First S24O this weekend. Am I overthinking it?
Howdy --
So I'm heading for my first overnighter this weekend. It's not epic mileage, but the experience of being solo and bikepacking for the first time is going to make it adventure enough. I've been planning/day-dreaming/obsessing/over-analyzing this to the point where I can't even mention it anymore to the wife ("just get on with it already!"). There is camping riding distance from the house, but I'm not in the fitness to tackle the climbing to get there (this year was spent on another high-value pursuit so the cycling suffered), so I've been planning a "park-n-ride" route. I've been trying to balance site availability, accessibility, distance, phone service, water resources and weather. Just to ride 20-30miles to pitch a tent? Sheesh. I'm at the "just get on with it!" stage myself, har. The (current, most likely) plan: Park at the Walmart in Woodland Park CO (I'm about an hour's drive away), ride to Mueller State Park, camp. Ride back. Perhaps ride some of the trails in the park (as they seem to be pretty accessible on a gravel bike). I'm 90% confident in the logistics --the one thing that has me a little uneasy is the temps for Saturday night look to drop into the upper 30s F. Which impacts the clothing I pack, which impacts space. I have a new sleeping bag arriving today and will pack tomorrow to make sure I've covered everything. My question to you folks is, What do you pack for low 40s/high 30s to stay warm in camp? (no fires allowed)). I have a packable puffy jacket, and will have a pair of pants. I need to see how I can pack a pair of thermals too. And heavier gloves (which I won't use riding). And a winter beanie. Thanks, |
As far as temperatures go and planning:
- I make sure I have layer clothing that is sufficient for range of temperatures I expect when cycling - I make sure my sleeping bag and tent are sufficient for overnight temperatures. If it gets too cold in the evening one alternative I have is turning in early in my sleeping bag. So cold temperatures are more of an issue in the morning when I am looking to get going. Again if it is particularly cold I can wait to get going until at least the sun is up and sunlight is making things warmer. |
For those temps I bring thermal tights, thick sleep socks, a hooded puffy jacket, a beanie, a buff, and some thick gloves. For overnighters, I usually pack some luxuries too, like a book or printed out crossword puzzles and a pen if I know I might be holed up in my sleeping bag for a long time.
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Have you camped in temps that cold before? You might be surprised how cold the upper 30s F are when you are tent camping. Depending on your sleeping bag, you may need to wear wool socks, long underwear, and a beanie just to stay warm while you sleep.
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Last weekend with 4 friends we biked from Burlington Vermont to Portland Maine on the Cross Vermont Adventure trail and Cross New Hampshire Adventure Trail. Second night in Jefferson, NH the temps dipped to 30 degrees. We woke up to frost on the tent, ground and our bikes (see pic below). We all had summer sleeping bags and everyone felt it haha. So, I'd say bring a bag for spring or fall (20-30 degree)
https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...300f6c4df7.jpg Frost on the front bag and saddle |
Definitely do as good of a sleeping bag as you can afford. It just helps ya sleep better, by not having to worry about the weather. Worse than a good frost, is an unexpected snowfall, in the mountains. That's when you'll be DARN glad you packed a tent and good sleeping bag. And you're more likely to survive, lol. 😁
Far better to have something, & not need it, than need it & not have it. 🙂 |
Your clothing sounds about right. That sounds like an excellent idea for a shake-down cruise. Have fun!
I personally wouldn't pack anything puffy for those temps, just an extra jersey. My packs don't have much volume. If I'm not comfortable outside, I go to bed early. One of the reasons I like camping is the long nights of rest. For temps near freezing, I use a 30F down quilt. I've never done it, but I could also use it as a serape for sitting around camp. |
The beenie/skullcap is an excellent way to get cheap, light, extra warmth.
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Originally Posted by pdlamb
(Post 22656982)
The beenie/skullcap is an excellent way to get cheap, light, extra warmth.
