What gear I use for bikepacking - an update! wild camp & chat about bags, tent, stove etc

A couple of years ago, I made a film about the gear I use on Brompton bikepacking / cycle camping adventures. Since then I have a few new things. So in this film, I go on a one-night wild camp, and talk about what camping gear I'm using now and why - what is in my bags, my tent, sleeping set up, my faithful ancient Trangia stove and other cooking gear and my little larder, my chair, mini bathtub, and how I make pancakes and coffee for breakfast.
Some of my gear is gorgeous high-end equipment, some of it old now, but still great. Other things I use are homemade, and quite few of the useful things I have are items saved from the bin.
Everyone does things differently. This is my current way of cycle camping. Hope you like the film, including a little glimpse of Sweden!

[@MiriamKennedy]

What a very resourceful husband you have - loved all those little tweaks he has done to make things work better for you!! 🤗 Such a nice place to be able to set up your mobile hotel room so close to home too 😎 xx

[@balexandre]

amazing video, thanks for this, it helps a lot with the explanation and the whys on having the gear 💖if anyone wants the missing list: Water - Platypus soft water bottles 2x 1ltr, 1x 2ltr = 4ltr Bags - 2x Ortlieb Roller Classic 20L bag - front uses a custom mount @ 3:34 - rear uses a custom rod @ 3:56 Rear content - Saddle bag with custom extension to be deeper @ 4:54 - pump - water bottle - fuel bottle for cooking - rain cape - tools - Helinox Zero chair 8:45 - Hilleberg Akto camping tent 6:20 - Ortlieb Roller Classic 20L bag 9:09 - contains things that are not needed during the day - Mountain Equipment Dreamcatcher 500 regular LZ sleeping bag - reading book - paper toals - foamy cloath used to clean water and condensation - folding bowl - washbag - Trangia 27 stove with accessories - Trangia Multi-Disc 25 - Trangia kettle 324 0,9L - spatulas, "spork", knife - Sea to Summit Thermolite Reactor Liner - Mountain Equipment Helium Women's 3.8 Warmzone Mat - small pouch 11:08 - some "bit's & bob's" - head lamp - plastic cape used to cover the bike - drybag #1 12:18 - cotton pillow case - helmet liner from Decathlon - "smaller" travel towel - matches and spare matches Middle content 5:56 - middle pouch with - tripod - lock - phone - cables Front content 13:43 - Ortlieb Roller Classic 20L bag - down jacket from Decathlon - pouch with medical and health care 14:26 - drybag #2 15:53 - RAVPower 20100 mAh (and 26800 mAh) power bank with bright cable - Midge & Mosquito Head Net - several mirrors - Thermo from NeverLost Gear - small Multimat - drybag #3 19:04 - food

[@hoser7706]

Down jacket. Chair. View. Pure perfection

[@Panzeresq]

Norwegian here, I have been following you for some time, but I was surprised and impressed today when I heared you speak Swedish😊

[@ames477]

"If you enjoy what I'm doing, leave a comment" - Susanna, I ALWAYS enjoy your videos! You have a child like enthusiasm for riding and adventuring that brings joy to my heart and makes me smile. Your PMA (Positive Mental Attitude) towards any adversity gives me optimism for the rest of the world (sorry, that's a big responsibility), well, it cheers me up, anyway. The fact that you find little indulgences to make the camping more comfortable is wonderful. One notable feature of this excursion is that, in the words of Dorothy of OZ, I think, you don't have look for adventure any further than your own backyard. Great if you can travel hither and yon, but if you can do even a short bit, DO IT! Thanks for all your videos!

