The Tailfin is great, but if you have less money, the Ortlieb Quick-Rack with a dry bag and some Voilé straps can do an adequate job without the swaying of seat packs!
More useful things, though seems I use to carry too much stuff when I was just doing a mountain biking weekend in Wales, it's surprising how heavy a full size Leatherman, first aid kit, bivvy bag etc ends up weighing.
Great tips from a real pro. That said these things are of course very dependent on so many factors - duration, climate, remoteness, speed goals, and many more. Most people don't need all of it or the high-end versions. Same for bikes. Products like the tailfin are essentially ultra-expensive rack and pannier, and so many brands of bike-packing bags will do the job. Apidura are great - I think most important is being waterproof and comfortable, and I live with a bit of bag sway to save cost/weight (and to save the environment by not buying another new thing). I’ve seen another bike packer lash a waterproof rucksack to a pannier and has survived thousands of miles. Gerber is another option for plier mutitool. And don’t forget used are also good options. That’s not to say the advice isn't good and I’ve certainly not achieved anything like your journeys and don’t plan to try, I just think people can be left with ‘influencer’ style impression that they need to spend a fortune whereas so many people doing for fun rather than serious podium racing don't need the same kit. Use whatever you have. Start small and build up. Be smart and safe. You’ll work it out along the way.
Tipp for Sleeping Comfort: Nemo Fillo Pillow... It is inflatable but has a foam cushion so you have the feeling of a real pillow and it's given me a so much better sleep while bikepacking/backpacking.
I must say that my latest tip for lets say outdoor stuff like sleeping bags would be find some local company. For instance in Poland there is Małachowski or Cumulus company and the best thing is that if you have problems with your kit they can repair it for you. I would say the same thing about buying bikes from local stores etc. Btw the stuff you recommend is really useful and its nice that you not exactly focus on keeping weight down.
Sun screen is a great thing I’ll use in addition a thin long sleeve top. In warmer weather a thin long sleeve keeps sun off of you without making you additionally hot considering your moving mostly with your legs
Love these tips. Just bought a Leatherman for the pliers. Really like that tiny one though! I go tubeless and one thing I recently switched was the inner tube backups I carry. Now I carry "Tubolitos" which are more expensive but way smaller and lighter. For something I hope to rarely need this is one of my favorite additions. I also wouldn't leave without my Tailfin which makes my Pinarello a bikepacker -- but not the aero bag which I think is a bit heavy for what it provides - although I can't deny the convenience and security of the attachment is appealing. I really like that I can unclip it in a few seconds. For portage a lightweight Sea-to-Summit dry bag suffices for me, or even better, my frameless 35L pack. Neither exceeds .5Kg. Simple to strap on and off and with the pack I can hike off bike. For the front of the bike I can't go without aero bars for the extra comfort they provide on long hauls. They also allow me to carry my favorite front bag: the Cyclite Aero bag. I like the idea of being able to walk in cycling shoes but because on cycling trips most of my time is in the saddle, I prefer to maximize comfort for pedaling. Road shoes - especially Look/Keo cleats provide a larger, imho, more-comfortable platform. (Mine, Assioma Duos, are also considerably lighter than most MTB setups in fact - cleats included.) I carry running sandals for when I need shoes off-bike. Mainly I go barefoot. If it were winter (which admittedly I don't do!) I'd still probably carry separate shoes that I can keep dry. I have the same pump and can't disagree. It's old reliable but I'm considering ditching it since I carry C02 and recently added a USB-recharchable pump which is both small and weighs about as much as a C02 cartridge.
Great stuff. One thing I do with gravel/ backpacking/ touring is keep things off my back (gets really sweaty...) so I use a runners style waist / hip bag. Bladder and tube included and room for other bits and pieces if needed. Works a treat. Pillow: I've never actually found a decent blow up one so take a thin cotton pillow case and stuff it with my down jacket and whatever other clothes are around. And yes, a small Swiss Army knife is always a must have.
@ChrisHallRides Evening Chris 👋 thanks for the reply....hope the weekend bike rides have be kind......the gales up here in Morpeth, have been a bit tricky, to say the least !
