Bikepacking In The Woods With The Cairn Brave 2.0

[@kristine4542]

Yes! Would like to see more bikepacking 😃👍

[@StephenJReid]

More to come Kristine 🙂 I've got loads of options within range now with this bike.

[@peterrobertson8141]

Great video Stephen. I first went bikepacking with my kids when they were 7 and 10 (40 years ago). We cycled all the way from Edinburgh to Portree on Skye, the on to Inverness, then got a train home. I still have the Karrimor Iberian Panniers I bought for that trip, but not likely to use them again now! Looking forward to watching your trip videos though. 🚲 😎

[@StephenJReid]

Thanks Peter.

[@MarkFerguson1966]

I can just imagine everyone not from Norn Iron saying "A coconut cream what"? 🤣

[@StephenJReid]

😂 best things ever

[@Garrettthief]

This video made me laugh a lot and also gave peace to me after a really exhausting week with a sick child. Great one, thanks! No I did not yet do bikepack, I am just getting into hiking and have so much there to explore and learn...but maybe some time in the future I might do bikepacking, lets see.

[@StephenJReid]

Glad you enjoyed it and hope your child is feeling better! 🙂 Don’t worry too much about doing everything, definitely get used to hiking first and enjoy it

[@kathrynl1503]

Elite bicycle-mounted snack choices from Colin, there.

[@StephenJReid]

Nearly as good was the time I transported an entire baguette in my tube top bag 😁

[@dangerpudge1922]

I don't know if you have one or not, but you might like the UCO candle lanterns. They make tiny ones that hold a tea light, and larger ones that hold a larger candle (up to 3 in the biggest one). They're not super heavy and are surprisingly nice to have around camp. They have various candle options you can put into them, to include citronella. The primary reason I mention them is that while you can just put them near your camp spot, you can hang them inside a tent. This really helps with condensation as well as keeping bugs away if you are using the citronella. I think you'd like the X-Mid2 better, honestly. The difference in pack size and weight is so small as to be inconsequential (I own both). The 2 is just an absolute palace that sits in almost the same footprint.

[@StephenJReid]

I have the larger UCO holder and was considering the smaller one but decided it was too much extra weight for an ultralight trip. All the luxuries add up. But I’ll prob get one for less lightweight trips. I’m now considering the X-Mid 2 Solid as a winter tent where I want some extra space. I’d get it and add all the extra guys and pegging points. But I got this for fastpacking and the extra weight all adds up, plus the footprint is quite large already for small pitches.

[@dangerpudge1922]

@@StephenJReid Skinny pitching an X-Mid (1 or 2) will be slimmer in a spot than any other trekking pole tent will that requires the fly to be guyed out (like the Lanshan/Lunar Solo/etc.). The reason is that you peg the fly directly down with no need for guy lines running so the outer footprint is the floor size and no more (unless you want to pull one of the vestibules out).

[@nevetsspence7740]

Great video Steve! Also great to see folks from NI doing GREAT YT content!

[@StephenJReid]

Thanks! 🙂 there’s a few of us on here.

[@nevetsspence7740]

@@StephenJReid excellent! I’ll be sure to keep a look out! Sub’d you channel as well! You’re new bike looks class! I have a nukeproof digger gravel bike love it .. though it’s not electric lol

[@techvillage]

I really enjoy your camping videos, good to see them back for 2024 :)

[@StephenJReid]

Thanks! Going to be quite a few over the next few months 🙂

[@SwampyDuckRidesAgain3636]

Did my first bikepacking 48 years ago and so wish I could get more done but life is up in the air just now. I have a fleet of e-bikes and just love them game changer if you have health issues or disabilities like me. Good on you for not disclosing the spot it’s always a worry that idiots flock and destroy these special places. So enjoy your videos it’s refreshing to watch one that’s not all serious. So enjoy your

[@StephenJReid]

Thanks Swampy Duck! 🙂

[@ClarkieBoy]

That was good. Yes please; more bikepacking videos 👍

[@StephenJReid]

Okie dokie!

[@legocitymodularbuilds1803]

Don’t run or bike, but love watching your adventures

[@StephenJReid]

Thanks! 🙂 hoping you at least enjoy the outdoors!

[@littlegrandadoutdoors]

Just waiting for all the bike bags that I ordered from temu to arrive .. only cost me £28 for a complete set. But will not arrive untill we accomplish warp drive... Will show them when ( if ) they do arrive. Take care out there.

