Bikepacking Challenge - Cheap & Simple Vs Unlimited Budget

Bikepacking with your mates is great fun and e bikes have made it more accessible than ever. There are several ways to enjoy a night under the stars once you arrive though… Are you a minimal survivalist like Conor, a comfy tent camper like Hank or a glamping connoisseur like Ollie?
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Leave us a comment below!

[@emiljarengrim2536]

This video was truly inspiring! It made me instantly go out and buy a large Toblerone!!

[@conordunne1]

Emil.... I forgot how good they were until I stole half of hank's. Incredible invention.

[@outerspacekaloy]

Toblerone and the guys did a great job implicitly promoting the product. Hahaha

[@nevertv357]

Me as well, i Love Toblerone chocolates. ✌💯%🍫

[@vergeb9795]

@@conordunne1 😂🤣😹 it tastes better if it is free

[@youtubeuser2372]

OR Haibike 😂

[@rog69min]

THIS IS GOLD!!!!! Ollie poping some wine and Hank and James freezing outside. That TOP GEAR cycling produtions right there. Ollie is the new Richard Hammond.

[@Seppster58]

I'm with Conor on this one. I was so happy to see Ollie enjoy the high life of this video. From all those drops, he did really deserve that moment of luxury. Great ride guys. Nice to see everyone having a great time. Well done again GCN!!!

[@LUCYDIAMONDBOXER1]

Hank goes on a 80km bike packing trip and still in his back garden 😄😉

[@compassionsix]

Combination is the best. Multiple day ride with a hotel mixed in every 3-4 days to do laundry, charging, and on to the next adventure.

[@desroin]

The fact that Hank brought a big pack of Toblerone shows that he's an expert at bike packing 🧐👍🏻

[@AmaroqStarwind]

And Connor stole some of it of course

[@desroin]

@@AmaroqStarwind Classic Connor move 👀

[@kishascape]

He was more close to real bike touring instead of Fad packing. Just need to get a real touring bike and hes all set. Tredies are always so backwards arsed and set real progress in the opposite direction. Neanderthals.

[@juanpiantino9182]

Toblerone: the unofficial chocolate of bikepacking. To me, there is nothing like it.

[@Rollbretttreter]

Sleeping on the floor without a pad in the winter. Hank is a trooper. Conor should be eternally grateful. :)

[@zevrobins905]

James is a british military veteran. he probably would have faired better than conor had they traded places. :)

[@ViveSemelBeneVivere]

This is so Top Gear On Bikes. Great stuff GCN! 😃👍 For me, bikepacking means just the basic amenities but not to the extent that I'd have to poke grubs out of trees with a stick or raid honey from hives with my bare hands. 😆

[@andrifsig]

Am a somewhat experienced bike tourer as well as a road cyclist. How you choose to kit out and ride is entirely up to you. If it works for you then its not wrong. The only caveat I would add to that is the kit you bring should be in accordance with the terrain and climate you are travelling in. If its warm, sunny, clear skies and calm winds on a short trip then an UL kit is probably the way to go. If you are going into harsh weather, all kinds of rain and snow to be expected then your kit needs to be able to keep you warm and dry. That comes at a cost which is both monetary and weight wise. If you are planning on a long journey through all seasons, then your kit needs to be diverse, rugged and durable. And therefore you should expect to carry a fair bit more weight. Also it should be said that distribution of weight on the bike is also paramount. A bikepacking setup will distribute the weight well and keep you streamlined. But it does come at a cost. The weight will be higher on the bike which will make it a bit unstable. Also as it stands, a bikepacking setup is more expensive than a traditional bike touring setup. And it is more limited in how much you can pack. So the cost per liter of packability is much higher than a traditional touring setup. A touring setup will cost you in most cases less and it keeps the weight lower which which means a more stable bike. But it does mean that the bike is wider so not as streamlined and narrow singletracks can become a bit of an issue. I would always recommend using front panniers as well as rear panniers. Not necessarily to pack more, but mainly to distribute the weight. If only using rear panniers then the vast majority of the weight will sit on the rear wheel, so rim and spokes will be under much greater pressure than needed. Be able to equip a set of front panniers, move some stuff up to the front and your rear setup will thank you for it. Just my two cents, keep these videos coming. Bikepacking and biketouring can really expand the cycling lifestyle and should be much more highlighted in my opinion.

