Bikepacking camping gear on a Budget

[@ridesofjapan]

Please notice that this video is almost 6 years old by now and prices might have changed since making this video. If you looking for budget camping gear it always worth spending a few minutes extra looking around if there’s any better or cheaper options out there. Also, as many people have pointed out, don’t disregard the used market. Happy camping!

[@trukweaz]

did you use the regular or large sleeping bag?

[@ridesofjapan]

Kurt Perham large

[@trukweaz]

@@ridesofjapan thanks, amigo.

[@williammcevoy1100]

A

[@andrefaria5751]

you still love the naturehike sleeping pad? I already have a decathlon forclaz 700 one, and I am hesitant between upgrading for thermarest xlite or just try the naturehike.

[@code3xiv]

Some of us cant afford expensive gears. That makes this video so appealing to me. Thank you for doing this.

[@ridesofjapan]

Kari Kepala Gajah happy to hear that mate 🙏 True, not every can afford, or want to spend the money for the top of the crop. Luckily we have a lot of alternatives these days 👍

[@knordberg]

And the idea is to just get out there. Bikepacking is so much fun.

[@MattBargain]

Don’t know mate, even the budget version seemed quite expensive to me.. I think you can go way more budget than this

[@Ayntak]

@ My sleeping bag was around 25 €, sleeping pad 30 €. Tent for 2 people is no prob to get under 100 €...

[@TMooh11]

@@Ayntak just buy used ones. I mean the reason why I chose bikepacking and touring is because it's cheap!

[@iqueque]

I put the gas canister in a cut off nylon stocking to prevent it getting stuck in the pot.

[@ridesofjapan]

iqueque that is brilliant! Will snap up that tip 👍👍

[@JerryWDaviscom]

I don't wear nylons, but I think a bandana folded over the canister and inserted upside down will do the same job. Good idea on the nylons :)

[@WillN2Go1]

Good tips. Thanks. Watching set up the Nature Hike tent I checked the company name logo, it looks exactly like my BigAgnes. I don't use footprints anymore, excess weight and the bottom is holding up just fine. When bugs are at a minimum, I much prefer my bivy and a rainfly. Also the new Big Agnes tent, like the Z-Packs has two open sides which I prefer for the view. My Copper Creek is like being inside a bag.This is why I prefer the bivy and the rainfly. (I slept in just the bivy, outside the Kitadake hut in the Southern Alps almost 3000 meters, in very cold high winds and blowing rain. Best night of my life.) I'd suggest skipping the ground sheet, but have some patch repair. I also ever go anywhere without a sleeping bag liner, it increases the temperature range like no sleeping bag could ever do. If it's hot, I just use the liner, if it's cold, the liner extends the range of the bag. I've got the Reactor liner which is one of the warmer ones. I was also cheap about a ground cloth (that I don't use) for the Big Agnes. I bought a cheaper one that was close to the size and then just glued (with Shoe Goo, clamped for 24 hours) on a strip of webbing and melted a hole for the tent pole. I like the idea of being able to set up the Big Agnes in the rain by crawling under the rain fly, and then setting up the tent underneath. The problem, as you know, is you need to stick the poles into something or it won't work--which requires the ground sheet. I guess my tip is, save on the footprint, and make it fit with glued on webbing--which works (I didn't yet have a sewing machine) and then leave it home. Someday I'm just going to tie some string into the same pattern as the BigAgnes poles so I can do the rain set-up trick. For backpacking I sweat every gram and still end up with 20-30 kg pack weights. Without sweating the grams my pack would be 40 kg, and then I'd just rent a car or not go camping. I think we all laugh at the people cutting their toothbrushes in half, but we're struggling to reduce pack weight. You're hard on your stakes. (I can't remember the last time I had to hammer one in, I usually just push them in with my foot.) On a four day hike I lost two stakes the first day and then figured out that the bit of yellow string really makes a difference. I didn't lose any of those. I had orange line and added a 10-15 cm loop to all my stakes, the rest of that hike and the rest of the three month trip, I didn't lose anymore. A comfortable full length l air mattress and a good air pillow are essentials. Even the half-tooth brush guys go along with this. good video.

