Bike Packing Shake down Camp Testing a new setup, Wiltshire Man

Here's my current setup for lightweight Bikepacking adventures (filmed on 3rd April 2024)
The bike is a hard tail 29er Mountain bike (PlanetX Bootzipper)
Winter tent is a Terra Nova laser, though I do intend using another lightweight tent for warmer weather camping, the Terra nova has a solid inner and can be hot and stuffy in high Summer, ideal though for cooler times.
The Frame bag is an Ortleib 6L roll top that I will use for carrying food and bike pump.
On the rear rack is an old Alpkit Gourdon 30l rucksack which contains:
Sleeping bag (OEX Fathom evolution), Air matress (Neo air), inflatable pillow, down jacket, down booties, spare cloths and hygiene kit, electronics, lightweight Click stand stove with titanium pot and Trangia burner and fuel for stove. A waterproof jacket, Water filter.

[@TheRamblingsofBry]

I have never known spring take so long! We are still having storms, wind and so much rain.....

[@WiltshireMan]

Big storm coming in this weekend Bry. Batten down the hatches

[@TheRamblingsofBry]

@@WiltshireMan Yes, seems winter can't let us go, just yet.....

[@markmartin6738]

Shame about not being able to do you new route. But U have all year ! A great strip down in the gear . Keep up the great work

[@rosa2266]

Lovely to hear rain when camping. Your whittling knife is a really thoughtful Yule gift Sandy for your friend. Well done on getting out, despite wet weather and sore back. Great music. 😊Cheers

[@l.v.i.bushcraftandsurvival6692]

I’ll never tire of small but enjoyable experiences such as falling asleep to rain on the tent/tarp. It’s just so relaxing. Wind as well. Great adventure Sandy 😎👍🏻👍🏻

[@user-ws9jb6dn9q]

Laser Comp still looks good ! Funny to hear the 'hairdryer' in the background at ~13 mins, was expecting someone to say "Something for the weekend Sir ?"

[@JC-sl4hk]

💕💕💕 Another lovely video Sandy. I hope your back problem sorts itself out soon. The stew your friend put together looked good and hearty👍👍. Take care of yourself, stay safe and well. Judy🇨🇦🇨🇦

[@ChrisyC567]

Sandy I'm a very jealous guy right now because getting a hand crafted gift from you is a priceless gesture.! I can't wait for more Cycling Adventures from especially with Dave.. oh and them glasses/goggles look fine on you mate don't ever say sorry for wearing them.. Ps if Dave ain't ever available for an adventure give me a shout. 😉👍🏻

[@philipslater3897]

Nice one Andy - you've got the majings of a very impressive and flexible set up. Thanks for showing. And the goggles look great. 73. ZL2ABV.

[@thelegoman1977]

Love your videos plus you remind me of my late step dad who was a Wiltshire man also. I’m from burford so no far off 👍 I love seeing your videos as it’s the natural surroundings I know

[@barryconway]

A nice mini adventure, Mr. Wiltshire . Looking forward to sharing more of your upcoming trips and camps. Thanks for sharing with us.

[@henryporter5466]

1st class video Sandy. You are all set now and I doff my cap to you. Henry.

[@WiltshireMan]

Thanks Henry, this new setup also makes it easier should I need to catch a train to see different places

[@MsDenver2]

That beef stew looked very good for a camp , lovely and warming 👍🏇🏼🚲

[@double531]

Great video and camp Sandy, I’ll be using my bike more for camping this year. Inspirational stuff as usual.

[@swnorcraft7971]

Just discovered your channel today. Watched the muddy camping trip first, then this one. Well done, mate! Thank you so much for sharing. I'm 64 this month. Used to bikepack overnighters with my sons....still do solo overnighters. Would like to do 50, 100, 200 mile trips. I ride my bike to and from work every chance I get. To work is about 3 miles. The long detour home is 7.5 and the longer detour home is 16 or so. Your vids inspire me to get out more on the weekends. Thanks and be well.

