Hope you don’t mind me sharing the following... Top tip... instead of moving the striking steel towards the flammable liquid, hold it firm and close to the it and draw your fire steel towards you without moving the striking steel. Less likely to knock your meths burner over. I know because I’ve done exact same until someone shared that tip with me 👍🏼
I strangely feel much more secure and safe sleeping in a bivvy as opposed to being in a tent, where you are not able to see whats going on around you. Actually scouted out this very same beach today as it would make a nice easy, and very local overnighter for me. Thanks for sharing.
I love being by the sea and have really missed the coast this lockdown. What stunning skies at dusk you had too. Thanks for sharing your trip Ben. Best wishes, Chris
Love those cobble beaches...we have several along the eastern shore area here in Nova Scotia...such a peaceful location...yup, instant for me...quick and easy...thanks so much and have yourself a great week!
Fantastic camp Ben it’s surreal when your sitting there and thoughts go a long way looking out to sea nice to see you back out buddy,take care Ben,atvb
Sore your notification come up and knew it would be another great video. Mike from TA outdoors uses a hopped bivy and it looks waterproof. They give you more head room for sure. I believe because it's a smaller space, your body heat warms it up quicker. Will definitely check out that coffee. Looking forward to your next video fella
I'm still wondering about trying hooped bivvies again but there's also something great about being open (but snug) if that makes sense? Many thanks for watching Michael.. Appreciated.
@@benhikescamps Yes I know exactly what you mean. Your snug and warm inside but still feel your open to your surroundings. Looking forward to seeing your next video
Nice. I love bivi camping. The great advantage is you can camp almost anywhere. Bushes at the side of the road etc if you really wanted to. I have a dutch army hooped bivi XL. I live in Dorset so lots of private woods and coastline that are suited to bivi
Lovely chilled location, glad it was dry and you had a good nights sleep. I always sleep better near the coast, but never been as lucky as you at finding beer near driftwood :^). And you can't beat a bivvy, hooped or not for stargazing. Those Kenco sachets are my instant go to, just for the convenience.
Another good one Ben! I love a bivvy. I picked up an ex-army goretex bit heavy but solid. It’s easy to combine with a lightweight tarp and a walking pole. I’m a fan of the mat inside as it usually keeps everything together. Looking forward to your next video!
Loved this one Ben, cool idea sleeping on a beach. Great that you had a good nights sleep. The coffee looks great, need to check the brand out. Take care mate, Si
Hi Ben, looked like a great camp and there's nothing wrong with a can of Full Monty! I love sleeping in my Dutch hooped bivvy bag, although I must confess that I often use it with a tarp or poncho to create some extra living space. But if your travelling fast and light then there's nothing better. Excellent video as always Ben, thanks for sharing 👍
Excellent video! I've been using a hooped bivvy - Vaude B1P (I think it's called!) and also a DD Solo tarp when the weather is bad. Combining a tarp with the bivvy is ideal for me and I much prefer this to using a tent! About to order the Hunka XL which I will also use with a tarp - and a cheap, ultralightweight ground sheet bought from Amazon for about £14.00. I spread the groundsheet down (220x140cms) and this with the tarp should make an ideal "camp". Keep up the good work!!
@@benhikescamps really nice, bet it was lovely waking with that fresh sea air in your lungs 👍🏼 did my first no tarp bivvy last weekend but in dense woodlands. Really want the next one to be a room with a view like that.
Hi Ben. Really enjoyed this one. I've only ever used the Hunka bivy bag to protect my sleeping bag against condensation inside a tent. I prefer hooped bivy bags if I'm going to use one as a stand alone shelter. I find most of them a bit claustrophobic but the Big Agnes 3 Wire Bivy is fit for purpose. Used it for years now and never had any issues. Take care.
Hi Frederick. A few years ago, I had a Dutch army hooped bivvy. I didn’t get on with it and found it very claustrophobic. I then moved on to a British Army bivvy and then the Hunka. It’s a great bivvy and very warm in my experience. I like it being open too. The night I slept in this video was one of best ever wild camping sleeps. So snug and a view of the starry sky. Doesn’t get much better!