[@ziemowit5362]

I used Naturehike 100$ cycling tent during my 5 month cycling trip (Poland-Kyrgyzstan)- ~1,6kg with the footprint. Very durable fabric, stiching and poles. I used it with big naturehike stakes, which I bought seperately - no issues, I love them. After 4 months both zips broke. Eventhough they broke, I was still very happy with it so now for bikepacking I am using Naturehike Taga 1. (1,1+0,2kg with the footprint)- very light 1 piece hybrid tent, great for setting up in the rain, spacious, comfortable, easy to set up. The only drawback is the condensation. I confirm that the stove is amazing, very powerful. During my trip I used 15$ anodized aluminium pots from Aliexpress, they are still in use. Some of my friends use the Aegismax sleeping bags, and they are pretty happy with it as well. Thanks for the content! Looking forward to get my first gravel bike this spring:)

[@ridesofjapan]

Ziemowit awesome! Great to get feedback from a real bikepacker! Good to hear that it held up that good for you. My mate got some bigger stakes as well and have not had any issues since then.

[@ziemowit5362]

Thanks! Maybe you could help answering me one question. I have never ridden road and I am planning to buy a bicycle, that I am gonna use for commuting, road riding and occasionally road and gravel bikepacking. Do you think that a gravel like Cannondale Topstone 105 would be good for the job or should I look more towards proper road bikes? Thanks for the content!

[@ridesofjapan]

Ziemowit I think the topstone looks like a brilliant alternative. But have not actually ridden it so can’t say much more than that. But for a commuter/road/gravel bike It certainly looks like a winner. It’s probably more suited to the commuting and gravel adventure part than the road racing though.

[@yellowlightingbolt]

That's a really cool trip, would you mind to share the route roughly? Thanks

[@ziemowit5362]

@@yellowlightingbolt I started in Gdansk, Poland and went through Ukraine, Moldova, Ukraine, Black Sea (ferry), Georgia, Armenia, Iran, Azerbaijan, Caspian sea (ferry), Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan.

[@collinscycleworks]

My Hack for the stanley pot, was to cut the lip of the top of one of the nesting cups. Put that in the pot first with the little stove burner, and a flint lighter. And then the gas canister upside down on top. Then you have all you need for cooking plus a cup, only downside is it's slightly heavier with the cup. But no rattles and has been the best stove for bike packing for me so far.

[@ridesofjapan]

Patrick Collins awesome! Might try something like that, cheers!

[@jaydesimone4297]

This is a great video! For those looking for budget gear, I'd also suggest looking into videos on ultralight backpacking gear on a budget, since the basics are the same. All that really changes is the method of transportation.

[@jimnyfuchs]

Hi there! Finally, I just did my first overnight bike packing adventure following your recommendation to the Nature hike tent. I chose the Cloud Up 2 for a little more comfort - thanks for the good advice. 👍

[@sickunit2096]

I really appreciate this video. I now have the cooking kit, stove, and tent you recommended and Im very happy with them. Thanks!

[@rangerdoc1029]

Great tip on stowing your gas can in the cooking pot. I didn't get one of those because it was so big, but seeing that I can use it to store the gas + accessories makes me want to get one.

[@felixcat9318]

There has never been a better time to learn about and research perfectly usable, inexpensive equipment, be it cycling or camping related! Learning how to research, select, prepare and use inexpensive equipment is very enjoyable, and what is available today is invariably well designed and manufactured using good quality materials. The money one saves by choosing perfectly good, inexpensive equipment can be used to extend one's trip or to take more trips in future. There's a lot of enjoyment to be had from tracking down bargains and lot's of cycling and camping equipment tends to be sold after one or two uses where the owner decides that it's not to their liking. Video's of this type help to educate and inform and there's absolutely no embarrassment in having inexpensive equipment.

[@SeanoHermano]

Thanks for the video! I have this cook kit along with the same style stove (but made by the brand MSR) and gas can. It was close, but i never thought to put the gas kit fitted inside the pot. That’s genius!

