Winter Bike-Packing Forest Camp. Canvas Half Shelter and Tent Stove. French Army RCIR Ration Pack.

In this video, I am out in the woods for a well needed reset amongst the pine trees. After a long ride to the forest on my bicycle, I set up my camp for the night - a heavy canvas half shelter, canvas tarp, wood burning tent stove, chair and a warm comfortable sleeping set up - I even have a fire-side rug to rest my feet on.
I decided to take along a French army RCIR 24hr ration pack for my food on this camp - always a good choice - the French government look after their troops when it comes to food! After dinner, I settle down for the evening with the warmth from the tent stove, a full belly and a good book to read before a restful nights sleep beneath the pines.
I had some technical issues with my camera during this camp, so I’d just like to apologise for some of the footage and audio. Thankfully I had my mobile phone and my GoPro with me so I was able to use those to continue filming, but the footage is not the same as on my Dslr. I’ve done my best to adjust and enhance the audio, overlaying sound from the ‘good’ clips, and adjusting footage during the editing but inevitably the change is noticeable.
I hope you enjoy the video, and thanks for watching.
Links
Martin’s Book
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French RCIR ration pack
www.mre-uk.co....
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Music
In the palm of your hand - Lindsey Abraham
Cattails - Thatched Villagers - Kevin McLeod

[@Born_In_the_1900s]

"SIMON....A bloke dear to my heart." I always enjoy a new episode. I hope your 2025 is a healthy one my friend. It's good to see you back in the woodlands.

[@simonablokeinthewoods]

Thank you!

[@CMPInstructor]

Classic Simon video. You are the comfort food of this genre.

[@alanarmer8069]

👍👍⛺️⛺️⛺️⛺️⛺️⛺️⛺️⛺️🚴‍♂️🚴‍♂️👍👍

[@wendyhaddock451]

Thank you Simon for admitting life gets too much sometimes!!!! More men need to admit that and it's great that you encourage doing something about it xxxxx I always enjoy watching you great to see someone quite local to me doing things like this xxxxx😊

[@garrysummerson5234]

Great to see you again Simon, yourself and Andy are what i look forward too most weeks. Take care my friend.

[@sandrahughes8645]

Ditto.

[@AwkwardHistory]

Don’t forget ‘TA Adventures’ to round out Andy and Simon with their buddy Mike. 😊

[@klvjackson]

The audio came out fine I feel. Well done for making it work. Always a worthy watch, thank you.

[@StewartThomas-p8e]

Brilliant to see you out again

[@ardsley2239]

Getting away from the rat race..lol.nothing like it..we couch potatoes shud get out some times..simon is the inspiration we all need

[@rahmanazad4810]

Dear Simon. I'm glad to see you again. Be happy

[@sherriking7917]

Nah, not to worry about the camera & quality. It's the overall essence that really counts and you again came through champ !! Well done !

[@gypsywine]

Thanks for another great video, Simon. Most of us would never have known about your camera problem unless you'd mentioned it. The footage looked and sounded just great although I know it must have made so much extra work for you, both at the campsite and editing. Thanks for all your hard work to bring us another great episode, it was much needed for us too.

[@terminal-velocity111]

Just what we needed to cheer up winter January. When you make these vids we feel as though we’re there enjoying the moment.

[@gene_takavic57]

I understand the benefits of an e-bike, but it is nice to see someone still riding an actual bicycle! Great video, Simon.

[@keithfreeman7725]

I agree.... Too many motorbikes, a bike with a motor, whatever kind, is a motorbike.

[@TheRickurb]

@@keithfreeman7725so what?

[@TheRickurb]

I see traditional analog bikes everywhere. Not sure what the bug is about E bikes. Probably macho bullshit.

[@keithfreeman7725]

@@TheRickurb No, I'm old, arthritic, and knackered!😁 I still ride nearly everyday.

[@TheRickurb]

@@keithfreeman7725 I still don’t get your point. Why do you think there are too many E bikes? Just because you don’t ride one?

