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

So is the real lesson here more about tarp set up and placement???

Or check the weather forecast and use an appropriate level of kit?

That's the spirit Ian 😀

Being in the open is what it's about.

and then battling the elements 😉

I find that sometimes tents can make the weather outside seem so much worse than it really is. As Ian says, when you can see what's happening it doesn't seem quite so bad ... somehow you feel part of it.

Nobody wants to come out and play at the weekend then?

My next trip out will be 11,12,13 march. It'll be up your neck of the woods too if your interested in all or part of that ride.

Will check with the keeper of diaries.

Depends how many points I can build up with the fun police as entering Wentwood enduro the Sunday before 😀

Are you planning to go out for the 2 nights?

May have to plan one with Steve to try out our kit 😉

@Ambrose any wilderness trips on the cards soon??

3 days 2 nights

ok will find out 😀

FYI I got that cookset from Ellis Bingham yesterday, it's awesome 😀

Going to have a practice pack tonight and maybe a skyline test bivvy on the weekend 😯

Glad you like your new cookset

I shall be giving the M stove its first test later ... once I finish plastering my kitchen wall. I'll put my findings on the WRT blog. Reckon we could do with the winding dropping a touch though, will it count if I do it inside?

@valleydaddy - which cookset?

http://www.gsioutdoors.com/products/pdp/halulite_minimalist/camp_cookware/

I've just been thinking and do I need a GPS for WRT, not to great with just a map and chances are Im going to go missing for about 4 weeks, This got me thinking how do you chaps navigate?
With a birthday next week it seemed like a garmin edge or a garmin oregon could be a good present?

Bigface I never use a GPS to navigate (always seems harder than using a map imo) but I do have a cheap one that I sometimes use for checking GR ... you know what it's like, sometimes the map and the ground don't tally in the way your mind thought they would, so it's just nice to double check ... there's a couple of examples on a post on the WRT blog.

EDIT just looked, the one I have is a Garmin etrex ... I imagine they don't make it anymore 😉

You can still get those bad boys, think I want one just in case. I kind of like the idea of uploading our route to it (once you tell us the points) and just enjoying the ride without having to keep checking..
I always spend so long looking at what Im riding over I miss the world passing by....

Old fashioned Map.

No better way of seeing what is around you in either overview or micro details.

I like this one

[img] [/img]

Although a list of maps for the WRT would be handy (3for2) at the moment and my OL23 is somewhere up Cadair 🙁

Sheet 213
Sheet OL23
Sheet OL18

????

Sorry you don't get to find out map numbers until April 28th 😉 ... 'tis the law. You can always get discount maps if you join the Backpackers club, I've saved a fortune over the years.

Bigface, I reckon the one thing I wouldn't do is load up the GPS and let it take me between the grid references without me having worked out a route on paper first.

is there still a midwales Bivvy ride towards the end of March - @19/20th or have I totally cocked up my "permission slip" from the Mrs?

You'll have to change your holiday form for 11,12,13 march.
I think that was my fault Steve.

This got me thinking how do you chaps navigate?

we had the route on a gps and printed out route cards (os map) in plastic wallet.

tucked in the bag we also had full suite of os maps (not all of them!!) with checkpoints marked out. 70% of the time we used the gps route & route cards only referring to the os maps when we decided to throw the route away and go over a mountain!! haha.

as for a gps recommendation the garmin geko (out of production) is ace on the bike and cheap second hand on ebay. my WRT mate liked mine so much he bought one and sold the etrex.

Tiger is that your map in the picture? ... 'tis very nice. If it is yours, what date is it - 1780ish?

No, much older than that. Looks like about 1573 to me 😉

IanB - Member

No, much older than that. Looks like about 1573 to me

Smartarse

Bigface - I find GPS of greater use for post-ride analysis and for logging where you've been. Much like Stu, I take one mainly for those where-the-heck-am-I moments when the trail isn't on the map or I've wondered off line on some minor sheep path in thick fog (neither of which are especially scarce in Wales). For the WRT last year, I used route cards printed off a desktop mapping program (tracklogs, memory map etc) and then laminated and clipped onto a map board, like this:

[url= http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4053/4653888820_0562a84e33.jp g" target="_blank">http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4053/4653888820_0562a84e33.jp g"/> [/img][/url]
[url= http://www.flickr.com/photos/15512491@N08/4653888820/ ]P1020638[/url] by [url= http://www.flickr.com/people/15512491@N08/ ]ianbarrington[/url], on Flickr

The GPS was useful afterwards to tell me how long I'd spent riding, distance, speed, amount of climbing etc.