[@jdshl8423]

Naturehike is a nice brand to explore if you don't have any gear yet with good quality for the price. Ship it directly from China if you can, because Amazon isn't exactly cheap. Another brand to explore is Decathlon, especially clothing and smaller bags. Naturehike Cloud Up 2 (Upgraded) weighs 1753g (my own set, about USD100). Not sure why you'd use a Cloud Up 1 considering you're a much larger person than I am, and it weights just 100g more.. ALL my gear, including my Brompton clone foldie fits in the tent. But one day, I will get an UL tent like the Big Agnes, when I can afford it. I use a nested drinking cup with lid (450ml) and a cooking cup with lid (750ml), both titanium, from Tomshoo. Just buy titanium from the get go. Stainless steel pots and cups just weigh so much when you only really need to boil up mostly water to make hot drinks and hydrate pasta. Not sure why titanium cookware is so expensive on Amazon. I got both my cups for about USD30 in total. That said, the BRS stove is the lightest and smallest to date, and I also own one (unbranded, same thing, far cheaper, about USD6). I use a backpacking bag (60L) to pack my gear, and this sits on the rear rack of my foldie. My daypack (30L) gets strapped to my front carrier. So I do have much more packing volume and I don't have to deal with narrow dimensions. I recommend using hand-rolled vacuum travel bags because you can really squeeze a lot of air out of a sleeping bag, fleece blanket (my luxury item), down puffy jacket, clothes, etc, packs down almost flat, is already waterproof, and is cheap to replace. Just takes some practice to fold the stuff to the right size, slide them into the vaccum bag, gently sit on it, and seal. Then again, I am not totally minimalist nor fully UL nor hardcore daily cycling range, so I do pack a little bit more for my comfort and ride at a leisurely pace.

[@SeaBiscuit1024]

Nice video! Getting into bikepacking is a little scary in the sense that doing so requires a significant cash outlay (even with budget options). This video, though, helps me understand that there are budget options that can get the hobby started without costing you a first-born child. With budget options as well, if something goes wrong and you tear up some of your gear on accident, then it's not as hard to swallow versus tearing up some high-end equipment. Cheers!

[@davidklein1667]

Hey! I started ebike packing. I'm not counting grams but the lighter gear allows me greater battery range. I bought a SnugPac Ionosphere. Bivy. 130$ on Amazon. Love it!!! High quality.

[@AlfrancisGuerrero]

this was a great video! I love how you also provided the "baseline" price options as well. gives a better perspective to newbies like myself.

[@peppermintp2610]

I love this video. Excellent comparison. Appreciate your effort--and especially extra bits showing how and where you pack your gear.

[@skinnie88]

Thanks for this video and all the tips. It is very important for the ones that are starting to have comparison. Would be nice in the future to compare some of the naturehike stuff to decathlon stuff. Decathlon usually isn't much more expensive/heavier, but they honor their warranty (and it is easier because of phisical stores) and usually it is no questions asked.

[@TheKjlongtine]

Thanks for the reviews! Would be cool to do an update for 2020 Budget Gear.

[@sisaktamas]

It was here I saw for the first time the brand Naturehike, was convinced also after I talked to a local guy who's been using a Cloup Up1 for a few years and was totally satisfied, so I got meself a tent also, it's a 2 person I don't remember the exact model, maybe it's just a code, but it has two entrances on the long sides. I put up quickly in the living room and it looks very sharp, the material is really nicely stretched in all corners, I can't wait to try it for real. The tent is 1600g and the additional underlayer mat is 300g, a little heavier than expected but I'm sure it was in the description on Aliexpress. I also got two Naturehike sleeping mats which feels a little cheaper to the touch as I expected, but I can't complain. It held it's air for 3 days&nights during which my kids and then I slept on it, no problem.

[@philipnelson4692]

Went across US and back. Moving on to motorcycle, thanks for the info as it's about the same as bicycling.

[@n1sm0r]

I’m surprised that you don’t have >20x the subscribers that you currently have. Amazing production value, good “to the point” script, and genuinely interesting content. I hope you keep making videos because I’m almost done watching all your older ones!

[@ridesofjapan]

Ben Im thank you sir! comments like these keep me going 🙏

[@bddorling]

Really like your videos. Such good quality content. I used the Stanley cook set for bike touring and I still use it to this day with a small alcohol stove and whatever I can find in a hardware store or pharmacist!

[@ridesofjapan]

Ben Dorling thanks mate, really appreciate the kind comments! 🙏 I’ve yet to try my luck with alcohol stoves. Will probably happen sooner or later. The gas canisters are so damn convenient though for short 1-nighters.

[@Whirlee79]

almost my first setup ... got the NatureHike 1Person version ~50bucks ... summer sleepingbag ~30bucks ... Pad ~ 25bucks ;) p.s.: the naturehike is a very good tent with an update version

[@janpruijser8649]

Great video. Also massively respect the effort you went through to post the links for purchase for different markets.

