Drawing from ‘Dividing the Badger’ by Hope, UK

Deciding what to take was made a lot easier when a friend shared an article on bikepacking in winter. Seeing someone else’s kit list and rationale behind it really helped me avoid ‘panic packing’. I hope that this might help others too.

Getting our heads round the route and resupply options, thanks to Jay Crooks

Trip:

Spanning 6 days – two overnight journeys by sleeper train bookend 4 days riding.

Weather – max 15 degrees to min 5 degrees; early October in Scottish Highlands

Requirements – wild camping (bivvy and sleeping bags) and self-sufficient for at least 1 meal/day with 1 opportunity/day for resupply

Distance – 350km Badger Divide with additional 90km Glasgow-Edinburgh

Bike:

Mason Bokeh
Shimano Di2 GRX groupset
Hunt 650b dynamo wheels
K-Lite Dynamo and charging system
WTB Sendero tyres (tubeless)
Crank Bros Candy pedals

Bags:

Tailfin aeropack and mini paniers
Ortlieb frame bag and bar bag
Roswheel mini top tube bag
Bum-bag with extra hydration pack

Tools/spares:

Held in Wolf Tooth bag on the fork and some in Ortlieb frame bag:

Pump
CO2 x 2 plus attachment
3 tyre levers
Puncture patches

Dynaplug Racer and spare plugs
Leatherman Squirt
Hanger
Chain lube
Sealant
2 x inner tubes
Chain tool
Quick links
Zip ties
Electrical tape
Brake pads
Brake press (SRAM pad spacer)

Cooking:

Mostly in one of the two panniers (bar cooking and coffee).

Alpkit Brukit stove and gas (in cage on forks)
Coffee thing (DETAILS) (in cage on forks)
Ground coffee
Mug (Enamel Factory, Kent)
3x large Firepot meals
Various bars and fruit/nuts
Water
Water purifier system (DETAILS)
Spork (combined fork, spoon, knife implement)
Head torch
Water filtration system

Hygiene:

Toothbrush
Toothpaste
Poo trowel
Moisturiser
Tampons
Dog poo bags
Wet wipes cut in half
Head torch
Deodorant
Contact lenses
Glasses
Sunnies
Chamois Bottom Butr
First Aid Kit

Sleeping:

Alpkit Elan Bivvy
Silk bag liner
Decathlon Forclaz down sleeping bag
Alpkit Cloudbase inflatable mattress

Waterproofs/warm stuff:

Galabier.cc Tempest Waterproof jacket
Gore goretex trousers
DHB neoprene overshoes
Gore windstopper gloves
Waterproof shell mitts
Patagonia down jacket
Aussie Grit gilet
Findra merino hat
Findra ear warmers
Cashmere wrist/handwarmers
Fingerless riding gloves
Galibier.cc leg warmers

Clothes:

The premise is one set of dry things that are always dry (worn at night and when travelling) and two sets of riding gear with layers that can be changed. Swap each day. 1 pair of shoes for whole trip (no flipflops as it’s too cold).

5Ten Kestrel spd MTB shoes
Findra leggings (travel and off bike)
2x pants (travel at either end)
Findra merino tee
Findra merino roll neck
Findra merino base layer
Castelli under vest
Bergtex long sleeved base layer
2 x padded shorts
4 merino socks (2 travelling – 2 riding)
Findra buff

Misc:

Notebook and pen (I can just about live without reading but there’s no way I can live without writing every day.
Garmin 530 edge
Spare Exposure rear light (road-based paranoia)
Powerbank and cables to charge phone and Garmin

I will let you know how I get on and whether my packing worked or not!