Our VERY DIFFERENT Bikepacking SET-UPS! Final day bikepacking Scotland

This is out 4th and final day bike packing Scotland.
Had such a great trip so we finished the ride and then showed in detail out bike packing set-up and then answer ALL your
0:00 The final day and ride
5:04 The bike set ups
7:05 Q&A
7:11 Toilet location
7:34 Forgetting essentials
8:04 Full listing of camping equipment we each took
9:00 Tips for first time bike packing
9:34 Bikes for panniers?
9:45 Must have items on EVERY trip!
10:09 Daily diet?
// Cycling eBook: www.ilikemountains.cc/s-h-o-p
// Instagram: / katiekookaburra1
// Strava: / strava
// My Zwift Club: tinyurl.com/4wusdwxp
// Patreon: / katiekookaburra
Super happy to have the following brands support me and my ol' cycling adventures. So you will see some of their products I choose to use in my content :)
www.shimano.com/en/
www.garmin.com/
www.zwift.com/uk
exposurelights.com/
Shokz: Use KATIE2023 for £10 off: shokz.cc/3Sq4IXJ

[@dyadyaBOB]

Mini panniers is a game changer. Put them on the front and back gets you better distribution, easy access to everything and don’t stick out as much

[@Cycling366]

Nice one ladies - Got to say out of the two, I prefer your set up Katie. I just prefer panniers in general tbh! Keep up the great videos :)

[@denlsgoulden2307]

Panniers are very handy and practical not just for bike packing, but for your day to day workhorse bike if you use the bike for shopping etc, not very "cool" perhaps but amazingly practical 🤔🙄😊

[@WepaPix]

Nice Travels!! A great mini series. Always great to see how the season is progressing. Looked like fun!

[@CraigCameron]

@katiekookaburra Glad you had such a good time! Arran is usually the starting destination for so many of my bikepacking Scottish island adventures. Combining Arran with Gigha is another favourite. Gigha is only 6 miles long but the community owned island has beautiful wild camping at the north end and the views to Islay and Jura are spectacular. The Islay road you took to Bowmore is probably the flattest section of road on any Scottish island and one of the dullest, I know it wasn't planned, it was just unfortunate that you didn't see the best Islay has to offer. The rest of Islay isn't hilly but is more scenic and worth exploring and not quite as flat. Jura is wilder and more lumpy and you can ride your bike beyond George Orwell's house at Barnhill at the north end before hiking the last mile or so to Corryvrechan and the infamous whirlpool. A truly remote spot with great views. If you want a hilly Scottish island bikepacking adventure go to Shetland. Accessible via the overnight ferry to Aberdeen, there is an incredible network of hilly roads with jaw dropping coastal scenery, The furthest you can travel is three miles from the sea in any direction. I cycle in all of these locations every year and ended up cycling to every inhabited Scottish island in one continuous trip a few years ago which was a truly magical adventure. If you want any advice on Scottish island bikepacking trips, I'm happy to make suggestions to fit the time you have available. I used to guide in these places too but these days it's just for fun :)

[@johnmcshane4515]

Really enjoyed watching this mini series.

[@pavlovzdog]

I watch both you guys separately and enjoy your vids .i must say, together you’re great! You seem to get on great and just bounce off each other. Nice one 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻

[@KatieKookaburra]

Thank you so much! 😀😀

[@johnmcnulty1129]

Great series of vlogs Katie & Juliet, thanks for making & sharing the trip through the vids, despite a couple of "hiccups" along the way ! :) ☀️ ⛰⛰⛰

[@annemariepollock5343]

It looked like ye had a lot of fun 🤩

[@CrazyCloudZen]

Awesome fun! I want to go bike packing with you two!! 😊

[@greghart6310]

Beaut of a trip. Moving to Manchester soon, can't wait to go exploring!

[@Redkite-nd8gc]

Love the vibe of this video. Well done. My top tip? Premier Inn allow you to take your bike into your room! The rooms are not plush but good enough when your knackered with good showers and, until recently, usually have an OK place to eat. We have done several trip[s where we Premier Inn hopped. I realise it won't work for Islay and Arran but for a first taste of bike packing for the unsure I would thoroughly recommend!