[@shemmac4700]

agreed

[@alexlikesoutdoors5825]

I used to buy footprints as well, until I discovered Tyvek! You can buy a sheet of this for a few bucks and lay your tent on top of it and cut it to size. It is waterproof, ultralight, and most of all CHEAP! Also, it is loud haha. But if you throw it in the washing machine, it takes that noise away.

[@ridesofjapan]

AlexLikes Outdoors that sound interesting! Will look into that! 👍

[@iancolquhoun6249]

Awesome video! For those of us just getting into bikepacking, this will save a TON of money!

[@ridesofjapan]

Ian Colquhoun happy to hear that 🙏That was the goal of this video!

[@hansschotterradler3772]

Thanks for the comparison. I have done bike trips as long as 6 months in the 90s and carried all that stuff with me. Now I just do shorter weekend trips and stay at B&Bs and eat out. I may not be a purist anymore, but nothing beats a hot shower, food cooled for you and a comfy bed after a long day in the saddle.

[@adamnorton748]

NatureHike makes a full size folding camping chair as well(read: back support up to the shoulder) . It's maybe 14 inches X 5 inches X 4 inches packed but it was great for my first week long ride and I kept it on top of my pannier rack, so not only could I use it at camp but also to rest during the day. It's not Ultralight at all but I enjoyed it

[@supersabba73]

I'm going to add up to the previous comments. This is really a very well made and useful video. I wish I had seen this before my summer trip. I was more in a hurry to gear up and bought a decathlon mat for 40€ which has the same weight of the sea to summit. but it's kind of hard to get rid of the air, though.

[@coltonhalverson4532]

Great job on the video! It's nice to see a review of items such as the sleeping bag and stove that can be very affordable for entry level bikepackers!

[@bruin4937]

Excellent and very helpful video for those of us who don't want to blow a bunch of bucks on bikepacking gear. Thank you very much for all of this very useful info!

[@Llamabanger]

Very nice comparison & demonstrations. Far better than most. Thanks!

[@bronzzhorse]

I use the stanley cook kit you show, and so far, i have had no problems with the plastic lid handle melting over the campfire. I am always mindful of where the handle is, but it is more a matter of fire vigilance. In a pot that small, you don't need a bonfire to cook with. Most times a very small fire is plenty to cook with without risking damage to the gear.

[@ridesofjapan]

Good to know! I’ve had zero problems as well. I though it would be better to mention it than not, hopefully it helped someone out there :)

[@jackomahoney75]

I love using a alcohol stove. You can make one easily with a tuna can. It's super light. Then all you have to do is carry a very small plastic bottle of alcohol or methylated spirits. It gives me enough to cook my dinner and make a hot chocolate. 10/10 would reccomend. And here in Australia many people stock methelayted spirits so it's easy to top up or you can use e85 from a petrol station

[@EspenFrafalne]

Finally someone who doesnt say that ultralight is essential for bikepacking..! And you dont really need very compact gear either if you just have some decent sized rear paniards. I can fit almost all my gear in just one of my paniards, so i have plenty room left for food. People who do it as a competition will of course try to maximize their mileage by lowering weight, etc, but 12kg should not be a big problem for most people.

[@DilbertMuc]

Very good video. Finally some budget friendly gear is reviewed and compared to premium stuff. Thanks! For only 6 Euro you get on ebay/Amazon a Chinese copy of the MSR Pocket Rocket, with integrated piezo lighter. It heats like crazy and is super small and durable.

[@decentdiversions]

Nice video! Light & affordable is a great topic. My budget solutions are a DIY polycryo tarp for shelter, foam pad for mattress (less compact but insulated and more versatile), SOL Escape Bivy for sleeping bag, a GSI stainless steel pot (a bit smaller than the Stanley pot) and, like you, the BRS stove (it doesn't have piezo lighter but an actual lighter + stove is still lighter than most stoves!). Cheers from Canada.

[@ridesofjapan]

Thanks mate! Awesome kit! Never got into the bivy thing, but I can definitely see the benefits when it comes to packetize and weight. As I really enjoy the camping aspect and we always try to spend a fair bit of time around the camp site, making a fire shooting the breeze :) I want that feeling of a "mini home" that I get with a tent. Wouldn't mind trying the tarp and Bivy solution some time for sure.

