I've gone from solo fully loaded, to group rides where they carry all my gear (AIDS Lifecycle from SF to LA, twice), and am tending back toward solo touring. But I don't want to pile back on all the weight. My main gear is all 20 years old. The panniers are fine (Cannondale), but my sleeping bag is a 3-season from REI that is way too heavy. My sleeping pad is great but too bulky. And my tent is a heavy White Stag. Any recommendations on brands, or stores, where I could find modern, lighter replacements? REI has quality equipment, but oftentimes their prices are over the top, even on sale. And I'm leery of web sites; I like to see what I'm buying.
The list has been pretty quiet. Have we said all there is to say?
I really enjoyed Kent Peterson's post about his overnighter last week. That is the kind of trip I'm trying myself to do more this year. Of course, Kent is using them to build up to his big event this summer. Speaking of Kent, look in the most recent issue of Dirt Rag magazine for more of his prose. Kudos!
So what is the goal of going ultralight as opposed to loaded? I'm not sure that to me it isn't more about simplicity than the actual weight itself. All of my tours of more than three days have so far been "fully loaded," so now I'm working to reduce that load, but have some contingency for problems that may arise (mainly weather and mechanical issues) AND stay within my means. It also means taking what I want to take, although it might not be a practical (Ok, it was a banjo). Over on the iBoB list, Kent pointed to Jeff Potter of OutYourBackdoor, who writes about this on his website at: http://www.glpbooks.com/oyb/article.php?id=328
Do we need a contingency for every issue that might arise, or can we reduce and do without a significant amount of "what if" equipment? Can ingenuity be an adaquate substitute for the correct tool? In the event of a mishap, can we find what we need on the road/trail without being a freeloader? While reducing may increase the risk of discomfort in a given situation, can it do so without too severly impacting actual safety. (ie. cold and wet vs hypothermic)
Matt Chester discusses his ideas of simplicity on his blog: http://www.mattchester.com/blog/ he even has some photos illustrating his inspiration for the types of bikes he builds at the bottom of the Feb. 10th entry. I appreciate his aesthetic. That is simplicity, maybe too much for me.
Here are some other folks with whom I feel some kinship, although they aren't camping, they aren't bringing a ton of stuff either: http://www5e.biglobe.ne.jp/~akuta/doai.html These folk do alot of the kinds of rides I most enjoy.
The list has been pretty quiet. Have we said all there is to say? I really enjoyed Kent Peterson's post about his overnighter last week. That is the kind of...
I've gone from solo fully loaded, to group rides where they carry all my gear (AIDS Lifecycle from SF to LA, twice), and am tending back toward solo touring....
I weighed my tent and sleeping bag yesterday, thinking they couldn't possibly weigh that much, and that spending money on new, lighter- weight gear might not...
Look very carefully at the Tarptent line of single walled tents. I have the Virga 1 with the extended beak and extended tub style floor. The tent is as large...
... Good suggestions. Thanks. People seem to be in love with the Tarptents, so I'm going to purchase one. I am slightly concerned with how the Tarptent (I...
... I can tell you that any wet bag is miserable, whether it's down or synthetic. http://westernmountaineering.com/ For the lightest and warmest bags, look at...
Hello, I have the Kelty Lightyear 25 and it is a down bag. My bag is 1 year old. I have used it a couple of times and it worked good. It packs down small....
I think a case can definitely be made for down bags when it comes to cycle touring. The main argument against them seems to be that getting them wet renders...
I have the WM catalog here and it shows the lightest bag they have, the LineLite, at 14 oz and pack size of 6x10. Its rated for 45 degrees. Mine is the...
... I hope not. Nobody has really discussed the bikes themselves yet (?!?!) ... Interesting choice of wording. I see any touring where you carry your own...
... I sure hope not. My guess is that winter is not a great time to talk about touring. ... Originally, when we started this list, the idea is my mind was to...
... about 8 pounds. I hate to put on a rack and panniers that weigh more than that. ... I think that in most cases the rack and panniers is still the ideal ...
I'll add my testament about the 50-degree bag. Very comfy, and it really does pack down to a coffee can. Quite amazing, light (1 lb. 11, I think) and...
I have used this bag for about 50 nights, including on a 23 day bike tour of Nova Scotia last summer. A great bag, quilted great in my hammock, but the regular...
One thing I bring along, too, are clothespins. If I get into camp early enough, it's handy to air out shorts and other items by simply clipping them to the...
I don't know how a down bag could be any smaller than my synthetic-fill, 50-degree bag, which is about 9" long by 5" diameter. It doesn't even take up half of...
My point is that a stronger case can be made for down when cycle touring than it can for hiking. Yes the wrong combination of events can cause some grief. If...
True enough, but it happens to rain on occasion. I once rode in the rain for three days straight, and everything was soaked, despite triple-bagging, Gore-Tex,...
... Thanks for everyone's responses. What I think it really comes down to is whether one prefers risky behavior or not. A safe bet is synthetic, with the...
Ill add one more data point to the mix. I was out hiking and came up to a trail ranger that was responsible for training rescue dogs. She said no matter what...
Having problems with message search?
Offline 
Send Email