I’ve been thinking about trying a couple of trips and need to figure out what kit I need. I’ve not camped in years so I’ve got pretty much no kit to take.

I’ve obviously got the bike and I can borrow a tail pack, bar bag and frame bag. I’ve also got a Jetboil somewhere as well.

What else do I need?

The first trip is nothing too heavy. Part of the Ridgeway then Icknield Way up to Cambridge. Probably a couple of 50-60 mile days and planning on sleeping somewhere around Ivinghoe Beacon. I’ll be going near the end of June so hopefully weather wont be an issue.

Mat to sleep on. Insulated by preference.

Sleeping bag.

Bivvy bag and possibly tarp. Or tent.

Something to carry it in.

Not much more needed really, you can eat/drink without a cooker, especially if you take advantage of pubs and cafes. A torch is handy. I like to take a warm jacket to slip into when I’ve stopped riding but this is very much personal choice. A small trowel for burying your shit.

I’d recommend one or two much smaller trips to find out what works for you and to fine-tune your packing and camp craft.

A bike 😋

Get yourself over here , for all your info

https://bearbonesbikepacking.co.uk/

A plucky, “can do” attitude always helps.

When you get back, sort your kit into what you did and didn’t use and use that (maybe make a list), along with anything you felt you were missing to refine your kit choices the next time.

Here my list to get you going. I’ve only done two trips so far so am no expert.

Utility Belt: ( cooler name than a bum bag 😂)
Water xx
Food xx
Keys

Frame bag:
Tools: xx
Tube xx
Pump xx
Bottle xx
Rain jacket xx
First aid + tick removers xx
Food xx

Bar bag:
Sleeping bag xx
Thermals xx
Hat
Duds xx
Socks xx
Midge net xx
Cord xx

Roo pouch:
Light xx
Bin bags xx
Wipes xx
Foil blanket xx
Tooth brush xx

Top tube bag:
Phone
Power bank xx
Crack pipe + juice

Right fork bag:
Mat xx

Left fork bag:
Tarp xx

Oh and before any of you snitches get the law on me, the crack pipe is an ecig😀

Also I do not subscribe to the hardcore bike packers rule of “if your warm and comfy you’ve brought too much kit”. Very much the opposite infact as I’m soft.

I’m currently sitting at work watching the GCN bikepacking videos with Josh Ibbett and browsing the Alpkit website for ideas.

I’m currently thinking that I might get away with a mat, sleeping bag and bivvy bag as the weather should be ok. Not going to worry about a tent for the time being.

For food I’ll probably make use of pubs/cafes as suggested to make things easier.

Basically, just go mental on your first yin, take far too much stuff.

On your second trip, take half as much.

On you 3rd trip, throw away some more.

Then start upgrading if you continue doing it.

Just take what you’ve already got/think you need.

Buy some thick bungee straps, to fire stuff on the bike(thick poly bags will do for water proofing), bungee will attach anything to anything really, but most like handle bars, top tube and seat railings..

Then while you are out, put all the stuff you didn’t in the one bag/couple of bags, and never take it out again. repeat.

It’s a learning process. Juts batter in is basically my advice, do some 1 nighters to begin with.

Think you’ve got everything covered above. However if you are looking for a campsite I can thoroughly recommend Town Farm at the bottom of ivinghoe beacon.

Defo +1 for wipes and sandwich bags (don’t ask!). Also spare socks for sleeping in, can’t stress importance of having dry/warm feet after a day in the rain. Lightweight leggings (ron hill et al) and a lightweight hat/skullcap. You may not need either but I’d rather be with them and not use than without them wishing I was warmer.