[@kolloduke3341]

COMPLEMENT TIME SIR! YOU HAVE AMAZING ! SETS OF MUSCLES IN YOUR KNEE AREA ...NOT EVERY ONE NOTICES THE SAME THINGS ! THANKS FOR EXCELLANT VID FROM SCOTLAND ..

[@omerfurtun4115]

Hey awesome video, keep it up! Also, I used that plastic bit on the lid on an open fire to cook, as long as you don't exaggerate (envelope it in) the flames, it's fine. You don't want huge flames on your fire to cook anyways so it should fare well with somebody who knows what they're doing.

[@ridesofjapan]

Ömer Furtun cheers mate! 🙏 Yeah I’ve only used this with my canister stove and then the plastic handle it really good to have as doesn’t get that hot. Saw some other videos on it when I was researching it and they mentioned it happened so just wanted to psd the warning along

[@samwarren7377]

I've used outdoor vitals sleeping bags for all my biking climbing and camping trips for the last 2 years. Love their gear, highly recommend it. They have a 30 degree down bag that's about $200

[@ridesofjapan]

Sam Warren looks like very nice products! Bit more on the premium side of things but wouldn’t mind getting my hands on some of those products.

[@n1909-t4q]

so cool you took the effort to make this. thanks a million!

[@the1andonly]

Great video. For the stove there is a great homemade alternative, using alcohol for fuel. Mine has been on many tours over the past four years and still works great. You can make it from a foster beer can 👍

[@denisphil4673]

Like your cool way to talk, easy going, explanation and the whole nerd things...weight, etc. Thanks for this cool video =o) I love bikepacking and trying things on the budget side, my sleeping bag is 15°Cmax and I cut and sew a ultralight fleece blanket als inliner and I had use both at -5°C cozy warm,better sleep ever and no weight. Greets aus Switzerland.

[@ridesofjapan]

Cheer mate! Nice hack! But please be careful 🥶

[@denisphil4673]

@@ridesofjapan I just try such things when I'm in a campingplace...so if get too cold...I can always camp inside the washroom, but I did this try in a campingplace and I wake up early from a good night sleep to find my tent and bike frozen ;o) ...always try it in the safe place and you can use it in emergencies =o))) that's my slogan!

[@Fat2Fit5k]

Definitely helps those who are just starting out to find the best of budget friendly so we don't go broke and cant afford the food

[@CreRay]

This is by far the most useful review on this topic, fits my needs perfectly! I have to admit that although I did spend quite some time looking for alternatives, I ended up buying almost all of the recommendations here, but I did go for the StS sleeping pad as I hate deflating hassle plus it was on sale. As soon as all the gear has arrived It's going on test- first in my back yard:-)

[@МаксимСудеркин]

Using the same gear kit (except instead of stanley I have cheaper and lighter aluminum alternative) for a year and it's working perfect for me. And it's possible for two people to sleep in Cloud Up 1, although there are versions for 2 and even more people.

[@ridesofjapan]

maxim suderkin correct, they make a cloud up 2 and cloud up 3 as well. Would be interesting so see the difference in pack size.

[@JerryWDaviscom]

Love that gas canister stowage in the cook pot. That is efficient use of space!

[@holyfox94]

I’ve got a blue, square down Naturehike sleeping bag and it’s awesome 👍🏻👍🏻

[@soezeuhlooser]

I am so new to all this - and find your videos SO interesting and helpful.. and also exciting! Thank you !

[@caperider1160]

Thanks a lot. I am just about to start bikepacking.

[@alfred1925]

I bought one of those Naturehike tents. I never used it, gonna sell it when I get round to it, but it looks good quality. I just wanted a different colour, mine is lime green.

[@hubdeep9452]

Once again a great informative video. I use the same stove and it's great. But I use a steel cup with a lid that I picked up for about a pound. Cheap and compact.

[@Darkswatt21]

What a great video i have an ultra bike challenge next year and now i know which sleeping bag to buy thks !!

