Lie in the hammock on the diagonal to increase comfort, a thermarest is a good idea to reduce back draft -lots of tips here :
https://theultimatehang.com/hammock-camping-101/
Happy hanging !

Yes I'm also a fan of Alpamayo, bought a partial frame bag for my AWOL, it's really well made , good quality and seems pretty tough - importantly they are a really helpful and friendly company to deal with - they sent me out an L - and XL so I could 'try it on' - really helpful I will be back for ot...

I think you do know why u do it! That's lovely

Yes , nice write up and looks like a good trip - sorry to hear about the forks!

Berghaus Blitz rucksack / bumbag combo - predates the recent enduro bumbag use by sometine as it was bought in 1995! It had a new zip along the way and is still going strong - recently brought out of retirement as a fold away pack for extra shopping Etc

Hi Mariner - I really like the AWOL - it's the first drop barred bike I've owned , it's mostly used for work commutes but is really comfortable to ride on long rides and works best loaded up with kit - it's no lightweight for sure but it can take a 2" tyre , front and rear racks , guards etc - ...

I was thinking of doing it on my Specialized AWOL - with light overnight kit and 2" MTB tyres - from what I've seen of the route there's quite a lot of gravel road where that bike could be great - just wanted to be aware of any major technical bits - I think bigger tyres and go for it is the wa...

Slightly off topic - but in quite keen on doing this route at some stage - could it realistically be done on a drop barred / gravel type bike (with some decent MTB tyres) or is it mote a mountain bike route - I know this is a very subjective question, I suppose I'm asking are there any technical bit...

Hi - first off I am a real IT jumpy. I have a Garmin Dakota 20, and managed to delete all the mapping off the micro card a few years ago. I have just dug it out again, and have found an online source to get this fixed - I need to ask a beginner GPS user question. Do I need seperate route planning so...

Glad it all went ok Sarah - it's a trip I'd like to do again at some point !

I think it's Panasonic eneloop that are meant to be good - not tried them though

You might also want to have a look at this
http://www.backpackinglight.co.uk/tarps ... WE103.html
Tons of space to cook under etc , works really well with a hammock - and a decent weight too , recommended !

Yes I have a top tube bag - really good quality zip, straps and attention to detail - I'm happy so far and planning to get more of their stuff - plus they let me try out 2 frame bags to get the sizing just right between the L and XL - nice

I did what I think is the Tim Woodcock coast to coast route in 1997 - I think it had been in MBUK and some mates and I decided to have a go at it . With heavy kit (I knew no other) and the wonders of soft bike luggage still some years off this was a character building experience - went from Whitehav...

Thanks everyone - I am thinking the XT is worth a go

Thanks for replies - yes they look OK to me and Shimano can generally be relied on - may give it a go

Hi everyone
I'm looking to get a Dynamo set up and see that Shimano XT Hubs look to be good value - Does anyone have experience of these? Would they be ok to run a decent light / USB charge set up? Thanks

Hi Ton
I am after these too, just seen this :

http://www.planetx.co.uk/i/q/TYSCBIAPKG ... wired-tyre

I run 2.35 big apples on my hardtail - I love em for general duties (Tarmac / bike paths doing child portage ) - they are t so hot off road ! might have to try the 2.0 set in the AWOL .

Hi Vorlich - James here , fellow AWOL rider - think we have spoken before on single track ? What's the biggest tyre you've had on the AWOL? - I used to run big apples on my 26 " hardtail - I reckon a set of these in 2" could be really nice on the AWOL

Thanks for all the advice - I now have all the bits I need - had already bought some Guterman upholstery twine so good to know that's the one I want . I have a huge piece of 500d Cordura and a piece of 4mm foam to pad it out . I have about a mile of webbing strap and some buckles - they don't look r...

I need a dry bag to work with my new gorilla cage - Has anyone got an alpkit they would like to sell me - prefer it in kelp or charcoal if possible !

Haywire - I have just ordered the 500 denier Cordura - I now have a good idea of where I'm heading with this- what material would you recommend I use as binding for the edges ?
Cheers
James

Thanks Haywire - all good points - I am going to try some 500 denier I think - I also like your ideas re shock cord points , cheers

Firstly thanks for the reply - after I posted my question I saw a really good example of a bar harness on this same page of the forum - this also points to 1000d Cordura as a good mix of value / durability etc . Agree it looks badass too, and I plan to cover it in molle straps as these seem a good i...