On the Leatherman front, the Micra (which replaces the Squirt PS4) doesn't have pliers, only scissors, which isn't ideal! Also, a lot of the Leatherman multi-tools have locking knives, which makes them illegal to carry "without a good reason" in the UK...
I have the leatherman tool too! I got it a few years ago because I needed something to pull out the very tiny and sharp stuff that puncture my tire and get stuck. It's a very handy tool to have that has helped me in a lot of other situations as well! Awesome video, Chris!
Along with the sunscreen, I never go on trips without some insect repellent during warmer weather. I don’t always need it but can really suffer without it.
Hey Chris, excellent content as always. I would love to see video of you taking a solo overnight bikepacking adventure. Showing first how to install the Tailfin rack, mud guards , and gearing up. Filming the ride out, arrival, setting up, cooking, and camping under the stars.... I'd watch that, twice.
The first tip reminds me, I did use one a sport specific sunscreen for one ride and the chemicals relaxed the rubber of my brake lever hoods. So cycling specific may make sense, or standard if you're ok with the oily effect
@@ChrisHallRides just done some digging in the back of my toiletries stuff. For future reference for everyone here is the product "Ride Skincare: Mountain/Road/Sea" with Titanium Oxide. Avoid at all costs! 😄 I will have to disconnect my hydraulic brakes to get the new rubber hoods on... 🫠
Also i know you mention it in other videos but for me dyno hubs is the best bike invention ever. I always recommend it to people and then they have problems using battery lights again.
on the UV protection front: a good sun hoodie. i use the cotopaxi one. but there are plenty of cheaper options. they're light, breathable, dry super quick. and most of them are rated UPF 50. i also use simms fly fishing shirts. same deal, but with pearl snaps.
I think you could give some training tips for people who are brand new to endurance cycling. My fitness level is rock bottom after a very serious leg injury, so some advice about how to get started would be awesome.
@@ChrisHallRides In a world full of insufferable know-it-alls, it’s refreshing to hear from someone who actually knows something but doesn’t oversell it. My own bike tours are only 2-3 weeks at a time. I appreciate your practical advice. 🙏🏻
Nice product reviews. I've learned to make a list for my family on bike related items. Seems like the more I get the less I have.😁😁 Thanks for the video and take care, Al
I don’t know if you could talk about come backs, meanings that I haven’t seen anyone speaking about how are the logistics to come back from a race, trip… most of the time is easy to get there, but to come back home is kind of a struggle, I don’t know if there are some tips about it, for example where do you leave your stuff when you do badlands?, I have seen this last time you rented a house with some other guys, but what could one do when knows no one and is new in the game? Cool videos, thanks!
Yeah renting a house is usually a good way of doing it and you can save money doing it together. I’ve also found that if you end up staying in a hotel before, they’ll often let you leave stuff there if you ask nicely when you book.
Firstly, very informative video.. Any chance you could let me know about nutrition on long distance day/ weekend gravel rides. Also I have had problems with tyres whilst riding South Downs Way.. the usual splits, punchers etc with well known brands... would be interested to know which brand, width and tread you use???? Lastly, i take cable ties with me , they come in handy 😊
I’m sponsored by schwalbe so I use their range of tyres. Something like the overland or g one ultrabite are good tho it’s options. Nutrition wise I’m looking to do some video stuff on this too
Hey Chris, great knowledge and content as usual! If you fancy it I would love to see a video about the training you would do for a big ultra race, I’m not sure it’s something I’ve ever seen you cover? I.e. do you have a coach, do you follow a strict training plan or something much looser. Do you just try and do lots of miles or are you hitting up the high intensity intervals and power building workouts as well. Do you work through different phases and types of training in the months building up to an “A” race, what would the months leading up to a big race look like for you????
Heya! A few people have asked this and I do work with a coach who has helped me for years. He’s also one of my closest mates which helps a lot. I’ve already messaged him and we are going to film some stuff together
@@ChrisHallRides great, would be super interested to see how an experienced ultra rider like you tackles their training, I’m prepping for my first ultra races this year so would find it really helpful
In terms of inspiration for videos: I'm currently trying to get my head around which model/type aero bar to buy for a long-distance cycling race and found there is surprisingly little information about it online. Especially first hand experience, of what is comfortable and useful for long rides. E.g some questions I ask myself (What bend do I need to get? Are risers important? And how tall to rise them? Arm pads over the handle bar, or even further back? How to build a cockpit on your aero bars?) Very difficult to find answers for these questions.