[@magneto263]

That trailer is brilliant. So much nicer pulling the weight behind you and not having big bags on you or your bike. Thank you Simon.

[@luhman16afaintstar]

Yes, Simon the Man is back 😊

[@molsi01]

A new Simon video! Woohoo! Happiness in video form

[@thenanlife1141]

Love your wonderful vloggs Simon ❤❤

[@bengreen6980]

Seeing you out and about again is like going home after a long hard day and sitting in the armchair. Does me good to see you again Simon.

[@jamesellsworth9673]

Simon Bloke on a Bike! The traditional camp set up is comforting. Good MRE meals give you time to savor the outdoors. I have had good luck with French Army officers' rations.

[@keithadams1538]

To be honest if you had not said your camera was broke. I would not have known. You do well to sleep through the night. I find the countryside noisier than the city. Owls hooting, cows bellowing and sundry wildlife scurrying about. Especially when the dog doesn't finish his food I can hear the mice helping themselves. We are so blessed to get so close to nature

[@ecttreker9816]

Nothing beats a getaway to the woods for a reset. 👍👍

[@momentarylapsofreason]

It’s lovely to see you again Simon my father and I are appreciative of the upload. We’re sorry to hear works been a struggle but we shall continue to keep you in our thoughts 😊 thanks again

[@Hix-Design]

Great to have you back. Vicarious camping has been sorely missed

[@oldtimer9879]

Just how I feel, I can taste the fresh air and coffee ......what's not to love😂

[@MalcolmBuckley]

Nothing beats watching you reset, rebalance & realign. As you do so for you, so it is for us. A beacon in the darkness. Thanks mate.

[@donnyrosen]

So good to see you out adventuring again! You are truly the Ironman of UK camping! A refreshing 18 mile ride, followed by setting up camp, cutting and splitting wood, and still being cold with a wood stove! Then getting up, eating a hearty breakfast of pate and chocolate cereal with coffee, breaking camp and riding that same 18 mile road to home. You are made of tougher stuff than most, my friend! I guess that is why I enjoy your videos so much! Thank you very much for allowing us to tag along, Sir Simon!

[@michaelw2288]

I think that Norfolk looks best on a sunny winter's day.

[@MrPAWILDS]

Sorry for the camera problem but you did a great job making the best of it with the cell phone. Thanks for putting it together, really enjoyed it.

[@briandoyle6188]

My algorithm took 3 days to finally show me this upload..better later than never..that was such a chilled camp even for Simon it was well needed for him imagine..home comforts no rum though 😉 but I was definitely transported to alternative existence nearly 39 minutes long loved it and Great to see Simon back in the woods👍..

[@walterberry8703]

Another great video Simon , you where the first bushcrafter I watched it was during lock down it was an eye opener I got my grandsons watching they are hooked , Thank you

[@MattITFC]

Hi Simon - love your videos. I remember watching your canoeing trip from The Highlands of Scotland a year or so ago and I was in awe of the place. Glen Coe especially looked amazing. Since then I’ve always wanted to visit. But after searching for months, I managed to secure a job in Fort William last month, and yesterday I officially moved up here in The Highlands - I absolutely love it! If it wasn’t for your videos and inspiration I wouldn’t have done this, so thank you! Keep inspiring us, Simon ❤️

[@INSOLESandLACES]

Congratulations, enjoy, enjoy, enjoy.😁

[@simonablokeinthewoods]

That is fantastic!! Well done for making g the move - such a stunning part of the world!! 👍🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

[@MCMOutdoors]

Very mindful mate; pure woodland relaxation

[@heineken5050]

Always everything is nice and tidy! The whole camp is so well set up! The place, the bike the tent, the food...Apart from being entertaining this channel is so educational!