Ahhhh...my kind of camp, loving it already. I'll watch the rest and add more to this comment at the end 😃. - Good on them for making compostable sachets but I'm a 'coffee-snob' 🤪☕️I only like the ground stuff 😊. Great vid Ben, well done!
never tried a bivvy Ben think I like the enclosed feel of a tent, have been thinking about a tarp ? its the bugs 🤣🤣 great outing though looked awesome 👍 atb daz
Great video! I have Hunka XL. I have only used it as an extra layer in the tent in winter. I want to use it on its own in summer, however, i'm not a fan of the midges. Thats why I have bought a hooped Bivvy also. The Rab Classic Unishelter Bivvy. Its quite spacious also like the Hunka XL. Cheers JD
I really enjoyed this video. I have never camped in a bivi, but really fancy giving it a go. I actually saw that there was a Bivi World Record Attempt a few days ago, which, judging by some of the photographs was a lot of fun. That Alpkit Huinka is always mentioned as being a great bivi, so I might get one. The XL seems the more popular model too. Regards from Whitley Bay
Thank you Brian for that. Definitely worth a try Bivvy camping. So simple and remarkably snug and warm! I've just done the world record attempt too and am editing that video at the moment. Thanks and ATB - Ben
RE: coffee Have a look at reusable tea/coffee bags and make your own coffee bags using fresh ground coffee. Like a tea bag, but for coffee. Great taste, big kick and good value too.
Only use my trangia mini burner for boiling water and never used simmer ring, it doesn't seem to work that well. Bought the gas adaptor for bigger trangia set for bigger cooking adventures. Recently bought the aluminium version of the trangia burner and it's incredibly light compared to the brass one. Must admit use a rocket angled lighter to light them which gets them going very easily.
Really enjoyed your video! Some lovely filming and scene captures. Plus the fact I wanted to see what the Alpkit Hunka was like 🙂. For coffee I’ve now got an AeroPress Go and absolutely love it!! The coffee is great & not too much faff to carry. Hitting the Subs & look forward to watching more content
🙏Ah many thanks Paul for that feedback and welcome to the channel! Do you think you’ll buy a Hunka? I’ve got an AeroPress Go too however for lightness and ease I am a recent coffee bag convert! Thanks again for watching. Ben 👍
@@benhikescamps I may buy a Hunka but for different reason initially, Bushman & Blue (RUclips) says he uses his bivvy in tent as sleeping bag protector & extra insulation. Great idea I thought.
Nice camp mate 👍🏻, I love my Hunka XL absolutely great bit of kit. Hooped bivi 🤔..never seen the point tbh maybe I'm missing the best thing since sliced Soreen 🤷♂️. I'm still dragging around a small Hario grinder & a cloth filter but always nice to try new instant's that come along 👍🏻
I've not done open bivvy yet Ben only with a tarp. Seems weird idea but will definitely try this. You did well to step out and try it. Really well filmed again. The good thing about doing trips like this you have a bit more time to film especially when you don't have to set up the tent.
Nice vid . I recently used a hooped bivvy it's good but I do like to sit up and have a good look about now and then so I tried an open bivvy and felt more at ease . New at this though so will try hooped again at some stage take care fella 👍
Interesting coffee company, apparently the launch product is actually a dissolvable pod akin to a dishwasher tablet full of coffee.. Neat concept. Not had a prob with coffee bags to date but good to see alternatives coming to market.
Try using Taylor's coffee bags. I've tried many methods for good coffee the Aeropress is my preference but for lightweight packability Taylor's coffee bags are great.
I have a couple of bivvy bags. One enclosed, the other a bit more roomy. I like them. Plan to use my North Face one soon for an overnighter with a tarp. I can fit my pack in with me in that one. 😀
Never used my surplus goretex bivvies...too bulky and some questionable reviews. But the Hunka XL, you've persuaded me to try one.......nice film too!!
Your sleep quality is maybe something to do with all the sea air you got... Going from the city to the sea, the air quality increases exponentially. Nice little camp though... and we got a naughty word(bleep) out of you lol cheers, Atb James
Love Bivvying, main issues are wet weather, not great if the weather is wet.. and midges.. that can be really bad. I have the hunka xl and gortex MOD and Dutch Gortex hopped bivvy. The later I thought would be good as it has a midge net in it. It is very good but I find I get very claustrophobic, its not an easy in or out.. So my preference is a the hunka xl, for pack volume, if its wet use a tarp.. and not go into midgie areas when they are out..
