So far only done campsite camping as it's all the missus will try, and it's been a while since we last went anyway. But I'd be up for some adventures


 
Posted : 31/08/2014 10:14 am
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I've ordered this lot of samples.
http://www.profabrics.co.uk/products/outdoor-/coated-nylon-fabrics/0000867.html
Mary's got an old Singer treadle machine that she reckons will handle the thicker fabric and webbing, so I just need to learn how to use it.

Sewing; how hard can that be? 😛


 
Posted : 02/09/2014 7:39 am
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I was wondering this myself, is it just Alpkit or Wildcat? Nobody else makes anything similar?

I priced all of the fabric and strapping etc and opted on buying a saddle pack and I'm very glad i did! Get in touch with Pawel at http://www.bikepack.eu/ and he can sort you out for a saddle bag. I got the 8-12 litre and it is MINT and BOMBER. There might be a bit of lead time as it is tough to get the polyant fabric. It's worth any wait though, and I can vouch for the quality and attention to detail. Pawel is great to deal with as well, a true gent. I can post photo's if you like, but you can get a pretty good idea from the photos on his website.


 
Posted : 09/10/2014 2:24 pm
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I could be wrong (as per), but Alpkit seem to be in stock for their Kanga bar harness thingy - at least it's the first time I've ordered and it's worked. they look to be making them to order. Please tell me I've not just blown £45 on something that doesn't work.......


 
Posted : 13/10/2014 10:56 pm
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It works. I wouldn't bother with the Roo effort though, its pants. I use an Ortleib heavy duty dry bag (the pvc one like their panniers) with mine with about 15l of gear. It doesn't move or slip. I've done undredz of miles with zero problems.


 
Posted : 14/10/2014 7:33 am
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Ta - thats what I hoped. No Roo for me either.


 
Posted : 14/10/2014 8:15 am
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Ohh, a cheaper version of their Koala bag has appeared, a tapered and narrow looking Airlok extra 13l with strappage for £15. That'll do me.


 
Posted : 14/10/2014 8:34 am
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A little bump for this thread. Anybody out for some autumnal bikepacking?
I've just got a new Hunka bag so I'm taking it for a test bivi tonight. Microadventure.


 
Posted : 03/11/2014 4:00 pm
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A cold and wet November night is a good opportunity to test how warm and waterproof the gear is!

[URL= http://i117.photobucket.com/albums/o74/col_davies/03Nov.jp g" target="_blank">http://i117.photobucket.com/albums/o74/col_davies/03Nov.jp g"/> [/IMG][/URL]


 
Posted : 04/11/2014 1:41 pm
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I was a long time lurker on this thread wondering where the appeal in Bikepacking lay.

Boblo came up with a route that would be much easier with bikepacking gear. I took the plunge, bought some kit and loved it.

http://www.crazyguyonabike.com/doc/BikepackingfromStBeestoWhitby

http://www.crazyguyonabike.com/doc/MCandBoblogoHotSpringingaroundIdaho


 
Posted : 04/11/2014 6:53 pm
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Go on then, I’ll bite! (Like the mozzies). Nosing around for tarp info and found you lot, I’ve obv not been looking hard enough previously, either that or I’m an antisocial old fart. Oh yes, it’s the latter isn’t it.

If you can bear with my ramblings I’ve been MTB tourer for yonks. Dawes Cougar bought in 1985 – loved steampunk MTBing round old steelworks, industrial areas etc, oh and the odd mountain top. First big outing was hardly bikepacking lite! One month circumnavigation of Iceland, after a sea voyage, with far too much junk although in mitigation there was almost nowhere to stock up on the way.

[img] [/img]

Picked up my faithful Orange P7 a while ago. Have hated panniers for ages. Tried a seatpost pannier rack a while ago – hopeless, I valued my rear wheel too much. Then invested in what I still think is the superb Extrawheel with 2 panniers. I know, still not “professional bikepacking” but it’s all I knew at the time. Far superior to a Bob Yak etc, because it just tracks your bike over ANYTHING. And the best bit is you can unhook it in 5 seconds, bung it in the long grass, then hammer off on a supertech trail ride for a couple of hours (if such perversions are indeed your bag). Quick cuppa, 5 secs Extrawheel back on, and off to the next spot. Brilliant. It even works with a full sus (I know, heresy! But I get the best of all worlds then), and has survived up/down Foel Fadian and Helvellyn for example.