[@StephenJReid]

That’s cheap! Hope they are as advertised!

[@littlegrandadoutdoors]

@@StephenJReid me olso.. didn't get the ones for the front forks.. but will if needed. Take care out there.

[@cathye.9659]

I’m outfitting my gravel bike to bike pack in western Canada. I can’t wait! Yes. More bike packing videos.

[@JakeMay]

Very peaceful morning pack down, lovely stuff

[@StephenJReid]

Thanks Jake.

[@alanrobertson5497]

Great video, love the humor. ❤❤

[@StephenJReid]

Glad you enjoyed it Alan! 🙂

[@lingerslongest]

11:55 I totally agree, the dawn chorus should be two hours later.

[@StephenJReid]

Going to have to organise a petition 😁

[@GaryB_OutandAbout]

I would like to bike camp and kayak camp. I’ve never done either. Some lovely production as usual. Cheers, Gary B

[@andypotts8062]

Brilliant video, superb looking new bike..great craic between you two...your camping videos are excellent and the addition of bike packing adventures will just add to the brilliance...Best wishes.

[@StephenJReid]

Thanks Andy! 🙂

[@Kenbur]

Thanks for taking us along Stephen. Never bike camped but looks like a way to save my knees possibly? But definitely possible saving of my back carrying a load.Might give it a try where I live now as a few bike paths lead to state forest that is open to wild camping here.

[@StephenJReid]

Definitely much easier carrying weight on the bike than on your back! Especially if it’s an e-bike. I made a list once and the e-bike allows me to camp in about 20+ locations all within 30miles of home that I would have otherwise mostly avoided due to lack of places to park or concerns about security of parking

[@markhayes4904]

Great vid. Yes to more bike packing. 👍

[@StephenJReid]

More planned! 🙂

[@IvanDP1967]

Bikepacking not for me personally, but would really enjoy watching your adventures 😁

[@4053rubber]

Yes Stephen. I'd like to see some more bike packing stuff. I've got all the gear for it and need a better idea let's just say 😊

[@AjaySingh-228]

This trip looks amazing! Makes me want to go camping..you guys are funny 🤣 Have a nice day sir 😃

[@StephenJReid]

Thanks Ajay! Is camping in the woods a popular hobby in India?

[@AjaySingh-228]

@@StephenJReid You're welcome sir.. no it's not popular in my area.. people rarely go camping 🏕️

[@ROHITSHAW-786]

I am from india...i first time see your vedio ... really love your vedio and today like and subscribe

[@StephenJReid]

Thank you! 🙂 Only 0.3% of my views come from India so nice to have you watching.

[@ROHITSHAW-786]

@@StephenJReid don't worry mention not I will share my all friends to your video and please guide me cheap and best trekking gadgets from India found where platform and shop

[@colinheap5017]

Hi really pleased that you love the Cairn Brave. I’ve just bought one as well and absolutely love it. Now getting it ready for bikepacking so need to choose my setup. Can you tell me please what rear rack you are using on yours. Thanks. Colin

[@StephenJReid]

I’ve got the Ortlieb Quick Rack. On and off in 30secs once’s it’s set up

[@adventuredogs8773]

I haven't been bike packing yet but I'd love to, I have gear that'll work. Just waiting to find friends keen with bike and gear as worry for my safety as a solo female. Yes please to more bike packing adventures on your channel 👍

[@StephenJReid]

Yeah sometimes finding camping buddies is the tricky part. Although depending where you live don’t be necessarily put off by going solo. I scared the life outta myself the first time I camped alone in a forest. Although I appreciate why a solo female would have more concerns 🙁

[@chaminadeofbohol-panglao2630]

I'm new to this channel.. just subscribed .. I love the contents .. very educational.. and I love the outro music.. very homy.. to the tune of"Would you like to ride on my beautiful balloon?" '.. Cute tho...

[@davidhale1568]

Just a note about the fire maple pot, it’s been mentioned that it works with most three leg pot supports stoves. This isn’t the case with mine it’s fits on the soto wind master fine but won’t work with a pocket rocket 2 or Msr Stash stove due to the angles that the leg supports come out at.

[@DanielSpiegel]

I've wanted to go stealth camping in local forests without leaving my car at a "trailhead". I never really put it together to go bikepacking! I may have to do this.

