So, my second trip is about to commence. I'll see if what I learned from the first and from various other sources (mainly this forum, thanks) helps make the trip run smoothly.

Think ive managed to pack without the need for a back pack (wooooop woop, I hate backpacks and never trail ride with one). Theres a couple of places I could save some space/weight when packing, which will be my challenge for the next trip (assuming everything else works out OK this time.

Still have a few jobs to do on the bike tonight (new front chain ring, Adjust position of bottle cage, refresh sealant ion tyres), then 9.30 tomorrow morning I'm on away.

Packing wise I'm pretty happy, but if anyone can see where I can slim things down, please shout as I'd appreciate the input of those with some experience.

In front bag (16ltr dry bag) I have:
Tarp 2.5x1.5 Ultralight from DD hammocks
Guy lines x8, ultralight from DD
Pegs x8, Titanium.
Lightwave Firelight 250 sleeping bag (500g)
Alpkit Hunka XL Bivi bag.
Titanium cooking pot.
Pertex jacket (could save weight and pack size here)
In the saddle pack I have:
Spare socks and cycle shorts. (not going without those)
Leg warmers and long sleeve thermal top for evening/sleeping
Hat, gloves for evening.
Bear Bones 22g stove.
Thermorest Prolight sleeping pad (could save weight and pack size here)
Waterproof cycle jacket.

Frame bag:
Food, (mainly ration pack/wayfairer meal type stuff. (A bit of effort could save a lot in this area)
Meths. (100ml, I may double that)
Spoop.
Penknife.
Lighter/.matches
Toothbrush.
Head torch
cooker wind shield.
Various other small bits n bobs.

Wish me luck!

Looks to be pretty good without a backpack - can't think you'd save much space/weight there without going to extremes.... where you off to? One night or a two night weekend?
I forgot spare socks last time I was out... soggy feet the following morning - I seem to unlearned the little I once knew

99percentchimp wrote:Looks to be pretty good without a backpack - can't think you'd save much space/weight there without going to extremes.... where you off to? One night or a two night weekend?
I forgot spare socks last time I was out... soggy feet the following morning - I seem to unlearned the little I once knew

Cheers.

Just an overnighter around the Rhayader/Elan Valley/ Strata Florida area. If all goes to plan about 45 miles Saturday and 30 Sunday with an overnight at Moel Prysgau. But I suspect we will just Bivi somewhere when were tired/feel like it/spot a nice spot!!! If the weathers OK I would prefer to Bivi than use a Bothy.

I'm aware I'm not going to shave huge amounts off without a significant reduction in comfort, but I think there's room for small improvements in a couple of areas.

I'm pretty excited to get going now.

Steve.