[@michaellecaplain3377]

Another great video - thank you Simon! Nice to see a YT-er actually reading a book (I fear it's becoming a lost art), too, and the 'ah, they're sweet biscuits' moment made me chuckle! 😀

[@agapelove916]

Hi Simon....love how you keep the adventure real and not spending £1000's on camping gear! Some of us like the simple camping video's... probably my age 😁

[@mrsb8311]

Agree down to earth bloke ⛺️

[@Mauserixi]

That tent in about 1000 pound...

[@luhman16afaintstar]

@@agapelove916 he ACTUALLY has £1000s worth of gear 🙈

[@agapelove916]

😮 wow....I had no idea 🤷

[@binkysullivan]

Simon, happy to see you back! You are dear to our hearts and loved by all. Hope you are feeling well. Stay strong and be happy. ❤ Lydia

[@kathyglenn4298]

Yay! Missed you, Simon! Looks like it was a great camp.

[@Scorpio45Libra]

It was wonderful seeing you again Simon, we missed you! Happy Trails my friend! 😊

[@JulieB.-wy3kd]

Great to get a Simon notification! Will have to wait till tomorrow morning to watch....but always worth waiting for 😊

[@stannelson2582]

Simple truth is that your videos work for me! Thanks and I look forward to the next and the next one and so on!

[@susanfoord6507]

Great to see you back Simon we missed you x ❤️

[@connorlie3856]

Thanks for another Great video Simon Joy as always, wish more people would realise how much of a treasure he is and follow so he can be free to do what ever he wants full time x

[@ufoman4468]

Well done Simon . Good to see you out and about back in the woods recharging your batteries . It seems its where your happiest. Long may it be so.

[@caroljanecka1396]

So happy to see you out in the woods again!! I've been waiting for a new video. Take care!

[@bertjilk3456]

If you hadn't mentioned the broken camera I don’t think I would have noticed 😂 Great to see a new video.

[@kevinthewanderingwoodchuck2586]

I still have my Thermarest 3/4 from 97! No way my bones would enjoy sleeping on it now! Great job with the phone, I'm sure that wasn't easy. As always, thank you so much for all your hard work making these videos. We all greatly appreciate it. Have a wonderful week my friend. Best wishes.

[@DWayNana]

So great to see you Simon. I appreciate so much, the effort and strenuous work you put into your videos. I appreciate also the need to get away to the woods to unwind and regroup our thoughts. Thank you for being a real outdoorsman. Keep up the great work! With much love and respect from Minnesota, USA❤

[@tamirew9247]

Kudos to you Simon for making do with what you have. Thank you. Once again, I do love your intro and outro music that you share. Probably my favorite of all the camp You Tubers that I watch!

[@RossInTheWild]

Fantastic video as always Simon 😁👍🏼. I'm always throughly excited when I know a video is coming. 10 hours sleep too?! What a night.

[@TracyBrooks-c5e]

Hi Simon, Happy 2025. Back in 1999 I went to Australia with my mum. Camped with my daughter who was there at that time. Camped just south of Margaret River. Just a tent - no proper Sleeping gear. Gee, my mum in her sixties had unbelievably, the best nights sleep ever.

[@fritsvlierdenvan6521]

So nice,as a vateran stil hiking at 66 years jong, Love the spirit you present us,nature is all go on 🎉

[@9350mamamia]

I cannot take going without Simon more than a week! Love the videos, music,tips,just you!

[@cathybehle-ernst5796]

Glad you decided to get away. . .thank you for taking us along! Always good to see you, Simon!

[@grootebraak]

Great to see you on a normal bicycle. Happy and Healthy outdoors 2025 Simon

[@kingkris4119]

Beltin Video Simon, Thank you for taking me on a peaceful Adventure You’ve really made my evening 😊

[@simonkupa5041]

It was one of the most peaceful and relaxing camps I've seen in a long time .