[@alter7181]

As I was watching the video and saw you having beans on toast near the ferry stop I thought "I've been there, it looks exactly the same". Arran is so lovely. I did a day trip from Glasgow and rented a bike for the day years ago. It wouldn't stay in gear and the rain came often but I remember the ever present sheep and the stunning landscape fondly. Also it was a shock and pleasure to be able to get a bunnahabhain in a real glass (ok, it was 10 am) on the ferry ride over to the island. Can't get that on the Staten Island ferry back home.

[@Papadoc1971]

Good tips about the offline Google maps (you can do this with Komoot too) & to not plan too much. The miles come slower with a fully laden bike 🚲 & cafe stops / wild swims are a must! 😊

[@SimonCurrey]

Panniers anytime. It takes a split second to put on take off. The weight distribution means care when mounting on the move a non issue with a steel touring bike. It means bikes can be secured and locked. For shopping and cafe stops.

[@user-fx2yq6ov7x]

Hi Katie. Good video Scotland was good went there in 17 you too get on well injoy takecare thanks

[@johnhickie1107]

I like panniers and a rack for most riding. Rarely do I ride trails so narrow that panniers are a problem. I made a 15 L clip on clip off bag for the handlebars which sits below the top of the bars, so no interference with the bike computer. Quilt and tent go in there which makes it so light that handling isn't affected. A custom made frame bag by a local guy (thanks Shaka Packs!) is great for keeping heavy stuff like food and fuel close to the centre of balance. A slim pocket on one side is great for maps and, well, slim things. Another robust but not to big stuffsack sits on the top of my rear rack for clothing and regular shoes. I don't like seat mount bags as it's hard to swing my leg up and over sometimes, and more importantly they seem to shimmy on fast twisty downhills. The main reason that I love my pannier bags so much is that they are over 30 years old now (with a few patches and one zipper on a rear pocket that doesn't work). The hardware is newer Arkel clips which are bombproof but have an easy yet secure clip system - totally rejuvenated the old bags - never again for plastic pannier clips. One hint to readers, if you like whiskey, the Lochranza blend from the distillery on Arran is absolutely delightful at an unbelievably good price (19.99 UK pounds).

[@hansoloization]

Nice one, it’s awesome to see my favourite cycling vloggers on a cycling adventure together. Hope you do more in the future. 🙂I’ve been to the Isle of Arran. it’s a lovely place went to a whiskey festival and trekked up the highest mountain there. 🙂

[@kevinlyon9501]

Looked a fun trip an dwell timed with the weather, Cafe stop for Katie beans on toast couldn't imagine it being anything else.

[@skipugh]

Neat, great answers thanks

[@KatieKookaburra]

Any time! 😋😋🤩

[@GrenvilleMelonseedSkiff496]

Great bike-packing gear info … ta very much. Really enjoying this adventure … can’t top them fabulous views, smooth tarmac, sheepies, seals and more beans and toast! Speaking of which, my top tip … add some quality grade A Canadian maple syrup to them beans-n-toast … yum! 🚴‍♂️🚴‍♂️🐑🦭⛰️

[@crcomments8509]

Panniers for me, rucksack over the top of them and tent strapped to the handle bars.

[@LostandMeandering]

I use the same bar bag as Juliet. It didn't take long for me to get used to the Garmin being lower down. And there is no need to worry about stuff being inaccessible as the bag comes with a double opening dry bag so any essentials can be placed. at the ends, and to be honest, releasing and reattaching the dry bag. is super easy

[@jamesmarshall1673]

Thanks for showing us your set up. Very interesting- looks like a great ride. How wide are your tyres?