I remember doing one like this in my British army bag some time back, it's a really simple setup. My only complaint is how harsh the cold is on your throat or is that just me? The rest of me was very warm indeed! Looking to use my OEX Sallamanda hooped bivvy more this year. Nice show fella 👍
Many thanks Steve for watching. I had my neck ruff on and also a very warm woolly hat that covered half my face. I slept remarkably well! Be interested to watch a camp of you and the Salamanda mate. ATB - Ben
Many thanks for watching TM. All shot using the iPhone 12 Pro. The sleeping bag is the Mountain Warehouse Everest Down bag. Many thanks for watching. Ben
I rate the lidls "baresa" brand stir in tomato and basil pasta sauce much higher than the dolmio one cheaper too..... Great spot...but take a fishing rod...no need to be stealthy (tho you do have to talk to everyone who has ever fished in their life, when they walk past...by law)
Thanks Jamie. I used a Mountain Warehouse Everest Down sleeping bag. It's pretty good for the price. I've been using it in cold conditions for years. I hope that helps. Ben
Air mat inside or outside? If raining and you have a ribbed air mat outside, then it could an issue if windy and raining as rain could puddle in the grooves and depending the Hydrostatic rating of the Bivi could through pressure seep through! Great video, enjoyed watching! Liked (already subscribed)
Lol - yes, absolutely (if not too breezy that is). I think I need to learn from Erik Normark as he uses matches mostly to light his Trangia! Thanks for watching :-)
Awesome trip Ben, what was the reflective insulation mat you also had on the outside of your bivvy? Looks like a nice accessory for those colder nights.
Nice Vid Ben, pleased you had dry weather for a quite exposed bivvy camp :) Does that coffee leave gritty residue in the cup? one reason I like freeze dried coffee is that it doesn't. Prob kinder to the kidneys as well :) I tried coffee bags the other week, very gritty lol
Took delivery of my hunka today. Planning to do my first wild SUP camp in the spring/summer. Must admit to being a bit apprehensive, but I guess these feelings are natural. What’s the worst that could happen? 😅😅
Hi there. It’s made by Highlander. I have a UK link here: Highlander Reflective Camping Mat ― Water Resistant and Insulating ― Easy Storage and Carry Handle ― Stay Warm and Dry Outdoors! amzn.eu/d/2N2Fnor Thanks for watching. 👍
Nice video. I did my first solo bivvy wild camp last Friday and can't wait to do a coastal bivvy camp soon. We actually share the same pillow, sleeping bag, bivvy (on order) and almost the same sleep pad (I have the older gen thermal static-V) - decent gear. How do you get on with the sleeping bag being such a low rating for comfort? I always find I get sopping wet inside with condensation..
Many thanks Rob for that feedback. Well done on the first solo bivvy camp btw. Great stuff. If I’m honest, I’ve spent many nights in that sleeping bag since buying it about three years ago. It’s never let me down and I’ve never been cold or uncomfortable in it. Yes, it’s not a high end Rab-type bag but has always kept me warm. When in a bivvy, I’ve not - to date - had any condensation issues. Also, the Hunka appears to be made of quite breathable material.
@@benhikescamps sounds good mate. I think I get caught out using it in temperatures outside (above) the comfort rating. I bought myself a Vango 'Ultralight Pro 200' for the warmer weather and it's been great!
Hi Ben, got a question about the bivvy bag. I noticed on this camp you put your mat inside but in your more recent bivvy camps you keep your mat outside the bivvy bag, did you not have much space with having your mat inside? I've got a slightly longer and wider mat than yours so imagine it might be a bit of a squeeze. Always hard to tell without going to test in person at an Alpkit store but I don't have one nearby so not really an option. Cheers, Tom
Hi Tom. For this camp I remember putting everything inside as I had no groundsheet plus it was very cold. More recently I’ve been under tarps with a groundsheet (luxury) so have put it under. The Hunka XL is very roomy. Even with the mat etc inside I was still comfy and roomy to wriggle about. It’s quite wide the XL too. I think unless it’s some kind of mega mat you’ll be fine. Hope that helps and many thanks for watching. 👍
@@benhikescamps Nice one, thanks for the response, think I'll add the Hunka XL to the wishlist. I'm mostly considering it as an extra layer for warmth/protection from condensation in my tent. I've just got a Helm Compact 1 after they came back in stock, do you ever get any issues with condensation at the foot/head end of your sleeping bag? I notice it's going to be pretty much impossible to keep both ends away from the inner, a good gap to the outer though so hopefully not much of a problem
I’ve never experienced any condensation in the Hunka XL if I’m honest. Either I’ve got lucky or it’s just a great bit of kit! I also own the Helm Compact 1 and have made a few videos on this channel with that very tent. Brilliant little shelter.
I had a Modular Military Sleep System one summer... (Bivy Bag.) I noticed getting in and out when raining to pee, even though I was wearing Mountain Hardware Rain Gear... It rained inside the sleeping bag! Logical solution? Maybe a ultra light 3 x 3 tarp configuration...