If buying a GPS, beware the training models, such as the Garmin Edge, which don't make it easy for you to navigate or extract your current location easily.

Flatfish - I shall have a go at renegotiating a weeked away - what time are you intending to leave on the Fiday night? - it may be a bit tight getting up in tme

Have to ask Stu that, he's the route master.

Bigface - as per Stu I use an eTrex and used to use one of the basic ones for sea-kayaking where you could track speed over the water etc and it would allow you to go to set way points (which was pretty useful in tides and fogs).... but it will give you a grid reference if you're stuck and little navigationally challenged - I still have this in a cupboard somewhere if you want it for a few quid... it's in good nick and lasts ages on two AA batteries... it will take a standard Gamin eTrex handlebar bike mount too but no base map - you have to take the grid ref and plot it on paper.
I've moved up to the eTrex Vista HCx - mainly 'cos I like the bigger memory and I like to use an Opensource map background.... it will do routing to on roads and has a slot for a memory card too.

Cheers for the info chaps, I like the idea of a GPS I'll check out the eTrex but also checking out the Oregon 450, 2 reasons 1, It takes AA batteries so dont have to think about charging it on route and 2, Ive got all the 1:25k MM Maps for the UK )))
I'll print out a load of Card maps on waterproof paper closer to the time once we know the route..

Tiger what are your plans at weekend? It's looking like I might be free ... but not in a Mr Humphries type way.

oh no talk of new toys 🙁

http://www.mapyx.com/index.asp?tn=shop&c=152

30% off map tiles at the moment, good software

Free mapping available here:

http://mobac.dnsalias.org/

still s8tannorm - Member

Tiger what are your plans at weekend? It's looking like I might be free ... but not in a Mr Humphries type way.

Was half thinking this

http://www.bikehike.co.uk/mapview.php?lnk=http://tastypixels.co.uk/routes/MachToNantAndBack.gpx

Haven't decided if I'm going to go early and get back for dinner or brave the bears. 🙂

If you're thinking of getting an Oregon GPS, go in a shop and compare it with the Dakota. The Dakota is smaller and cheaper - I've found it great for on the bike use.

+1 for the Dakota, tough as old boots too (mine's had a few tumbles).

I prefered the Oregon over the Dakota for the bigger screen, but as Aidan says, go try them in a shop first.

Or, if you want more cheapness and simplicity, I find the Foretrex 101/201 hard to beat as a back up device to paper maps.

If you end up with something with built in batteries, provided it will charge of a USB, you can always go down this route: http://ianbarrington.com/2010/03/21/portable-power/

Mate brought a Oregon 450 in today for me to have a look at, Looks great, it got a good size screen and all the stats you could ever want. No fussed about cadence and all that jazz....

that's a neat idea Ian.

I was wondering if I could get OS mappping/or similar on a SD card to put into my car Garmin - anyone know if this is do able??

Don't know if it's of any interest but this months Trail magazine has a one man tent test ... be warned they're not cheap though, my Helium gets top budget tent and they're £200!

For the more hardcore they're testing tarps next month 😉

I saw that in the newsagents tonight but couldn't have a library read as it was in a bag - I hate that 😉

The tarp one will be definately of interest, the basha I have has a fairly big pack size but loads of strong tie points and possible to use as a stretcher so I guess that's the trade off.

this months Trail magazine has a one man tent test

Do they test that newish Snugpack one man tent by any chance?

It looks interesting and not too expensive.

[url] http://www.snugpak.com/index.php?MenuID=160-113&ItemID=222 [/url]

Nope, no snugpack in there.