[@kovie9162]

This bikepacking mini-series is making me want to try it myself. I've only done it once, in my freshman year of college when I was trying all sorts of new sports, skiing, windsurfing, scuba, etc. Had a great time but for some reason never did it again despite owning a rack and decent set of panniers. I've camped a lot since then, including backcountry, just never by bike. As for equipment and setup choices, everyone had one that works for them. At least we can agree that if you're going to be off the bike for a while, to have a bite or just relax, take off those helmets, as you have. Nothing dorkier looking than adults walking or sitting around in bike helmets when off their bikes. Yeah, there's helmet hair, but still less dorky than actual helmets. 🤣

[@peterkeating536]

Brilliant my type of cycling touring off to France 8th July for a week of this 🚴‍♂️👌 with my son keep cycling love video ✊🏻

[@markreams3192]

There’s a bar bag from Route Werks that has mounts integrated to the bag for computer, light and a phone. It’s also easy to access while riding. I don’t like bar bags but I would consider this one for touring.

[@teuluPaul]

Katie - I have used a setup similar to yours (many years ago), but with small front panniers low down on the forks. Not sure if these are common any more, but the balance on the bike was good.

[@SwampyDuckRidesAgain3636]

I’m surprised you don’t have a midgy net and citrus candle on your list works wonders for the midges. Watching this makes me feel quite lucky I am a Mike from the Arran ferry with so much I can explore. My fave is actually going over to Gigha and doing all the wee tracks there also some awesome food places.

[@cuttysark8017]

Even with all the new bags developed for "bikepacking" I've yet to improve on an Ortlieb handlebar bag and a Carradice Camper or Nelson Longflap saddlebag. Two bags makes it easy to travel on trains and planes, I don't need a rear rack, my stuff is easily accessible and bags and gear weigh are under 20lbs which I appreciate on the hills.The Ortlieb holds all my valuables and it's easy to remove and take with me into shops. I have enough room for tent, sleeping bag etc. but careful packing is essential which helps in keeping the weight under control.

[@Benito-lk1qi]

Wow, katie is out of breath during the climb. That must have been a big hill .Thanks for bikepacking vlog . I was curious about your bikepacking setup? Like what you store in each bag? What is the estimated weight of your loaded bike?

[@Francesco_M.]

Is it over already!?! I was having such fun cheering you two on it is frankly sad it has ended! I seem to adore Scotland increasingly more each time I get the chance to see it; its mysteriousness and fierceness always fascinated me. What about the mountainous profile of Arran? Them peaks were screaming at you come back and climb your way up to the mountaintop! 🤝 ⛰🚵‍♀️ What should you do next? Maybe a long day out on the road together going through the quiet secrecy of the night or bikepacking the whole island of Corsica southeast of France 🇫🇷 There a jagged mountain range towers so high as to biting the clouds! You two have been marvellous together and I can't thank you enough for all the laughs and smiles you have been providing us with this past week. The first season of A bit of Katie and Juliet has come to an end but therein lies hope many more may be coming our way. 😃😄😁 😊 = ]

[@Chloe-ei9iw]

Lack of English speakers in Corsica may be tough

[@PW-CreakySaddle]

hi, i have just purchased a seatpost bag like Juliet to try out on the coast to coast next month, will try before hand, check out no chaffing :-)

[@KNURKonesur]

If you want more seals, next time come to Aberdeen or "Newburgh Seal Beach" just a couple miles north :)

[@markhancock7527]

You need to do Mull next pub at Dervaig is a good base or campsite at Craignure.

[@CyclingwithRuss]

I really could have done with climb pro on the Fred Whitton. It never popped up on my wahoo even with the route loaded. May have to switch back to Garmin in the future. Great video Katie it looks like you had the best time on this trip ❤

[@KatieKookaburra]

Whaaaaa?!! Well you gotta get Garmin 😋😛 it’s INCREDIBLE for pacing. I think I’m its no.1 fan!! Hahaha it’s my fave thing Garmin has EVER made. It’s the best feature for climbing hills. I couldn’t and wouldn’t want to ride climbs without.

[@CyclingwithRuss]

@@KatieKookaburra yep it was awful as the wahoo roam I have usually pops up with them when a route is loaded and I can see when to back off and when to dig. In litterally looking at one now with my Mrs blue light discount 🙈

[@jhickman4735]

Yes Alpkit should be paying Julia, I bought the soloist on her recommendation..