[@StephenJReid]

That’s been one of my biggest concerns with local forests. The car parks have reputations… bike removes that concern

[@markbailey15]

Beautiful forest and love the birds😁Lanshen pro is a single skin tent that needs seam sealed 😁

[@StephenJReid]

Colin’s is 2 skin and seam sealed 🤷‍♂️ I think it depends what version you buy

[@markbailey15]

Correct Stephen, single skin obviously has more room but then you have the condensation side👍

[@StephenJReid]

Is the pro the single skin version?

[@excemptfrombs2124]

Yes pro is single skin .I have the labshan 2 non pro not single skinned and is seam sealed .in my opinion the non pros are superior

[@barryh13]

Love it, hilarious!!

[@StephenJReid]

Thanks Barry 🙂

[@yeahbutytho126]

I have had a lanshan 1 for 2 years, being 6ft and a bit, the L1 is to hard to get in and out of. So, I now have xmid 1 solid. I love the space, which I am sure is better than lanshan. I am very disappointed its made in Vietnam as I was trying to buy from western democracies. So, should I have got a lanshan 2 instead. Now though, I find myself looking for a ul dome tent as taking trekking poles on the bike is annoying me. Although that's probably just an excuse to buy another tent.

[@StephenJReid]

You can buy carbon fibre poles to use with trekking poles tents

[@Simon16511]

Great stuff and yes want to try bike packing. how about a video on how to do your first trip with out have to spend a fortune on gear. I have the bike :)

[@StephenJReid]

Avoiding spending a fortune on gear is the hardest part of bikepacking. All the bags add up. Think I spent about £400 on the bags 🙈 but I bought from a quality UK brand - Restrap. Definitely budget options out there.

[@jujujay]

nice film dude. thanks.

[@Neil1078]

Love your videos! Keep making great and interesting content! Thinking about getting some Vivo hiking boots after watching your review! Greetings from Limpopo South Africa

[@iamandisykes]

Amazing video mate, really enjoyed this :D

[@StephenJReid]

Thanks Andi! 🙂

[@michaelharrison9445]

Love the video reviews, keep them coming. Where did you get the Firemaple stove set from, can’t find the same set for sale anywhere?

[@AdventureMuse]

Always fun watching your videos. Both of your tents look great, kind of bummed I spent so much money on my Nemo tent. Yes to bike packing! So far we don't own an ebike, but an e-gravel might be in my future to keep up with my speedy hub. One question, what sleeping bag are you using and do you like it? looking for a good light weight bag for backpacking, etc.

[@StephenJReid]

I have a few other tents I’m now going to be selling 🙈I don’t get to cycle enough to maintain enough fitness to keep up with cycling friends, e-bike is perfect

[@StephenJReid]

Sleeping bag is the Exped Ultra 0. Comfort rating is 6C. It’s very light and compact. Expensive but I got mine sent to me as they are sponsoring some upcoming content.

[@alanrobinson2229]

I went for the lanshans,1 and 2,because I could get them both for less than £200.

[@helenreeves6978]

You nearly made me like bikes with this….. but not quite 😂😂

[@StephenJReid]

Ah go on then, they are fun! What don’t you like about them?

[@helenreeves6978]

@@StephenJReid don’t like them on roads at all, actually don’t mind them off road and most people always pass a friendly greeting. Funnily enough my Labrador doesn’t mind cyclists but does occasionally chase electric ones, I think they must give out some high pitched sound or something odd 🤣🐕

[@StephenJReid]

Why don’t you like them on roads? Is it the inconvenience of getting stuck behind one? I cycle on roads and drive and I still get annoyed getting stuck behind cyclists 😂

[@helenreeves6978]

@@StephenJReid one ran into me, I immediately blamed myself, (it wasn’t my fault) and thought I’d killed her, roads not cut out for them. Don’t mind them in the countryside at all. Watch to see if your electric bike gets chased by mad labradors as I’m sure they give out some strange noise 🐕

[@StephenJReid]

Oh yikes. We definitely need better cycling infrastructure. I cycled through Dublin City centre a few months ago and was terrifying

[@feldgraufox4927]

I paid $55 dollars on kasivo (through the durston site) for my shipping including duty snd import taxes. Dunno why it was so cheap, not seen it so cheap since. This was only a few weeks ago. but the tent with shipping basically cost me £258.

[@StephenJReid]

Definitely less than I paid. I bought the carbon poles at same time so tricky to work out exact cost

[@feldgraufox4927]

@@StephenJReid yeah I got the pct colour fizan trekking poles, so dunno if they factored in to the shipping? Might have worked out even cheaper. But that's what I paid for the shipping and the tent. Trekking poles were $70 (£55?) So got the tent and poles for less than an xmid from valley and peak.