That’s a great question and very specific. I’m sure I can do something on that in the near future. Of course it is incredibly personal to you but can definitely do something.
Planing on some nuts (for me) rides this year end next for charity, 200mile plus. Would love some tips on a on bike kit and what to have for support? The Mrs with a spare bike strapped to a c1…? Haha
If you’ve got a car to support I’d say bring a spare of everything for sure. Then just a simple tool bag on the bike. If it’s self supported then there’s a bit more to think about but also remember that you can always use a bike shop on route too
Hi Chris….just wondering if you or your mates have tried the rechargeable bicycle tire pumps? Seem like a good backup option as well as saving 400 pumps to inflate two tires when travelling by plane.
is there some sleeping mat alternative for tall people? I am 196cm and it is actually really hard to find anything that can be folded up to a "really small" size. bags for up to 180cm users are alright, but then suddenly there is just a huge jump in sizes when you go above that. anyway, great video as always.
AFAIK your best option for good sleep is going with a "tall / large" sleeping pad. Unfortunately they are not only longer but also wider which makes them more comfortable but also heavier/bulkier. The higher priced ones (Therm-a-Rest Neoair, Nemo Tensor, Sea to Summit Ultralight) you're probably looking at 500 g and a little bit bigger than a Nalgene bottle.
I’d suggest steering away from XTR for the pedals from Shimano. Unfortunately, they are prone to failure in the bearing assembly, and can’t be trusted far from home. XT are superior, and cheaper: win/win.
You are the tuber, and it is your channel that is in need of inflation. And it is your responsibility to yourself to make it work, or not. Good luck! 🫡
The Tailfin is great, but if you have less money, the Ortlieb Quick-Rack with a dry bag and some Voilé straps can do an adequate job without the swaying of seat packs!
Exactly what I do
More useful things, though seems I use to carry too much stuff when I was just doing a mountain biking weekend in Wales, it's surprising how heavy a full size Leatherman, first aid kit, bivvy bag etc ends up weighing.
It does all add up!
Great tips from a real pro.
That said these things are of course very dependent on so many factors - duration, climate, remoteness, speed goals, and many more. Most people don't need all of it or the high-end versions. Same for bikes.
Products like the tailfin are essentially ultra-expensive rack and pannier, and so many brands of bike-packing bags will do the job. Apidura are great - I think most important is being waterproof and comfortable, and I live with a bit of bag sway to save cost/weight (and to save the environment by not buying another new thing). I’ve seen another bike packer lash a waterproof rucksack to a pannier and has survived thousands of miles.
Gerber is another option for plier mutitool.
And don’t forget used are also good options.
That’s not to say the advice isn't good and I’ve certainly not achieved anything like your journeys and don’t plan to try, I just think people can be left with ‘influencer’ style impression that they need to spend a fortune whereas so many people doing for fun rather than serious podium racing don't need the same kit.
Use whatever you have. Start small and build up. Be smart and safe. You’ll work it out along the way.
🙌
Tipp for Sleeping Comfort: Nemo Fillo Pillow... It is inflatable but has a foam cushion so you have the feeling of a real pillow and it's given me a so much better sleep while bikepacking/backpacking.
That’s a fantastic shout!
I must say that my latest tip for lets say outdoor stuff like sleeping bags would be find some local company. For instance in Poland there is Małachowski or Cumulus company and the best thing is that if you have problems with your kit they can repair it for you. I would say the same thing about buying bikes from local stores etc. Btw the stuff you recommend is really useful and its nice that you not exactly focus on keeping weight down.
That’s a good tip for sure! Thanks for watching!
Sun screen is a great thing I’ll use in addition a thin long sleeve top. In warmer weather a thin long sleeve keeps sun off of you without making you additionally hot considering your moving mostly with your legs
Yep good shout. You can also get sun screens (like arm warmers but thin and white) which work great too
Love these tips. Just bought a Leatherman for the pliers. Really like that tiny one though!
