Yep, they are like ‘Marmite’, love or hate’ em. I love the simplicity and the fact that if needed, I can get through a night of rain in something so compact and light. Unlike a hammock unfortunately which I prefer, but they both have their own attractions. Anyhooo, thanks for watching the video.

Snap... hammock is always my number one, but love the 'stealthy' bivy from time to time, but always avoid the rain if I can.

Ah yes, MLD has been on my list for a while, but I'm trying to 'cut down' 😉. That MLD is seriously light, plus what I love is side entry and you can get a large version for a bigger bag. Nice 👌

Ultra racing - you dont need advice from me, that’s for sure! My goal a few years back was to do an ultra race, but never have found the time. However, retirement in a couple of years so maybe have as a goal. Yeah, I think the Rab is really good and top quality, but is it too heavy for an ultra? I wish the SnugPak SF Bivy had a bug mesh, then that would be top of my list.

Cheers fella, and it's the feedback comments that keep me doing them. Hunka bivy is apparently a bit of a classic. Elan is a nice choice. Good price, hooped plus side entry. Like that the hoop is freestanding on that double hoop design.

@@badgersbikepacking4138 Alpkit is good solid affordable kit if you are on a budget like me. Definitely a useful plan B as well, it's helped me out a few times now. Actually new to bikepacking though a really keen cyclist and hiker it was only last autumn I started by cobbling together my hiking kit and a selection of bags. But instantly hooked so invested in a few bits of kit over the winter. I could cope with the weight but the bulk took some sorting out, I think I am there now with that. My next trip is quite local, about 80 miles round trip, during the Easter break. Not tried hammocks yet so grateful for you advice, definitely will try it out at some point this year.

Biking packing seems right up your street. But 100% recognise the weight v bulk issue. Weight is what people talk lots about, but bulk in bikepacking seems to be a big issue for me. I am more than happy going slower with more weight (until I hit a gate), but bulk and lots of kit in lots of bags is the bit I dont like. Every time the weather if different, or the kit and that changes the bag lay out etc…. Knowing about the volume (litres) you can fit and packing around that as much as weight is important to me. Local overnight rides are my mainstay now. A single night with not too many miles - love them. Occasional multi day through the year, although rare at the moment. With hammocks - they are Marmite. Love or hate them so if you can try before you buy into it. If you can sleep a night in your garden, then they may be for you. My wife 100% cant sleep in them. I cant get a better nights sleep than in a ‘hang’. It is a culture. Watch ‘SHUG’ on KZfaq to learn all about it. It takes a little learning and a small practice, to do the tarp etc… but if you’ve done tents, it is just another skill set. To keep it simple, I found that a Hennessy Hammock was great and still is May go-to hammock (of which I have many now - kinda like a collection). But if you expend some time on hammocks and get into the kit and culture, they are great. I sleep in a hammock between once a week and once every 2 weeks - hooked. So buy/borrow a cheap hammock (ENO maybe). You can use a blow up mat, but that may put you off - I hated them. A cheap underquilt will do the job, so maybe £100 total. Not cheap, but that kit will be good enough for a long time in the mild nights - My brother spent that and still using it routinely after 3 years. If you are hooked, then go for a Hennessy with built in tarp. But you dont need a tarp, just plan ahead and look for a rain free night. Very happy to offer more detailed advice if it helps.

@@badgersbikepacking4138 great advice many thanks, I have a mate I can borrow a hammock off, really fancy giving it a go. With the weight I just re geared the bikes to cope, I build all my bikes, the bulk was a shocker at first but I got everything lower and more central which helps. Again many thanks for the advice 👍👍👍👍

100%. I have a Dutch army bivi and love it. Quality kit which lives in my car. But I think for bike packing it is a non starter.

Well, I don't drive fancy cars or wear fancy cloths. Bangers and rags, that's me and hence save up for kit. Although that Carinthia bivy was a step too far. May sell it to buy a nuclear bunker. Agree, a hooped bivy is my favourite. Yeah, try hammocking, but it can be expensive, although doesn't have to be. My favourite hammock is the cheapest.

Have no issues with it so far. Like that it is rechargeable so can charge off solar. GOODMANS Pocket Radio, DAB/DAB+/FM, Integrated Speaker, LCD Display, 1000mAh13 hrs Rechargeable Battery. I got it on Amazon and did a reasonable amount of research. Just like having access to the news and some music while out and about.