[@Ladythyme]

Thanks for taking the time to film and share your outing…your videos are always well done & an enjoyable trip from my reality 😊

[@catherinearrowsmith9460]

Lovely to see you on You Tube again! I

[@eddieweyer3535]

Always so good to see you God bless you, Simon!!! You're what we need in this fucked up world

[@earlhayes2969]

Great to see you Back Simon I always look forward to your Videos hopefully you can get your camera repaired pretty reasonable price all the Best my friend Earl

[@Faithsmom3]

Always good to see your Simon. Thanks for taking us along. ❤❤❤

[@sirroger1066]

Hi good to have you back I have 60 cm of snow at the moment greetings from Sweden

[@simonablokeinthewoods]

Send a bit this way! I’d love a bit of snow here!

[@sirroger1066]

@@simonablokeinthewoods ha ha Give me a huge shovel and we'll see what can be done.

[@deanoboland]

Great job on the video Simon 👍👍

[@alanrobertson5497]

Great video Simon, love watching ❤❤

[@Lazzeroni-NorCal]

Simon, been missing your adventures and appreciate you taking us along. You are an expert at using the outdoors to reset and I love when you get those long sleeps in. You make amazing camps! Take care and thanks for sharing your beautiful part of the world!

[@somethingfilms24]

Great video Simon. As a rule of thumb use half the recommended amount of water for powdered drinks, soups etc. so you can at least taste something! You can always top up with a bit more water in the unlikely scenario they are too strong 😂

[@judyofthewoods]

Bike traveling is the best. Fast enough to get somewhere, and slow enough to enjoy the scenery. Not to mention that little extra gear you can take, as long as you don't want to get off the beaten track too far. It's great to have a fire inside. Those little stoves are quite neat, and the s/s versions can take the damp, and are light enough to carry around. Also great for a summer kitchen. I have an almost identical one that will go in mine when built.

[@DominiquePelletier]

The family really needed its Simon fix! That little trailer seems quite stable! Much better than strapping everything to the bike frame for sure! 😊

[@paulgilbert9346]

That was a pukka adventure! Thanks Simon.

[@rustysquid]

Great video. Thank you for all these years of fun entertainment and adventure. Cheers!

[@madisondeans5566]

So comforting is your style,I love my comforts on the trail,so I really enjoy your videos🤗

[@susanwright6785]

So very nice to see you out and about again. I always enjoy your adventures and it’s so kind of you to bring us all along with you. I can’t wait to get out in the early Spring to play with my new Winnerwell stove and hot tent at our family farm in the woods. I have never had an MRE but I do have some that my sons have given me, so that will be something new for me as well. Looking forward to your next adventure, Simon. Take care and stay well and safe! Happy Lunar New Year from Aurora, Ohio USA 😊🎉

[@LundysWildcampBushcraft]

Great to see you back out Simon Nice setup that rat pack looked good atvb Jimmy 😎😎👍👍

[@chrisrobson8540]

I think you've just made the british weather forecast reduntant in one sentence - "well you never know" 🤣🤣🤣🌞⛈🌨🌩🌪 ouch hope the camera repair isnt too costly

[@bradlafferty]

You always have the best music! Good to see you again. Take care, Simon!

[@neilpountney9414]

I always just love the simplicity of your camping Simon. Awesome. I hope you are doing okay and wish you the very best.

[@silverbob999]

thank goodness for that !! another great vid

[@FU2Crew2FU2]

Thank you for taking us along on this adventure !!! Keep up the great work !!!

[@marcknight4568]

I like Simon's style...one really nice and colorful piece of clothing...like a signature, but not overly concerned about it.😂😊

[@taurota1554]

Awesome and outstanding as always.Thanks for sharing and taking us along

[@rogervancleave8670]

That was a heavy haul for 18 miles! Glad to see the old Thermorest in use. I have one also and still use if occasionally. Good video as usual. Thanks for sharing.

[@gailknowles3804]

Hi, Simon. So good to see another great video! Even with the technical difficulties, it's still a great video. I'm sorry about the mint green tea, that just sounds disgusting. I can't complain much because I had an American MRE during a power outage after a hurricane in my area. Nobody deserves that kind of torture. It won't bother us if you don't have an MRE from the US. We understand. Anyway, thanks for taking us on another wonderful camp.