[img] [/img]

You can also set up lots of amusing bike-train type configurations to amuse the normals, like this. Note the “emergency” Brompton in the trailer ;-).

[img] [/img]

Up to now I’ve sported Macpac Microlight (bombproof, dyneema/titanium), Drishell PHD bag, Exped UL7 and pillow, Coleman F1, MSR Miniworks filter, etc etc. Time for the next step, egged on by the rest of the inmates in here! Need a bit of luxury in my grand old elder statesman 56-yr-old position ( a position usually horizontal in the nearest boozer), so not prepared to abandon the mat; but am thinking of Rig 7 with 2mm dyneema and titanium (or maybe splash out on cuben but can’t find one big enough), Hunka or TN Moonlite or RAB Survival Zone, etc. Also looking at Steripen (Traveller at 150g rather than Mini at 105g, cos want easy AAA rechargeables not CR123s). But dunno whether to get Hunka XL so can fit mat inside it and then not need groundsheet. Once you’ve got the tarp, mat, groundsheet, bivi etc you’re almost up to tent weight otherwise. And yes obv by now I know the tarp game is really about “out in the open” rather than necessarily the weight. Then again a tyvek groundsheet from BPL is only 95g. And how often will I really need the bivi with the Drishell bag? ARG! Might visit Alpkit in Ripley and try out various combos.

Did Trans Wales last year, and Snowdon/Llanberis/Penmachno plus Carmarthen-Aberystwyth this year, so looking at Wales North/South C2C next year along with many other “quickies” (ooerrr missus).

Glad to see rail travel favoured by many of you. Bike n train is the only way to travel even without proper restaurant cars (remember them eh??). If I can do Milton Keynes – Aber, changing at Wolverhampton with a bike and Extrawheel it can’t be that hard. Book ahead and it’s wayyyyy cheaper than motors too, drink yourself stupid, stare out the windows, talk to nutters opposite (the nutter opposite will be me) etc.

Thanks for listening to my ravings!

One day I’ll die, and on my grave it will say: “Here lies Reginald Iolanthe Perrin. He didn’t know the names of the trees and the flowers, but he knew the rhubarb crumble sales figures for Schleswig Holstein”. But then bikepacking is the perfect antidote to that disease of course, as you already know!

All the be(a)st, Reg


 
Posted : 12/11/2014 5:48 pm
 Rik
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This might interest somebody on here. I'm selling my tarp set up:

http://singletrackmag.com/forum/topic/bikepacking-tarp-complete-set-up


 
Posted : 20/11/2014 3:48 pm
 affe
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Then invested in what I still think is the superb Extrawheel with 2 panniers. I know, still not “professional bikepacking” but it’s all I knew at the time. Far superior to a Bob Yak etc, because it just tracks your bike over ANYTHING. And the best bit is you can unhook it in 5 seconds, bung it in the long grass, then hammer off on a supertech trail ride for a couple of hours (if such perversions are indeed your bag). Quick cuppa, 5 secs Extrawheel back on, and off to the next spot. Brilliant. It even works with a full sus (I know, heresy! But I get the best of all worlds then), and has survived up/down Foel Fadian and Helvellyn for example.

This is great and might be the solution I've been looking for for a long time! What's your rear axle configuration? 10mm thru axle? do you ever hit those nuts to trail obstacles while doing the "supertech trail ride"?


 
Posted : 30/11/2014 12:37 pm
 Rik
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I have an Extrawheel that I don't use anymore if somebody fancies buying it....... 😀


 
Posted : 23/12/2014 7:59 pm
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One for the novices and newbies that find this thread a bit daunting;

Backcountrybiking in Aviemore are running [url= http://www.backcountrybiking.co.uk/backcountry-learning/backcountry-biking-courses/bikepacking-2-day/ ]a two-day introductory bikepacking course[/url] based around the Cairngorms. The guys really know what they're talking about and have a range of gear you can rent out to try your hand. This might reduce the chance of making some elementary purchasing mistakes.


