All Blog Posts
The page with all of my Blog Posts – most recent first. Feel free to browse away and see what takes your fancy.
Looking for something specific? Check the category section at the top of the Homepage.
Bikepacking Shoes – Northwave Raptor Arctic GTX Review
When it comes to Bikepacking, especially during the winter months in Scotland, you need a pair of shoes that can do numerous jobs. They need to keep your feet warm, dry, be comfortable […]
Craft Cadence Cycling Backpack Review
A few weeks ago John from Craft Cadence got in touch with me and asked if I would like to test their 21 litre roll top backpack. As this is made specifically for cyclists, especially those who commute, I was quite excited to give it a go. […]
My Bikepacking Year: Episode 4 of 12 – April @ Watch Water Reservoir
Well the spring has arrived… at least it has according to the calendar. Someone needs to let the sun know that Scotland would like a little visit from him now and again! […]
My Bikepacking Year: Episode 3 of 12 – March @ Alemoor Reservoir
Well as it was the end of March I had hoped for some warmer weather as I headed out on my monthly Bikepacking trip. Scotland and its famous weather had other ideas. We had rain, wind, snow, and a strange encounter with a horse which you need to see to believe! […]
My Bikepacking Year: Episode 2 of 12 – February @ Hopes Reservoir
Winter Bikepacking trip number 2 has been completed! Another stunning location with some very testing weather. However, I met up with a few friends and we had a great time. As always – my route planning tested me in many ways […]
Sea To Summit Ether Light XT Sleeping Mat Review!
Having recently upgraded my sleeping mat to the Sea to Summit Ether Light XT I thought it only right to give you a review. Is it really worth all that money? […]
What’s In The Bags?! A Detailed Look At My Bikepacking Gear!
On my last video I had a short section where I briefly covered what equipment I had in my Bikepacking bags. It was a popular part of the video so I have gone into more detail on the products […]
My Bikepacking Year: Episode 1 of 12 – January @ Eddy Loch
Last weekend I ventured out in The Scottish Borders to a very beautiful place called Loch Eddy. Bikepacking trip number 1 of 2023 was underway! […]
Sunsets & Snow – Exploring The Scottish Borders!
A super short video where I discovered, thanks to my friend Gary, some beautiful forest / gravel tracks that led to some unreal views. […]
A Winter Gravel Adventure – 2023 Pinnacle Arkose Testing!
It was the weekend and I had managed to steal a few hours away from family time. My wife had signed my permission slip and a bike ride had been planned! […]
Shokz Headphones – Hear Music & Your Surroundings!
Headphones and cycling are a combination that I was against for a long time. As much as I love music I would rather be able to hear my surroundings when on the bike. Especially if I am on the road. […]
Well Hello 2023
It has been quite the festive period for The Bikepacking Dad! Not only did we have all the joys of Christmas with our toddler Arthur but we welcomed our second child Bryn into the family just before Christmas. […]
Merry Christmas! What Does 2023 Hold?
Well the Scottish winter weather has well and truly arrived and for the last week we have had snow, ice, and some chilly minus temperatures. […]
Bikepacking Christmas Gifts – 10 Of The Best!
With Christmas on the way I decided to choose 10 of my favourite little bikepacking products to recommend and share with you. […]
Pinnacle Arkose X Di2 2023 Gravel Bike – First Impressions, Specs, and Review!
Well the new bike has been on its maiden voyage so I thought it only fair that I do a little video that runs you through the basics. I have covered what it can be used for, what I plan on using it for, the specifications and unique features of the bike, and my general…
New Bike Day! Did Christmas Come Early…?
Good afternoon folks! An exciting little blog post to tell you all about a purchase I made the other day. Full review and photos etc will be appearing soon. However, enjoy the short video below for the reveal. […]
My Bikepacking Sleep System – What Am I Using?!
Now if you have read, or watched, any of my posts / videos, you will know that I like to be warm and cosy when I’m out there facing the elements. With that being said I thought it only right that I share my current bikepacking sleep system with you. […]
Best Bikepacking Bike?
Now depending on what corner of the internet you find yourself in you will read varying opinions on what bike is best for Bikepacking. There’s a good chance […]
SKS Speedrocker Mudguards / Fenders – Do They Work? A Full Review!
After lots of very dirty and wet commutes last winter I had decided nice and early that when the winter of 2022 rolled around I would purchase some mudguards for my gravel bike. […]
The Bothy and The Bikepackers
A couple of weeks ago a friend and I embarked upon a bikepacking trip that tested us a little more than we would have liked. The weather was brutal in every sense. […]
Winter Is Here – Part 2 – Don’t Snooze Due To Winter Blues!
Having commuted all of last winter I learned quite a few things and I learned them quickly. As beautiful as that crisp frosty morning may look it has a dark side. That dark side is that if you can see frost it means it’s slippy out there! […]
Winter Is Here – Part 1 – What to Wear?
As I pressed down on the door handle and swung the door inwards towards me the cool crisp chill of a winter morning hit me square in the face. The white coating of frost was yet to glisten as the sun was having a lie in. […]
Local Time Trials – Why I Avoid Them!
There was a time not so long ago when The Bikepacking Dad trained hard, sat on Zwift for many hours, and was very interested in his power numbers. Back in those days I was out trying to beat local KOM’s and set new sprint records. […]
Bikepacking Cooking Setup – Alpkit Gear!