[@chrisd5610]

That looked fab. Uz were def lucky with the weather up there! and there's nothing like a wild poo to make you feel liberated from the humdrum and banality of modern convenient living! lol

[@kenwynn3871]

I'm team panniers. The downs of weight distribution for me are far outweighed by ease of access and just unclipping bags off the bike in one go. My set up is 2x 12.5l ortlieb panniers and a Apidura saddle bag (to hold day and emergency stuff, like tools spares first aid day snacks jacket), and a little top tube bag for phone wallet etc. Have done Amsterdam to Gibraltar, 12 Countries in 12 Days, and Alps (including Stelvio), and it works great for me 👍

[@kenwynn3871]

You got takeaway tea and beans on toast 😂

[@s.richards6552]

If you had taken the Islay ferry to Port Askaig instead of Port Ellen, you would not be complaining about the lack of hills. The road up from the ferry is almost a Hard Knot Pass gradient, Can't imagine many tourers make it to the top without walking a loaded bike. It is a shame you only rode the boring road on an island that has so many beautiful routes and places to explore, It is a big island and definitely needs more than one day. Maybe better without Juliet, though, or you would be stopping every five minutes to check out all the distilleries! Loved this series from both of you.

[@daveansell2418]

Panniers every time over waggle packs... each to their own tho'

[@williamwood6795]

What kind of handlebar bag is that Katie is using?

[@KOL630]

What tyres did you guys run? Re bags I like restrap but have used a Tailfin Aerorack and that was really good too. Defo heavier than the saddle bag set up tho.

[@kebabgrobble6628]

Granola and powdered milk for breakfast, just add water…yum.

[@richardgraham8202]

Beans on toast 🎉

[@bcde]

Hi, I think I missed something. What should we avoid?! It seemed that on balance neither bag setup was the clear winner, because having them on the back had the advantage of easier accessibility? Does having bikepacking bags over the back wheel change the ride characteristics or stability when riding? Or is it just that it makes the bike a bit more awkward to lift? I have no idea why google suggested this video. I've never thought about bikepacking. And I don't even have a bike! But yeah, I gotta know what I should avoid if I ever did!

[@HolaJak-tq8kk]

💚

[@p49N]

These are such a fun series! One thing. Did you experience any "anti- cyclist sentiment" in any of those islands? Here on the west coast of Canada, bike packing is well accepted but on the really popular coastal roots there is some restless locals.

[@davidreadbikes]

I'm a pannier guy, rather than a frame bag - its seems easier to get to things in a pannier. And Katie, can you tell us what type of top-tube bag that is? Thanks.

[@KatieKookaburra]

Top tube bag is Restrap - it’s really good

[@richH1625]

I like front low rider panniers ¹though at first it makes the steering feel sluggish you soon get used to it ²much better weight distribution for the bike ³modern forks tend not to have the bosses, partic carbon forks :(

[@zukzworld]

🙌🏾❤

[@HoaLe-lm4fz]

Đến Cao nguyên đá Hà Giang Việt Nam đi bạn ơi , thời gian đẹp nhất trong năm là khoảng tháng 10 , 11 là mùa của hoa Tam Giác Mạch nở ❤

[@david-xr4op]

Hi Katie, great craic and great content 👏 🙌 thank you for your efforts 👌 Quick one, what model van did you purchase a while back? I'm looking for something similar myself, maybe even to move in permanently! That's another story. Anyways, any info would be most appreciated. Stay safe. Kind regards, David.

[@KatieKookaburra]

It’s a Fiat Doblo!! Perfect size!!! I looked at sooooo many and this was ideal!

[@KatieKookaburra]

Long wheel base though

[@david-xr4op]

@@KatieKookaburra Spot on! 🙌 Thank you for such a quick response. My research shall begin 😉 Stay safe and again, thank you very much 😊 👍 kind regards, David.

