Bikepacking sleeping bags, bivis and tents

[@alwaysanotheradventure]

There's so much to this subject, I struggled with what to leave out. Happy to discuss more (hooped bivvy's, tarps etc) in the comments. Cooking and camping skills in the next two videos.

[@madiantin]

Yes please! I have no idea what a hooped bivvy even is. I've not even heard of a bivvy before, and have just been researching lightweight tents. Yikes they can be expensive!

[@alwaysanotheradventure]

@@madiantin That's true. AlpKit stuff is the best blend of value and performance I've found. That said, the expensive outdoor kit Ive bought (like tent and sleeping bags) has lasted decades. At least you've seen a bivvy now in this video 😁

[@uvdpuqhcpenfyalf]

You're such a good and professional presenter. Your stuff is always a pleasure to watch.

[@mrac7953]

Ive been using bivi bags for years and the best bit of advice ive ever been given is to use the bag upside down. Slide the mat inside but keep the hood on top. It keeps the rain out and also can be hooked over a pair of boots or bag to create a bit of head space similar to a hooped bivi.

[@alwaysanotheradventure]

That’s a great idea!

[@toomasvendelin]

I've spent a few nights sleeping in a hammock under pouring rain in Indonesia's North Maluku, and now consider it a viable alternative to a tent. A modern hiking hammock and a tarp made by German company Amazonas take a very little space. Of course, you've got to travel where there are trees. Thanks for a no-nonsense video!

[@alwaysanotheradventure]

Hi Toomas - I just had a look at the Amazonas website and there are some great ultralight options there. Not really one for Scotland because it's hard to find conveniently placed trees - that wood I cycled through in this video is a National Nature Reserve and the exception. I can see how a hammock plus tarp would be a superb option in the right environment, and they look like a great company. Thanks again.

[@Just4Gordon]

Glad to see someone else enjoying Mountain Equipment sleeping bags - a highly UNDERrated company and not well known here in the USA!

[@TonyNelsonCamping]

I am hooked simply because of your tone of presentation! I'm here to stay! Thank you! 😁🙏

[@alwaysanotheradventure]

Thank you - glad you could join us

[@RidingTheLongWayHome]

This is excellent. So much to learn from that I have watched it through a second time and taken notes. Also good use of the washing line as a prop!

[@alwaysanotheradventure]

Thanks Paul

[@waveydaveydiver]

I totally agree about the tent. Bivi’s are fine for good weather or emergencies in my opinion, but having some extra space to get out of the elements and rest and relax before the next day is really important.

[@Bobby-kw4qp]

Bevies are great in snow.

[@hoser7706]

Great use of a laundry drying rack! Thx for the great series

[@ridesrambles8903]

I'm a recent convert to a down quilt in the warmer months, and agree a good bag is a sound investment and buy the best you can afford (my winter bag I picked up second hand but Well looked after and less than half the price of new bag. My winter mat is also full down down! So a big fan

[@alwaysanotheradventure]

Agreed Andy. One thing I didn't mention is that new expedition rated down bags have an outer fabric which comes close to being waterproof, so they're superb for winter when frost can form on the outside. The only thing about that one I'm using is it's SO tight, it can feel like being mummified.

[@robinferguson8911]

I love sleeping out on cold nights under a tarp and on my very good insulated sleeping pad with my down bag. If I'm still a bit chilly in my bag I pull my puffy jacket in with me and loosely cover my face with it. The extra bit of down around my head notches up the warmth and I drop off to sleep.

[@alwaysanotheradventure]

That’s great Robin

[@MIBIncomeEncourager]

You know your stuff Simon....like myself you've experienced many different forms of kit such as trangia burners etc...we tailor our kit down to experience.....one thing I bought recently which I love is a Craghoppers eye mask....Dawn light often wakes me up....in the past I used cheap flight masks which are flimsy...the Craghoppers one is great...well padded with indents for the eyes....can help you sleep in longer in the mornings..I respect your wisdom....love the photos from the past American travels...true man of knowledge......

[@alwaysanotheradventure]

I guess I've had to pick up some knowledge in those 63 years Alex 😁. I rather like waking with the dawn, and if I don't wake then I must need the sleep. But agreed, there are places nearer the poles where you need to black-out (this was quite an issue 2 weeks on an Alaskan glacier) so that's for the suggestion of the Craghoppers mask.