[@desmondsky5985]

and to add to that when bikepacking or touring and you are going to use a backpack never make it heavy, 4kg is my preferred max any more than that makes it uncomfortable really fast. My backpack only have raincoat, jacket and or extra tarp and ropes for fast shelter setup and that's barely 2kgs.

[@bikeskimawk670]

Mates having fun. Living to the level of your smile. Thank you gentlemen for the great show.

[@petewillmot]

Conor: “you’re not going to experience the full adventure, you know be at one with nature and all that.” Ollie: “you know know what? You’re right. I’m not” (puts his glasses back on as he literally doesn’t give a *bleep*) So cool 😎 Ollie dropping his vibe right there

[@JasonDBike]

The camera faded awkwardly away from the cringe...

[@ElonMuckX]

Hank confirmed the vibe with his little chuckle:)

[@Aeronwor]

If I can, I take a hammok, and on longer trips a higher luxury (a shower, kitchen available) site after 4-5 days of sleeping in the woods will work wonders. Of all Hanks kit, the stove, tea and milk is the most important, never leave without it, a warm drink in the morning makes the wilderness a friendlier place.

[@donaldrice1867]

I am just impressed that they were able to find a bivy bag big enough for Conor.

[@fabriziapostiglione800]

indeed! hahahahahaha

[@conordunne1]

It was a XXL... Sleeping bag Medium though.... D'OH!!!! Thanks for watching. Conor

[@kwinten2384]

@@conordunne1 Hey Conor, which bivvy and sleeping bag you are using? Greetings from Belgium!

[@Hill_Walker]

@@conordunne1 Conor goes from first time camping earlier this year, to lover of minimalist bivvying in the middle of winter!

[@Systematicsphere]

Conor

[@titomon]

I couldn’t stop laughing every time Ollie was showing off his glamping accomodations!

[@mikeradman]

I'm a bit older and the glamping pod sounds great to me. Great choice Ollie!😃

[@add28]

Great choice Ollie, I'm with you on this one mate 👍

[@two-eyedRoy]

Conor going all passionate minimalist and Hank bringing the kitchen sink was so on point! I was actually picturing Dan as the Glamper. Pedals out to meet the misso for a relaxed weekend away together, has a couple of cheeky "mineral waters" overnight and bins the idea of a return ride, sticks the bike on the back of the car. I'd be in between Ollie and Conor but not in a Hank way. I was planning out something similar last weekend; - Take an RDO Friday and pedal 210km(+1,700m) from where 2022 Worlds will be, to a pub just outside of the nation's capital. - Saturday sampling local vinyards with some friends in the area then back to the pub. - Sunday is just under 100miles (+1,700m) over to the coast to a basic caravan at the beach. Afternoon splash in The Pacific, a cider with a lot of ice in one hand and a prawn cocktail with lettuce in a bun in the other, whilst enjoying a Southerly change roll in. A Summer storm if I'm lucky (like tonight's angry one). - Monday loops inland for 170km(+1,900m) into Nowra for a dip in the river and treats if that cafe-bar is still there under the bridge, before jumping on a train home. - Tuesday, back to friggin work... might call in "sick". Lycanthrope or something. Packing? The usual bike maintenance supplies under the saddle + pump, and a 10L backpack (togs for the beach, smart-casual clothes and shoes for a vinyard/restaurant, and rain cape just in case plus the basic toiletries of paste/brush/soap/sunblock)

[@gosbusta]

Normally, I love camping. But that glampinig cabin looks marvelous mate. Especially after a long day

[@Biking360]

I've just completed a 1,000-mile tour on a $100 bike that was bought new. You can tour or bike back on a budget bike or with budget gear but after my experience, I'd pay as much I could afford for gear or a bike as I could reasonably afford.

[@oadka]

Checked out your channel. Pretty good, like the stuff. Subscribed!

[@Biking360]

@@oadka Thanks for checking out my channel and subscribing. It's great to have you along for the ride. Take care. JP

[@jonk5755]

Tried it in the very hot period last summer. Pedalled 35kg (not on an e-bike) 55 miles mostly on canal towpath spent the night in a tent and cycled back the next day on the roads. Loved it! Must do it again next year.

[@oadka]

Did you do it alone? If so, wasn't it a bit boring?

