The weather was forecast a low of 5C at night and 10C during the day. Night temps were probably correct, days temps probably got down to 5C at times with the wind chill. Had two days of shorts and t-shirt weather, 2 days of rain / drizzle and one day of all day rain.
Kit taken: Cycling kit: Summer cycling shoes - they drained well and didn’t hold water Merino wool socks - didn’t stink! Leg warmers Summer cycling shorts - dried quickly Bib shorts X 2 - only used one but applied chamois cream every day, worked well Under vest Merrino wool short sleeved top Arm warmers Windproof gilet Summer lightweight waterproof Hat Summer gloves
I was warm enough every day, but only just once or twice. The clothes combination worked for the variety of weather I had but occasionally something warmer would have been nice.
Things to change: Second pair of warmer gloves or waterproof gloves More robust waterproof Warm, water resistant gilet Long waterproof socks would also have worked well
Evening clothes: Waterproof socks - kept my feet dry in wet shoes Merino wool boxers Ron Hill leggings Merino wool t-shirt Small down duvet
This was sufficient for the evening, plus I could sleep in it if required.
Things to change: Replace down with synthetic Long sleeve Merino wool top? Replace Ron Hill with thermal tights?
Sleeping kit: Tekker Tent Thermarest Nano (?) Air PHD minimus (rated to 8C?) Vango inflatable pillow
Things to change: I don’t like the tent, it’s too low and narrow with a small vestibule. Plus the front pole slipped out of its retainer and pierced the fly sheet. Replace with a Nemo Hornet, Big Agnes Fly Creek (both 2 skin), Six Moon Designs Lunar Solo or Big Sky International Wisp hybrid tarp. All bigger, sturdier and just as light.
I was cold some nights. I need a 0C rated bag for Scottish spring autumn. A warm liner might help, better solution is to take a Life Systems lightweight emergency bivvy bag. I can use it on the hill if required and it will boost the warmth of my sleeping bag. Not breathable though. Big Agnes make a full length inflatable mat with thicker side ribs.
Cooking kit: Cooker Small (250g?l gas cylinder X 2 (only needed one) Spork Lighter and flint Small pan and lid Foil windshield Sponge
Other kit: Tiny towel - used once Soap Toothbrush Toothpaste - mostly empty! Chamois cream
Phone - camera, GPS, OS maps, blog Wahoo Elemnt Bolt Backup battery bank Charger and cable for cafe stops Money and cards
Luggage: Wildcat front harness plus 8l double ended dry bag - takes sleeping kit in the dry end and tent in the wet end Wildcat front pouch to go on front dry bag for food, phone etc Saddle bag, dropper post / full suspension compatible - 8l? - evening clothes, cooker and anything not needed during the day Wingnut rucksack - 13l? - everything else, mostly food and kit I’ll need during the ride
Things to change: I like the weight distribution between the three items. I could use a bigger double ended dry bag though to include my evening clothes. This would slightly reduce my rucksack weight and make it a bit more versatile for longer trips.
Tools: Pump Allen keys Two tubes Two tyre levers Two patch kits Chain tool 11 speed chain link Zip ties Spare brake pads Spare rear mech hanger Gear cable Oil
Things to change: My rear came hub loose - is there a lightweight tool kit for taking off the cassette?
Plan overnight stops beforehand, especially in Scotland where high stops are cold