Hope you don’t mind me sharing the following... Top tip... instead of moving the striking steel towards the flammable liquid, hold it firm and close to the it and draw your fire steel towards you without moving the striking steel. Less likely to knock your meths burner over. I know because I’ve done exact same until someone shared that tip with me 👍🏼
Great advice - thanks! Tbh I’ve never had many issues previously. Mix of small striker and tired I think! Thanks for watching. 👍👍
Great spot Ben, need some coast in my life now. Stay safe. Hardy
Thanks Hardy. Can’t beat a bit of coast.
Very enjoyable. Thank you. The waves lapping soothe the soul.😍
Glad you liked it :-)
Ooh camping on the beach - lovely sounds of the waves - ta for sharing with us x
A pleasure Louise.
I strangely feel much more secure and safe sleeping in a bivvy as opposed to being in a tent, where you are not able to see whats going on around you. Actually scouted out this very same beach today as it would make a nice easy, and very local overnighter for me. Thanks for sharing.
Thanks Gary. Good point made there about bivvying.
Good point 👍
I love being by the sea and have really missed the coast this lockdown. What stunning skies at dusk you had too. Thanks for sharing your trip Ben. Best wishes, Chris
Hi Chris. Sorry for the late reply. Really glad you liked the vid. ATB - Ben
Great stuff Ben 👍Looked like a great spot you found there. That driftwood looked handy too! Stay safe, Ben
Yes, a lovely spot. Thanks Ben. ATB.
Very interesting re sleeping in a bivvy.
Great views and video as always.
Nice one ben, enjoyed that one. Only done a couple of coastal camps myself but really enjoy them.
Have a good week mate
Ash
Cheers Ash. So nice to be by the sea again. Hope all is well.
Another great video, particularly liked the coffee review,its the little details that make you very watchable. Keep up the good work 👏🏻
A pleasure. Many thanks for watching Shaun.
Nice video mate, I am definitely going to try that coffe👍
Thanks mate.
Hey Ben, great spot. You certainly can pick them.
Thanks mate. 👍
Great vid mate that Coffee looks decent too might try some
Thanks Jenny! Hope you're well.
Lol...you English folks and your beaches without sand! Beautiful sky and sea scapes...thanks for sharing Ben.
Sand when the tide is out! ;-)
@@benhikescamps lol the beaches are all sand here...Google Benone Strand
There *are* Sandy beaches in England by the way!
@@benhikescamps lol I knew there are but mostly not in the South! In contrast all the beaches in Northern Ireland are golden sand
Brilliant Ben really enjoyed the video brought the oex Bush bivvy which I want to be using this year really great watch 😊😊stu👍👍
Thanks Stu. Glad you liked the vid.
Love those cobble beaches...we have several along the eastern shore area here in Nova Scotia...such a peaceful location...yup, instant for me...quick and easy...thanks so much and have yourself a great week!
Fantastic camp Ben it’s surreal when your sitting there and thoughts go a long way looking out to sea nice to see you back out buddy,take care Ben,atvb
Cheers John. Great to be out. ATB - Ben
Sore your notification come up and knew it would be another great video. Mike from TA outdoors uses a hopped bivy and it looks waterproof. They give you more head room for sure. I believe because it's a smaller space, your body heat warms it up quicker. Will definitely check out that coffee. Looking forward to your next video fella
I'm still wondering about trying hooped bivvies again but there's also something great about being open (but snug) if that makes sense? Many thanks for watching Michael.. Appreciated.
@@benhikescamps Yes I know exactly what you mean. Your snug and warm inside but still feel your open to your surroundings. Looking forward to seeing your next video
Here because although I already have a tent I’ve just bought a Hunka XL. Nice vid.
Many thanks Jon 👍
Loving your posts, great photography in this one, especially the dusky sky’s
Many thanks Toffee.
Nice. I love bivi camping. The great advantage is you can camp almost anywhere. Bushes at the side of the road etc if you really wanted to. I have a dutch army hooped bivi XL. I live in Dorset so lots of private woods and coastline that are suited to bivi
Lovely chilled location, glad it was dry and you had a good nights sleep. I always sleep better near the coast, but never been as lucky as you at finding beer near driftwood :^). And you can't beat a bivvy, hooped or not for stargazing. Those Kenco sachets are my instant go to, just for the convenience.