[@j.b3561]

I have a RAB sleeping bag bought in 1992 and thanks to a silk liner, the bag is as good as new and is still my winter bag.

[@alwaysanotheradventure]

Excellent June - buy well buy once. That’s older than my ME one!

[@marksadventures3889]

I bivi a bit and use hand warmers I put inside the bivi at least 30 minutes before getting in it myself. I take a poncho or superlight tarp as well to cover me. It doesn't need to be a 3 x 3, I'm only small but wide, 1.5 x 2 metres is good enough. Use a stick or walking pole to hold it up or, turn your bike upside down and use that to keep up the tarp, place a shopping bag over the seat to stop it getting wet. I leave the bivi open a little at the top to let my heat out, I sleep very hot and condensation can be the big issue - a Gore-Tex bag is essential for me but it's not perfect. I have anti slug tape all around the edge of the bivi too, hate those things.

[@kc3718]

take what you need to be safe and comfortable, it's not a race, it's leisure, if you have a good time you'll do more. You don't notice weight on a bike, like when running or walking unless you're shouldering the bike, and you should be able to do that when necessary. Been doing this for over 30 years.

[@alwaysanotheradventure]

Hmm I'm not sure I agree with all of that. I can't agree that you don't notice weight on the bike, although I do agree it doesn't put direct strain on your body like running or walking. I agree you need the equipment to stay safe, but comfort... well, that comes back to the trade off I mentioned, day comfort or night comfort. We all take a different approach, and that's the delight of learning from each other.

[@ryand141]

You could always take a tarp (use sticks) (just in case) plus bivvy. More cooking room, less weight, more enjoyable ride. Midges, you can get sleeping bags with midge nets or start cooking and they all.seem to disappear.

[@Sparky-ov1ot]

At last a realistic review from a realist!

[@lechprotean]

Thank you - really appreciated - as we've just done our first 2C overnighter. I feel I took at least a kilo worth of gear that was unnecessary and as the weather gets warmer, I plan to brutally take less and less - maybe just a tarp, sleeping bag and a mat.

[@alwaysanotheradventure]

I'm pleased it was helpful. Tarps are great provided a) there's a way to erect them (ie trees, hiking pole, bike attachment) b) no midges! The latter is a real issue here in Scotland.

[@tomcruz3774]

Thanks for the silk liner tip and for pointing out that we should get in our sleeping bags while still warm. One tip I could share is spraying some permethrin on camping gear to keep bugs away but this isn't really a problem in winter.

[@alwaysanotheradventure]

Good tip. Good stuff too.

[@PaulCarol]

I have just discovered this channel...I was searching for tips on wild swimming for my next video. Ended up watching almost all your videos...they are great 👍

[@alwaysanotheradventure]

Welcome aboard - and thank you

[@ukch1]

Would love to hear your stories from PCT adventure

[@alwaysanotheradventure]

I did a book but pulled it from Amazon a while ago Chris. It wasn't all that good. I do occasionally drop in my experiences to the podcast but they're supposed to be about the guests 😁

[@keithmaclure9101]

@@alwaysanotheradventure maybe you need a podcast with a guest presenter to interrogate you Simon?

[@gcsScotland]

@@alwaysanotheradventure Day by Day on the Pacific Crest Trail - still have it on my Kindle and enjoyed the read 👍

[@alwaysanotheradventure]

@@keithmaclure9101 Hmm... will think about that one Keith.

[@joannecowie1283]

@@keithmaclure9101 I have been thinking exactly the same thing for a while. Would love to hear Simon being interviewed too.

[@north.by.northeast]

I've stumbled across this while researching summer sleeping bags (I need to replace my bulky and heavy old 'cheapo' brand one) and although this video isn't specifically what I was seeking it was enjoyable to watch and you clearly have a lot of knowledge and experience mixed with professional style production - that's a great recipe... subscribed and look forward to watching more of your videos :)

[@alwaysanotheradventure]

I'm pleased to have you with us.