[@ridesofjapan]

👍👍 just make sure it’s warm enough 😁

[@theshepard22]

Thanks for the tip on the Aegismax sleeping bag- it's definitely affordable and looks to be a great addition to my arsenal of bike packing gear. The tent is really similar to the eureka I picked up not long ago. I'm considering adding a silnylon tarp to swap for the rainfly which could cut out some of the bulk and weight. I don't want to be an absolute weight weenie in every category, but I think it goes VERY far to leave certain items behind; like a stove, monstrous book, and all of the things I just won't be using altogether. I can buy things that are needed as well (this is much better because I'm not carrying or thinking about something that I won't be using, and when I need something that feels crucial, I buy it, and that's makes for an interesting experience honestly, to be saying "wow, I actually need to buy this while I'm here"). Emergency equipment is always something to consider, yet small in scale, which really goes without saying. Your not going to save the world while you're touring on your wheels. There's a high chance that I'm speaking towards a trip last around 1 month plus here: Getting too cold is definitely up there. Could be simple as a safety blanket. A whistle isn't dumb to bring for any trip (but maybe you prefer to die a certain way, a way that doesn't involve a whistle and that's totally cool too! Maybe you're one of those fiercely independent and "I can do it myself" types. I can see some of you being like that who are on here. But maybe there are some folks who really just want to get everything covered for their desired cycling gig. What I've found out first hand- is that you WILL NOT regret the decision to go, it's worth it on so many levels. If you have the incling and are leaning that way to head out on a big trip, let me help you a bit by saying whole heartedly- GO! This is like the gift that just keeps on giving. Whatever time you feel is appropriate, will be appropriate, perfect for "where you're at" in life. I knew what the country that I chose would be like by researching it for over a year (mainly about how bikes work there, what the roads are like, what the people are like, costs, etc. And the costs I might add, are going to be cheaper than anything else. It's like having a free home and transportation for endless weeks on end. Just paying for food. No gas, not buying a bunch of SH#!, cuz what are you going to do with it? Now, when I buy something to eat, it's being consumed right then and there or in a day or two (a myriad of different scenarios could change this, mainly if I may not see a grocery store or convenience store for a while, or maybe I just love this certain kind of chocolate bar and can't stand the thought of being separated from it for a few days). O ya, pack some of those water filtration tablets just in case you somehow undershot your water supply. Also- I loved having a beanie with me so that I could just pop it right on after getting my helmet off (cuz I won't have washed my hair for around 4-5 days). Obviously if it's scorching- swap that for a hat or yamaka or something. Everyone is different and has different tastes for what they keep alongside themselves. So make your trip your own, and personalize it as you see fit. Your trip will not look anything like another's trip because nothing is really replicated, it's all original because you're experiencing it fresh, in the moment, just you.

[@youtubesafename123]

Super objective reviews. Love the detailed comparisons. More vids like this :)

[@werdna1969]

I can’t believe how compact and light these tents are.

[@larrywhite8590]

Excellent. It really shows the improvement in cheap gear.

[@brucewmclaughlin9072]

Glad I bought my quality gear before losing my income. Now retired I have less to play with so very video for what we can use when on a budget. bigger is better when it comes to comfort and a bit more weight will not destroy your ride, slow you down a bit but that's what gears on your bike or bent are there for.

[@RonnRider]

Great help as I am just going to be starting bike packing and will be on a tight budget. You gained a subscriber here👍🏾

[@armadillito]

Your accent and the name "Big Agnes" is an entertaining combo.

[@ridesofjapan]

I'm here to entertain ;)

[@christopherhood9241]

be interested how you find the front entrance of the BA fly creek tent compared to those with a side entrance. looking at a new lighter tent. Quite like the BG tents, 2 models - copper spur or fly creek.

[@ridesofjapan]

I never used the copper spur or similar, so can’t give you an answer I’m afraid, but personally I never had an issue with the front opening on the fly creek. The new models have a steeper front as well so in theory it should improve things even more.

[@postridebeers]

Love your videos and have learned a ton. Excited to try bikepacking once the weather gets a bit nicer. 🤘🏼

[@sallywarner6023]

Very helpful! Brands used and links to where to get them. Thank you!

[@martijnvreys2910]

This has been a super helpful video, many many thanks!

[@gboyspeed]

Love your lighting setup and music

[@robb6260]

So inspired to go bike packing right now.. although i might take the motorbike until i get a little fitter. Great video mate!

[@samstarr37]

My tent Ozark trail scout tent price 23 dollars, tarp cost 20 dollars total 43 dollars. Use knife to carve tent stakes, free. Use Ozark trail sleeping bag except in winter, as a sleeping bag and pad 30 dollars. Packages of hot hands pads 5 dollars. Stove Ozark trail jet burner 20 dollars. The Stanley cook set right on, great for hard boiled eggs. Replace plastic tab on cup with key chain ring. I've toured this way for years and this is my set up. The reason why I recommend a more expensive stove is because with the O.T. stove u can use cheap gas cylinders without striping the threads like on your MSR.