Cheers BB. Can’t beat a bit of ‘drift-beer’... Up for doing more bivvy stargazing. Thanks for watching sir. Have a great week. 👍
According to alpkit it's breathable and waterproof...rain no problem.....although it may dampen the spirits. Am thinking of buying one. Good review 👍
Thanks Biff. Appreciate the feedback. 👍
Enjoyed the camp, Ben. Hadn't thought of pre-boiling pasta before heading out - thanks for that and for sharing. All the best.
A pleasure. Thanks for watching.
Looks a nice little spot, I have never wild camped at the sea 🌊
Very calming and good air. I slept very well. Many thanks for watching. 👍
Another good one Ben! I love a bivvy. I picked up an ex-army goretex bit heavy but solid. It’s easy to combine with a lightweight tarp and a walking pole. I’m a fan of the mat inside as it usually keeps everything together. Looking forward to your next video!
Nice adventure, I like how you filmed it 😎
Glad you enjoyed it!
Really enjoyed that vid Ben it gave me inspiration thankyou Ben
Really glad it helped Kev. Many thanks. 👍
Loved this one Ben, cool idea sleeping on a beach. Great that you had a good nights sleep. The coffee looks great, need to check the brand out. Take care mate, Si
Thanks mate. Sorry for late reply. Hoping to do another bivvy soon.
Hi Ben, looked like a great camp and there's nothing wrong with a can of Full Monty! I love sleeping in my Dutch hooped bivvy bag, although I must confess that I often use it with a tarp or poncho to create some extra living space. But if your travelling fast and light then there's nothing better. Excellent video as always Ben, thanks for sharing 👍
Many thanks Gavin! Yes, might bring the tarp next time!
I've been looking at bivvy bags and the hunka xl, great video. Inspired to get out and try it.
Thanks for watching Dave. Most appreciated.
I have the Alpkit Elan hooped bivvy. Used it I the Lake District in March and it was-10c. No issues.
They say a bivvy raises your sleeping bag temperature quite significantly.
Excellent video! I've been using a hooped bivvy - Vaude B1P (I think it's called!) and also a DD Solo tarp when the weather is bad. Combining a tarp with the bivvy is ideal for me and I much prefer this to using a tent! About to order the Hunka XL which I will also use with a tarp - and a cheap, ultralightweight ground sheet bought from Amazon for about £14.00. I spread the groundsheet down (220x140cms) and this with the tarp should make an ideal "camp". Keep up the good work!!
Many thanks for watching Paul and for the feedback. I don’t think you’ll regret purchasing the Hunka XL. ATB - Ben 👍
Beautifully shot video mate 😂
Thanks Dan.
Cracking sunset, and amazing to wake up by the sea!.
Thanks Aggy. It was special.
@@benhikescamps really nice, bet it was lovely waking with that fresh sea air in your lungs 👍🏼 did my first no tarp bivvy last weekend but in dense woodlands. Really want the next one to be a room with a view like that.
@@AggyGoesOutdoors so good for stealth but have to monitor the old weather closely and/or take a tarp.
@@benhikescamps I'm fortunate that my bivvi seals up, want to try it in the rain soon. Look forward to your next adventure. 👍🏼
Hi Ben. Really enjoyed this one.
I've only ever used the Hunka bivy bag to protect my sleeping bag against condensation inside a tent. I prefer hooped bivy bags if I'm going to use one as a stand alone shelter. I find most of them a bit claustrophobic but the Big Agnes 3 Wire Bivy is fit for purpose. Used it for years now and never had any issues.
Take care.
Hi Frederick. A few years ago, I had a Dutch army hooped bivvy. I didn’t get on with it and found it very claustrophobic. I then moved on to a British Army bivvy and then the Hunka. It’s a great bivvy and very warm in my experience. I like it being open too. The night I slept in this video was one of best ever wild camping sleeps. So snug and a view of the starry sky. Doesn’t get much better!
Ahhhh...my kind of camp, loving it already. I'll watch the rest and add more to this comment at the end 😃.
-
Good on them for making compostable sachets but I'm a 'coffee-snob' 🤪☕️I only like the ground stuff 😊. Great vid Ben, well done!
Thanks Jonathan. Hoping to return to the bivvy soon!
forgot to comment on this one ben, Loved the video!
Cant wait for the rest mate
Many thanks Elliot!
never tried a bivvy Ben think I like the enclosed feel of a tent, have been thinking about a tarp ? its the bugs 🤣🤣 great outing though looked awesome 👍 atb daz
Great video! I have Hunka XL. I have only used it as an extra layer in the tent in winter. I want to use it on its own in summer, however, i'm not a fan of the midges. Thats why I have bought a hooped Bivvy also. The Rab Classic Unishelter Bivvy. Its quite spacious also like the Hunka XL. Cheers JD
Why not just buy a sleeping bag with midge net?