[@TerryMcGearyScotland]

Always enjoying listening to your sensible advice based on experience. I have used a thin 'karrirmat' under my sleeping bag in the summer but also brought along a cheap aluminised windcscreen/sunshade to place under it. They weight nothing and are easy enough to stash in my pannier bag. My tent's footprint layer protects the tent's bottom from damage but probably als0 helps a tiny amount as a thermal break. Bivvy sacks never appealed to me either based on the possibility of it chucking it down when you want to sleep: having to remain in wet gear gear and having nowhere to retreat out of the elements? :No thanks! Thanks for the new ideas.

[@alwaysanotheradventure]

Thanks Terry. If you look carefully, you'll see we used a very light groundsheet on our PCT hike, mainly because the tarptent we used then had no base! I like the idea of a folding sunsceen - that's a great idea. Tyvek also works as a very light sheet for under a tent or bivvy.

[@jimmccorison]

One suggestion that another bikepacker made was to use a bivvy sack inside the tent. It will give you a few more degrees of comfort, but more importantly, if your tent leaks some your bag will stay dry. Yes, it's extra kit to bring along, but if you have nice nights when you don't need a tent then it saves the effort of setting up and striking the tent.

[@alwaysanotheradventure]

It's certainly a technique I've heard about, and one I've used in a wet winter where condensation is almost unavoidable. For general use it's a bit of a compromise, as if admitting you haven't got the right kit for the environment - a warm enough sleeping bag or a good enough tent. That said, given the price of these things, few of us have a range of sleeping bags to choose from, so a way to upgrade the warmth and dry factor is a good thing.

[@peterroberts6380]

Great new series thanks.

[@alwaysanotheradventure]

Glad you're enjoying it Peter. I've already been given ideas for more in the series too!

[@mrljgibson]

I have a really lightweight 3 season sleeping bag, and if I need to be warmer I have some thermal under clothes that I use for snowboarding if it's very cold. Because I find 4 season bags to be a little too inflexible and can make you sweat if it starts to warm up, which is far worse.

[@Foxtrottangoabc]

Great advice from experience 👍. The hot water bottle and a small thermal flask really underrated for uk autumn winter weather . I go by the army principle wet clothes for the day , and dry clothes only for the sleeping bag and tent 🙂

[@garyfoston5831]

Great vid. Material technology has came on so much. The best materials come at a premium though. Personally for me camping in Scotland means fully meshed tent and a bottle to pee in!

[@alwaysanotheradventure]

I loved switching to sea kayaking - could carry bombproof tent and loads of stuff!

[@desperadodeluxe2292]

I recommend a tarp or tent cover. Over a tent or bivvy. Wind is a major enemy there's no room to sit up in a bivvy.

[@j.b3561]

Superb professional video. Thanks.

[@Xaltae]

A hooped bivvy gives a bit more protection than the bivvy bag, especially from midges. Something like the Alpkit Elan, or Rab Ridge raider (I have the ridge master, similar.) Still not much use for multi-day trips due to the lack of room when raining etc. They are also back up to almost a kilo in weight, so really not much advantage over a lightweight tent. (If any, low profile maybe?)

[@alwaysanotheradventure]

So much more I could have put in this video😁 . I don't like most hooped videos because I sleep on my side and turn over, and when I do my shoulder brushes the inside of the hoop anyway. Also - low profile (ie green) camping is fine, but when does that really matter unless wildlife watching? A bivvy is also a safety tool, in which case I want something bright that can be seen from a helicopter. So many permutations!

[@Xaltae]

​@@alwaysanotheradventure Thats why i have as many tents! Theres a specific use for every one. (Thats my excuse anyway...) Not much use for low profile up here,no. Maybe down south where stealth camping is a bit more of a thing. The bright color is a good point, especially if it is one you carry as an emergency shelter, be it cycling or hillwalking etc. Only time i use a bivvy now is as a backup incase i cant find a hammock spot. Its a small light fabric thing.Not waterproof, for bugs mainly, but im carrying a tarp for the hammock anyway. But thats a whole other video! :)

[@alwaysanotheradventure]

​ @Xaltae I used to have a tent box. Now I have tent boxes! You;re right - there's _ always_ a specific use for another. 😁

[@jesuscruz836]

I know I am a little late to this, but great series.