[@mattiasandersson2315]

What i would like to see sometime,, would be something different,, testing other types of bikes,, like a cruiser,,a simple 3-speed City bike ,,single speed or something like that ,,and compare them ☺️✌️

[@KatieKookaburra]

Well how about a city rental?! That’s coming 🙃🙃🙃

[@mattiasandersson2315]

@@KatieKookaburra that's a good start ☺️,,, it's no complaint or anything,i love your channel and everything in it ,,just an idea,, since you mostly ride sporty drop bar bikes,,and there's many of us out there that doesn't have a drop bar bikes,,me,i just have hybrid bikes,,i like bikes in general,,and it would just be fun to see you trying out different types of bikes and hear your opinion 😊

[@enigma1000]

Any midgies on those islands? I did a trip to Bealach Na Ba and the midgies put me off returning the west coast, at least in their season.

[@KatieKookaburra]

Nah only a few one night - time of the year has a big impact on them though

[@thehairs1970]

Re the offline google maps. I went to Morocco and did just that but put them on an old phone that had no SIM card. The phone wouldn’t run the maps without the SIM though. Anyone know why?

[@denlsgoulden2307]

Spot on regarding shoes, but can't for the life of me see why there's two types, personally I can't see why SPD cleats aren't standardized for both road and off roading ?? They're far more practical, and basically do the same thing, i.e., keeping your feet in the optimum most efficient position 🤔🙄

[@happysky7964]

Hello. I was watching your food videos and I’m struggling to eat 2500 calories. Will I still lose weight if I eat around 1500 calories of plant based foods?

[@JanekDetko]

What bike locks do you use whilst bike packing?

[@KatieKookaburra]

None - no need esp when there are two of you

[@suburbia2050]

I take a small wire lock just in case of a short shop stop but never used for that as typically shops will be in quiet villages when bike camping. In busy public campsites I'll use the wire lock to tie the bike to the tent, quiet sites I'll just pass the tent guy rope through the bike wheel to create a simple "alarm" system. The wire lock is also useful for when taking the bike on a train but I would imagine a heavily laden bike camping setup is not attractive to opportunistic thieves.

[@biodegreaser4009]

I hate public toilets , I love a wild 💩, and tbh if I had to wait to find a proper toilet, I’d probably shit meself 😂😂

[@RonnyChopper-oz5jl]

Another explain video.

[@KatieKookaburra]

Explain video?

[@malcontent510]

Q: Where to next? A: California

[@JK-dv3qe]

🥰💖💖👸👸💖💖🚵‍♀🚴‍♀🚴

[@seanoreilly6774]

Good video why don't yee roadies put a kickstand on your bikes the are so good instead of lying them down.

[@deblordoutdoors5783]

Loved this mini series. In a world full of horrible stuff at the minute, remembering to fill your soul with nature and friendships provides some much needed balance. Hope you both share adventure together in the future☺️

[@anythingfor20bucks]

Don't get brainwashed by the media, the World is a safer place than it's ever been.

[@malcontent510]

Got it - so Katie has an endurance ride diet similar to a 10 year old

[@KatieKookaburra]

Yessssssss sir!!!! 🍬🍭🍬🍭

[@Cycle.every.day.]

At least you needed all that, far too many cyclists have a big saddle bag 1/4 full for a 30mile jollys, it seems irrational, just stick an inner tube/tyre levers & a multitool in your middle pocket.

[@Local.hero.cycling.]

Well said, those who do 130milers rarely bother with a saddle.

[@enigma1000]

You can have too little space in your bag but rarely too much. For 30 miles it’s not an issue.

[@mysurlytrucker7510]

Scotland is a lovely country, can't wait for independence.

[@KatieKookaburra]

It is the most BEAUTIFUL place!!!! 😍😍😍😍

[@iancharlesworth3654]

You have such loveley teeth if you don't mind me saying. 😁😁😁

[@KatieKookaburra]

Awwww why thank you. Nice comments… feel free haha! Thanks 😁🦷

[@edscoble]

Can you make your content accessible by having closed captioning instead of relying on the dreaded ancient auto captioning that KZbin used please? (I'm Profoundly Deaf)