I really enjoyed this video.
I have never camped in a bivi, but really fancy giving it a go. I actually saw that there was a Bivi World Record Attempt a few days ago, which, judging by some of the photographs was a lot of fun.
That Alpkit Huinka is always mentioned as being a great bivi, so I might get one. The XL seems the more popular model too.
Regards from Whitley Bay
Thank you Brian for that. Definitely worth a try Bivvy camping. So simple and remarkably snug and warm! I've just done the world record attempt too and am editing that video at the moment. Thanks and ATB - Ben
RE: coffee
Have a look at reusable tea/coffee bags and make your own coffee bags using fresh ground coffee. Like a tea bag, but for coffee. Great taste, big kick and good value too.
Great idea Rob. I hadn’t thought of that. Cheers 👍☕️
Always good to mix up the camps Ben. Bivvy camping has a place and is the easiest of set ups for sure
Nice bivvy bag, looks good quality, coffee looks good too might have to get some... ATB Chris.
Thanks Chris :)
Bivvy all the way dude! Less to setup and pack away.... liking the seaside vibe too, many thanks :-)
Simplicity in camping (where possible) makes such a difference. Thanks for watching! 👍
Only use my trangia mini burner for boiling water and never used simmer ring, it doesn't seem to work that well. Bought the gas adaptor for bigger trangia set for bigger cooking adventures. Recently bought the aluminium version of the trangia burner and it's incredibly light compared to the brass one. Must admit use a rocket angled lighter to light them which gets them going very easily.
Really enjoyed your video! Some lovely filming and scene captures. Plus the fact I wanted to see what the Alpkit Hunka was like 🙂. For coffee I’ve now got an AeroPress Go and absolutely love it!! The coffee is great & not too much faff to carry. Hitting the Subs & look forward to watching more content
🙏Ah many thanks Paul for that feedback and welcome to the channel! Do you think you’ll buy a Hunka? I’ve got an AeroPress Go too however for lightness and ease I am a recent coffee bag convert! Thanks again for watching. Ben 👍
@@benhikescamps I may buy a Hunka but for different reason initially, Bushman & Blue (RUclips) says he uses his bivvy in tent as sleeping bag protector & extra insulation. Great idea I thought.
I think that’s a good idea when very cold perhaps or if the sleeping bag isn’t performing well.
@@benhikescamps Yes and he says he then doesn’t mind dropping his dinner on it or if the muddy dog touches it 😂
Another great video Ben. Seems the coffee is only available in the USA which is a shame.
Thanks for watching!
I love the feeling of being out in the open that the bivvy gives you. I always sleep well, I think its the fresh air on your face.
Sometimes it’s the simplest setups that do the trick eh..
Bivvy's are the best. Nobody notices you're there and much lighter and simpler and you can see stars. Win win.
Nice camp mate 👍🏻, I love my Hunka XL absolutely great bit of kit. Hooped bivi 🤔..never seen the point tbh maybe I'm missing the best thing since sliced Soreen 🤷♂️.
I'm still dragging around a small Hario grinder & a cloth filter but always nice to try new instant's that come along 👍🏻
Yep, Hunka is just great. Thanks v much for watching. 👍👍☕️
Nice one Ben 👍 I love canping on the beach, I've done a few open bivvy camps on the beach now... I hear more calling me this year. Lee
The sounds, the air...love it. Hope all well Lee and cheers for watching.
Great video. Use an aeropress! Their lightweight, not too cumbersome and make agood coffee
Great content support from Northern Ireland
Many thanks Gary 👍👍
@@benhikescamps just ordered the hunky xl must try it out.
I've not done open bivvy yet Ben only with a tarp. Seems weird idea but will definitely try this. You did well to step out and try it. Really well filmed again. The good thing about doing trips like this you have a bit more time to film especially when you don't have to set up the tent.
Like the sound of the coffee and will give it a try - not sure about your pedigree chum breakfast though 😬
Canned breakfasts have a long tradition in the British Isles...😉
Nice vid . I recently used a hooped bivvy it's good but I do like to sit up and have a good look about now and then so I tried an open bivvy and felt more at ease . New at this though so will try hooped again at some stage take care fella 👍
Was great mate am planing a beach camp myself at the moment
Such a nice change of scenery. Thanks Paul.