[@alwaysanotheradventure]

Thanks Jesus, glad you found us.

[@ajmalismail7846]

Thank you for your videos, I really look forward to watching them. A question, I have a place at the Torino Nice Rally 2023 and wanted to ask if whilst you are there you could ask about accommodation options, If you dont sleep out and the route options? Thanks again for all the great information you share. Cheers Aj

[@alwaysanotheradventure]

Hi Ajmal - as you study the route you’ll see there are at least four points where you have a route choice. Until you get there you won’t know your fatigue level or, more importantly, bad weather considerations. There are lots of accommodation options, many on Booking.com but some ‘Refuges’ - which I thought were huts - now seem to be restored resorts charging big money. If you look in the videos you’ll find a podcast chat I did with the TNR organiser James. It’s also on the AlwaysAnotherAdventure podcast stream - search wherever you get podcasts.

[@kevinmcateer7281]

Great content yet again 👍

[@alwaysanotheradventure]

Much appreciated Kevin

[@danieladams2986]

Joy of freedom and happiness in simple things, really enjoyed your video thanks. What was the PhD ultralight sleeping bag you showed in the vid please?

[@alwaysanotheradventure]

Thanks Daniel. I think it’s the Minim with no zip. They now do one with a water resistant cover. Josh Ibbett has one with a zip at the foot end only so he can walk around without getting out!

[@joannecowie1283]

Excellent information thank you and looking forward to next time.

[@alwaysanotheradventure]

More to come Joanne 😁

[@christopherhood9241]

useful and practice advise. interested to find out more about your tarp tent - looking at bike packing tents now, like you i find tents a better option.

[@alwaysanotheradventure]

Tarptent.com for the website, but it might be tricky getting them from the US. However, there are other makes suggested in these comments. We've a good community of advice here Christopher.

[@christopherhood9241]

@@alwaysanotheradventure yes, the more i watch your videos the more i like what your producing. keep up the good work.

[@enci001]

Great video. Where are the links for the other parts?

[@alwaysanotheradventure]

Well that was a bit daft of me! The links are now in the video description but to save you hunting... Part 1: kzbin.info/www/bejne/fKq2lH6rnK-jjZY Part 2: kzbin.info/www/bejne/mJy7ppSpgLONq80 Part 3: kzbin.info/www/bejne/hZDGi4lphJV3o5o

[@enci001]

@@alwaysanotheradventure Thank you kindly!

[@gcsScotland]

Another informative video Simon. I agree with your thoughts on tent v bivibag and would recommend people look at tents by Lanshan. Popular tarp type shelters with many KZbin backpackers at a good price. They tend to use a trekking pole to erect the shelter but carbon poles can be purchased. Available in 1 and 2 person options and with different inners.

[@alwaysanotheradventure]

That's worth knowing Graham, thank you.

[@gcsScotland]

@@alwaysanotheradventure Have you seen the new Alpkit tents aimed at bikepackers with inflatable poles? - sold out all ready !!!

[@alwaysanotheradventure]

@@gcsScotland I saw that Graham - and I believe it's a little heavier than the regular pole version.

[@nigeljones8202]

Good video, really solid advice. PCT must have been amazing..and tough. Thanks 👍

[@alwaysanotheradventure]

Thank you Nigel. The PCT genuinely changed my life although it was years later before I realised.

[@carolinelief9132]

Very informative, thank you

[@alwaysanotheradventure]

Glad you think so Caroline. More to come.

[@ryand141]

Is the orange top you're cycling with a cycling jersey? Does it have pockets? What make is it? Thx a lot.

[@alwaysanotheradventure]

It is Ryan - one of the windproof Torm jerseys www.torm.cc/store/

[@davejack3054]

Great video as always. the Tarptent Rainbow 2 is very intriguing. Do you find that you get more bugs inside the tent that you bargained for?

[@alwaysanotheradventure]

Having looked again at the models (and spoken with the designer for another podcast) I think I have the Rainbow 1. But to answer your question- no. It’s amazingly big proof. I used it at Grinduro on Arran a couple of years ago and the midges were horrendous but didn’t get in.