[@feldgraufox4927]

@@StephenJReid love your channel by the way, watched a few of your vids last few days. Stumbled on it from your vivobarefoot forest esc reviews. I love mine! Stay safe mate loom forwards to more content

[@StephenJReid]

@@feldgraufox4927 Thanks! 🙂 welcome aboard

[@andyhall2385]

Sorry if I missed it - is that the Ortleib Quick Rack pannier rack? If so, how is it to use? as sturdy as a permanent one? easy to switch?

[@davidpoots8362]

Noooo, not another hobby I must take up, but it looks sooo good.

[@adverspace]

Another cool video Stephen!! The scene at 11:01, did you use gimbal ? how was it shot, hand held ... ? Im really curious to know!! can you share the trick or the method?

[@StephenJReid]

The morning shots? They were all handheld on my iPhone 15 Pro

[@adverspace]

@@StephenJReid ohh I see.. I thought it was recorded on a camera, interesting.

[@Gibbo-jd7wv]

Hi Stephen, what bikepacking bags and whatnot do you use? Thinking of getting into it but trying to figure what sort of bike will be best etc (it'll mostly road with maybe some light tracks so thinking a hybrid/gravel bike currently)

[@StephenJReid]

Now that’s a tricky question! So many different opinions and options out there. A lot of people use aerodynamic saddlebags but I don’t like them as they are difficult to get into and can swing about. I prefer panniers as it’s much easier to get at my kit. Restrap and Ortlieb both make good bags. But quality bikepacking bags are expensive! Though my front fork bags are fairly cheap rhino bags off Amazon and have done a good job. One big bit of advice is don’t use a backpack. I’ve found out the hard way how much of a horrible experience that is. Put the weight on the bike. Sounds like something like this bike or a more traditional gravel bike could be ideal for you. I also have a gravel bike that I might camp with too. This bike is built for long distance with power assist and steep climbs. Or as a mountain bike alternative, it’s a LOT of fun on boost mode around trails. Ride up a mountain on it last week 😁

[@maximun1691]

Hello, just wanted to say great video and where did you get those candles from? as im going for a 2 day camp next weekend and I only sleep under a tarp lol

[@StephenJReid]

I got those ones in Go Outdoors.

[@paulkennedy5021]

Thats a lovely spot. Any info on those tealights?

[@StephenJReid]

I got those ones in Go Outdoors, but can get similar on Amazon too.

[@rossini138]

I very much object to you calling yourself unfit, but I am jealous of your electric bike

[@StephenJReid]

Well unfit at cycling as fast as my cycling obsessed friends 😁 I love this bike, haven’t had as much fun on a bike since I was 12

[@NaturesSolitude]

Great video Stephen, you are making me want to get out on my bike now (not electric) I think I need to get on that! I love the bushcraft skills with the stick porch 😉😂. I’m sold on that Durston X-Mid 1, I may consider one of those 😁 cheers for the recommendation 😊, atb Brian.

[@StephenJReid]

I don’t always demonstrate my bushcraft skills, but when I do, they always impress 😁

[@NaturesSolitude]

@@StephenJReid you should more often 😉 a proper pro buddy 🏕️

[@daveandemmaoutdoors3171]

totally unfit - says the ultra marathon guy 😎

[@StephenJReid]

Bike Unfit I should have clarified. I can’t keep up with my cycling friends

[@daveandemmaoutdoors3171]

@@StephenJReid I’m screwed then 😂😂. I prob would be classed at potato fit 😎

[@StephenJReid]

Potatoes are a great source of energy

[@daveandemmaoutdoors3171]

@@StephenJReid 😂😂

[@patricia1333]

Hi Stephen, I’m travelling to Ireland in a week to look at our family’s homestead. In the video about the Irish wells, you mentioned you/your source used a hiking map that let you overlay a survey from the 1800’s. Which app did you use? (Sorry for messaging you here, I figured it would be fastest!)

[@StephenJReid]

Hi Patrica, I used an app called Hiiker

[@patricia1333]

@@StephenJReid thank you so much!! I think it will help a lot, I will let you know!!

[@danoutdoors1586]

What pania rack do you use?