[@WiltshireMan]

Thats great news, we are similar ages. Keeping fit and active is even more important now:)

[@martystacey4429]

Loved it Sandy😎Smart thinking doing a shakedown as it irons out the problems. Lashing down here in Cumbria so it was great to 'ride with you ' KTF🙏

[@WiltshireMan]

Plenty more rain on the way Marty😂

[@Andyb2379]

I’m currently in the New Forest staying in Scout accommodation with my family. The kids are loving the great outdoors. However the forest is so wet & boggy. I don’t think I’ve known it so wet. Seems winter is cling on this year. Still I’m not having to sleep in a tent in it 😂😂. Nice set up sandy. Hope the back gets better soon.

[@WiltshireMan]

I'm an all weather all year round camper Andy, there's no such thing as bad weather just the wrong gear:)

[@francismccrossan1669]

Nice to see you back out on your bike camping in the woods you can go places on a bike you can't get on a motorcycle and it's more healthier for you weather not been good rain rain and more rain just think if this was all snow hope to see more of you on your bike as the year goes on stay safe and stay healthy one life enjoy blessed be

[@karenshane3976]

I can say the Jacklore whittler is an awesome knife, faultless in design and it coped well with the willow wizard i made. A very kind gesture mate.

[@WiltshireMan]

Awesome, Happy Whittling mate:)

[@mischef18]

Great video as always bro, thankfully from January the first we have not the rain like 2023 threw at us. Looks like it is up your way now. Safe travels. Ken.

[@TheSkskitey]

Nice bike wild camping with Dave Sandy . It's funny how your winter is hanging on , our Summer in Western Australia is hanging on too , nearly 28/30c everyday and no rain for months and on Sunday it's going to be 35c , the weather has gone bonkers :-)

[@Dave64track]

Great camp setup I was surprised how much gear you got on the bike. That stew looked good just what’s needed when out in the wilderness too warm you up.

[@jimrowland6089]

Looks like a good setup Sandy. I have a saw like that one and it worked great for me if I am being weight conscious. If the weather does not let up here we will all be boaters. Water World here we come.

[@WiltshireMan]

Hahaa yes Jim, Water world it is becoming over here

[@cleophusA]

Sandy, What an excellent gift! A hand crafted knife is always a welcome treat to anyone who receives one. BUT! You MUST have the man who received the blade give you a coin in return. It doesn't matter what kind of coin, but if one is not forthcoming within one week of the gifting, then the knife that was given in friendship will actually CUT the friendship and destroy it. So, please, get a pence piece off of him as soon as possible to preserve the friendship! As always, great and enjoyable video. Don't forget the coin!!!

[@markpinnington1723]

As usual...loved it Sandy Opposite down here in Tasmania...worst drought ever 🤔

[@marksadventures3889]

well, you've certainly got the bike packing kit together Sandy. Nice place in the woods there. What lovely gifts to give each other. I got a Blackthorn Single tent for the cycling overnights, with a camo net and superlight tarp. No permissions here. I have found a few spots on small rambles and car trips and the like - even from a drone shot on someone else's local footage. I think when the wind drops that's my MO for finding spots. I bought some gaiters for cycling to save handlebar throws.

[@fog360]

Simple and light set up , I do like that , I think I may save up for an e-bike , and do some coast path camps

[@peterking3563]

Great little camp, thanks for having us tag along.

[@RobGibson-st3yz]

Great adventure your Wright it’s been so wet let hope it in proves 👍

[@stevetaylor8446]

As you know, im not religious so to speak...if anything, nature is my religion. But I love giving gifts at any time of the year. What a lovely camp out, even if the weather is so wet and windy at the moment. Just got back from over a week at the farm and used the Potensic to check for 2 new foals, rather than fall in the mud in the fields. Another 2 months Sandy and theyll ve putting us on a hosepipe ban 😂

[@annenewton5403]

Lovely video Sandy, I’m so sorry you have a bad back.

[@gonzo_the_great1675]

Was out camping in a friends woodland over the weekend and got storm Kathleen. After the first night of rain, the access track turned to soup. And we got the two landrovers that we packed in with stuck trying to get them back out to the road..

[@WiltshireMan]

Hopefully things will dry out a bit soon. Very wet and cold again today (9th April)

[@neilwilkinson5415]

You were travelling at a fair old speed with your new aero setup. Looked like a good test camp for future excursions.