[@josephholland8748]

So happy to see your camping again. love all you Videos looking forward to many more.

[@chrisrichardson2071]

Thanks for the new video, Simon! Great to see you. I enjoyed this one. It was a really nice recovery with the main camera going down! All the best!

[@heathertoney7532]

Simon so glad your back love camps with u keep them coming

[@leffee5381]

Love your videos Simon 🤗Thanks for letting me follow your adventures 👍🚲 Lots of love from Sweden 🙏🥰

[@stevethistle7974]

"lightest camping gear" made me laugh. really enjoy your videos, keep up the great work!

[@CallEmAsISeeEm]

Excellent video! I absolutely love the 1/2 lavuu type shelter. I'd love to see a video where the whole shelter is used. Keep up the great get-awayz!

[@Christopher-ip2mp]

Your videos are good for the Soul. Thank you for all your hard work, it is really appreciated.

[@alaninkent]

So nice to see you out and about again Simon. Hope to see you and Andy Kent Survival back out together soon. Christmas one was good. Bless you ❤

[@playhouseinthewoods6103]

Ok just got to say a spoken as a true BRIT. Keep calm and carry on. Camera breaks no problem Will fashion a tripod out of tree limbs and tree bark. You go Simon 😁

[@CampingwithSamBananas]

Awesome video, Simon and I love you made the best of it when your camera failed. If you didn't tell us, I'd have never known. You're a huge inspiration for me and I'm so happy to see you continue to make videos. Cheers!

[@lindamclaughlin1061]

I enjoyed this so much! You handled the camera change so masterfully I wouldn't have even known. And gourmet ration box 👍blessings to you

[@GinaScott0315]

When you laid down the canvas rug down, it reminded me when you use to bring Maggie with you and the bed you made for her Will you be getting another four legged Best Friend? I know nothing can replace your beautiful Maggie, so just wanted to let you know it made me think of her. Stay safe Simon, Great video as always

[@a.y.t.a.s.494]

Yeah I thought I remembered that too. She was a lovely pup, sorely missed 😢

[@simonablokeinthewoods]

Never say never, but I’m still not ready yet 🙂

[@CallEmAsISeeEm]

​@@simonablokeinthewoods I just got another pup after almost 8 years. Take your time, you'll know.

[@kaybarnes2897]

Great to see you back Simon. Stay well xx

[@jonathanmarkbotterell1926]

Hi, good to see you back on the trail, roughing it. This set up is as good as a large tent, very cool. I like the idea of you 'surviving' on a ration pack, it's more interesting. All the best 😎☯️🌱

[@paulmaynard408]

Good idea using the tarp to wrap all the trailer contents 😊👍

[@martinhajee3488]

Really great to see you out, enjoy, be safe and well.

[@newenergyawakening]

OMG that looks like so much fun!!! Not sure if I'm up for bikepacking yet, but as soon as our Aussie summer cools off, the bike's going on the back of my little campervan and across Australia we go exploring , trail riding, kayaking and visiting family 😃

[@jamescoffey5225]

Not to worry about your video; even with equipment problems it turned out very well. That French MRE looked delicious. Nothing like eating well while camping. Regarding your bike's saddle, looks kinda hard on the caboose. 😊 Another great video. Thanks again.

[@janwaller3585]

Very enjoyable camp . Thanks for sharing your experiences ❤

[@matthewvelo]

Gosh I need to go hiking. I've been using a large-ish twig stove as a campfire which is nice but certainly doesn't put the heat out like a proper stove, but it is better than an making a fireplace to manage. Also reminding me that I too have to take my glasses out with me which is making me feel a little older than I'd like. Cheers Simon.

[@angelaknisely-marpole7679]

Excellent! I'm glad someone else still uses their old Thermorest!

[@sandibran3420]

Thx Simon., it was good to see ya., I liked the tent set up., yum on the food., I'd like to have me a ration box some day lol yes awesome.. take care always and have a blessed 2025.. see ya later..