[@davejack3054]

@@alwaysanotheradventure Thanks for the reply and the clarification. I am not sure how the highland midges match up against the local bugs of Western Canada but either way, it sounds like high praise for this particular tent.

[@Boris_Chang]

Can you use the same sleeping bag and tent for gravel bikepacking as for road bikepacking? Or do they not have sleeping bags and tents specialized by ride type yet? 🙄

[@alwaysanotheradventure]

Is that an attempt at wit?

[@martinclunes315]

How are you liking your alpkit handlebar bag? I was thinking of getting one but was put off the by poor reviews on the website

[@alwaysanotheradventure]

Liz and I have FOUR Alpkit handlebar bags 😁. They are three different weights, and I really need to do a video about the bags - someone already asked for such a thing. The one in this video is the Tivaro 20L and it's really tough, heavy duty. Although it looks like 20% of the reviews were negative, it's really just one reviewer who couldn't figure out the straps. If anything it's a bit heavy but feels bombproof. I also have a much lighter Airlok Dual 20L for Liz to use (less frequently). Both of these would need flared bars if they're to fit between shifters. I have a 13L bag for use with regular sized handlebars, and a 13L lightweight Airlok (which is AGES old) to hand infront of the main bag when I need extra space. I'm sure other brands are just as good, possibly even better, but I think AlpKit offers good value.

[@martinclunes315]

@@alwaysanotheradventure Thanks for the detailed reply :)

[@ryand141]

@@alwaysanotheradventure Hi, did you get around to doing the handlebar bag video? I am thinking of buying the airlok dual 13l to carry stuff, bivvy etc can you attach it easily to drop handlebars on a racing bike? Is it a handlebar bag stand alone bit of kit is what I am asking? Can you fit a decent amount in it?

[@petergilbert72]

Was looking at your emergency Sol silver bag and wondering how effective reflective foil would be if slid between an insulated airmat and a sleeping bag whose underside is necessarily compressed. I had an airmat deflate recently and I couldn’t find the leak until I got home. I don’t really want to carry a closed cell mat. Would reflective foil help offset the loss of insulation do you think?

[@alwaysanotheradventure]

I think it would go a long way towards helping Peter. I tested one again in snow for another video that’s coming soon. I’m constantly amazed at how much warmth they hold. Obviously they won’t get you warm but they keep the heat you have. You might want to slide the sleeping bag in too if it doesn’t create too much condensation.

[@alwaysanotheradventure]

I think it would go a long way towards helping Peter. I tested one again in snow for another video that’s coming soon. I’m constantly amazed at how much warmth they hold. Obviously they won’t get you warm but they keep the heat you have. You might want to slide the sleeping bag in too if it doesn’t create too much condensation.

[@petergilbert72]

@@alwaysanotheradventure yes, sweating inside is a concern with them which was why I was thinking of only using it below. I guess I need to try it! (I’m thinking of ‘going back’ to my original airmat the double sided Sea To Summit Comfort Plus which has some redundancy in the second layer of air cells. In the event of one layer failure that’d still leave me with R value of 2.0 plus the Sol sheet. The mat isn’t light (800g+) but it’d be no more than a lighter mat plus closed cell mat, and it is very comfortable!)

[@samuelkmaina]

Great stuff

[@pedroclaro7822]

1000g of down :o that much weigh like 1,5 kg How cold does it get in Scotland… dang! Here in Portugal I think 800g would be fine. Only in the mountains does it get much colder than 0c

[@alwaysanotheradventure]

Hi Pedro - our winter is typically -5 to -10 and the 1000g of down is good for that, although I bought it for Alaska (-26). A lot depends on the shelter too. I just posted a video kzbin.info/www/bejne/mKWah5-NrMSbq8k in which I use a hooped bivvy and the overnight temp just touched freezing, maybe slightly above (1c). I was fine in a 200g bag wearing all my clothes - but I forgot extra warm socks. That was the same sleeping bag I used for the Torino Nice Rally videos. The hydrophobic down keeps it warm even when slightly wet.

[@m1les7]

Great info, what brand were your dry leggings/trousers please?

[@alwaysanotheradventure]

They’re fantastic and I wish I could find a new pair like them. They’re KIMM (mountain marathon) running tights, no longer made. I’ve been trying to replace them for ages.