[@tonynekrews]

That was super interesting Susanna, thanks so much for sharing. Really useful and helpful information

[@pootlingalong8928]

Crammed full of handy hints and tips! Thank you for sharing this Susanna, it will be helpful to old hands and those just setting out on the cycle touring path. Also, for all of us nosey ones it’s always fascinating to see what others have in their luggage! 🤣

[@gnarlybadger690]

Hi Susanna, enjoyed watching as I always find it interesting to see what and how others pack for such adventures. Thanks for sharing 🤘🏻

[@olivemcgrath5231]

Another super video, thank you so much. As a relative newbie to cycle camping i have learned loads from this video. ❤

[@user-ok4fh5ys8n]

Excellent tips for camping...... another brilliant video.... 'Ull' east yorkshire.

[@Tony211289]

My grandma used to use sand to wash the pots and pans when we had picnics. Gets the soot off in no time

[@ThePensionerAdventurer]

Hello Susanna, Thanks for the video... lots of useful information... and great to see you looking so well. Take lots of care. Paul,,

[@havasaladful]

Susanna, you are truly inspiring. Thanks for all the small details that make all the difference. Peace & Love.

[@melsebastian9178]

Wonderful to see you again. I love the way you look after your gear, some of which you’ve had for years, amazing. What a lovely spot you found too. Loved the video.

[@johnbayley1109]

As always, Susanna, brilliantly informative without being one of those very serious-minded ’lectures’ on wild camping that are all over the internet. Perfect!

[@susannathornton]

thanks for watching John! and for writing. glad you liked it . Such a nice thing to do actually, I was away less than 24H but such a lovely experience

[@helmutbusker8737]

Great video. Keep on riding´ Suez.

[@jeffmarlow1780]

Great video Susanna. You are an inspiration. It would be interesting to understand a bit more about how you navigate on multi-day trips. How much you use paper maps or phone based apps etc. Thanks again,

[@rosskettle8921]

Always love watching your videos Susanna. You’ve made me want to dig out my trangia again! Life can be really stressful sometimes and your videos always provide me with some peace, inspiration and awesome tips! Thank you! ❤

[@susannathornton]

aw thanks Ross, glad you enjoyed it

[@jazzfan7491]

This is the very definition of living lightly on the land. What an inspiration you are. I hope many learn from you.

[@chrischinnery7515]

You are an inspiration! Thanks.

[@rogberube6422]

Thank you, Susanna, for sharing this great video. Your advice is based on experience and intelligence. I still learned a lot. I'm going to apply your tips this summer. Thank you for your generosity. Long and healthy life.

[@lonestarlaurel]

Canada 🇨🇦 west coast here. Really enjoyed your video. Thanks for sharing your helpful efficiency and comfort ideas, some of which I’ll be adopting. Lovely spot. Stay safe, and happy trails. 🙏🏼🐾⛺️

[@alanhanley2981]

Excellent as ever. One thing I do is if I boil any water for cooking, not drinking as you did for the potatoes. I drain the hot water into a container put a cover on it then use it for cleaning pans, plates, cutlery etc usually when I've finished eating. Why waste it by just draining away and greasy things are hard to clean without it.

[@susannathornton]

good thinking!

[@andyb3712]

Hello Susanna, I’m going out in 3 weeks for the summer from London, though not on a Brompton. Combo this year; bikepacking with hiking, on an e-assist bike, expecting more trail than tarmac. Needs a catchy concept name :) I love your solution for the front bag. You’re obv. aware of the need for weight distribution so I understand how chuffed you are. Kudos to hubby! It’s great how awareness has made everyone innovative. This year, I’m replacing an Ortlieb with an Osprey 33 rucksack (in a waterproof sack, which keeps straps tidy on the rack and dry). Tucks right under the saddle and extends back on a pannier rack. Bought fab Rok straps to help. I don’t think you have a head net, I think I will this time - for Scottish midges. It’s very impressive how you plan, dialogue and edit your videos. Love all the angles and the personal bits. Well done and happy travels. Andy

[@stevewagstaff8211]

Thank you so much, that was a brilliant video for me a new camper

[@susannathornton]

Hi Steve! great, thank you for watching and for writing, glad you like the video

[@stevenmckelvey281]

I’m very late coming to the party, and only just found your channel. I just want to say what an amazing inspiration you are. Thanks to you I’ve decided to try my first bike packing trip this year. I also want to say thank you for showing us southerners are not all unfriendly snobs, and we do like a chat too! Keep happy.