[@StephenJReid]

Ortlieb quick rack, it’s brilliant. 60secs to remove it once’s it set up

[@frosty_soda]

The whole not disclosing locations, why? It's getting to become the thing with popular KZbinrs. And, well, I see Paul Messner discloses the location and even made a video about why he does. I would too, of course I would. There's an air of elitism/gatekeeper to not disclosing locations. Unfortunately, the "secret location" thing puts me off, matey. You're a lovely bloke, but, you're not the gatekeeper to the outdoors. I don't think I can follow your channel, it's not for me. Good luck in your endeavours. And all the best with your business, but I watch channels to get ideas for good locations (ala Gerry McVeigh etc). Good luck and genuinely, take care.

[@StephenJReid]

If I hadn’t of put “secret location” on the screen and just said nothing (still not giving away the location) would you feel the same way? Just wondering if that made it worse. I say where I’m camping the vast majority of times. It’s a very select few occasions when I don’t. I tend not to disclose locations that are really easy to get to, near urban areas, places where I’m aware of landowner issues or if it’s a location that I’ve been told of in secret. Every single easy to get to camping location that I know of that has been made public has been trashed and I’m just fed up with it. And I’m also concerned I’m part of the problem by making it too easy. Trashed locations by fly campers are the biggest argument against wild camping by landowners. Is it elitism, honestly yes kinda because I know I’m more responsible than the campers that trash locations. And I don’t want them to ruin locations that I may have spent a lot of time looking for or someone else might have shared with me in confidence. For me wild camping is about more than just the camping, the discovery of locations and finding them for myself is part of the experience. Paul Messner tends to camp in places that don’t typically attract fly campers or he camps in quite well known locations already like in the Peak District. A lot of my camps have been in forest or wooden areas where problem campers are a lot more common. Looks like Gerry McVeigh mostly camps in places I would have no problem sharing. If you knew where this location was, you’d understand why I haven’t shared the location. I wish I didn’t have to, but I will continue to not disclose locations when I don’t think it’s a good idea.

[@frosty_soda]

​@@StephenJReid Honestly? I'd probably feel the same. I've been feeling this way for a good while now. I suppose I just vented on your video. You're not the only one. 😉I'd have more than likely asked, "Yo, where's the spot?". This activity is full of elitists and gatekeepers, it gets quite ridiculous-beyond ridiculous-in fact, since the last 5 years, it's got to a point that it's just putting me off watching many KZbinrs. Content about expensive gear, "secret locations" or just total bollocks. There are plenty of new channels that are genuine. Geoffrey Greenaway, for example. Lovely bloke. Gerry McVeigh is the real deal. But who the hell am I to say anything? Some idiot on the internet. But I've been doing this long before Social Media existed and there were always fly-campers wrecking the place then, as there will always be now.

[@StephenJReid]

@@frosty_soda what do you think about the fact that the numbers of fly campers seem to be getting much worse? I was at a place in Wicklow recently that got so trashed the landowner had to clear out the rubbish with a trailer and shut off all land access for over a year. That’s what can happen if a great location is over shared. I’ve been criticised for sharing locations and I’ve been criticised for not sharing locations. Can’t win. I don’t think not sharing a location is “gatekeeping” though. That implies people are being prevented from doing the same thing as I did. Anyone is perfectly free to go find it for themselves. Otherwise people who don’t allow others to copy them in exams could be accused of “gatekeeping”. The only real gatekeepers are the landowners literally preventing access and the law that doesn’t give enough outdoor access rights.

[@egertcaka]

Don’t judge what you do, but just enjoy your videos ❤

[@Jason-ke2nj]

Just can't afford electric bikes...so jealous

[@StephenJReid]

They are pricey, especially decent quality ones, but if you manage to find a why to use it to drive or use public transport less, the savings make a difference.

[@Jason-ke2nj]

@@StephenJReid I spend 40 a week just for 20 minutes travelling to and fro to work

[@StephenJReid]

@@Jason-ke2nj so about 1800 per year?

[@Jason-ke2nj]

@StephenJReid it's freeking ridiculous...I live quite rurally and pt is ill fitting for my work

[@MorewithMat]

Great video mate! Tents look nice and compact! 🏕 Went for my first wild camp of the year the other night and rained the whole night 😂

[@StephenJReid]

🤣 Did you get any sleep? I'm ok with very light rain but I hate camping in miserable conditions were I don't sleep

[@MorewithMat]

@@StephenJReid I did actually! Surprisingly good! Yeh weather forecast wasn’t great but was the only opportunity I had for a while so had to go for it! 🏕️