[@SteveBrill]

I'd certainly e staying with Ollie as the pod look brilliant. Can't believe they get paid to have such great fun! 👍

[@joaopedroafs]

Sera Sera Sera is m Join mom I’ll M kimonos kkkk O Mio ok Join no jmkkkmk Lo Mom Kik Ok lo Om imploro O

[@solsouth]

Except Hank he worked hardest.

[@SteveBrill]

@@solsouth that’s very true 😉

[@VictorElGreco]

I’m with Ollie. As a spoiled retiree, 😉 I do need a hot shower and a proper roof over my head after a long, sweaty day on the road. A casual B&B will do. ☺️

[@hoser7706]

Ending a wintery day with Ollie’s home away from home would be sweet. Not much to dislike there. Having done them all, and they all have many positives, the excitement of trying a little caravan setup like that just adds to the adventure!

[@brianrainey2739]

Ollie for the win. If it was summer and not raining then the other two options are fun. In this weather not. Well played Ollie!

[@racovert1]

Thoroughly enjoyed this video. Having done a camping trip years ago, with a 10 speed and a tent, I really appreciated the humor. We got chased by pigs and had to sleep in a bathroom when a tornado was coming through the area. These are trips to remember. Wish we had an ebike back then!

[@don5nake]

This is better than Top Gear ever was. A+ content.

[@apm9507]

I lean to Connor's bikepacking method with a bit of Hank's luxury. Pedaling from hotel to hotel could be fun though.

[@twowheelstouring482]

I laughed so much when I saw it was Ollie glamping, I was convinced it would be Manon!!! Great vid, cheers guys.

[@chrisweidner]

I bet Connors sleeping bag cost as much as a night in the pod, but I would normally choose Hanks style of camping, as long as I had the sleeping pad, seriously important for sleeping on the ground. Hank is selfless, tough as nails, and a joy to be around it seems.

[@davepratt9909]

Said it before and I'll say it again, Ollie is my hero!

[@peterfleming4967]

What a fantastic video. Thoroughly enjoyed that.

[@conordunne1]

Thanks for watching Peter, happy you liked this one.. We had so much fun filming it. Conor

[@zerocooljpn]

definitely with Ollie in this one. However, it's super hard to find such a nice place to stay, so nicely matching a nice distance from where you're starting + ride time till getting tired. You'd have to plan pretty much to get to that place, and just get back home. I enjoy an occasional 400km+ ride a couple of times a year, but always end up staying in manga/internet cafes or onsen hotels and sport centers. And camping is pretty much illegal everywhere as well... If there were such nice cabins every couple of kms everywhere that'd be awesome.

[@johnpayne2465]

I'm in the middle of a Hank-styled cycle touring adventure in Tasmania, Australia. If only I had an e-bike for the hills! Great overnight trip guys. I agree. Do it however you find enjoyable, just get out there on a bike.

[@beeftron7345]

you guys are flippin awesome! im 100% a GMBN person, but the entertainment value of GCN content can't be beat. Please keep being clever/funny/awesome!

[@maddean3893]

Totally with you. MTB by heart, but for entertainment on bicycles there is only on channel to watch - GCN

[@grantmedical]

I loved this video! To be honest - I prefer Ollie's method... I use a modified folding bicycle and my wife follows my route a short time later (with the kids) in a car... I calculate the estimated time that I expect to reach and assuming that she stays within the speed limits we can usually arrive at the same time! We carry only the essentials and prepare our route to stay at BnB's along the way... On the way back I can easily put the bike into the trunk! I am planning a super adventure after the rainy season! I will upload the videos and photos on the GCN app! Cheers mates!

[@glennpettersson9002]

I think a little of all three is the best way to travel especially on longer adventures. Riding a bike makes me happy and that is what holidays are all about

[@shanezimmer_DCN]

I always knew Ollie and I were more kindred spirits than the other presenters.

[@strawhorn1]

1. Dropped by Ollie 2. We need to put a call out to Jenny, Ollie needs a proper backpacking adventure. 3. The mode of backpacking would depend on the location. Would love to bivvy it but as. In the North of Scotland it rains like 400 days each year and the rest is wind and snow.

[@garethblake7374]

I always use a tent. It works well in the UK and gives lots of flexibility. If you can afford it, there are some really light ones which weigh less than a bivi bag.