[@susannathornton]

Hi Steven, yeh there do seem to be lots of nice chatty southerners around haha! more than I expected! hope you enjoy cycling and camping, take it easy and happy cycling!

[@andrewmuirhead86]

Thanks a lot for doing this video never fails to amaze me how much you can carry

[@dudleysandifer4219]

Love your bike setup. Amazing you can “film” while riding. It takes all my concentration just to keep the bike moving and upright. Love your channel.

[@moniqueviau2702]

I wish one day … l’ll be a person like you. Susanna, you are wonderful. This summer, I’ll go camping by myself (nobody with me for first time) and I’ll be with my brommie and (maybe) a little trailer (Burley). I’ll bring you in my thoughts. 🧡

[@susannathornton]

Oh that sounds fab Monique, hope you love it, heading off by yourself. I like riding and camping with friends, but I also love going off on my own. Actually I only started doing it because once I was supposed to be going on a cycling holiday with an old schoolfriend who'd done loads of trips with me, but then she had children and her toddler got ill just before we were going away and she couldnt come, and I thought oh. Then I thought oh well, I'll go on my own and I thought I would not like it and Id feel lonely, and that people would think I was odd - used to care about that but dont now haha - and sometimes on the way I did feel lonely and people prob did think I was odd haha but actually although I missed some things a lot - eg laughing with my friend, I did really miss all the laughing - but I found when I was alone that there other things to enjoy. Different. I think cycling and camping alone is a very different experience. Both good. Definitely worth trying if you have never done it.. anyway, thanks for watching!

[@maidbloke]

Very useful advice, thank you

[@brianridley1102]

I genuinely thought you were pulling the kitchen sink out when you pulled that large last bag out 😂! Good overview though, thank you 😊

[@LucyPower-ny9un]

Love your videos. Great to see how you pack everything and organise your gear

[@ayenackaye2625]

Really enjoy these vids, always bring a smile to my face.

[@lynnrixson3013]

Wow! That was really informative, thank you ! I loved the reference to “it’s like a little hotel room”. What amazing values you have and you are an inspiration to all of us 😊. Happy travels 😁😁

[@bettyjones8363]

Always enjoy your videos. Thank you

[@DLBard-bv2nd]

Great to see another video. 🤗

[@218colin1]

Lovely well thought out video. With the classic phase when you set the tent up. It’s like having your own hotel only cheaper.

[@veyrethomas3934]

Always a pleasure to see your videos! Thanks for sharing your experience!

[@stevesmith3216]

So relaxing to watch, thanks. Hope the summer is great for you. ATB.

[@marciaiwasaki6205]

Loved this video!!! Very well thought out and informative! Thank you.

[@bexiboo1981]

Love your videos, I really find them inspiring.

[@rizalsapi007]

Good idea 👍 cheers

[@mew70mew]

Another great video! Thanks for all the details, ist's really helpful! 👍

[@pauljenkins2501]

I always enjoy your videos. Thank you for this little " behind the scenes" look at your camping setup. Wishing you many more camping adventures: which will hopefully mean many more of your lovely videos!

[@janiejones5572]

Brilliant to see you again, inspiring as ever. What a beautiful place to camp.

[@EST_KS]

Such a beautiful place.

[@dorsettyke]

Great video. Thanks for sharing 👍 🙂

[@ferromo1971]

It is so nice to see you back !!🥰Your videos are always brilliant. I am looking forward to seeing your new and very inspiring adventures. Greetings from Spain 😊

[@davidharris4062]

Some very good information 👍

[@duncanlamond1427]

Excellent. The result of much experience and consideration.