[@cameronhirsch]

Great video! I'm planning a week long trip, and can't set up my hammock on it. I'll probably end up using some of these instead of my car-camping gear. I think my Big Agnes dream island sleeping bag weighs more than your whole camp setup.

[@ridesofjapan]

Cameron Hirsch cheers mate 🙏 haha, yeah I think the priorities when car camping is not really the weight or size hehe. I’m jealous of that week long trip though. Hopefully it’s something I’ll be able to do in the future!

[@magnusdagbro8226]

You can get the NatureHike tent in silnylon as well if you get the gray color. It's a bit more expensive but a lot lighter. (same type of material as Fly Creek)

[@amerem93]

That little gas stove is super cool!

[@HNXMedia]

100% solid video. Great information. Thanks.

[@1218haku]

I will be doing some long distance racing and wanted to know your opinion regarding a portable charging brick? It will be for iPhone and a Wahoo. Many thanks in advance.

[@ridesofjapan]

I’m not expert on this, I use an normal Anker 10000mAh pack and that enough to cover me for my phone a cameras for an overnighter. For longer trips something bigger would probably be required though.

[@DiegoCamarero]

Amazing review and comparison! So useful. Thank you!

[@nicolaslemay]

I bought a sleeping pad from Naturehike, and while I've been really amaze by the build quality and how well it aged, the design itself turned out to be quite slippery and problematic. I ended up buying another mattress for about the same price but at decathlon, and you can see they place more thinking into their products as they fix all of the problems I got with the Naturehike. Still happy Naturehike is around as they force the market not to inflate too much the price of high quality gears, and would certainly consider some others products from them after looking for extensive reviews.

[@devoidbmx1]

I bought that BRS stove and the support arms all melted and completely bent under the weight of a 2l cooking pot. the first time using it. I was super dissapointed, but it sounds like most people have had good luck with the stove. I ended up buying the bit more expensive and heavier (but better quality and reliable) MSR pocket rocket 2.

[@db5304]

$150 for your reference sleeping bag is still a cheap. I have the Aegismax, and spent some time in Mexico. At 40 degrees Farenheit I got pretty Chilly, but was still able to sleep. Also REI has some great budget tents along with Alps Mountaineering. If you have an REI in driveable range, the REI is better for the cost due to their customer service. The Bag will be my next upgrade as I need something warmer for N.E. US early spring late fall camping.

[@SmooviesTV]

This was an absolutely great video in terms of information and quality!

[@raneksi]

I have sort of an offtopic question. What kind of workstand setup would you recommend for a Canyon Endurace? I currently attach it to a PCS-10 workstand from the seatpost very lightly with a cloth padding around the post. Some people say attaching a carbon post to a workstand is fine if you don't over do it. The use case is mostly washing the bike and tuning gears.

[@ridesofjapan]

reignator your stand works fine for that. As long as you don’t clamp the top tube you not have anything to worry about. Me personally prefer a race-type stand there you attach the bike to the stand at the fork (or dropout) and rest the bb shell on the cradle of the stand. I find this being easiest to work with when building up bikes and doing maintenance. Like this parktool one for example: amzn.to/2PfeV7U But other people like the seatpost clamp-style better, so it’s definitely a personal choice.

[@justinjones9028]

Love the tips and advice. Well done.

[@LeoPetri]

Congrats on the Channel mate! Good quality stuff

[@ridesofjapan]

Cheers mate!

[@effyleven]

Excellent video. It is very helpful and well made. Thank you.

[@Thracium]

Thank you very much! Valuable information and equipment! Good Luck!

[@cmdaltctr]

Hi, I have not done any bike packing yet. But I was wondering how do you park your bike while you camp? Do you camp at isolated area and just leave your bike near your tent? In camping area I guess there is a bike park? I have only went camping in Wales at camping sites with car. Really want to try bikepacking during summer. Thanks for the advise :)

[@ridesofjapan]

I camp where no one is around, bike beside the tent.

[@based3765]

Thank you so much for showing how to go on budget, because so many youtubers are like: oh a bikepacking bag for 250$, it's a good one

[@jean-charlestoupin8109]

Great video, but I'm curious to know the brand of the compression bag that you used for your tent.