[@mattchewone]

Do you have any recommendations? Been looking to give it a go and trying to see what is good as a tent that is small enough to carry on the bike but hard to tell online sometimes.

[@janekennet]

@@mattchewone I’ve got a big Agnes bike packing tent. Highly recommend the two man is not much more weight either if you’re bringing a friend.

[@garethblake7374]

@@mattchewone If you are happy to spend money look at the Vango F10 Hydrogen. My go to tent for longer tours is an F10 MTN2. Assuming that is a bit pricey, Terra Nova Laser compact is 1.2kg, but still not cheap. I've got one. There are some value tents from decathlon. Cheaper tents are normally heavier and bulkier. You need to check weight and pack size. Pole length when folded needs to be as short as possible. Ignore minimum pack weight - you will probably need most pegs and the guys. A one person tent will be fine provided you can sit up in it. Vango has a value one.

[@mattchewone]

@@garethblake7374 I’m happy to spend money to get something good but as I’m looking to try it for the first time I think this might be a little too much. Never know I might dislike it and stick to just day trips haha 😂 Was looking into possibly something like this - NEMO Hornet 2P Tent for a first tent

[@garethblake7374]

@@mattchewone Paul Messner did a review of the Nemo and gave one away last year on his utube channel. That should do you. Make sure your first trip is in warm weather and you will be fine. Longer tours require coping with rain, cold and high winds.

[@zevrobins905]

6:50... if ones looks closely enough, the old man in the background appears to crack a wistful smile as fond memories of days gone by out with his mates come flooding back.

[@oayysz8909]

Lol good spot

[@jeremysweeten2792]

I love these guys and all of GCN. It’s good stuff put on by GREAT presenters

[@matthewdutton119]

Conor… “journey home. race ya.” Not sure why but that comment to me had a child like sense of adventure, enjoyment, and accomplishment.

[@Hill_Walker]

Conor goes from first time camping earlier this year, to lover of minimalist bivvying in the middle of winter!

[@piquesofthought530]

Great video and idea behind it. More of this please

[@yeahbuddy4712]

Top gear on bikes....love it!

[@AmaroqStarwind]

December, 2021 Ollie took the win. In Eco mode. While living the high life. It's Connor the Giant and Hank the Overpacked who both got dropped.

[@mctaggm]

Hilarious, also on the upside… Ollie didn’t get dropped! 🙂😂

[@pauldenney7908]

I have a full touring set-up with my e-bike, tent, stove, cooking gear, etc, etc. I stop at camp sites with electric hook-up and I have a second battery. I do about 40 to 60 miles a day and stop to admire the scenery and spend some money in the pub's and cafes along the way. The e-bike makes it all possible. In 2020 I did the Lon Las Cymru in 5 days from Chepstow to Bangor, train home. Best way to travel

[@will44bott]

Ollie’s way every time! I barely ride in the wet let alone sleep in it.

[@dazzle52k52]

Probably Connors best ever VLOG. Amazing and inspiring... 😉😎

[@bubblesezblonde]

Pretty obvious who holds the Doctorate amongst the trio....:D. I'd love to try all three but in my mind I'd prob go for a hammock in a wooded area. E-bikes are the future without a doubt. LOVED the vid thanks for a lovely Sat morning breakfast viewing. :)

[@conordunne1]

Thanks for watching glad you enjoyed it!! Been meaning to try thr hammock option.. Got one just only used it for afternoon naps ha. Take it easy, Conor

[@stotheg]

Would gladly go for Ollie’s glamping option!

[@colincarstens4074]

I have done all 3. :D Each to their own and just go ride your bike and see the countryside. :D

[@boomchakalaka3715]

I still think my method is best... I post my tent etc to the destination and just bike there... no weight etc on the bike just cruise and relax. Post it back the next day

[@richard2689a]

I like a barrier between me the weather and the cows, mice, creepy crawlies, mosquitos etc so Connor is a bit bit hardcore for me. I like camping and not having to reach a certain spot at a given distance and time appeals to me and it means I can be much more flexible with my plans but on this occasion, England in December when I'm just getting over the flu. Hot tub and Ollie wins hands down. Well done guys. Keep making fantastic videos

[@janfrancis2583]

Bought a tarp and a bivvy for next years adventures, always gone with a tent but the more basic nature of tarp and bivvy is really appealing. Looking forward to seeing hiw the weight and space savings against a tent will be on the bike.

