The ultralight dirtbag bikepack/backpack thread

I'll start with something I just found really useful: I use an inflatable pillow, but it always pops off the top of my sleeping mat during the night, waking me up when I have to find it and drag it back into position. After trawling YouTube for solutions, I bought some shock cord, tied it round the back of the pillow (luckily mine has tabs for this (Exped Air) but apparently you can cover your pillow in a buff and use that if yours hasn't) and then popped the shock cord around the sleeping mat. I've tried it out on my living room floor and so far it's worked great! Not bad for an extra ~20 grams. I'm a bit worried about it abrading it's way through my overpriced sleeping mat, so I'll let you know how it goes...

I wanted to get some of the weight off the handlebars (Usually my MSR Hubba, Neoair Uberlite and worn out down bag in a Restrap pack there). So, I just bought a Tailfin Aeropack with 2x10 litre pannier/drybags 🙂
It looks ace. Really nicely made. Can't comment much further as I haven't used it yet. My plan is that I can use this setup across a few different bikes.

I'd also make a comment about my 2x Alpkit Stingray (Custom) framebags. These do work well, fit well, and Alpkit have helped me out when the clock was ticking!

Roll on next Spring 🙂

Also... why-oh-why is it so tricky to post pics on here??
Tapatalk makes it so much easier. I cannot be bothered with thirdparty hosting... or whatever it's called.

Also… why-oh-why is it so tricky to post pics on here??

Postimages is the simplest that I've found

https://postimages.org/

So, I just bought a Tailfin Aeropack with 2×10 litre pannier/drybags 🙂
It looks ace

This is very much on my shopping list!!!

I've just shelled out for a Durston X-Mid 2 tent and an HMG Southwest 3400 back pack, so all other purchases will be taking a back seat for a while. Luckily, for bikepacking at least, you can load up your handlebars and saddle with drybags and voilé straps, which massively helps the purse strings!!!

Stop talking about how good Tailfin stuff is. Please. My wallet begs you.

When I'm using a mummy shaped sleeping bag my Exped pillow just sits in the hood.

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When I’m using a mummy shaped sleeping bag my Exped pillow just sits in the hood.

I'm too much of a lank to pull this off, unfortunately! Especially when it's properly nippy, I really need to cinch the sleeping bag around my head and face- I haven't found a way to do this and also keep the pillow in the hood (I like to have a pretty big pillow!)

Another exped slippery pillow user here.
I glued velcro tape to pillow and mat, works a treat.
Suspect warranty might be void now tho...
Another tailfin tack user here.
The top part is stupidly short, tucking the bag right under the seat.
I extended mine by 80mm or so, and it's now fully dropper friendly. The whole thing is wonkily shaped really, especiallyaround the tyre, but works beautifully.

I wanted to get some of the weight off the handlebars (Usually my MSR Hubba, Neoair Uberlite and worn out down bag in a Restrap pack there). So, I just bought a Tailfin Aeropack with 2×10 litre pannier/drybags 🙂
It looks ace. Really nicely made. Can’t comment much further as I haven’t used it yet. My plan is that I can use this setup across a few different bikes.

That's pretty much the set up I settled on over the summer, except I have 2 of the 5l Cage Packs. Works really well and is steady as a rock.

[img] [/img]

[img] [/img]

I opted for the cage packs rather than the mini panniers as it gives me the option of attaching them to the Tailfin or the forks.

Hey I've just bought my first wood burning hobo stove (Picogrill 85). I'm pretty excited to use it (85 grams only!!) but I'm obviously concerned about how much heat will be coming out of the bottom of it- obviously I don't want to be leaving any scorch marks (leave mo trace) and also make sure it's not a fire risk. What do people use as a fire proof mat? I was looking at this (only 40 grams),

https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B08TQLG1RB/?coliid=I30IYOYHP4XIDQ&colid=2NVY996VWUWGA&psc=1&ref_=lv_ov_lig_dp_it

But I'm not sure how insulating it is. Are there better options out there?