[@WiltshireMan]

I think it does roll a bit quicker without the panniers Neil

[@mikecharlick8119]

Brilliant! Always a pleasure to watch. Thank you Sandy 😊

[@allanmason7544]

really enjoyed that vid sandy that cawl looked good

[@hArtyTruffle]

Nice little knife you made for yer mate 👍🏼

[@pootlingalong8928]

Thank you for sharing another ride out, and agree with you about this long, wet, cold winter. I’m up in Northamptonshire and have to cross two rivers on my commute to Bedford. So many detours this winter due to flooded bridges and roads. One winter I’ll be glad to see the back of. Cheered up when I saw your last note about future adventures, glad to see Dave is saddling up again. Any chance we’ll see the Bromptons again? So loved your 100 mile ride and Way of the Roses 🌹 - epic rides and no filthy wet muddy tracks, don’t know how you do ‘em!

[@WiltshireMan]

Yes the Bromptons will feature again soon:) The Brompton is Dave's favourite bike, for me though it is the Bootzipper as I can go proper off roading with it:)

[@bcolinranken]

Bachs Bourée…Lovely…

[@LFH02]

Looks like you are just about sorted. we all just need a little less rain to get out a bit more. thanks for sharing.

[@WiltshireMan]

It's been so wet Oz, can it get any wetter? The answer is YES...The forecast for the weekend looks aweful. Proper camping weather I should say:)

[@LFH02]

@@WiltshireMan I don't mind the rain its the mud

[@BeercanBushcraft]

Great video Sandy mate 👍 All the very best to you and yours 🍻🍻🍻

[@annsmith8000]

I shouldn’t be jealous living here in NZ but can’t help feel such a pang I miss those definite season changes especially going into spring. We are just coming into Autumn still shorts n tee shirt weather but you make it look awesome, it’s great that you share what rocks your life good on you mate thanks heaps. I am sure there are plenty o’people that love the way that we feel right there with you. Does that make sense?. Anyway thank you.......kind regards Rob.

[@ronpowell6372]

Aye up Sandy…how I look forward to you’re bikepacking posts….was on this within an hour of it being launched. Good lad. Sorry to hear about your back…you look after it but it seems you’re doing the right things in keeping moving and having that positive attitude. That was a luxurious camp? You were well looked after…loved the way you just buggered off leaving Shane to clear up…lol Anyways I like that set up on your bike rig, nice n simple and only what you need yes as you said KISS. SO looking forward to your next posts especially after you gave that little hint of something in the pipeline!!!! Take care Sandy…look after that back and keeping posting Bessies….Ron

[@neanderthaloutdoors9202]

Look forward to the New Forest cycle adventure Sandy, my ol stomping grounds, born in Lyndhurst

[@WiltshireMan]

It's a nice part of the world is Lyndhurst :)

[@theMisadventuresofaLittleWolf]

the set up looks great sandy. in the midst of redoing mine with all the racks. hopefully this weather calms sown a bit soon.cheers.

[@timlamb2410]

Looking forward to your cycling trip with dave !! Your a great pair together banter all the way 👏

[@newforestexplorer]

That frame bag looks smart !

[@davidphilpott9649]

Top content again, interesting to see your set up. The stew looked delicious.

[@dieselbushcraft1299]

Hi Sandy, that stew looked just the ticket for a cool night outdoors hearty and warming. I used to love the rain on the tent when I was laid in bed all toasty and warm, something almost primeval about it maybe. Unfortunately my ground dwelling days are over, I need gravity on a night now so the nearest I get is tucked up in my van but still have the same feeling. Thanks for sharing your video.

[@WiltshireMan]

You can still hear the rain lashing down Andy and thats the main thing:) Nothing can beat sleeping outdoors on a stormy night:)

[@Billywhizz-bl7yj]

Sandy, be very careful drinking from that bottle under the down tube, best get one with a cap or lid on it. 👍.

[@vivalosskeletos5432]

I fell in love with the Bootzipper after seeing yours and have enjoyed getting back in the saddle on my own! I can't wait until it's dryer, and I can go out and look for somewhere to put up my hammock.