@@benhikescamps I knew exactly where u were lol I won’t say though lol all the best Ben let me know when u about the surrey hills again
Paul, I think you are really a GPS satellite or AI creation. I don’t think you are human! 😂
@@benhikescamps lol I know a lot of ares and locations mate lol fishes from this location many times for cod and bass and flat fish lol
Interesting coffee company, apparently the launch product is actually a dissolvable pod akin to a dishwasher tablet full of coffee.. Neat concept. Not had a prob with coffee bags to date but good to see alternatives coming to market.
Absolutely. Thanks for watching.
Try using Taylor's coffee bags. I've tried many methods for good coffee the Aeropress is my preference but for lightweight packability Taylor's coffee bags are great.
Yes, I actually tried Taylor's recently and they weren't too bad. Thanks for watching.
I have a couple of bivvy bags. One enclosed, the other a bit more roomy. I like them. Plan to use my North Face one soon for an overnighter with a tarp. I can fit my pack in with me in that one. 😀
Bivvy bags are slowly growing on me!
Never used my surplus goretex bivvies...too bulky and some questionable reviews. But the Hunka XL, you've persuaded me to try one.......nice film too!!
Your sleep quality is maybe something to do with all the sea air you got... Going from the city to the sea, the air quality increases exponentially. Nice little camp though... and we got a naughty word(bleep) out of you lol cheers, Atb James
Thanks James. Hope your move went well. ATB - Ben
Love Bivvying, main issues are wet weather, not great if the weather is wet.. and midges.. that can be really bad. I have the hunka xl and gortex MOD and Dutch Gortex hopped bivvy. The later I thought would be good as it has a midge net in it. It is very good but I find I get very claustrophobic, its not an easy in or out.. So my preference is a the hunka xl, for pack volume, if its wet use a tarp.. and not go into midgie areas when they are out..
Exactly the same for me Kris. I found the Dutch very claustrophobic too. Not a fan of hooped bivvies. Hunka all the way for me.
Top video
Thanks 👍👍
I remember doing one like this in my British army bag some time back, it's a really simple setup. My only complaint is how harsh the cold is on your throat or is that just me? The rest of me was very warm indeed! Looking to use my OEX Sallamanda hooped bivvy more this year. Nice show fella 👍
Many thanks Steve for watching. I had my neck ruff on and also a very warm woolly hat that covered half my face. I slept remarkably well! Be interested to watch a camp of you and the Salamanda mate. ATB - Ben
I've never bivvied solo but you give me a nudge to do it soon. With shelter of course...
Glad to be of help Romac
nice video and video shots!
What camera did you use in this video?
Also re sleeping bag, what was it ?
Many thanks for watching TM. All shot using the iPhone 12 Pro. The sleeping bag is the Mountain Warehouse Everest Down bag. Many thanks for watching. Ben
Good video iv been wanting to bivvy camp for some time
That location looks like Littlehampton area
I'm from Worthing and though he was on the south coast somewhere. I did think littlehampton to?
Many thanks for watching. ATB - Ben
@@michaelgatford6194 West Coast, said it on the tin!
Been years since I had a full monty tin
Does what it says on the tin - literally! Thanks for watching!
I rate the lidls "baresa" brand stir in tomato and basil pasta sauce much higher than the dolmio one cheaper too..... Great spot...but take a fishing rod...no need to be stealthy (tho you do have to talk to everyone who has ever fished in their life, when they walk past...by law)
Thanks for Lidl recommendation and for watching. ATB - Ben
What a lovely spot! What sleeping bag did you use and would you recommend it? Thanks
Thanks Jamie. I used a Mountain Warehouse Everest Down sleeping bag. It's pretty good for the price. I've been using it in cold conditions for years. I hope that helps. Ben
Air mat inside or outside? If raining and you have a ribbed air mat outside, then it could an issue if windy and raining as rain could puddle in the grooves and depending the Hydrostatic rating of the Bivi could through pressure seep through! Great video, enjoyed watching! Liked (already subscribed)
There is a reason matches were invented I guess :)
Lol - yes, absolutely (if not too breezy that is). I think I need to learn from Erik Normark as he uses matches mostly to light his Trangia! Thanks for watching :-)
it was the sea air that helped you sleep so well 😊 was there much room for you after putting sleep mat inside?! Atb👍
Was pleasantly surprised by the roominess of it. Perfect!
Really liked this one. I’ve only done one night in my hooped bivvy but I want to do more.