Hmmm...or maybe this is better:

https://ultralightoutdoorgear.co.uk/solid-heat-reflector-with-windscreen/

£20 for a bit of tin foil?! Get a disposable baking tray/foil serving platter for a couple of quid and cut one out, that's what I did for a windshield for my pop can meths stove.

£20 for a bit of tin foil?! Get a disposable baking tray/foil serving platter for a couple of quid and cut one out, that’s what I did for a windshield for my pop can meths stove

Great idea!!

Can't be bothered going through the hassle of loading up pictures.

I've got the tailfin rear rack but instead of the roll top bag, I put some Blackburn cages either side. Paired with some roll top bags I found this the best option for me.

I run a dropper with a small saddle bag with all my bike spares and tools in it so this ment it wouldn't foul on the bag.

Alpkit frame bag and Salsa anything bar cradle. Very simple and easy kit carrying set up.

I found this very soothing to watch!

Salsa anything bar cradle

Funny you should bring this up in an 'ultralight' thread. This is one bit of kit where I've found a slight weight penalty is absolutely worth it over lighter options: rock solid and allows you to move the weight down and closer to the hub to reduce the effect on handling. Also makes cable routing a lot easier.

Tailfin stuff looks good. I'm not completely sold on the rack pack thing as I don't fancy that much weight so high up, but I'm thinking about 2x10L mini panniers on the fairly minimal rack I've already got (Tubus Vega). Been using Ortlieb Gravel Panniers recently but they do rattle quite a bit which the Tailfins claim not to.

I’m too much of a lank to pull this off, unfortunately! Especially when it’s properly nippy, I really need to cinch the sleeping bag around my head and face- I haven’t found a way to do this and also keep the pillow in the hood (I like to have a pretty big pillow!)

If you're tall, make sure you get an XL sleeping bag - and I put my pillow in the hood too.

Tip - for ease of use make sure you get a tent that will go up with fly, inner and footprint pre-attached.

Tip – for ease of use make sure you get a tent that will go up with fly, inner and footprint pre-attached.

Nnnoooooooo... ok for one night maybe, but restricts packing options and is rubbish for multi-night trips. Better to be able to store the wet flysheet on its own. IMHO of course 🙂

I’m into keeping the weight down as much as possible, so it still feels like riding my bike and not piloting a barge. Although I don’t do loads of Bikepacking I have a 300 mile unsupported race this summer and ambitions of the Tour Divide.

For overnights I just use a good bivi bag with a down sleeping bag and Z Lite mat inside, the logic being I won’t spend all that much time in there anyway. I’ve also accumulated mostly Revelate bike bags, which have been pretty bombproof in my limited experience.

Has anyone used the Naturehike tents? They look pretty good for not much money.

Has anyone used the Naturehike tents? They look pretty good for not much money.

I've seen a few reviews, they're Chinese I think. No-one's said anything bad about them that I've seen yet

Here's the opinion of a couple of the better known youtubers:

This guy tests them in some pretty foul conditions:

If you’re tall, make sure you get an XL sleeping bag

I have lol

I love those Ortleib Gravel Panniers too but am looking for a mod to stop the noise. It spoils a really good product.

I love those Ortleib Gravel Panniers too but am looking for a mod to stop the noise. It spoils a really good product.

I came across this bloke:
https://johnnyisaak.com/gear-review-ortlieb-gravel-pack/
...using a 42" Rokstrap (~£12 off Amazon) vertically around each pannier to hold it against the rack

using Ortlieb Gravel Panniers recently but they do rattle quite a bit

Add wraps of insulating tape where they clamp on the rack & use two anchoring hooks.

Used a bivvy bag for all of previous bikepacking adventures but no longer. I bought a lightweight tent instead which is so much better and doesn't weigh much more than a bivvy and a small tarp.