[@WiltshireMan]

I love my Bootzipper, it's not fast but very rugged, a great adventure bike, best thing I did was fit the suspension seat post and then the new SMP saddle

[@ed7540]

Great little video thank you. That’s inspired me to camp out tomorrow now 🤣😂😂. As for the weather I think the best couple of days so far this year has been when I was at the Dragon Rally. 😏😏

[@davecooper9721]

nice to see you back out sandy fantastic channel mate

[@SteveSeadog]

Great set-up, Sandy. I was out last Saturday to test out my new tent (Naturehike Cloudpeak 2) which I was really happy with, and it was good to see that some of the wild garlic bulbs I planted last year have grown. Like you, I'm looking forward to a spell of fine, sunny weather.

[@WiltshireMan]

I shall reserve the panniers for more heavyweight bushcraft bike camps Steve, but for light weight bike packing minimal kit is the best way, riding single tracks is easier and if I need to catch a train it's so much easier too. Hopefully no stopping the adventures now. I think the Cloudpeak tents are a great choice, it should serve you well :)

[@mikehurley5052]

Well that looked great.

[@FlyingHaggisFilms]

Nice one again Sandy, your enthusiasm is contegiouse, hope to get out of soon also. Take care. Harry out. Ps, nice edit and music.

[@cyclingdry]

That's a great bike set-up, Sandy 👍👍

[@WiltshireMan]

Less is more:)

[@geoff9614]

There not excuse’s there reasons why another good video thanks

[@MadDogsandEnglishman]

Great video there, Sandy. That stew looked lovely!

[@brettatkinson4325]

Great video Sandy,that knife was a beautiful gift 👍

[@jameswalksinhistory3848]

A true small adventure which I totally enjoyed watching-Thank you Sandy

[@robertogrilli4574]

Another nice video 😊

[@victormonster4658]

What a meal, looked delicious. That bike looks the business too. Thanks for the video WM👍👌

[@billhambelton7698]

Liking the look of the frame bag Sandy. Im presently getting gear together for the bikepacking trip to Normandy in September so would love to hear how you rate the ortlieb.

[@shaungillingham4689]

I dunno how you got the energy, well done great mobile set up. Yep your right about the wet winter, seems like since last October it has been raining on a regular basis. This Spring we've seen little to nothing of warm sunny days, but it can alternate between wet & cold, or mild & warm springs, we've had milder & dryer in recent years so it's a bit uncomfortable this year, let's hope the second half of April & May are better, such a beautiful time of year in England. Great stew, so much better than that stuff in a bag, lot of salt in them dried meals, that many use, its perhaps OK as a stop gap but with a little pre preparation a much healthier meal isn't so difficult to make. I hope your back isn't playing you up, I've had similar problems, there are some simple floor exercises that you can do that really help, stretching the spine, but I do hope you recover soon.

[@angelanicholls9647]

Hi Sandy, a lovecarbed 🔪 knife. Your food looks delicious 😋, guess what my hubby bought me? Some red booties like your blue ones😂,OMG they ate so warm to wear in bed , as I'm always cold 🥶 as I'm a kidney Transplant patient. Look forward to your next video.❤❤

[@WiltshireMan]

It's nice to sleep warm, those down booties are even warmer if you don't wear socks, just the booties. I slept warm and cosy but I think my friend Shane was a bit cold:)

[@BorderRambler]

Nice setup Sandy , I’ve gone down a similar route. Ditched the panniers for an altura 30L rucksack . Everywhere is sodden in water , we need sunshine soon 😂😎👍

[@WiltshireMan]

I hope the weather soon improves Dave. This setup is by far the most practical especially if I need to use the train at some point in the future. Light weight is best. I shall stick with the Laser comp for the cooler seasons but hope to buy an Alpkit Soloist for the warmer months. My Laser has a solid inner making it perfect for cold but too stuffy for warm weather, the soloist has a mesh inner which is better for summer.

[@user-rc7dq7xp6y]

great music for a great video. Many thanks.

[@charlesfulcrum3170]

Lovely spring bike camp🙂

[@J5388T]

An excellent video, thanks!