 
Posted : 29/12/2014 11:18 pm
 doh
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If they can sort out a fatbike trip in the snow that would interest me. Even got all my own stuff.


 
Posted : 29/12/2014 11:24 pm
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Heading out kitted up tomorrow as a test ride for the Bear Bones Ford Fiesta event in less than 2 weeks time.


 
Posted : 29/12/2014 11:30 pm
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Did a Ford Fiesta trial run on Sunday night, although due to frozen conditions I managed to keep my feet dry.....

[url= https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8604/16136623842_cdd7d17e85_o.jp g" target="_blank">https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8604/16136623842_cdd7d17e85_o.jp g"/> [/img][/url][url= https://flic.kr/p/qzWq5s ]Last Night's Bedroom #redlake #dartmoor #bikepacking #bivi #brass****inmonkeys[/url] by [url= https://www.flickr.com/people/8308384@N06/ ]Dittisham Stickleback Breeding Station[/url], on Flickr

[url= https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7475/15951333909_fb4d213c3b_o.jp g" target="_blank">https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7475/15951333909_fb4d213c3b_o.jp g"/> [/img][/url][url= https://flic.kr/p/qiyKQr ]Frosty Bike #dartmoor #redlake #trek #frostybivi[/url] by [url= https://www.flickr.com/people/8308384@N06/ ]Dittisham Stickleback Breeding Station[/url], on Flickr

[url= https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7570/15955135749_723fd57e5d_b.jp g" target="_blank">https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7570/15955135749_723fd57e5d_b.jp g"/> [/img][/url][url= https://flic.kr/p/qiUeZp ]Redlake - Monday Morning[/url] by [url= https://www.flickr.com/people/8308384@N06/ ]Dittisham Stickleback Breeding Station[/url], on Flickr


 
Posted : 30/12/2014 9:16 am
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very helpful thread indeed.

For the guy who said he would not recommend the larig ghru on a bike he must be on drugs its a must ride trail for most people i know. If i remember correctly it was voted trail of the year by one magazine.


 
Posted : 30/12/2014 10:11 am
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slugwash - Very impressive and beautiful. Well done for getting out!


 
Posted : 30/12/2014 10:26 am
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slugwash - Very impressive and beautiful. Well done for getting out!

Either very brave, or he bought his other half a really rubbish Xmas present 😉


 
Posted : 30/12/2014 10:29 am
 devs
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For the guy who said he would not recommend the larig ghru on a bike he must be on drugs its a must ride trail for most people i know. If i remember correctly it was voted trail of the year by one magazine.

There is the little bit down in to Rothiemurchus and there is the complete thing. One is a lot of fun and one involves a lot of hike a bike over boulder fields. I suspect that most people you know haven't done one of the options above. 🙂


 
Posted : 30/12/2014 10:37 am
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[quote=gfrew88 ]very helpful thread indeed.
For the guy who said he would not recommend the larig ghru on a bike he must be on drugs its a must ride trail for most people i know. If i remember correctly it was voted trail of the year by one magazine.That would be me. Did you read my blog entry about the trip? http://www.blog.scotroutes.com/2014/06/twa-lairigs.html

Do go and ride the Lairig Ghru though. Remember to start from Linn of Dee or Derry Lodge though, not just do the 2km section of path that runs[i] to and from[/i] the Lairig Ghru from Rothiemurchus Lodge through the forest. It would be great to have a few more opinions on it.


 
Posted : 30/12/2014 10:37 am
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For the guy who said he would not recommend the larig ghru on a bike he must be on drugs its a must ride trail for most people i know. If i remember correctly it was voted trail of the year by one magazine.

That's just the bottom section of it. Not many people recommend it as a through route.

I shouldn't be looking in this thread, it'll only give me ideas.


