Bikepacking - a viable alternative to racks & panniers

this route. Suffolk, 55k, trains at both ends

train to Woodbridge, afternoon. Bivvy at 13.4 km overlooking the estuary, fantastic spot. nice ride the next day to Aldeburgh, Snape, suggested sea swim at 42km, train home from Saxmundham.

terrain is perfect for "adventure" bikes or MTBs. I'd take 40c tires with a little tread min (did it on 2.2" XC tires on my rigid SS 29er, had fun)

https://ridewithgps.com/routes/25027949

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Definitely stealing this route, my other half’s parents love about 10 minutes from Woodbridge!

Are Alpkit still the de facto / goto people for stem cell / feed bags? Any others worth looking at?

I saw the decathlon ones for £5 but I’m pretty heavy handed with kit and I’d be worried I’d reduce them to their component parts in about 4 minutes. I don’t mind paying a bit more for stuff that lasts, although we all love a bargain.

That looks ace. It's certainly a contender. I'd probably do it the other way round, or camp later in the route. More time on day one than day two..

Looks lovely and flat which should suit my single speed Plug. Got Knard 41s on it, which seem just about right.

Does anyone have anything that can top that route? 😎

Charlie bikemongers. It’s camo white, limited supply! It’s an old design rather than the latest one which I recommend.

Alpkit small one is very basic but work well.

if you want the best, get some from revelate designs.

This.

Ordered an Alpkit Cloud Base sleeping mat this morning. My first step on the journey to light bikepacking nirvana. Next stop, down bag/quilt and hammock setup...

thumbs up
head over to https://www.reddit.com/r/Ultralight/ to go down the rabbit hole...

There's been some DD hammocks and tarps on eBay the last few days

Look after the cloud base. I put a few holes in mine on the first trip bivvying in a wood - think some sticks on the ground or something similar must have done the damage

Noted! Will make sure to pack the repair kit...

Supposedly Onetigris hammocks are decent!

Does anyone have any experience with the snugpak ionosphere?

I got mine off eBay last week. It appears to be THE MUTTS NUTTS

inflatable shangri la

So today was the day I was going to go to Suffolk and try out adventure cycling wild camping.

Yeah. No.

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Looks a bit warm, yeah. Has to be nice and cold to get the full experience.

Nice deck. Whats your awning shade thing? I've been using an old dinghy sail in the garden, but it's never been quite right and thinking about an upgrade...

It's a triangular sail shade. I got it in a sale for cheaps two years ago. Will try to dig out the details. (Attached)

I've rigged it with some wall mount hooks, some barrel adjusters and a good knowledge of sliding tensionable knots.

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First time I’ve ever seen decking and thought “hmm, that’s nice”

Congrats

I win the decking game of life!

(or more accurately, the previous owners of my house who had it installed do..)

It looks even nicer in the sunshine. It has a decking double bed round the corner. I shit you not.