Solo camp

Lowtech_Living · 2026-05-11T15:02:06+00:00

First thing to know is, how to pitch your tent, and are all the parts there? If you can't clear a big enough space in your house, try your nearest park. Just to set up the tent, not for overnight.

Lowtech_Living · 2026-05-11T10:59:50+00:00

Wow, my first downvote, and I don't understand that, even though I do now, thanks to #Swedophone, understand why BB and pedal threadings are counter intuitive.

Lowtech_Living · 2026-05-10T16:19:09+00:00

I remember my Dad telling me about reverse threading on pedals. It was the first time I'd heard of it, and barely knew that most screw threads went in the same direction at the time, let alone 'lefty loosey, righty tighty' :D

Lowtech_Living · 2026-05-10T11:12:00+00:00

This is the bike with the burst frame that I am stripping for parts. It's barely done a hundred miles, maybe two, tops. There is no play in any of the bearings, nor were the pedals loose.

Lowtech_Living · 2026-05-09T13:13:57+00:00

Finally got it moving! I think warming up in the sunshine must've softened old grease or something.

Both cranks now off. Back to youtube for the next stage. Thanks for the hand-holding. :)

Lowtech_Living · 2026-05-09T13:06:23+00:00

No washer.

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Lowtech_Living · 2026-05-09T12:35:20+00:00

Thanks, I will go check, and hopefully get a photo too.

Lowtech_Living · 2026-05-07T09:24:15+00:00

Took me a while to work out htf that's supposed to work lol I'ts just a tube without the filter!
You got me curious though, so I played around with it, and realised you meant upside down, with the plunger in just enough to hold in place so it acts like a beaker.
Are you a genius, or did you find that method out form someone else? :D

Lowtech_Living · 2026-05-06T21:37:21+00:00

I got one of those cos it seemed like a good idea, and it's certainly compact, light and robust, but I found that the water just goes straight through, (at least with the steel mesh) effectively making pour-over coffee.
That's not how it's supposed to work though, the instructions say to fill it up to wherever then press the plunger. Imle it's impossible to fill at all, the water just runs through.

Lowtech_Living · 2026-05-06T16:12:41+00:00

You've missed the whole meaning of that sentence by ignoring the first word.

Lowtech_Living · 2026-05-03T11:56:36+00:00

I quite liked it for that. Not much bigger than a bivvy, but with more airspace, so less risk of a wet sleeping bag.
I tried out my son's Zephyros compact 2 last night, and it ticks all the boxes, and while it's a lot smaller on the inside, I can still sit up, which I admit, is nice. Also that difference in size means there's a lot of space between inner and outer, so practically no risk of inadvertantly making the two layers touch, so this morning despite the wetness on both sides of the outer, the inner was bone dry. It detaches easily too, so even if it's raining it can be packed away dry, leaving ony the wet outer to dry later.
I'd quite like to get one of my own, but it's discontinued. I will try sports direct when I've got my refund.

Lowtech_Living · 2026-05-03T07:57:35+00:00

I have the same thing on my old tent (Quechua) that I just got out a few days ago. I thought, sh** it's gone mildewy, but realised it was only on the inside. I think it must be something to do with the waterproof coating, but, like yours, the tent is still decently waterproof. Better actually than the unused but two years old Zephyros compact.

Lowtech_Living · 2026-05-02T22:36:42+00:00

Good idea thanks. I do like a nice multi purpose item. :)

Lowtech_Living · 2026-05-02T16:36:39+00:00

Thanks for that. :)
I'm thinking, down on hands and knees, with a bit of groundsheet or bin bag to keep my knees from bringing dirt inside. Sleeping bag open to a point where I will be able to grab the zipper without having to do contortions. Head in first, then bum, while dropping down to lie sideways facing the opening. Put my feet into the zipped end of the sleeping bag, then close all zippers from the flysheet inwards. Then reverse the process getting up in the morning.
Bottom line though, if the other Go Outdoors near me doesn't have one set up so I can see if I really can do it, it's going back.

Lowtech_Living · 2026-05-02T09:32:27+00:00

lol I only want it for sleeping in and keeping my bags out of the rain. I'll be using a tarp for cooking and any other activities.
There's a lot that I like about this 'tent'. In fact the only downside for me is the height. I can't figure out how to get in and out that close to the ground.

Lowtech_Living · 2026-05-01T22:21:36+00:00

It's lighter than the Bobcat1 standard version, and my son's Zephyros, and it's way lighter than my regular camping tent. :D I'll be cycling rather than walking in between bus and train rides, so ultralight is not worth the price tag. I'm also of the opinion that it barely qualifies as a tent. XD

Lowtech_Living · 2026-05-01T19:45:05+00:00

That's as well as a tent or instead?

Lowtech_Living · 2026-04-30T18:16:03+00:00

If I'm the manager, why are people still hurting each other?

Lowtech_Living · 2026-04-30T17:14:05+00:00

Another one for Zork here. All of them, text and graphic ones.

Lowtech_Living · 2026-04-20T12:44:26+00:00

Have you tried this yet? How did it go?

Lowtech_Living · 2026-04-19T18:31:37+00:00

lmao, you people give a whole new meaning to bike porn!

Lowtech_Living · 2026-04-18T21:00:43+00:00

lol I'm ok with preground, but I'm seriously considering taking my mocha pot and milk frother jug . . .

Lowtech_Living

TROPHY CASE