 
Posted : 30/12/2014 10:38 am
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[quote=doh ]If they can sort out a fatbike trip in the snow that would interest me. Even got all my own stuff. 😆 I don't think they yet have control over the local weather!


 
Posted : 30/12/2014 10:43 am
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Apologies if this has already been covered in the thread. Can someone recommend somewhere to buy sheet of tin foil to make a windshield from. The baking trays in supermarkets are too small.
Ta


 
Posted : 31/12/2014 9:03 pm
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If you drop me an email, and I can find it in the garage, I've got a roll of really thick tin folk in the garage, we used to use it on air cooling pipes on aircraft engines to show blown joints, I'll post you a couple of A4 sized sheets if you want. Email in profile.


 
Posted : 31/12/2014 9:16 pm
 doh
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scotroutes - Member

I don't think they yet have control over the local weather!

For 200 quid a head for an overnighter I would expect them to sort out any kind of weather I ask for.


 
Posted : 31/12/2014 9:19 pm
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That would be great thanks. I'll email you now. Cheers.


 
Posted : 31/12/2014 9:20 pm
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Well. That took me a while to get through 77 pages but I am now officially obsessed with the idea of Bikepacking. Thanks to all the contributors to this thread who have inspired me on this most miserable of days to look ahead and start planning. Looks like the alpine pilgrimage is being binned for adventure in the wilds of Scotland and Northern England. And also a couple of blogs and Twitter feeds have added to the reading material/inspiration...


 
Posted : 15/01/2015 2:43 pm
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Well. That took me a while to get through 77 pages but I am now officially obsessed with the idea of Bikepacking

Ditto, have spent the last few weeks getting my old gear together, and buying some shiney new stuff, and test fitting to bike etc.

Planning a couple of local Devon trips as soon as it gets above freezing overnight to test my setup out before heading further out onto Dartmoor, which I know pretty well anyway but the idea of being able to kip out and extend some loops appeals massively!

Will post pics and let you all know how I get on 🙂


 
Posted : 02/02/2015 12:37 pm
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Thought I'd post in here rather than start a new thread of my own - after some advice on target weights for kit. i.e what are considered ideal for a)one berth tent and b) sleeping bag - for use in Scottish summer overnighters.... I've got a decent down bag but it's a winter felly and probably way heavier than I'd need.

I've read the debates on tarp v tent but I've decided the tent is for me as I start out on the off road touring journey...

So having seen a variety of tents and bags, and also a massive variation in prices, what would be the upper limit on weight for each of these items to be carried on the bike? then hopefully I can find some stuff which won't cost me fortunes!

Thanks in advance for any advice.


 
Posted : 12/02/2015 3:41 pm
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As ever: it depends.

You can get a 2 season bag that is snug that feels warmer than a loose fitting 3 season bag, the reason being that in the looser bag each time you turn in your sleep you push out some of the warm air in your sleeping bag and it gets replaced with cold air that you then have to heat up. It also depends on how "warm" you sleep, some people don't need much insulation, others need a lot.

Next variable is the weather: you can get near zero temps at any time of the year but sometimes the night time temps are warm enough to hardly need a sleeping bag at all.

For lightweight (and decent) bags, check out PHD designs - http://www.phdesigns.co.uk/down-sleeping-bags?osCsid=h4ca523jd7i2q5cn05joka5467


 
Posted : 12/02/2015 3:49 pm
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Yep, looked at them when Chipps mentioned he'd gotten a delivery a couple of weeks back, doubt I'd be able to stretch to those prices being honest!


 
Posted : 12/02/2015 4:53 pm
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Definitely not cheap!!

Warm, light/compact, cheap: pick two 🙄

My summer bag is some cheap (< £50) hollowfill model. It's fairly snug on me so it's quite warm despite only being rated as 2 seasons. I can squeeze it in to a 3 litre dry bag


 
Posted : 12/02/2015 4:59 pm
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Alpkit have just said they'll be doing doss bags again this year..