[@m1les7]

@@alwaysanotheradventure thanks so much for getting back to me, I’ll keep my eyes peeled!

[@mikekilburn3552]

My boxer English lab mix basically 156 pound lapdog Passed away while hiking the Pacific crest trail And is buried on top of mount rainier. He was 11 his name is rocky.

[@alwaysanotheradventure]

The PCT can be hard on dogs, or at least the ones we saw attempting it. What a great place to be interred

[@mikekilburn3552]

@@alwaysanotheradventure we did the cdt and app but age got his butt lol...best mammal I ever met

[@alwaysanotheradventure]

@@mikekilburn3552 Triple Crown - impressive

[@mikekilburn3552]

@@alwaysanotheradventure no only 2 I didn't finish pct. I buried my pooch and went home.

[@CraigCameron]

Good advice as ever Simon! Personally I feel the biggest challenge with bikepacking is space, I have tended to migrate away from sleeping bags to using a quilt. The quilt takes up less space in my bikepacking bags and I can use my insulated jacket, beanie etc for added warmth if required plus down socks/booties for the cooler months. Henry makes some great tents - I've had a Tarptent Scarp 1 for 10 plus years and I use that for summit camping but it's a little too bulky for bikepacking, so I bought the Tarptent Bowfin 4 years ago, which isn't too dissimilar to the Rainbow in the video. Like the Rainbow, the Bowfin works well and has survived windy nights in Foula, Unst and Fair Isle in Shetland as well as most of the islands up and down the west coast. Most tent poles could be improved for bikepacking - shorter sections would make the pole more packable. Currently my entire tent fits inside my saddle pack but having a more packable pole would allow for more options. I see Big Agnes has realised this and is making poles with shorter sections for their bikepacking tents. I agree with your bivvying comments - it has its place but isn't always practical for Scottish conditions.

[@alwaysanotheradventure]

Great to see other people using Henry's designs. I tired a quilt - one of the early GoLite versions to Ray Jardine's designs that fastened to the pad with Velcro. Frankly, I wasn't a fan, but if it works for you then great. Some nice videos you have there too!

[@CraigCameron]

@@alwaysanotheradventure thanks Simon. Considering they are a US cottage company, Tarptent has quite a following in the UK. Quilts are constantly improving - the interface between pad and quilt has evolved plus there are side baffles to keep out draughts. Might be worth getting one or two in for testing? The US cottage companies like UGQ and Enlightened Equipment are very good but even big players like Thermarest are now making quilts. The videos are all pre-bikepacking unfortunately 😊

[@alwaysanotheradventure]

@@CraigCameron Hmm, I didn't know that. I'm going to have to try one. thanks Craig.

[@Ey_up]

@@alwaysanotheradventure Also check out Cumulus quilts from Poland. They're getting great reviews and seem excellent value. I would already have one but for covid-19 last year...and post Brexit import duty...😡

[@alwaysanotheradventure]

@@Ey_up SO many businesses in this market now - it's great, but a little confusing trying to compare them all.

[@PuddledPete]

Gud dat 👍 Thanks

[@sauravbasu8805]

Serious question : How to get rid of the fear of ghosts/ supernatural creature/ whatever similar while camping alone at night, far from human habitation? I know that is a phobia of mine ( I know that during daytime) but when the day's light starts to dim, those phobias make me...umm, nervous. I am an adult male, have crossed forty , yet this phobia has stopped me from camping alone at night. Shame. Any suggestions or personal experiences regarding this will be appreciated. Any person reading this, please add your bit too !

[@alwaysanotheradventure]

I really don’t feel qualified to sensibly respond to a genuine question like that which could need counselling. I can however quote Spike Milligan. “Things that go bump in the night, should not really give one a fright. It’s the hole in each ear that lets in the fear. That, and the absence of light”. 😀

[@sauravbasu8805]

@@alwaysanotheradventure Ha ha, fantastic ! Humour helps for sure !

[@weeringjohnny]

I'd go along with every word you say. You don't need to be a die-hard bikepacker to know what to take as there is a lot of carry-over from lightweight backpacking to bikepacking. On a bike the machine itself is doing more of the donkey work so perhaps you can allow yourself the occasional luxury.