Bob's First Bivvy

[Boab]

I'm going to head out on my first bike packing bivvy on either Friday 17th, Friday 24th or Saturday 25th of the month. It all depends on the weather and family commitments as to which it'll actually be. I popped up into the loft at the weekend and got down a load of my old mountaineering gear to see what I had that I can use.

A slightly knackered Expedition Karrimat and an early 90's Ultralight Thermarest, that's been stored rolled up:


A GoreTex bivvy bag and an early 90's Rab Atlas 800 down sleeping bag that's been stored lofted in it's large bag:


I'm going to take the Thermarest with me, although I remember it being uncomfortable and sliding off it every time I moved. I'm sure I could buy something that packs to half its size and weighs half as much, but I have it, so I thought I'd use it and see how we get on. Given where I'm planning on going, that and the bivvy bag and Rab sleeping bag should suffice for sleeping arrangements. I'm also planning on taking a mug and Aeropress to make a coffee in the morning. Obviously I'll have the clothes and kit I've cycled there in, a phone, GPS, and I'll have my usual cycling paraphernalia too, i.e. spare tube, tubeless repair kit, puncture repair kit, tool kit, pump, zip ties and what not. Other than that, I need some advice on what else I need to take.

Stove: I was going to get an AlpKit Kraku but they've disappeared from the website, can anyone recommend anything similar? I don't like meths, so would prefer a gas canister based system of some sort.

PJs: Do people change into sleeping clothes of some sort, or do you all sleep in your clarty cycling kit? I sweat buckets, so was considering buying a base layer of some sort to sleep in, made from merino or bamboo or something. I did read something on here about wearing leg and arm warmers in the sleeping bag, but Shirley those are sweaty after riding?

Jacket: Would it be advisable to buy a down jacket of some sort to change into while setting up camp, and sitting around in the morning drinking coffee? Again, this is the sweaty kit thing, or are most bivvies a case of pitch up and go straight to sleep?

Is there anything else that you would consider essential kit that I've overlooked or am missing...?

[fatbikephil]

Some form of base layer seems to be most peoples go to PJ's. Nice to change into something dry and clean to help get a decent kip. A down jacket is a nice thing to drag on when you get in your bivvy but a fleece will do just as well, if with more weight. A hat is always a good thing too

Other than that looks like you've got the bear bones

[Bearbonesnorm]

Don't like meths, what's wrong with you man Have a search on-line for a BRS 3000t.

Jacket, I nearly always carry a down jacket of some description. Tend to put it on while setting up, sometimes I might kip in it and again wear it next morning. Needn't be down, a synthetic jacket will do the job and it'll be much easier to look after.

PJ's, I usually just sleep in my base layer / jersey.

[whitestone]

I have some merino base layer clothing (from Alpkit) that only gets used as "pyjamas" when bivvying. No matter how much you try you'll be sweaty by the end of a ride so having something dry to change into means that you retain warmth better. They also add to the thermal rating of your sleeping bag/quilt (in fact the EN13537 rating assumes you are wearing something). Finally they prevent, or at least slow down, contaminants from your perspirations getting into your bag and affecting its thermal efficiency.

Stove - the Kraku is one of a number of very similar lightweight gas stoves. Pop into Cotswolds or Go Outdoors, etc. and pick one up. I've a Vango one.

A hip flask with appropriate contents

Spare socks for similar reasons to the base layer.

Just what you do after arrival at your bivy and before turning in for the night depends on lots of factors: time of year; weather; company; locale; whether you've already eaten; etc.; etc. I've done everything from getting to my spot, putting up tarp and crashing out ASAP to sitting up for a couple of hours star gazing.

Kit has moved on in the last twenty years. I've a "classic" Thermarest and it's huge when compared with the modern and much comfier and warmer inflatable mats like the NeoAir and Exped mats. All these things do come at a cost though.

[Borderer]

Yes, for me a down jacket is an essential. It gets very cold out there once you stop riding and being cold is miserable. For the sake of 200g or something it is just not worth being without it.

In winter I tend to ride in a merino base layer and not change out of it to sleep - its too cold usually to be messing around stripping off and getting dressed again. The other thing I consider essential is a thin hat to wear under your helmet and a buff for your neck and or face. I usually sleep in one or both of these - the tip of my nose gets very cold sometimes so I wear the buff on my head pulled down to the very end of my nose so that I can still breathe but stay warmer.

I also always carry dry socks and in winter down booties to wear to bed, but most men won't need these as they sleep warmer than women.

The other thing is a warm sleeping bag liner - to keep the bag clean and you cosy. We have these ones for winter - I love them - they are so warm and cosy https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/293404866990?ul_noapp=true

Edited to add: In winter I also love my thin liner gloves that I wear under my regular gloves when riding and just on their own for setting up camp and sometimes even sleeping in. They are faux silk I think - the kind that skiers use anyway. Just don't use them for cooking in! You would fry your paw off if they caught light.