This was my setup for a 300km Trossachs/Loch Lomond trip this year. Pretty neat in my opinion.

https://flic.kr/p/2o8ZR3x

I still prefer a bivvy bag (and tarp if required) over a tent. It's not a weight thing, it's about the experience - and sometimes the flexibility. I do now have four bivvy bags though - time to reduce that I think.

I wanted to get some of the weight off the handlebars (Usually my MSR Hubba, Neoair Uberlite and worn out down bag in a Restrap pack there). So, I just bought a Tailfin Aeropack with 2×10 litre pannier/drybags 🙂

I've just bought a 2nd hand old man mountain Sherpa rack and Robert axle project axle for my scandal. Rack attaches to the axle and the back of a seatpost clamp. Not as elegant as a tailfin and the combination weighs 1.2kg but its bombproof. Have drilled a few holes in it and attached some straps to it. So far, so good.

I've got an alpkit airlok 8l bag strapped to one side. I want another one but they are out of stock. If anyone has one for sale with the two strap mounts, please send me a message.

Looking forward to bike camping and not having a rucksack.

Just bought a Lanshan 1 (not pro) but not had chance to test it out yet.

Currently planning the Badger divide and a few other mini trips for 2023.

A few cheap items that I think can help set up your bike-packing bike.

For rear bags when using a dropper post:
https://www.santafixie.co.uk/topeak-dp-mount-11-7cm-seat-post-mount-black.html

For rear bags to stop them swinging about:
https://www.amazon.co.uk/stores/Rhinowalk/page/D12452A0-2509-4CA6-9B00-B0A6ACAEEF88?ref_=ast_bln

Extra straps:
https://alpkit.com/products/dual-straps-grey

For front bar bag mounting:
https://www.planetx.co.uk/i/q/HBSELAD/selcof-expedition-handlebar

To keep your bag off your bars and also can be used to mount lights etc:
Check this out! https://amzn.eu/d/be0eJa0

To help you get a bigger bottle in your frame:
Check this out! https://amzn.eu/d/5Ubwpaz

A couple of other recommendations for camping.

Cheap dry bags:
https://www.weirdosonbikes.com/product/lightweight-waterproof-stuff-sacks/

Bargain titanium twig stove:
https://www.weirdosonbikes.com/product/titanium-wood-stove/

https://pmags.com/gear-review-discount-dance-supply-rip-stop-pants

Apparently thru-hikers in the US are using dance pants as ultralight wind proof trousers, weighing under 100 grams and cost less than £30

I’ll start with something I just found really useful: I use an inflatable pillow, but it always pops off the top of my sleeping mat during the night, waking me up when I have to find it and drag it back into position. After trawling YouTube for solutions, I bought some shock cord, tied it round the back of the pillow (luckily mine has tabs for this (Exped Air) but apparently you can cover your pillow in a buff and use that if yours hasn’t) and then popped the shock cord around the sleeping mat. I’ve tried it out on my living room floor and so far it’s worked great! Not bad for an extra ~20 grams. I’m a bit worried about it abrading it’s way through my overpriced sleeping mat, so I’ll let you know how it goes…

I did something similar but used stick on velcro on the pillow and the mat, doesn't move an inch now and much improved sleep for low weight

I did something similar but used stick on velcro on the pillow and the mat, doesn’t move an inch now and much improved sleep for low weight

Now that's a good idea!

@didnthurt, thanks for the tip re: Weirdos on Bikes shop, just bought myself some toothpaste tabs and a great looking bivvy bag!

No problem. Happy bikepacking.

I will recommend Speedster stoves - so light for a few day trips.

https://speedsterstoves.co.uk/alcohol/meths-burners.html

And I home make windshields from turkey roasting tin - I have only had to make two in over 10 years.

Sea to Summit mats come with self-adhesive, low-grab - sorry, don't know what they're called, but think Velcro without the grabbiness - PillowLock tabs that hold their inflatable pillows in place. Pads go on the mat and the pillow surface sticks to them.

