Bushcraft Biking

[OakAshandThorn]

Go for it . You may want to invest in a small (3x3m or so) camo net for stealth .

[Dreward]

I've been educated by this site enough to realise what I Really Need for a camp out....camo net is one I've considered and talked about in the past along the lines of photography....Ortleib do a handle bar bag that looks like it's screaming "Camera in Here Please"......

[Pootle]

I really like the idea of using the bike for overnighters. I think there's a greater sense of freedom on a bike and as above you experience your surroundings that much more directly. It would also be good to try using just panniers and handle bar bag. A good way to cut down on kit?

[Dreward]

I attended my first bush meet with a 45L rucksack that was filled with plenty of kit and food, plus, hammock and tarp attached to the outside. So, two 20L panniers are going to provide plenty of opportunity to carry what's required.

[midas]

I often go camping on my bike - it's the easiest way to access a lot of local sites for me. With hindsight I shouldn't have bought an expensive mountain bike in day glo colours - but then I bought it to get fit not to take me camping.

If you want to tone it down a bit,for perhaps better concealment??
a visit to your local gunshop,will allow you to obtain "CAMMO WRAP",bit like crepe bandage,but cammo,can be wrapped
(its not sticky tape) n it clings to its self and object your "cammoing".as easily removed n rolled back up.with no marring of surfaces.

[Silkhi]

Thanks Midas - living in a tourist area full of cyclists in day glo gear I think I am probably better off leaving my bike as it is, can't bring myself to wear flurescent lycra and bradley wiggins stick on side-burns for the full disguise though! I cover my bike with a cheap large camo tarp (heavy-ish tho) at the moment. Will get some of that & like the idea of some camo netting too - wide variety of uses.

Helped me in another way - whilst looking up the tape and a gunshop I found a local retailer that not only stocks guns and fishing gear it stocks all sorts of useful stuff and I always prefer to give my cash to a local specialist. No idea it existed & I thought I knew that village well!

With regards to the general discussions on weight I generally use a pair of 20l ortlieb panniers (mine are the fetching vomit yellow) and a day pack. TBH I think that's way more than enough for a reasonable weather over nighter, I am sure I could easily go lighter and smaller, at least in summer. I did buy some smaller/cheaper/more discreet panniers (12l each) but they are untested.

However... I can fit the big tarp (enough for me and the bike) strapped onto handlebars, bivi and thermarest on the rack and everything else in a 22l day sack and pockets/belt etc. As ever custom waterproof pocket in my cycling friendly jacket for my 8" tablet with the kindle app and 4G

[midas]

GREAT when a plan comes togther,Silkhi,..
Yes fully agree support your local shops if possible.or alas they will disapear.also get a more personal service,and satisfaction!!!