[sean_iow]

Having a base layer top and bottoms to changed into means you don't have to get into an expensive down bag wearing wet and muddy cycling kit.

This both protects the bag and you'll get a much better nights sleep and be warmer. Laying awake wearing wet kit and shivering all night is not much fun... in fact it's not really fun at all

[middleagedmadness]

Primus do a stove the same as the kraku they ar £23.99 in decathlon got one myself last weekend (sorry stu I may have put a step onto the dark side)

[ootini]

For sleeping I always take a merino base layer and a pair of wooly socks, nothing better than toasty feet.
I also take a down jacket and chuck it on as soon as I'm off the bike and setting my tent up. I don't wear it in my sleeping bag, but sometimes throw it over as a quilt.
I use a cheap Vango gas stove btw.
Essential kit for me =
Toothbrush and toothpaste, I'm not an animal!
Cash, emergency situations require cash.
Mini headlamp.
Tent, not a bivvy. I don't want stuff crawling over my face.

[Bearbonesnorm]

Tent, not a bivvy. I don't want stuff crawling over my face.

Yeah but if you catch them crawling over your face, they haven't made it into your mouth

[ootini]

Tent, not a bivvy. I don't want stuff crawling over my face.

Yeah but if you catch them crawling over your face, they haven't made it into your mouth

Or elsewhere...

I love nature, I just don't want it touching me without my consent.

[ScotRoutes]

I take a thin, long sleeved base layer and some silk boxers.
For warmth while stopped, I've been using a Primaloft rather than down jacket (Montane Prism actually). That jacket tends to stay packed away in my bag so I'm less worried about the constant compression than I would be with down (and there's less of a concern about damp/dirty too).
If it's colder than that copes with, I just put up with wearing my cycle kit. I used to use synthetic bags because of this (and keep my "nice" down ones for "special days") but realised that was just a waste of money. If you're very concerned, then a silk liner will protect the bag and add a couple of degrees of warmth. Just be prepare for the inconvenience of the mid-night pee run.

[ootini]

Is there anything else that you would consider essential kit that I've overlooked or am missing...?

A small hip flask of Añejo Tequila. Remarkably good at warming you up.

[Bearlegged]

Stove: I was going to get an AlpKit Kraku but they've disappeared from the website, can anyone recommend anything similar? I don't like meths, so would prefer a gas canister based system of some sort.

The Kraku is a rebadged Fire Maple Hornet. Planet X have 8 in stock as I type...

https://www.planetx.co.uk/i/q/CPFMFMS30 ... icro-stove

[Boab]

Thanks for all the replies, nice to know I'm not a million miles away with my thinking. But it does look like I need to invest in a base layer, and some sort of jacket, so I'll do some research. Things I had genuinely forgotten, or not thought about:

• toothbrush and toothpaste
• torch
• hat (I will probably have two buffs, one on my head, one on my neck, so could possibly get away without it)
• Booze (not sure about this one, I'm not a fan of drinking the night before I do exercise, but one wouldn't hurt...)
• Spare socks
• Liner gloves
• Cash (I don't carry cash these day, this will be novel)

Don't like meths, what's wrong with you man Have a search on-line for a BRS 3000t.

Many a trip away watching friends use their Trangia's, while I used a MSR WhisperLite or XGK; no contest. I do have a proper old skool brass Primus multi fuel stove in the loft somewhere, but it's a bit heavy. I'll have a look at this BRS one.

The other thing is a warm sleeping bag liner - to keep the bag clean and you cosy. We have these ones for winter - I love them - they are so warm and cosy https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/293404866990?ul_noapp=true

I do have a Wild Country PolarTec sleeping bag liner, of similar vintage to the sleeping bag. It's large, heavy and I always found it too hot with this bag. I think this is one of those, things have moved on somewhat. I'll see how I get on and decide if I need something else.

Tent, not a bivvy. I don't want stuff crawling over my face.

I have a Wild Country Quasar (of similar vintage :yawn:), it's way to big and heavy though. Plus one of the zips is busted, so sent the flysheet off today to see if they'll repair it. Nearly had a heart attack when I saw the price of a new Quasar...

Tent, not a bivvy. I don't want stuff crawling over my face.

Yeah but if you catch them crawling over your face, they haven't made it into your mouth

I did consider a dry run in the shed, just to make sure, then remembered that the shed has tarantulas in it...

The Kraku is a rebadged Fire Maple Hornet. Planet X have 8 in stock as I type...

I've been trying not to give them any of my money, due to past customer service experiences, business practices etc. Will be interesting to see what happens to them now that they are becoming employee owned and Mike Sanderson (Calibre Bikes) is on board.

[redefined_cycles]

Tent, not a bivvy. I don't want stuff crawling over my face.