 
Posted : 12/02/2015 10:30 pm
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I cannot believe i have not read this thread? I just got a tarp and some extra carry bag system .I need a mat ,i got a Bivvy ,i got a stove (its big) not too worried about weight right now .I just want to get under the stars - How awesome has my hobby just become ?


 
Posted : 02/03/2015 1:47 am
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"This is great and might be the solution I've been looking for for a long time! What's your rear axle configuration? 10mm thru axle? do you ever hit those nuts to trail obstacles while doing the "supertech trail ride"?"

Many apologies affe!! 3 months late with a reply here, sigh.

12mm rear - it's got a through hole. You'll probably have to buy the Extrawheel "extra long" skewer though. Never had a problem with obstacles - too far off the ground :-). Great bit of kit - go for it.


 
Posted : 08/03/2015 7:22 pm
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Summer's coming...
[URL= http://i117.photobucket.com/albums/o74/col_davies/FullSizeRender.jp g" target="_blank">http://i117.photobucket.com/albums/o74/col_davies/FullSizeRender.jp g"/> [/IMG][/URL]


 
Posted : 09/04/2015 10:50 am
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Tis indeed
[url= https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8713/16277963553_b2857625a6.jp g" target="_blank">https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8713/16277963553_b2857625a6.jp g"/> [/img][/url][url= https://flic.kr/p/qNqPs2 ]11039844_10153217461171474_8108566200838869172_n-2[/url] by [url= https://www.flickr.com/people/22534490@N00/ ]Richard Munro[/url], on Flickr


 
Posted : 09/04/2015 10:58 am
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Certainly is! My preference is a Coleman Craz x1 tent and a 2 season vango bag. Always got the thermarest as well, lose a lot of heat into the floor otherwise.
[IMG] [/IMG]


 
Posted : 09/04/2015 12:02 pm
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Harking back to the debate about Lairig Ghru routes further up the page. Here's a link a to write up of a trip I tool a while back. You can make your own minds up if you fancy it.

[url] http://singletrackmag.com/forum/topic/anyone-remember-my-asking-for-route-advice-re-aviemore-to-blair-atholl-last-week [/url]


 
Posted : 09/04/2015 12:19 pm
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[img] [/img]

Finally got my set up complete after taking tips and tricks from this forum for a while. Bar ends on the handlebars support the front dry bag. The rear is supported by a stem mounted rack, bought off ebay for about ten quid. A shakedown is scheduled in for a couple of weeks time, just for a safe overnighter.


 
Posted : 27/06/2015 8:33 pm
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SO when I say stem I mean seatpost mounted rack!
Front bag is an Alpkit Airlok Dual 20l, rear is an Alpkit Airlok Extra 20l, tent is a Force Ten Helium 100.
Strapped on with some basic webbing straps from the army surplus store. Thought it might be strange to ride but even with the weight on the handlebars it seems ok. ASk me what I think of it after 80 miles though and I might change my mind.


 
Posted : 27/06/2015 9:04 pm
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[url= http://tracksterman.tumblr.com ]Tracksterman, well worth a read[/url]

No suspension. No GPS, digital mapping or SPOT. No backup, support or resupply. No posting food ahead. No hotels, hostels or B&Bs. No sponsorship, no freebies. No padded shorts. No bullshit.


 
Posted : 27/06/2015 9:54 pm
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Good Morning!

I bet you didn't think I'd be over here did you 😆

Well, simply I've been looking for a seat bag and bar bag for overnight stop rides, whilst not bivi'ing just staying in poncy hotels and such. I know you'll pour scourn on that but hey 😀
So I started a thread about alpkit seat bags and got some great feed back, I know I should have looked here first but it was late last night and y'know I was falling asleep. Now I'm going to scan this thread for tips/hints and anything CX touring/offroad touring related.

Intend using my Giant TCX Adv1 which has no rack mounts (carbon race frame) and am seeking out offroad/gravel/lanes type rides over weekends or 2/3days kinda thing then heading out to do the Santiago de Compastella in early Oct.

Kit, well alpkit koala and a bar bag I think will do for what I want/need. Just enough carry space for spare jerseys/tools/food/phone & charger, GPX charger/gloves and that kinda thing.