[@mark.a.cornish]

Enjoyed this one Sandy, very timely as just got a bike for this kind of thing and now have to work out how to load it up and what to take. Surprised we have not crossed paths yet as we are in much the same area doing much the same thing.

[@WiltshireMan]

I'm sure we will bump into each other at some point. As for bike packing go as light and take as little as possible

[@thegeordiefellwalker8878]

like yourself I leave the pole cover attached on my laser comp.but stuff it in a roll top dry bag for a much smaller pack.

[@peter236uk1]

Good one Sandy love to come and do few days bike packing up your way

[@WiltshireMan]

Your welcome here any time Pete:)

[@gazgf]

Ash before Oak…you’re in for a soak. Oak before Ash…you’re in for a splash. ….well, where I am on the south coast the Oak is out way before the Ash this year so should be a dry summer if the “old wives tales” are true! 🤷😀

[@user-gp3cp8ny7m]

Hi Sandy. Nice video. I cycled Midford to Bath on Thursday this week. The mile long tunnel was clear , the Devonshire tunnel had 6 inches of water at the Bath end. Don’t know why they don’t improve the drainage. No pedestrians were walking through but us cyclists were. However our feet were a bit wet . Try to do the tunnels it’s quite an experience. 😊Avoid weekends if I was you.

[@WiltshireMan]

I've been through the tunnels twice in the last two years on different cycling trips always going uphill out of Bath but this route will see me do this section down hill:)

[@natpick]

lovely video,thank you.

[@si7511]

Thank you so much for stopping and assisting me in getting my motorbike up Kingsdown hill this morning for its Mot. Got there in the nick of time and with help on the battery, it passed the Mot. YOUR A STAR, THANK YOU

[@WiltshireMan]

Hahaa, No problem my friend, I could just ride by and see another motorcyclist struggle. Glad the bike passed MOT OK and you got the battery charged. I just got back from a lovely 100 mile ride on the Enfield, went down to Chute valley and all around that area. It was a nice ride. Take care on the bike, ride safe. Sandy

[@vincesmith9138]

Great to see you out on the bootzipper again Sandy,I'd been humming and arring for a while and decided to jump in after watching your adventures. Could I ask if your running the planet x Geoff bars,if so what are the bar ends/grips your using? Many thanks for putting in all the effort uploading your videos for us to watch.

[@WiltshireMan]

I can't remember what the bars are called now but I do like them, the ability to have the front mount bar for devices is great. Make sure to get the frame size thats right for you, I would "Size UP" from what the chart on their website says. Also the 29er is not the fastest bike but it is great off road, if you want to roll a bit quicker maybe consider 650B or a gravel bike. Overall I like the Bootzipper for the tougher terrain but considering adding a Gravel bike to the stable for when the planned routes are easier

[@BuckMckawtheotherone]

Yes, here in Alberta Canada, we had a lion in early March, and I expected a lamb for the end of March, but, no. It was proven wrong here as well. It's April 5th and we have had snow yesterday and today, with freezing rain forecasted. It has been said, 'April showers bring May flowers' Let's see if Nature listens?

[@tincanblower]

Did you mean to put that this was filmed in 2023? Excellent video as usual. Looking forward to some radio while camping!

[@WiltshireMan]

My mistake, changed the date now

[@billcotton1551]

I'm not much for camping, but I love to watch your videos. I like how you camp in all types of weather.

[@philbarbetta1213]

Sandy…never apologize about a peace of equipment that works for you…referring to your goggles…I wear contacts and have 2sets similar to yours…one for bicycle one motorcycle riding…

[@campfire52]

A very enjoyable episode here Sandy. You have put together an excellent and very functional kit for travelling and camping with your bike. The "Yule gift" that you received from your friend should compliment that kit very well I think. I am certain that you will be doing a lot more in the future. Thank you for allowing us to share your adventure with us, I will surely see you on the next one.