When it comes to choosing and carrying all of your cooking equipment (whether on the bike or on foot) it is a topic that is worth more than a few seconds of thought. […]
YouTube Video Review – Ortlieb Seat Pack!
So we have reached video 3 of 3! All of my bikepacking bags have been reviewed and are available to watch on YouTube. I hope some of you have managed to have a nosey and that what you saw was presentable and informative. […]
YouTube Video Review – Ortlieb Handlebar Pack!
Video number 2 of 3 is now live to the world on YouTube. An in depth look into the 9L Ortlieb Handlebar Pack. Another really solid product for your bikepacking adventures. […]
YouTube Video Review – Ortlieb Top Tube Frame Pack!
I’m aware that some people may not have, or want, a YouTube account so I thought it only fair to create written posts here with the video below. Hopefully this will give everyone a chance to catch the reviews if it’s something that interests you. […]
My YouTube Debut!
A super short blog post to let you all know that, as of right now, my first ever attempt at a YouTube video is live to the world… […]
Why B Roads Are King!
Depending where you are in the world you might not have a clue what I mean when I say ‘B roads’ so let me take a second to explain what they are where I come from. […]
Zwift and a Wahoo Kickr – What They Did For My Fitness!
Long before The Bikepacking Dad I was a returning cyclist who had just purchased my first road bike on the bike to work scheme. I was extremely fit at the time, probably the fittest and strongest I’ve ever been […]
A Local Night Ride – Be Seen! Be Safe!
When you live in Scotland it doesn’t seem to take long for the summer to be leaving and the dark nights to start creeping up on us. […]
Where Is This Going?
A little heads up before we get going! This isn’t a cycling story or a review. This is a post about what I am doing here and what work I plan on putting in to improve the content you all get to read or watch. […]
Everesting – My Attempt!
So first of all I should probably clarify what ‘Everesting’ is and secondly I will move onto why an earth anyone, including me, would think this was a good idea. […]
How To Ride Your Bike Further!
So a few days ago I asked my handful of Instagram followers if they had any suggestions / topics they would like me to cover. One of the suggestions was how to train and prepare for a bike ride upwards of 50 miles in length. […]
Local Adventures – It’s Right On Your Doorstep!
As great as it is to plan a bikepacking trip that will take you away for a night, or a number of nights, it’s important to remember that not all adventures have to take you dozens of miles from home. […]
Solo Bikepacking Safety Tips!
When I was young, free, and single, I would never have thought about writing ‘safety tips’ for any subject. Let alone safety tips for riding your bike and camping. After all, what’s the worst that could happen… […]
My Cycling Story – Part 2
So we got to the part where I was about to spend a mini fortune on a new road bike… If you’ve not read Part 1 click that link and catch up! Let’s take a little detour here though. […]
My Cycling Story – Part 1
Now there’s two parts to this story but the first part will be pretty short and sound very familiar to most of you reading this. Like the majority of people I had bikes growing up as a child. […]
Bikepacking Routes – How to Get Started!
When it comes to creating routes for cycling we are spoilt for choice these days. There are dozens of mapping programs and apps that are at your fingertips with a quick Google search. The best part – most of these are free. […]
Starting My Own Blog: The Story So Far!
I did have something else lined up for my next blog post but as I was walking the dogs earlier I heard that little tinkle of the WordPress App notification go off in my pocket. […]
Water in the Wilderness – Sawyer Water Filtration System
Not the most gripping title I’m sure you will agree! Picture this though – you’re out in the middle of nowhere, you have just taken your last mouthful of water, and unless you find a magic lamp and get 3 wishes from a Genie […]
Bikepacking Sleep System – What Do I Use?
After a long day on the bike I love the last few miles of pedalling. I have committed to the decision that I am going to stop soon and now I’m looking for a cosy secluded spot to set up camp. […]
Arthur & His First Bike!
So it finally happened, we bought Arthur his first bike! Just a little balance bike from Halfords but something to get him into the swing of things. […]
Bikepacking Bags – What Bags Do I Use?
When it came time for me to choose some bikepacking bags I knew I wanted 3 of them. I wanted a handlebar bag, a frame bag, and a seat pack. […]
Bikepacking Shoes – What Should I Wear?
When you come from a road riding background you get used to a very particular type of shoe and cleat system. […]
Bikepacking Kitchen – Alpkit Product Reviews!
When the idea of Bikepacking came into my life I had a vision of me sitting at my campsite, my bike photogenically perched behind me somewhere […]
First Bikepacking Trip – Part 2
I woke up about 7am to the sound of absolutely nothing. No cars, no people talking, no television or radio […]
First Bikepacking Trip – Part 1
The time had come. I had a bike, I had bags, I had some basic camping gear, and a limited amount of camping knowledge and survival skills should this go terribly wrong. […]
What is Bikepacking?
Now there’s a reason that ‘Bikepacking’ and ‘Backpacking’ are very similar words. You can see where I’m going with this right…?
If you have enjoyed any of these posts or found them useful in any way pop your email in the box below to subscribe to my blog! Click below to take a look at my Instagram & YouTube channels! Thanks for reading!
The Bikepacking Dad 