So my rides will be more adventure CX than up in the Caingorns kinda thing, but then you've got some great forest tracks and gravel access roads so why not. Hopefully a nice hotel or two to.

8)


 
Posted : 29/06/2015 8:24 am
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Well its arrived, order placed to deliver in 2 day ain't all that bad is it now.

I went for Apidura Saddle pack (compact) and their Handlebar bag in the end simply because both were in stock. As for liners I'll sort something out soon, if it rains.

Looking to try these out on DrP's Gnarmac B-L-B early Aug, will fill them with cake and stuff just to try them out.

Cool eh.


 
Posted : 01/07/2015 7:41 pm
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Ok so I've fitted the Apidura compact to the saddle/seat post and that looks excellent, filled it with 4 jerseys to get an idea of shape and capacity and kinda think I've not packed enough stuff in it to get it to fit properly 😆
I will continue experimenting 8)
As for the front bar bag I've filled that too, but one question if anyone's got experiance of these..
I have filled the bag, rolled the ends and clipped them, attached the bag to the bars but on the bag there are 3 spare "female" clips, clips I can't seem the fathom what goes in them. Assume they are there for additional big that can be fitted on top of this one, not sure... Anyone any thoughts ?

Ta.

Looking good so far, will post pics 😀


 
Posted : 12/07/2015 9:01 am
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Gonna guess this http://www.leisurelakesbikes.com/p/19644/apidura-accessory-pack


 
Posted : 12/07/2015 10:11 am
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Yeah, as I thought, cheers 😀


 
Posted : 12/07/2015 10:15 am
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bedmaker

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Tracksterman, well worth a read

No suspension. No GPS, digital mapping or SPOT. No backup, support or resupply. No posting food ahead. No hotels, hostels or B&Bs. No sponsorship, no freebies. No padded shorts. No bullshit.

POSTED 2 WEEKS AGO # REPORT-POST

Yep its a good read and I like his no nosence non navel gazing approach. I'm impressed by his navigating all that way. Not because it is hard but because in England (Wales and Scotland I have no problems, less dense less to check all the time) I find navigating so time consuming. I've only just bought a GPS after years of using maps and s I'll will carry maps with me on rides but I I have just got sick of checking the map so often down here in the south.


 
Posted : 12/07/2015 10:35 am
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Well and truly inspired, just spent the last couple of days working my through this thread, checking a few links and reading a couple of blogs. I proceeded to spend half my day looking at bivi bags online and looking at maps for potential locations for test runs. Thanks guys.


 
Posted : 14/07/2015 9:13 pm
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[img] https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/8Y1SfbTGQ8mjsIGT80EAgRzGMJbkRd3WR6tzS1NO7SY=w1442-h1103-no [/img]

All ready for c2c this weekend.


 
Posted : 14/07/2015 10:58 pm
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Wow, that looks beautiful, to camp right by the beach like that...


 
Posted : 15/07/2015 7:51 am
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Are most for you using down of synthetic for your biving? I have a alpkit down bag that I love but I'm nervous of using it biving so only use it when tenting. Used my old light weigh synthetic last nigh and was cold as its so old, thin and broken down. Trying to decide if I should by a 2 season synthetic for late spring -> early autumn biving or just use my down bag.


 
Posted : 16/08/2015 4:56 pm
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@TheBrick

I've two down bags and one synthetic. The synthetic is a Snugpack 2 season. One down bag is a Rab 1200, it's at least a 4 season bag which I use in winter - I originally got it for Alpine winter climbing, the other is a PHD Minimus 300, which is probably best rated as a 1 or 2 season bag. However with a silk liner (always worth using with a down bag to stop sweat/dirt fouling the down) and a Goretex bivvy bag it's quite a bit better than that. I was out last night and was fine with that set up.


 
Posted : 16/08/2015 5:38 pm
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[quote=officerfriendly ]Wow, that looks beautiful, to camp right by the beach like that...
It was - until I woke up about 3am and noticed that the tide had come right in and was just a few feet from the tent!