[@JayYerama]

Fantastic, this is totally my crew. Having a ton of laughs. We'll done guys!

[@katherinefrost5808]

Well done, Lads!!! I am gearing up for my first bike packing trip this summer… I'm leaning towards Glamping.

[@ChrisLoew]

Hank wins with tent, going places not by any cabin a plus

[@rahuldasmajumder5121]

Haibike has slowly found it's way in GCN as well😆😆

[@Mike-sh2dg]

I'm with Ollie on this one😆 So much fun to watch though!

[@beckyball1646]

Conor's enthusiasm is an inspiration (and this is to someone who does go touring!) I like to mix it up between tent/hostel. There's something about carrying your gear that increases the satisfaction Not sure I'd do it at this time of year though!

[@drvoxmentat]

Count me in on the bivy! But this was more like touring to me than bikepacking. I think of single track and forest roads with an occasional town as bikepacking. Trips like these on country lanes with the occasional dirt road and stippled liberally with pubs and glamping sites encourages more luxury.

[@obikedog]

Kudos to all of you but I couldn't help envying Ollie's journey to a hot tub lol! I love to camp but not in the cold, rain -- without ground insulation - ouch! I couldn't suppress a shiver seeing Connor's situation. Respect!

[@matthewobrien5348]

This GCN video made me genuinely LOL about 11 times. Good stuff 👍

[@gcn]

Glad you enjoyed it as much as we did!

[@fastharri]

Went bike packing a lot when in my late teens over 20 years ago and combined camping with youth hostels (for showers/washing). Very cheap combination that meant dry warm clothes.

[@angelag5708]

Love all the different approaches and the stealing of the tolberone

[@rafaeltorres4548]

This felt like an indie movie. Amazing mise en scene, brilliant editing and you guys’ charisma is charming AF 🖤🖤

[@evanking920]

When my wife and I "rough it" that means no Room Service. I 'm with Dr. Bridgewater on this Bike Packing thing.Once again GCN's stellar Production Values made for an excellent video.

[@stephenwilliams8384]

Nice to see Ollie dropping the other two. He definitely made the right camping choice too. Great video 😃👍

[@climbslc2281]

Conor! Way to go. That's the spirit of bike packing!

[@lenwilkinson8541]

Ollie dropped the other two snails. And he certainly outsmarted them, too.

[@whatwelearned]

Look at this Yorkshireman in his hot tub. You've become a Londoner Ollie 😁

[@Nick-Wehmeier]

Nah, he's a Bather from Bath

[@pmiller7886]

No, Ollie most certainly is a Northern lad, not Bath. Listen to his accent 😜

[@mattwideman3986]

Most entertaining video yet. Great job.

[@bumpytrailsproductions]

Definitely I'll go for Hank's version. At least the tent for better weather protection. Well done guys!

[@MomWriteExplore]

Great video! I would have been happy with either. Except I'd have been the annoying one, slowing everyone down because I like to look around and enjoy the ride. lol

[@philipplorenz9485]

this is brilliant stuff Boys!

[@MrTegner]

I must say that i love to sleep in a tent but consider the weather I would have picked Ollie’s pod👍 great spirit you got Conor I admire that, keep up the good work

[@peanutbutter604]

Love this show ❤❤❤ Thank you 🚲

[@conordunne1]

Thanks for watching! Conor

[@triggamusician]

I think a mix of Hank and Ollie would be a great combination. Just some casual clothing, bringing a lot of stuff with you, sleeping in a tent and if the journey gets too long and the night rest isn't great anymore, why not stay at a nice place with a good bed and some heating? Sounds like a lovely way to spend a week or two bikepacking.

[@LouiseRose74]

It’s all about stealth camping for me, so bivvy or tent, depending on the season. If doing multi week I’ll stop at hostel or b&b every 3-4 days to get a shower, wash clothes and charge batteries.

[@mangethegamer]

Personally I don't see the allure with bivy bags anymore, material science have made tents become so light that the difference can be 200 g between a UL tent and a bivy + tarp. Plus you can get tents with open inner roofs so you can watch the stars. And Condensation is way worse in a bivy bag than a tent, I prefer to wake up dry.