I go tubeless and one thing I recently switched was the inner tube backups I carry. Now I carry "Tubolitos" which are more expensive but way smaller and lighter. For something I hope to rarely need this is one of my favorite additions.
I also wouldn't leave without my Tailfin which makes my Pinarello a bikepacker -- but not the aero bag which I think is a bit heavy for what it provides - although I can't deny the convenience and security of the attachment is appealing. I really like that I can unclip it in a few seconds. For portage a lightweight Sea-to-Summit dry bag suffices for me, or even better, my frameless 35L pack. Neither exceeds .5Kg. Simple to strap on and off and with the pack I can hike off bike.
For the front of the bike I can't go without aero bars for the extra comfort they provide on long hauls. They also allow me to carry my favorite front bag: the Cyclite Aero bag.
I like the idea of being able to walk in cycling shoes but because on cycling trips most of my time is in the saddle, I prefer to maximize comfort for pedaling. Road shoes - especially Look/Keo cleats provide a larger, imho, more-comfortable platform. (Mine, Assioma Duos, are also considerably lighter than most MTB setups in fact - cleats included.) I carry running sandals for when I need shoes off-bike. Mainly I go barefoot. If it were winter (which admittedly I don't do!) I'd still probably carry separate shoes that I can keep dry.
I have the same pump and can't disagree. It's old reliable but I'm considering ditching it since I carry C02 and recently added a USB-recharchable pump which is both small and weighs about as much as a C02 cartridge.
On the video ideas front, could you do one where you go over how you train for a multi-day ultra cycling adventure?
That’s a great shout. I’d have to do it with my coach as he’s the real genius on that kind of thing
Great stuff. One thing I do with gravel/ backpacking/ touring is keep things off my back (gets really sweaty...) so I use a runners style waist / hip bag. Bladder and tube included and room for other bits and pieces if needed. Works a treat. Pillow: I've never actually found a decent blow up one so take a thin cotton pillow case and stuff it with my down jacket and whatever other clothes are around. And yes, a small Swiss Army knife is always a must have.
That’s a great shout. I used a hip bag in Australia and it was great
The Gerber Dime seems like a good alternative to the Leatherman, being very small, with pliers, and no locking knife (legal in the UK!).
SOG Powerpint as well - got one in my hip bag at all times.
@@Dexter00000 Looks pretty good, thanks! Is the knife on it non-locking?
Words and gear of wisdom, from Chris who " simply knows his stuff". Great tips, thanks Chris for sharing. Have a great weekend 🍻👍
Thanks, you too!
@ChrisHallRides Evening Chris 👋 thanks for the reply....hope the weekend bike rides have be kind......the gales up here in Morpeth, have been a bit tricky, to say the least !
Crazy winds in the canaries
On the Leatherman front, the Micra (which replaces the Squirt PS4) doesn't have pliers, only scissors, which isn't ideal! Also, a lot of the Leatherman multi-tools have locking knives, which makes them illegal to carry "without a good reason" in the UK...
I have the leatherman tool too! I got it a few years ago because I needed something to pull out the very tiny and sharp stuff that puncture my tire and get stuck. It's a very handy tool to have that has helped me in a lot of other situations as well! Awesome video, Chris!
Thanks so much for watching!
Along with the sunscreen, I never go on trips without some insect repellent during warmer weather. I don’t always need it but can really suffer without it.
Great shout!
The go-go gadget watch!
⏰
Hey Chris, excellent content as always. I would love to see video of you taking a solo overnight bikepacking adventure. Showing first how to install the Tailfin rack, mud guards , and gearing up. Filming the ride out, arrival, setting up, cooking, and camping under the stars.... I'd watch that, twice.
How about three times?
@@ChrisHallRides deal!
🤝
The first tip reminds me, I did use one a sport specific sunscreen for one ride and the chemicals relaxed the rubber of my brake lever hoods. So cycling specific may make sense, or standard if you're ok with the oily effect
Oh god that doesn’t sound so good!
@@ChrisHallRides just done some digging in the back of my toiletries stuff. For future reference for everyone here is the product "Ride Skincare: Mountain/Road/Sea" with Titanium Oxide.