Yeah but if you catch them crawling over your face, they haven't made it into your mouth

I caught a wretched slug once on edge of my right lip. Woke up in the nick of time before the culprit made it in. Then I wondered what Reg would have done

[Dave Barter]

I use a sleeping bag liner instead of baselayer to kip in. I have some super skimpy bed shorts (lightweight running shorts) and a down jacket for if it gets cold. The liner packs down better than a baselayer and feels to me to be a bit warmer all round.

[sean_iow]

I have some super skimpy bed shorts

If those are the ones you were wearing when you emerged from your bivi on Dartmoor I can confirm they are super skimpy

[Cheeky Monkey]

A pair of Ron Hills tracksters and a T will do instead of base layers for sleeping. Judging by your gear you look of that time when everyone had at least one pair of Rh. A fleece is fine unless you want to buy a dow n jacket right now. Kinda depends on how temperature resistant you are.

Booze isn't essential though many enjoy a dram. It serves no critical purpose.

I'd probably add some distraction if you're solo e.g. phone, book, tunes, podcast etc. Again depends what, if anything, you prefer.

[windjammer]

a good hip flask,decent bar of chocolate to eat with the whiskey,hot chocolate drinks powder to add the whiskey too,mobile power bank to charge your phone from watching bikepacking films on your phone.you will be spending more time in your bivi as the nights are longer so take something to amuse yourself with

[Boab]

Judging by your gear you look of that time when everyone had at least one pair of Rh.

I'm not sure if I should be appalled at your insight, or offended! I did indeed have many pairs of tracksters. I have one pair left, Classic DXB's in blue with high-viz yellow piping, that I only ever use on really cold days in place of proper bib longs.

I'd probably add some distraction if you're solo e.g. phone, book, tunes, podcast etc. Again depends what, if anything, you prefer.

I was considering taking my kindle, as I'm assuming I'll wake up early, and once I wake up, that's generally it for sleep.

decent bar of chocolate to eat

Good call!

[Thisisnotaspoon]

I've still got pretty much the same setup, although I've somehow lost my goretex bag? Was actually about to ask the question "what to do to lighten it a bit?".

My 2p, ditch the aeropress and take a coffee bag. Less weight and bulk. Tear the bag open afterwards and scatter/bury the used coffee, take the bag to a bin as they contain plastic though. Or just take ground coffee and drink it like they do in most of the world and chuck the dregs.

Meths stoves are fine, so are gas stoves. I tend to use meths if I'm panicking about weight, gas if I actually want to use it more than to make a cup of tea.

Some sort of baselayer/bag liner is a good idea, you can wash it when you get back easier than the whole bag. I've got some thermal running leggings from decathlon, and a similar LS base layer. Down jacket is great, but not essential, even a wind/showerproof top might suffice and do dual duty if the weather's inclement on the bike, down jackets are a bit of a 1 trick pony.

Distractions are nice, riding bikes and watching sunsets/rise is nicer. If you're awake then have breakfast and go ride, you can always stop for a break mid day when it's warmed up and then you don't need so may extra clothes to keep you warm around the bivi spot.

[whitestone]

I've still got pretty much the same setup, although I've somehow lost my goretex bag? Was actually about to ask the question "what to do to lighten it a bit?".

Once you've got the usual bivy items (tarp, pegs and poles, sleeping mat, sleeping bag/quilt, bivy bag) then it's really a matter of knowing what your limits are and how much you are willing to spend. However this time of year probably isn't the best for figuring out just how light you can go

The bivy stuff makes up the big and heavy items. After that it's a case of figuring out what you don't need. Search for "TLS" in the review section.

Edit: Here's the post - https://bearbonesbikepacking.blogspot.c ... ystem.html

[padonbike]

Stove: I was going to get an AlpKit Kraku but they've disappeared from the website, can anyone recommend anything similar? I don't like meths, so would prefer a gas canister based system of some sort.

Like most things Alpkit, they just bought the "Kraku stove" direct from China and didn't design it.
Here is the link to the identical Robins one, no doubt others commercialise the same stove too.
https://www.robens.de/en-gb/shop/outdoo ... e-titanium

[RIP]

"What to do to lighten it a bit". A while ago I twigged my heaviest single item was, curiously, what was on my feet. But it's taking a bit of time to psyche meself to bikepack in crocs all the time, even though it comes highly-Borderer-recommended.

Bin all those water bottles at 1kg/litre. 500ml and a filter has always sufficed for me in UK.

[MuddyPete]

Stove: leave it at home .

For weekend trips, once I'd overcome my "need" for a cuppa tea in the morning I was able to ditch the stove, teabag, milk powder, cooking mug, fuel and lighter. Breakfast became flapjack and apples .

If you bivi in warm weather you may not want a hot brekkie/drink.

If you bivi in cold/wet weather you may want to get moving (en-route to the cafe) ASAP.

In much of the UK, you're often within an hour-or-so of a cafe/burger van/fuel station/local shop.

Bivi-bag: I suggest running it under the shower to see if the seam tape is still waterproof .