[@jp61370]

Thank you for sharing your excellent video.

[@lenafietst8237]

Thx Susanna, really usefull and beautifully filmed!

[@carmeltravers6371]

So interesting, thanks Susanna 😊👍

[@M4ster0199]

Nice to see you again, Susanna. Love your videos so much

[@lorena.gianoni]

Very inspiring video! thanks for sharing this with us ❤🏆

[@chrisshelton3504]

Always enjoy seeing gear and how it’s packed and used!

[@shauncollins4291]

Awesome video,respect.Happy cycling.Be safe

[@francisday3187]

Thanks for sharing your bike packing knowledge and tips. Very much appreciated! ☺️

[@jeniyamarsh9649]

Great video.

[@lucasimoni101]

GREAT JOB, YOUR VIDEO ARE REALLY AWESOME! I LIKE THEM VERY MUCH!!!!

[@peterstecks7660]

Fabulous. Thank you so much Susanna 👍

[@roberthunter5398]

Aw, great little video Susanna, thanks for sharing. Just started watching your videos on your last journey and since then I've been so Brompton curious. I love how streamline your kit is. I'm a cycle tourer also and lord knows my kit just seems to be getting heavier. You have inspired me to take a good look at my kit and be ruthless with what to carry. I did get a couple of good little tips from you, in particular how you deal with the washing-up. Thanks again😊

[@andrewsmith6674]

Another great film as usual. I find myself relaxing to the sound of your narration. Bromptons are so versatile. Can't wait to get out on the road.

[@Sparky-ov1ot]

Like it, simple is best!

[@marcschelles3188]

Very inspiring ! Thanks a lot for all the information.

[@susannathornton]

thanks for watching Marc!

[@maximbalabin]

Brilliant. Thanks you for all this tiny details, and for vibe, and pancakes is 👌🏻. And wish you good weather on your future adventures.

[@alextr3a640]

Thanks Susanna, brilliant the way you’ve got thing organized and what a beautiful spot by the lake 😃

[@niceverett166]

Really generous to share this - loved the v practical breakdown and tips . The army folding bowl - brilliant idea! Thank you

[@michaelnobbs]

So happy to find your latest video today, Susanna. Thank you. I’m off to buy some strawberries this weekend so I can make my own portable larder! Brilliant idea.

[@velormes7823]

Always very inspiring and enjoying, so light, so simple, so evident in fact. Thank you Susanna for keaping us on our bikes and in our dreams

[@robertbryant9154]

Great video, very informative 👍🏼thrilled to see you looking so well🙂

[@marciacambraia5913]

Susanna you are such an inspiration. Great!

[@ianmcleod4]

Very enjoyable Susanna , take care 🍀

[@AnnaUKSheepstar]

What a wonderfully informative and useful video. I love that you do all this on a Brompton, too. I enjoy your videos so much 😁

[@susannathornton]

Aw thanks for writing Anna, and for watching!

[@keithgarland3404]

Love your videos, your joy de vi is infectious, your bike packing gear and choices are helpful for anyone considering something similar. Hope you are well, God bless 👍

[@BromptonTraveler]

Nice little tips for me! Thanks for sharing!

[@barrytcook1]

great video susanna ....thanks

[@stephenelliott-wright3230]

Great video looking into your set up, some useful tips that we are definitely going to use, Thanks for sharing looking forward to future videos 🤗

[@petert8931]

I just came across your video, and I just had to comment to say Thank you for the video and sharing your processes and outlook to life and zen. Wishing you continued good health and staying free from ticks!

[@Trekon2]

A lovely and informative video and thanks for sharing. Yes everyone needs a system to work with and so it goes things go to plan with the right equipment which you certainly have. Already looking forward to your next adventure so welldone 👏👋

[@BridgetQuercia-Smale]

Thanks for another lovely inspiring video. Cant wait to get going again this year, you have really fired me up.