[@ThatguyDiscGolf82]

I got the Stanley cook set, it's worth the weight for the quality in my opinion

[@WokwithLan]

Thanks for this info. I will try this one.

[@cw1744]

I have a stove "hack" I will share with you soon, would love to see how well it works with that cheap little stove you have. You will need a jet boil pot however, not the stove just the pot/cup thingy...

[@ridesofjapan]

C W sounds interesting. A jet boil does not fall in the budget category though 😅

[@clevelandexplorer2221]

Nice video pal this is pretty cool I didn't know naturehike could be compared with lightweight tents, it's definitely worth it for a budget but for price definitely worth considering that 500g saved. Have you considered using Ali express for really cheap titanium pots? The steel pot shown here is cool and popular though I haven't got one, can't understand how the gas canister takes so much space though is it the small or medium sized one? Having got the robens firemidge a few years ago from cotswald I was hesitant to try the stove you've shown here but I'm more and more tempted, at present I use the cheapest stove self igniting sort of folding and such, on Amazon. By far my most reliable and compact, the firemidge is useless. It's Also interesting to see the comparison between inflatable mats, especially as I use the exped downmat-i get cold easily haha. If I were to get another I may not get down :)

[@jackomahoney75]

Bivy bags for the winnnnnnn!!

[@TyBraek]

Check Aliexpress for those things too. The sleeping pad is way cheaper at about $30 there for the same one.

[@exodous02]

The only thing I wouldn't skimp on would be the sleeping mat. You really need to try it before committing. Luckily a sleeping mat isn't like a sleeping bag, you can try it and it isn't comfortable you can return it.

[@ridesofjapan]

exodous02 true! Don’t know how the return policy’s are on amazon market place but in a camping store it shouldn’t be a problem 👍 In case of the budget kit in the video it is probably the mat I would swap out first. I’m so happy with my sea to summit. And packing it up in the morning is so easy compared to all other mats I’ve tried/seen. I could still live with the nature hike mat without much problem if the wallet didn’t allow for more.

[@refinedimages2869]

What is the length of the tent pole bundle on the NatureHike when they are packed back in their bag?

[@ridesofjapan]

Jesse Wicks - Refined Images ah, I should definitely have included that info in the video 😔 They come in at 38,5cm. They fit in my medium apidura sized frame bag, but I usually strap them to the outside of my handlebar-bag

[@johndoes2434]

I got the same stove off of Amazon it's called The Desert Fox and it was like eight and a half bucks

[@jakemoore787]

What size was the stuff sack that the tent went in?

[@renthal971]

Awesome review dude!!!

[@maxwagner9371]

Thanks for the video! Could you share the brand/source of the compression sack?

[@ridesofjapan]

it’s from a small Japanese brand called oxtos, got it for free when I ordered the big Agnes tent. I think it’s a 4 Liter one (might be 5) www.oxtos.co.jp/oxtos_item/%E9%98%B2%E6%B0%B4%E3%83%BB%E3%82%B3%E3%83%B3%E3%83%97%E3%83%AC%E3%83%83%E3%82%B7%E3%83%A7%E3%83%B3%E3%83%90%E3%83%83%E3%82%B04%EF%BD%8C/

[@maxwagner9371]

@@ridesofjapan Thanks for that!

[@davidklein1667]

I just retired and am preparing for a summer of ebike touring with my dog! Since most of my time for the last 20yrs eas work my gear has dwindled and worn. Getting ready has been great fun with all the nee gear available. But while watching a video on penny stoves I had a thought.....build some gear leaving money for say a better bag. The beer can penny stove being my first choice. Now I'm building a sleeping pad from cardboard, space blankets and foam. Space won't be a problem as I'm pulling a bike trailer with gear and doggie. Now, my question...anyone hear of or use the SnugPak Ionosphere? A one man bivy tent , it's seems a good choice but it would be nice to talk to an owner?

[@roadsoftherisingsun9046]

Hi, I just found your video and it's very cool! I live in Kobe, Japan and I am basically a downhill rider. I've got my Santa Cruz nomad but I'm looking at getting a gravel bike and doing some camping and trails. I'm wondering if you have ever found cool gravel or dirt trails? I used to do rail trails in Australia and go camping and I really liked it. Most of the trails I can find a Japan are on roads or pavement of some sort.