[@jankaduraciiik]

It is a tie between the bivvy bag and a tent for me... :) having a warm bed to sleep in just doesnt feel like actual bikepacking...more just like a trip with the bikes :D

[@wololo4206]

I hope you get some bike tourers on some day! here are some I can recommend (and to anyone interested) - Adam hugill, Cycling Around The World, Ed pratt (there was a short segment), Bike Touring Mike, World biking , supercycling man, cyclingabout and Chris broads first cycling japan tour (awesome if you are new/want very high quality videos to watch. :)

[@imprezaaudi]

I'm old enough to enjoy the luxury Ollie chose. Sod camping. I've got a Chinese FS ebike comparable to a RM Super-delite 1000Wh I've kitted it out with panniers 1500 lumen headlight. Perfect touring machine.

[@BraveNewWorld2]

Amazing job guys Would love to see more of these videos.

[@simonwoodthrillerwriter]

Having camped and done some survivalist training as a kid, I'll take glamping any day. :)

[@loud479]

Classic touring set up all the way, 2 20L - 2 10L panniers and a bar bag, 2 days or 2 months only difference is what you change with the dynamo

[@johnalves2765]

I'm with Ollie all the way!

[@robmagee100]

Love it! I’m 62… Glamping is it for me!

[@stephenauckly]

I spotted Ollie with a Brew Dog Punk IPA. Nice they made it across the pond. Cheers!

[@chrisridesbicycles]

I will have to try all, maybe not to the extreme. A few years ago I did an improvised 4 day trip on my old XC MTB with backpack. Not a good idea to have all the weight on your shoulders all day long.

[@FeathersMcGraw1]

Definitely do the tent option but probably a little lighter than Hank, but I'll stick to the summer months! Great video and banter as always guys.

[@user-oq9vf7qc3b]

I laughed through the whole episode,fantastic.

[@nmcelroy3540]

So nice to see GCN let Ollie have a fun glamping experience…it’s nice repayment for all the pain, suffering, and teasing (*cough* dropumentary *cough*) that he has endured! I’ve camped many times, but now I would take Ollie’s glamping pod any day! 😂

[@danlangevin2459]

Hats off. Nicely done.

[@bimblingalong]

1) who packs a bottle of milk upside down?!? 2) are we slowly moving toward a possible GCN video looking at bikepacking's slightly slower cousin... bike touring??

[@ebikescrapper3925]

Bike packing is the new name / rebranding of bike touring.

[@RoScFan]

@@ebikescrapper3925 Why the rebrand?

[@JasonDBike]

Bike packing is minimalistic. Smaller bags, no racks.

[@bimblingalong]

@@ebikescrapper3925 I would say there's a very different mindset between the two, with bikepacking being much more one-two night trips, packing light and using more standard road/gravel bikes and giant saddle bags; with touring being often steel framed bikes with proper mounting points on the seat stays for a pannier rack, maybe a triple chainset for that granny gear, and going out for maybe a week or more. My LBS suggested a Specialized Diverge when I popped in to look for a possible touring bike, compare that to a Trek 520 or a Ridgeback Panorama and there are very distinct differences between a bike you might use for bikepacking and one that you might use for touring. I'm not saying you can't bikepack for longer periods of time/distances, but touring does tend to be slower, comfier, and less sleeping under hedges in a bivvy! Sure you can do the North Coast 500 in three days (as GCN did), but if you'd rather take a week...

[@jamiefarrell6496]

Check Hank's slow trip around Dorset on GCN+. Trad touring.

[@imjelo]

I am between Ollie and Hank. If I cannot find a place to sleep in (trancient's place or bnb), I'd be sleeping on a tent. But, here in the Philippines there are not too many places like that. I like to wake up in the morning and the first thing you see when you open your tent is the sunrise.

[@krissk77]

You guys make biking so much fun. Funny bikers.

[@juanpiantino9182]

Last year my buddy and I went on a bikepacking trip, and he brought a leaky bivvy. Three nights of rain (Oregon weather), at the third night the guy was so tired he started hallucinating. We ended up in a hotel. Bikepacking is about improvising, being flexible, re-route, and have fun ;)

[@gcn]

Perseverance is half the battle with bike packing right! However a leaking Bivvy sounds far from ideal..