[@susannathornton]

Sounds great Bridget, happy cycling! 😎🚲

[@timgearing5121]

Hi Susanna, thank you for sharing your setup. There are so many choices nowadays that it can be daunting finding what works. I have just bought a Hilleberg Enan and looking forward to many adventures. Take care.

[@susannathornton]

oh sounds brilliant. I think the Enan door is mesh all the way to the bottom isnt it, so you can lie in your sleeping bag and look out... which sounds v nice to me

[@sw8234]

Very informative! You're resourceful and experienced, and make it look easy. Your cold swim must have been refreshing!

[@debgwilliam8756]

Lovely to see another video from you. So interesting, I literally take notes of your kit and comfort hacks. Wonderful relaxing vlogs. Thankyou.

[@susannathornton]

Hi Deb! thanks for watching! glad you like the video, yeh being comfortable is super important!

[@bobalinga]

Brilliant video. I love looking at what people pack onto their Brompton. Lovely to see another Trangia user. You are right about ticks. I never thought about them at all but all of a sudden they are everywhere, even in winter!

[@whyisthissuddenlyathing]

I'm hoping to do some bike camping with my Brompton this summer. Thanks for making this video - super helpful!

[@stephenjohnston7630]

This nitty-gritty insight is great, reminds me of an infinitely better designed & executed version of how I used to carry my surveying gear on an old Raleigh. Brilliant as always.

[@johndee68]

Great video. Love how you have the necessities of camping down to a fine art. Thank you for sharing your methods, tricks and experience with others. You give me inspiration to actually go wild camping by bike in Australia sooner rather than later. Thank you.

[@AileenClifford-xu3ut]

mobile hotel room...ahh ❤

[@yvonnethorpe5224]

Enjoyed watching how you organise your luggage for your trips on the bike. Good to share this type of practical information. Looking forward to your next video😀👍

[@sharonmerredew5354]

Another fantastic video. Thank you Susanna. I’ve always wondered how you carry all your gear. It always seems like you have the tardis version Ortleibs. Your husbands DIY skills are very impressive. Does he cycle too?

[@brownsauce30]

Just love that battle scared Trang' 😂❤

[@MaciejNaumienko]

Very nice video. I used the eyedropper hack immediately - just the thing I was looking for! Thank you. Also, it is amazing how much equipment you are able to carry on the small Brompton.

[@mbrylewski]

You are kind to the environment. Salute you

[@OneEclecticStyle]

Thanks Susanna! Have a great summer.

[@susannathornton]

Thanks Cloud Base! same to you!

[@easabhal]

Thanks so much, I'm new to bikepacking you've shown some great ideas and very organised, i need to work at that for my trips.

[@krystalmcmanus4468]

This is so funny because I was literally going to type on one of your videos that I would love to see more information on your much loved and longtime used Trangia! I’ve watched your other gear video and I’m so glad you made a new one. I really enjoyed them.

[@susannathornton]

oh that is good! thanks for writing!

[@richardwallace3477]

I’ve enjoyed sharing in your adventures for several months now. Thank you for sharing. I’m in York and have a brother in Denmark/Sweden and am contemplating a travel adventure. I’ve just bought a Brompton.

[@ljd8520]

Very nearly special forces standard of camp craft ! Loving it.

[@alphaomega6062]

Lovely video. I used to cycle camping years ago and watching this takes me back. One day I managed to tip a whole tin mug of just made, very hot, tea over my foot first thing in the morning bringing up a huge blister that made cycling very painful and that sort of put me off. Seeing you go through all your equipment reminded me of one of my proudest possessions for camping, a large piece of hessian sacking I found on the road side which made a perfect carpet for the porch of my tent. I used to be organised like you when pitching the tent so that everything was always in the same place so I knew where to find stuff. Thank you so much for sharing I really enjoyed the film. Good luck in your future adventures.