Slugwash ... that looks quite a bit like this.

http://www.outdoorgear.co.uk/eshop.asp?wci=product&wce=51140102&utm_source=Froogle&utm_medium=Google-shopping&utm_campaign=Froogle-datafeed&CameFrom=froogle

If you fancy something along the same lines but cheaper, there's this.

http://www.outdoormegastore.co.uk/acatalog/Jamet_Shelter_Single_Hoop_Touring_Tent.html

Stu cheers for the link found this

http://www.outdoormegastore.co.uk/acatalog/Easy_Camp_Hexa_Mat_w_Footpump.html

Pete if you suscribe to Trail you'll get a Pacific Outdoor mat free ... just like mine.

ok that's a good idea cheers Stu 😉

ignore this reply, just making a note so I can visit this again come spring and make a shopping list!

Don't wait till spring, you'll miss half the fun 😉

MISSED half the fun already I think he'll find 😀

I see your point ... could all take a turn for the worse yet though. Remember last March? We had snow under the hammocks.

Last march was fine, if a little cold, but it warmed up during the day.
I'm just hoping for no rain like last weekend although we will be in Wales so i should really expect it to lash it down 24/7

have faith boyo it's been lovely today 😀

I'm at home, with a beer, kitchen scales out, weighing tents and looking for my map of Dartmoor... you know who's fault this is? Yours. All of you.

One problem with a 29er that I hadn't anticipated, mind you, is that there's less space to fit stuff in between the top of the tyre and the saddle. I clearly need smaller, lighter, more expensive stuff.

That's the spirit Eccles 😀

[url= http://www.worldofcamping.co.uk/gelert_solo_1_man_tent__1188?utm_source=google&utm_medium=merchant ]These[/url] are a bit of a bargain and not too bad apart from the having to pitch the inner up first, I have one but find it a bit too claustrophobic for my taste.

that does look good Mark but I think we may have a no tent rule on this thread 😉

@Eccles the hunt for smaller, lighter, more expensive stuff as bargainous prices is a serious addiction - you will not be able to resist!

Tents can be used, there's no rules really but at 1.5kg it's a bit on the heavy side.
Having said that, a tarp and bivi bag can easily add up to 1.5kg if your not careful.

Yep, will be using the tarp on the WRT. Have been looking at stoves as well, anyone have any experience with the [url= http://www.vargooutdoors.com/Titanium-Decagon-Alcohol-Backpacking-Stove ]vargo decagon[/url]? Looks like it's a light cheap choice.

I'll be driving down to the WRT from Burton on Trent if anyone wants a lift down or want to car share let me know.

smaller, lighter, [s]more expensive stuff[/s]

Markenduro - read the stove test on the [url= http://welshridething.blogspot.com/2011/02/coke-can-chaep-v-titanium-chic.html ]WRT blog[/url]. I also did a stove test recently [url= http://ianbarrington.com/2011/01/09/stove-test-whitebox-vs-vargo-triad/ ]here[/url]

Mark have a look on the WRT blog ... I tested one of the Vargo stoves. It's a nice bit of kit but a little slow to bloom. Pop can stove is far quicker to get going and less likely to go out.

EDIT: Beaten to it.

Cheers for that, had a go at the coke can thing and think I drilled the holes too big, it did boil some water up but was a bit temperamental to draughts and shot a jet of burning fuel out when i knocked it over....
The vargo looks like it will be a lot more stable in use.
I don't do tea/coffee so it would only be for cooking noodles/soup etc.
Any good tips on food choices for expeditions, the only time I have ever done anything similar to this there has been either a handy pub or cafe nearby for food/beer stops so just had to carry snack type food and water with me.

Edit, just seen the wrt blog on how to make on e properly, will need to live on coke for a few days.

I think the fun is sourcing good gear and if it can be made yourself all the better, plus second hand kit that is in perfect nick often appears on here, plus a wanted ad usually comes up trumps, like my bivvy bag from Stu for example 😉

I've been practicing with the "pop" stove and I am getting a dab hand with it know.

@IanB - do you get your dried meals from a particular source or anywhere that sells them? I've realised they can save a huge amount of weight compared to "moist" food, tins/packets for example.

But a Christmas dinner would be an exception Flatfish of course 😉

I've found that when i go shopping I get the milk, bread, beans, squash etc, etc, in 10 minutes, however everytime i go to Tesco's I spend twice as long looking at the dried food and cooking times for something to camp with.
I have also found Waitrose is bobbins for bikepacking food.
Sainsbury's are quite good though.