I guess they'd work to attach a Sea to Summit pillow ot other mats, but seem had to find aftermarket, though apparently if you own a pre-PillowLock S2S mat, they'll send you the sticky pads FOC if you ask.

Neat system and works really well ime.

Agree with mattoutandabout regarding Speedster stoves. I haven't used gas since I got one.

For pillows, I use a reversible Thermarest stuff sack (used for storing sleeping pad) which has a nice fleecy lining and stuff it with my down jacket at bed time.

Gram Counter Gear do a very light sleeping pad for summer use which is around £60 and quite comfy.

I have a few tents, but bought a very cheap Rab Element 2 single skinned thing. I've used it a few times in good weather and found it to be really good. 600 odd grammes, but requires walking poles.

Not weight saving, but cash saving. I've started making my own meals mainly using cous cous and freeze dried fruit/veg/spices stored in eBay Mylar pouches. Saves a fortune over shop bought camping meals and taste better (IMO).

Not weight saving, but cash saving. I’ve started making my own meals mainly using cous cous and freeze dried fruit/veg/spices stored in eBay Mylar pouches. Saves a fortune over shop bought camping meals and taste better (IMO).

+1

Not weight saving, but cash saving. I’ve started making my own meals mainly using cous cous and freeze dried fruit/veg/spices stored in eBay Mylar pouches. Saves a fortune over shop bought camping meals and taste better (IMO).

Any recipes to share?

I tend to roast or fry whatever veggies I can lay my hands on in the fridge, chop in some cured meat of whatever kind is in the house at the time, wop in a bag with dry cous cous.

Failing that, the Tesco/Ainsley Harriot pouches are just fine and a 1/4 the price of a 'proper' backpacking meal.

I've posted my breakfast "recipe" on here previously, but I'll do so again.

Porridge - 60g / 226 kcal
Nuts - 20g / 131 kcal
Dried fruit - 40g / 120 kcal
Milk powder - 15g / 50 kcal

Totals 135g / 527 kcal

I whizz it all in a food processor/ blender to make the oats faster to cook, then it all goes in a Pour'n'store bag so just needs hot water added. Cheaper than pre-packed, can be adjusted to taste (add sugar, cinnamon etc) and the bags are reusable too.

I also have a pouch made from that silver bubble wrap stuff and duct tape. The PnS bag goes in there while the cooking is taking place to keep it toasty. No washing up either so you can make a coffee while you're waiting without needing a second pot.

Gram Counter Gear do a very light sleeping pad for summer use which is around £60 and quite comfy.

I've just bought on! Should be arriving today

Any recipes to share?

No recipe as such, but usually based on 1/3 to 1/2 a cup of cous cous, a dried stock cube, a couple of tea spoons of ras el hanout spice mix, seasoning and a dash of tomato powder. Supplemented with whatever i have to hand...chickpeas, apricots, prunes, mushrooms, almonds, dried chilli flakes etc.

Is tinned chick peas, prunes and apricots or can you get those dried as well?

@shermer75 tinned chick peas part cooked and dried prunes/apricots.

I also have a pouch made from that silver bubble wrap stuff and duct tape.

I'm just going into the garage to make this for next time. Great idea. My cuss cuss and noodles were cooked but luke warm

I’m just going into the garage to make this for next time.

I just use my wooly hat and buff.

I’m just going into the garage to make this for next time. Great idea. My cuss cuss and noodles were cooked but luke warm

Make it so it is free standing - the same shape as the foil bags or PnS bags - and long enough that you can fold over the top.

I just use my wooly hat and buff.

I'm usually wearing mine!

I’m usually wearing mine!

So am I... 😉

Do you have the stove under there too?

I’m just going into the garage to make this for next time. Great idea. My cuss cuss and noodles were cooked but luke warm

Am I the only one who wedges it between their thighs? That way the food stays warm, my legs stay warm, everyone's a winner!