[@davidpayne8413]

A bike ride to a camp, two old boys sharing a beef stew meal with a camp fire, away from the maddening crowd, what could be better

[@WiltshireMan]

Thats right David:)

[@Trekon2]

Lovely video Sandy, and you had a nice camping buddy with you. Glad to see the ground conditions have not put you off your adventures with your bikepacking, thanks for sharing 👏 👋

[@simonwiltshire]

That's the way to go bikepacking, comfortable, light and simple it's about the same as my setup and it works just fine, cheers for the videos sandy.

[@WiltshireMan]

Less is more and light is right :)

[@glynntipper9354]

Great to see you out again, a nice over night with Shane the cooking looks far better than some of the stuff served up at some pubs, the yule gifts were amazing and useful, looking forward to more adventures be good to see Dave again.

[@johnpawson7400]

Perfect start to my day Sandy. Very interested in how you pack everything on your bike for bike packing, thanks for that.

[@pshearduk]

A great bike setup Sandy, KISS is the way forwards mate. Thanks for bringing us along

[@stevetaylor8698]

Yes, very wet everywhere this winter. Never mind, two warmish weeks and there will be a hosepipe ban.

[@And337go]

Hi Sandy, wondered where you got those orange bar buckle straps for holding the tent, looks really simple but very effective. Great video as always

[@baylatron]

I really enjoyed that video, it’s nice to have people like that around you and I hope your back gets better soon 👍

[@WiltshireMan]

Thanks:)

[@martinnewman8819]

Bike looks well sorted now then Sandy, up for plenty of miles in the saddle. Look forward to the bike adventures to come. Looked like a good camp mate, I cant wait to get back out myself soon. Keep the videos coming Sandy, really enjoy the work. Big thumbs up. Regards all in the house of the Wiltshire man. Moose.

[@tonypaddler]

A great trip Sandy, very enjoyable 🚲⛺👍

[@robtherover]

I agree. I think its been the wettest, and for the longest time this winter. I love the autumn and winter but I'm of the opinion it can do one now. Can't wait for the summer. Great vid as always.

[@memybikeni9931]

Good video as always. Hope the floods and paths clear and look forward to your four barrows adventure when you get the opportunity. I know what you mean about pains going away, I limp around with arthritis a lot, and feel like an old man most days, I’m 55, but I get my spanners out and I can be rolling around on the garage floor under and over the bike, stripping parts off, fixing, hammering, repairing, and it all goes away. Just need to keep moving one way or another. Keep up the brilliant work. Rich

[@marcuskiritsis2076]

Bike setup is looking good sandy, you have always been a true gentleman. Shane looked very pleased to have his Yule gift from you sandy and it was an absolutely amazing thing to do as so much work goes into each and everyone of your knives which makes owning a Jacklore just priceless in my humble opinion. Hope the back gets better soon please don’t overdo things. Sending love to all the family and the two woofers ♥️♥️🥰🥰♥️♥️👍👍🫡🇬🇧

[@WiltshireMan]

Back is on the mend Marcus but I am getting older so will have to be more careful, but the adventures will continue:)

[@marcuskiritsis2076]

@@WiltshireMan glad to hear your on the mend keep well sandy 👍♥️😉

[@BrianthatiscalledBrian]

Thanks, Sandy. I'm looking forward to your next adventures. Cheers. 🙂👍🏕️🚴‍♀️

[@WiltshireMan]

Thanks for watching Brian:)

[@peteblackwell3]

Perfect end to the week, Sandy, a new video! The work involved getting the shots of cycling and the overall filming is just great. Oh, what a gift for you, and oh oh ............ what a gift for Shane!! Loved ever minute and now feel so relaxed watching you. So look forward to the next one . Stay safe best wishes to Mandy and the family . P & M .

[@WiltshireMan]

Glad you enjoyed it Pete:)

[@stuartmckinnon5795]

Well done Sandy another great video mate that stew looked lovely. big hello to shane🍺🍺🚴

[@oldgittarist]

Nice one Sandy. I must say I do like your choice of soundtrack music!

[@garyhalkon8749]

A wonderful episode, I hope you start to feel better soon Sandy. And no need to apologise for your cycling glasses, they're for a purpose and not style 😊 Stay safe my friend

[@Celtic-Silver-countryman]

I have never known weather like this ! week after week month after month ? in the last 7 months we have had only two dry days !