Some good value and lighweight tarps here:

http://www.backpackinglight.co.uk/page112.asp

I have the Duo tarp, its half the weight of an army bash sheet, is , stealthy green, big enough for hammock and sitting cooking under, the tarps are well thought out with all the loops and eyelets just where you need them, was used in the STW bivy feature a while back

haha you do that too 😳

I've been caught checking out the carb/protein properties of said food recently 😳

Alpkit rig[7] is the same size as the duo tarp, 100g-ish lighter and £15 cheaper.

I've used "Expedition Foods" dehydrated meals before now, but they're quite expensive (about £6 each). Probably best calorie to weight ratio going though. Chicken Tikka or Korma is recommended, as is porridge and custard and berries. Didn't rate the Rice Pudding though.

Other easy stuff - Blue Dragon noodles are often nicer than Batchelors Supernoodles.
Smash - cheap, easy, lots of calories, bit bland unless you add something else.
Fine egg noodles - again, easy to cook as only require dumping in boiled water for a few mins, so efficient on fuel, but need something else to add flavour.

Last weekend's egg noodle/ Ainsley Harriot's Mullagatawny soup was fantastic. Because I was only going out for one night and most of the rest of my kit was light, I did treat myself to Sharwoods Saag Aloo, which was pre-cooked and only required warming - also nice.

Other stuff I take includes nuts (hazel or walnuts have the best calorie content), raisins, jelly babies, chocolate coated coffee beans, normal dark chocolate, malt loaf, cereal bars and so on.

I'll second the condemnation of the rice pudding but the custard and berries are mighty fine.

All the way back on Page 10:

Tiger6791 - Member
"One issue I had this morning was trying to get the stove lit in a strong wind - got there in the end but it was quite tricky to get it primed"
Caldera cone

I've now made a paper version of a Caldera Cone:

[url= http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5258/5454725726_6c66b75b0e.jp g" target="_blank">http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5258/5454725726_6c66b75b0e.jp g"/> [/img][/url]
[url= http://www.flickr.com/photos/15512491@N08/5454725726/ ]Caldera Clone - paper trial[/url] by [url= http://www.flickr.com/people/15512491@N08/ ]ianbarrington[/url], on Flickr

Need to find some 0.15mm aluminium foil and I'm ready to make me a new windshield 🙂

Yeah, I think that'd work a LOT better than the paper version...

Will it work right with a white box stove? Isn't the pan meant to seal the top to allow the jets to work?

Good point. I can set the burner offset to zero to keep the pan on top of the stove, but it would be reliant on having a fairly flat surface to put it all on. Whilst the Whitebox is in the shot, that version works over the top of my Vargo Triad.

I've been having a think about stoves (as I do and you do ... all of you) and if the pan forms a seal on top of the stove where does the stove then take its air from. The Vargo I played with has 3 raised bumps to support the pan, they hold it 2-3mm above the stoves top surface. As I've said before, they can be a sod to keep lit and burn better if you raise the pan a little ... I half wonder if this is down to a restriction in air flow into the centre part of the burner.

I'm going to the workshop, I may be some time!

I've now made a paper version of a Caldera Cone

Not sure that's going to work, cardboard at a minimum but I would recommend aluminium though.

I reckon after using one if you can make the two piece one it would be better for the bike as it would pack better.

The whitebox stove has no dimples, it sits flush on top.
From what i can gather, once the stove blooms the pan sits atop creating the seal, thereby forcing the now hot and pressurized meths out the jets, where it meets air, creating the fuel/air mixture which is already alight due to priming.
I assume the jet flames aren't as hot until the pan creates the seal, forcing the fuel out of the jets that then makes the jet flames burn more fiercer/hotter.

I could be talking bollocks though. 😯

I've been having a think about stoves (as I do and you do ... all of you) and if the pan forms a seal on top of the stove where does the stove then take its air from.

yeah my coke can stove goes out immediately if I put the pot directly on top. Figures really, like you said, it's gotta get air from somewhere.

The caldera uses a chimney stove so the meths has no pressure. Still works weirdly very well.