TheBrick - I have both synthetic and down bags and had been using the synthetics all the time until recently. My previous thoughts were that down, being difficult to clean and then subject to drop-off in performance, was best saved for when I wasn't likely to be climbing into it covered in mud. The additional "wet" performance of synthetic is also a consideration.

However, I've been using down more often recently as I don't see the point of having something I'm "saving for good" if it never gets used 🙂 The silk liner is a good extra to consider.

If still considering synthetic, I can recommend the Mountain Hardware Lamina series. You'll often see them on sale and you'll pick up a (zero-rated) Lamina 35 for less than £80.


 
Posted : 16/08/2015 5:44 pm
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@TheBrick

If you're nervous about down bags for bivi use then have a look at one with a Pertex Microlight outer shell. Or a Pertex Quantum shell.
Much better in likelihood of dampness.

As whitestone, use a liner to prolong the bags life before needing a clean.


 
Posted : 16/08/2015 5:44 pm
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"saving for good" if it never gets used

That was me!
Not any more and I've not had any bivi/down bag problems to date (I wildcamp a lot).
I'm still careful about entering the bag in bad weather though.


 
Posted : 16/08/2015 5:49 pm
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Thanks guys. I have a skil liner and am religious about using it. I was considering the snugpack 2 season as a second sleeping bag. I tend to use the tent more tbh but want to start giving more as one nighters are easier to fit in, plus saves me about a kg of bivi offer tent, which in good weather is worth it!


 
Posted : 16/08/2015 7:49 pm
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My setup for last night was:

Alpkit Rig 3.5 tarp (270g)
Poles and guy lines (200g)
Klymit Inertia x-frame sleeping mat (227g)
PHD minimus 300 sleeping bag (500g)
silk bag liner (100g?)
Bivvy bag (400g)

That's 1700g all in though the weight of the tarp & poles etc was obviously shared between the two of us. Perhaps just as importantly the whole lot is very compact. That's something that synthetic bags struggle with.


 
Posted : 16/08/2015 8:08 pm
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Got a wildcat bar bag holster at the weekend. Winter bag hits the front wheel of the cross type bike. Nuts.

Buts, just found this. Fingers crossed.

http://www.aboveandbeyond.co.uk/products/7640120118235/exped-waterproof-compression-bag-medium-19-ltr-charcoal

[img] [/img]


 
Posted : 26/08/2015 8:48 am
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Inspired by this thread and the Alasdair Humphreys microadventure book, there are three of us biking up to the Pentlands on Thursday for a bivvy. Can't wait. Training for next year's Capital Trail starts now!
Anyone got a good Pentlands spot - I was thinking Green Cleugh or south side of Harlaw reservoir?


 
Posted : 07/09/2015 8:06 pm
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Try the Borestane (on the track over to Carlops) or the wee bit of woods at the foot of that track (and the end of the Yellow Brick Road) at NT143614.

I had a good bivvy on Allermuir overlooking the city a couple of years back. fascinating watching the haar rolling in over the city and then the sun rising through it in the morning.

[img] [/img]

http://www.blog.scotroutes.com/2013/08/protracted-farewells.html


 
Posted : 07/09/2015 8:16 pm
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Fatmax - some nice spots up near Bonaly reservoir, round the edge of that hill with the pole nr Allermuir, green haugh and beyond up the Kips - good spots up there.
I had a moment of Internet madness and bought a mega lightweight tent, been damp once too often this summer !


 
Posted : 07/09/2015 8:54 pm
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Thanks guys, much appreciated. Great photos and blog Colin.


 
Posted : 08/09/2015 5:35 am
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Had a great weekend in Repovesi National Park last weekend - wildcat ocelot, mountain lion and tiger and Exped Ergo Hammock which got some envious glances in the post-ride, post-swim, beers-in-the-sunshine session. Bear Bones 22g stove won lightness points compared to the others' Jetboils, but certainly not speed points!

[img] [/img]

write up here: https://erikplankton.exposure.co/full-moon

Great blog (not mine), with great photo's. Previous post was bike-packing round Slovenia.

Well worth a look round.