Thanks Laura. Glad you liked it. 🙏👍
Awesome trip Ben, what was the reflective insulation mat you also had on the outside of your bivvy? Looks like a nice accessory for those colder nights.
Hi Bradley. Highlander reflector mat. Goes on nearly every camp with me. Thanks for watching - Ben
Nice Vid Ben, pleased you had dry weather for a quite exposed bivvy camp :) Does that coffee leave gritty residue in the cup? one reason I like freeze dried coffee is that it doesn't. Prob kinder to the kidneys as well :) I tried coffee bags the other week, very gritty lol
Took delivery of my hunka today. Planning to do my first wild SUP camp in the spring/summer. Must admit to being a bit apprehensive, but I guess these feelings are natural. What’s the worst that could happen? 😅😅
Totally normal to feel apprehensive! Just need to take the plunge (excuse the pun)! Go for it. It’ll be amazing.
Can I ask about the silver thing you slept on? A ground mat? With silver lining? What's it called please and where could I get one? Many thanks.
Hi there. It’s made by Highlander. I have a UK link here: Highlander Reflective Camping Mat ― Water Resistant and Insulating ― Easy Storage and Carry Handle ― Stay Warm and Dry Outdoors! amzn.eu/d/2N2Fnor Thanks for watching. 👍
People who use down should source it themselves.
Feel the pain the birds go through
Nice video.
I did my first solo bivvy wild camp last Friday and can't wait to do a coastal bivvy camp soon. We actually share the same pillow, sleeping bag, bivvy (on order) and almost the same sleep pad (I have the older gen thermal static-V) - decent gear.
How do you get on with the sleeping bag being such a low rating for comfort? I always find I get sopping wet inside with condensation..
Many thanks Rob for that feedback. Well done on the first solo bivvy camp btw. Great stuff. If I’m honest, I’ve spent many nights in that sleeping bag since buying it about three years ago. It’s never let me down and I’ve never been cold or uncomfortable in it. Yes, it’s not a high end Rab-type bag but has always kept me warm. When in a bivvy, I’ve not - to date - had any condensation issues. Also, the Hunka appears to be made of quite breathable material.
@@benhikescamps sounds good mate. I think I get caught out using it in temperatures outside (above) the comfort rating. I bought myself a Vango 'Ultralight Pro 200' for the warmer weather and it's been great!
That looks a lovely peaceful spot Ben. Maybe the gentle sound of the sea helped you sleep well. - ATB, Mark 👍
Quite possibly Mark, quite possibly. Thanks for watching 👍👍
Try buying on the the coffee website but after 4 attempts have given up
currently US only by the looks of it so far..
@@NNICKKK ah I see - thanks
Instant coffee is rough. AeroPress is the way to go for camping.
I like both!
Hi Ben, got a question about the bivvy bag. I noticed on this camp you put your mat inside but in your more recent bivvy camps you keep your mat outside the bivvy bag, did you not have much space with having your mat inside? I've got a slightly longer and wider mat than yours so imagine it might be a bit of a squeeze. Always hard to tell without going to test in person at an Alpkit store but I don't have one nearby so not really an option. Cheers, Tom
Hi Tom. For this camp I remember putting everything inside as I had no groundsheet plus it was very cold. More recently I’ve been under tarps with a groundsheet (luxury) so have put it under. The Hunka XL is very roomy. Even with the mat etc inside I was still comfy and roomy to wriggle about. It’s quite wide the XL too. I think unless it’s some kind of mega mat you’ll be fine. Hope that helps and many thanks for watching. 👍
@@benhikescamps Nice one, thanks for the response, think I'll add the Hunka XL to the wishlist. I'm mostly considering it as an extra layer for warmth/protection from condensation in my tent. I've just got a Helm Compact 1 after they came back in stock, do you ever get any issues with condensation at the foot/head end of your sleeping bag? I notice it's going to be pretty much impossible to keep both ends away from the inner, a good gap to the outer though so hopefully not much of a problem
I’ve never experienced any condensation in the Hunka XL if I’m honest. Either I’ve got lucky or it’s just a great bit of kit! I also own the Helm Compact 1 and have made a few videos on this channel with that very tent. Brilliant little shelter.
A recumbent enhancement
79p for a fully monty, wow, that's cheap. Normally £1. 😉
Tesco 😀
I had a Modular Military Sleep System one summer... (Bivy Bag.) I noticed getting in and out when raining to pee, even though I was wearing Mountain Hardware Rain Gear... It rained inside the sleeping bag! Logical solution? Maybe a ultra light 3 x 3 tarp configuration...