Avoid at all costs! 😄 I will have to disconnect my hydraulic brakes to get the new rubber hoods on... 🫠
👍👍
Also i know you mention it in other videos but for me dyno hubs is the best bike invention ever. I always recommend it to people and then they have problems using battery lights again.
Yeah I love a Dynamo hub too!
I bought mountain laurel designs gravel panniers (bombproof and very light) - couple this with the QuickRack and you have a super solution
on the UV protection front: a good sun hoodie. i use the cotopaxi one. but there are plenty of cheaper options. they're light, breathable, dry super quick. and most of them are rated UPF 50. i also use simms fly fishing shirts. same deal, but with pearl snaps.
Thanks for the tips!
Thanks for the recommendations, been looking for cheap mudguard for my new bike save putting big bulky ones on, just ordered a win wing 2
🫶
I think you could give some training tips for people who are brand new to endurance cycling. My fitness level is rock bottom after a very serious leg injury, so some advice about how to get started would be awesome.
I’ll see what I can do but that’s definitely a discussion with my coach for a video I think! I hope that the recovery has been ok!
Excellent presentation by a modest and articulate expert. 🙏🏻
Thank you kindly!
@@ChrisHallRides In a world full of insufferable know-it-alls, it’s refreshing to hear from someone who actually knows something but doesn’t oversell it. My own bike tours are only 2-3 weeks at a time. I appreciate your practical advice. 🙏🏻
Thank you. I know what you mean. Trying to make stuff that’s informative and useful
Nice product reviews. I've learned to make a list for my family on bike related items. Seems like the more I get the less I have.😁😁 Thanks for the video and take care, Al
Thanks for watching!
Sleeping bag being quite big.. I wish mine was rated that low, it's rated for 15° and still the same size (let alone the weight😂)
Haha 😂 yeah this one if you bought it new would have been very expensive. I was lucky I found it on eBay for a reasonable price.
I got an OR helium bivvy bag... oh yes, great piece of kit.
Brilliant isn’t it?
I don’t know if you could talk about come backs, meanings that I haven’t seen anyone speaking about how are the logistics to come back from a race, trip… most of the time is easy to get there, but to come back home is kind of a struggle, I don’t know if there are some tips about it, for example where do you leave your stuff when you do badlands?, I have seen this last time you rented a house with some other guys, but what could one do when knows no one and is new in the game?
Cool videos, thanks!
Yeah renting a house is usually a good way of doing it and you can save money doing it together. I’ve also found that if you end up staying in a hotel before, they’ll often let you leave stuff there if you ask nicely when you book.
Lots of COOL stuff there 😜
The Leatherman Squirt has actually been discontinued for some unknown reason. The Micra is a slightly different tool.
Thank you! Wonder why!
Firstly, very informative video..
Any chance you could let me know about nutrition on long distance day/ weekend gravel rides. Also I have had problems with tyres whilst riding South Downs Way.. the usual splits, punchers etc with well known brands... would be interested to know which brand, width and tread you use????
Lastly, i take cable ties with me , they come in handy 😊
I’m sponsored by schwalbe so I use their range of tyres. Something like the overland or g one ultrabite are good tho it’s options. Nutrition wise I’m looking to do some video stuff on this too
Hey Chris, great knowledge and content as usual! If you fancy it I would love to see a video about the training you would do for a big ultra race, I’m not sure it’s something I’ve ever seen you cover?
I.e. do you have a coach, do you follow a strict training plan or something much looser. Do you just try and do lots of miles or are you hitting up the high intensity intervals and power building workouts as well. Do you work through different phases and types of training in the months building up to an “A” race, what would the months leading up to a big race look like for you????
Heya! A few people have asked this and I do work with a coach who has helped me for years. He’s also one of my closest mates which helps a lot. I’ve already messaged him and we are going to film some stuff together
@@ChrisHallRides great, would be super interested to see how an experienced ultra rider like you tackles their training, I’m prepping for my first ultra races this year so would find it really helpful
🤝
In terms of inspiration for videos: I'm currently trying to get my head around which model/type aero bar to buy for a long-distance cycling race and found there is surprisingly little information about it online. Especially first hand experience, of what is comfortable and useful for long rides. E.g some questions I ask myself (What bend do I need to get? Are risers important? And how tall to rise them? Arm pads over the handle bar, or even further back? How to build a cockpit on your aero bars?) Very difficult to find answers for these questions.