 
Posted : 02/10/2015 7:47 am
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Those pics have started my day off right, nedrapier!


 
Posted : 02/10/2015 7:53 am
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I've done lots of long 1 day rides but this was my first multi-day bike pack at the end of the 'summer'.

Taunton --> Plymouth via that section of the EWE route (thanks Aidan). It took me 2 1/2 days on my SS...

[img][url= https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5645/20819110405_226d59d880_z.jp g" target="_blank">https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5645/20819110405_226d59d880_z.jp g"/> [/img][/url][url= https://flic.kr/p/xHHocp ]DSC_0557[/url] by [url= https://www.flickr.com/photos/8133348@N03/ ]oxym0r0n[/url], on Flickr[/img]

[img][url= https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5808/21693626038_2db0a581ca_z.jp g" target="_blank">https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5808/21693626038_2db0a581ca_z.jp g"/> [/img][/url][url= https://flic.kr/p/z3Zve9 ]DSC_0561[/url] by [url= https://www.flickr.com/photos/8133348@N03/ ]oxym0r0n[/url], on Flickr[/img]

[url= https://farm1.staticflickr.com/734/21694599739_bf36678acc_z.jp g" target="_blank">https://farm1.staticflickr.com/734/21694599739_bf36678acc_z.jp g"/> [/img][/url][url= https://flic.kr/p/z45uF6 ]DSC_0562[/url] by [url= https://www.flickr.com/photos/8133348@N03/ ]oxym0r0n[/url], on Flickr

[url= https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5800/21881470095_9dd369b8e7_z.jp g" target="_blank">https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5800/21881470095_9dd369b8e7_z.jp g"/> [/img][/url][url= https://flic.kr/p/zkAfHM ]2015-10-02_08-55-19[/url] by [url= https://www.flickr.com/photos/8133348@N03/ ]oxym0r0n[/url], on Flickr

I got sunshine in the mornings but by the end of the day the weather closed in on both full days. The worst bits were hours of moorland dragging across Dartmoor and getting lost/having to take a slight diversion at Watersmeet as the stepping stones were under water. Great challenge though!

Custom front harness using a Steve Peat fender (needs cutting down, as it bounced on the front tyre) and a Wildcat rear (needs a smaller or tapered stuff sack). I'd like to ditch the pack next time if possible and reduce my kit a bit further e.g. ditch the lock!


 
Posted : 02/10/2015 8:21 am
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Haven't looked in here for a couple of months - some amazing pics.
Nice to see a fellow hammocker 🙂


 
Posted : 09/10/2015 2:53 pm
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Bivvy out a couple of weeks ago
[url= https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5800/21390075980_9aa15ed7f3_b.jp g" target="_blank">https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5800/21390075980_9aa15ed7f3_b.jp g"/> [/img][/url][url= https://flic.kr/p/yAaJns ]Untitled[/url] by [url= https://www.flickr.com/photos/nzrich/ ]Richard Munro[/url], on Flickr


 
Posted : 09/10/2015 2:56 pm
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Where's that, Rich? Cumbria, I'm guessing.


 
Posted : 09/10/2015 4:12 pm
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just took me an age to find this Awesome thread again, SAVED! 🙂


 
Posted : 28/10/2015 6:36 pm
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A recent couple of bivi's

[img] [/img]
In the heart of Llandegla.....ssh!

[img] [/img]
Northumberland Coastal Bivi ride

[img] [/img]
The Sandstone Trail


 
Posted : 28/10/2015 7:24 pm
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^^^^^^^^^^^^

What frame is that John?


 
Posted : 28/10/2015 9:08 pm
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psycorp - Member

^^^^^^^^^^^^
What frame is that John?

Top - Jones Ti 3d space frame
Bottom 2 - Travers Bat Fastard & Lauf Carbonara forks


 
Posted : 28/10/2015 9:37 pm
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Liking that Bat Fastard.


 
Posted : 28/10/2015 9:47 pm
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psycorp - Member

Liking that Bat Fastard.

Me too
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Posted : 28/10/2015 10:23 pm
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