That’s a great question and very specific. I’m sure I can do something on that in the near future. Of course it is incredibly personal to you but can definitely do something.
@@ChrisHallRides Thanks. I think any pointers/shared experience helps to make decision for yourself :)
🤝🤝
Thanks Chris, nice background btw..
Thank you haha! My dining room that
Great useful information and lovely plants !
Thank you! Ones a bit unwell at the moment but the others are going great
@@ChrisHallRides let me guess: it's the calathea!
Nope! That one’s been absolutely fine. It’s the yucca behind me
@@ChrisHallRides that is quite unusual!
Very nice and informative video! Thanks!
Glad it was helpful!
Great tips and video.
Glad it was helpful!
I don't recall you mentioning it earlier, but do you carry any sort of torque wrench on these trips. (I've never owned/used one - just wondering.)
Yeah I have this little one from silca which is fantastic. Not cheap but works brilliantly, lots of different sized ends and is small.
Planing on some nuts (for me) rides this year end next for charity, 200mile plus. Would love some tips on a on bike kit and what to have for support? The Mrs with a spare bike strapped to a c1…? Haha
If you’ve got a car to support I’d say bring a spare of everything for sure. Then just a simple tool bag on the bike. If it’s self supported then there’s a bit more to think about but also remember that you can always use a bike shop on route too
Hi Chris….just wondering if you or your mates have tried the rechargeable bicycle tire pumps? Seem like a good backup option as well as saving 400 pumps to inflate two tires when travelling by plane.
Yeah I’ve tried one before. They’re good but I prefer an actual pump because otherwise it’s another thing to think about charging
Hi, what type of Lezyne pump do you have? HVG high-volume or HPG high-pressure
I think HPG
@@ChrisHallRides Thanks for your answer :) ;)
Ooh... Suggestion - interview with Mechanic Nick V please....
That’d be a fun one
I love the concept of the Tailfin rear pack but think they're ugly 🙄 Somewhat ironically I'm good with the Thule seat stay rack ...
hahaha that Thule one is ugly!
Opinion on warmshowers?
I’ve used it previously and it’s fantastic
I love some silly bicycle things
🙌
15 years bikepacking never used any of those recommendations.. just one question do you have ant affiliates links so i kind buy
I will amend the description with some links
@@ChrisHallRides cool
All done now!
I like how this has the vibe of a high school presentation.
😅
is there some sleeping mat alternative for tall people? I am 196cm and it is actually really hard to find anything that can be folded up to a "really small" size. bags for up to 180cm users are alright, but then suddenly there is just a huge jump in sizes when you go above that.
anyway, great video as always.
AFAIK your best option for good sleep is going with a "tall / large" sleeping pad. Unfortunately they are not only longer but also wider which makes them more comfortable but also heavier/bulkier. The higher priced ones (Therm-a-Rest Neoair, Nemo Tensor, Sea to Summit Ultralight) you're probably looking at 500 g and a little bit bigger than a Nalgene bottle.
I’m not too sure but I’ll ask a few tall friends to see what they say too. I’m 183cm so not exactly short but not quite your height
Thanks for helping!
I would have said number 1 is a bike.
Watch type heart monitors aren't very accurate from my experience.
Depends really. I’ve used my one at the same time as a heart rate strap to compare and it’s been pretty good to be fair
Are those plants real?
Yes
@@ChrisHallRides hell yeah
I’d suggest steering away from XTR for the pedals from Shimano. Unfortunately, they are prone to failure in the bearing assembly, and can’t be trusted far from home. XT are superior, and cheaper: win/win.
Never ever had any issues with xtr pedals and I’ve ridden across continents with them
@@ChrisHallRides Mine failed while I was in Majorca, and that led me to learning I wasn’t an isolated case. Meanwhile XT just won’t die.
🤝
Your way too lazy to provide a proper product demonstration of any thing you included in this flick.
Sorry for being so flipping lazy for you.
You are the tuber, and it is your channel that is in need of inflation. And it is your responsibility to yourself to make it work, or not.
Good luck! 🫡
Thanks for watching