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Originally Posted by PedalingWalrus
(Post 22656502)
Last weekend with 4 friends we biked from Burlington Vermont to Portland Maine on the Cross Vermont Adventure trail
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Originally Posted by gna
(Post 22656427)
Have you camped in temps that cold before? You might be surprised how cold the upper 30s F are when you are tent camping. Depending on your sleeping bag, you may need to wear wool socks, long underwear, and a beanie just to stay warm while you sleep.
If I am going to be in an area where it might get nippy at night I will bring a warm pair of wool socks, a bottom base layer (I have a synthetic one and a wool one), my Rahpa top base layer and a wool hat along with the little beanie that fits under my helmet. |
Originally Posted by indyfabz
(Post 22657198)
Heh. The first night of my first ever tour (across the U.S. using ACA's Northern Tier route) we camped at Kitsap Memorial Park in WA. It was my first night ever camping. It was freezing in later May. I don't remember what I wore at night, but I did have a 32 degree bag.
If I am going to be in an area where it might get nippy at night I will bring a warm pair of wool socks, a bottom base layer (I have a synthetic one and a wool one), my Rahpa top base layer and a wool hat along with the little beanie that fits under my helmet. For instance, my bag is a 20 degree bag, but the comfort rating is 32 degrees and the tested lower limit is 21. When it's in the 30s, I'm wearing long underwear, socks, and a hat. See https://www.rei.com/learn/expert-adv...e-ratings.html |
Thanks all for the insight! I'm between nervous and excited.
I got everything packed: Handlebar bag: Sleeping bag and pad, puffy jacket (Patagonia something-er-other the work bought us one year as a gift. It's a-real nice), thermal legs and warmup-pants, thermal jersey, beanie, extra gloves (will go on outside), extra socks, camp towel and toothbrush. Food (granola and trail mix. Not bringing a whole lot because I plan on stopping halfway and purchasing a Subway or something and back-pocketing it in, and riding to breakfast on the way out) Seat pack: Tent (with rainfly --gonna need it for the "insulation"), empty 2L bladder to fill when I get to the park, Katadyn BeFree water filter (just in case). The tent is a Sierra Designs Hyperlight AST that I bought like 15 years ago when I first moved to CO and needed to get kitted up because you know, you're in the Rocky Mountains now. Much smaller and packable than I remember. Frame bag: Leatherman, first aid kit, wipes, toolkit and spare tube, and about 6oz of Elijah Craig Rye to commemorate the occasion. Top tube bag: Phone, earbuds (at camp, I don't wear them riding), charging brick (I most likely won't need it but it makes the wife happy), food (couple bars and some Oreos. Yeah, that's how I roll) https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...9670f6ea97.jpg I am amazed just by the whole packing process and how the kitchen goes from overflowing with all sorts of crap to everything gone and stowed in just a few bags. Totally cool. The route is under 20mi one way, which allows me to get a taste of this thing, and if there's time, maybe ride around Mueller State Park either before I lose light on Saturday or before heading to the car on Sunday. Also taking Trout Creek Rd as a detour because who wants to be on the same road the whole time? https://www.mapmyride.com/routes/view/5226152251/ So yeah, I think I'm all set. Trip report when I get back! |
Do you have a pad to sleep on? A good pad will go a long way to keeping you warm. When you lie in a sleeping bag, the insulation underneath you will compress, lessening its insulating properties. If you do not have a pad, stop in the Walmart where you are planning on parking, and buy one of the blue closed cell foam sleeping pads they have in the camping section. They are not expensive and it will help keep you warm, and comfortable.
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Have fun and let us know how it goes.
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Originally Posted by phughes
(Post 22657322)
Do you have a pad to sleep on? A good pad will go a long way to keeping you warm. When you lie in a sleeping bag, the insulation underneath you will compress, lessening its insulating properties. If you do not have a pad, stop in the Walmart where you are planning on parking, and buy one of the blue closed cell foam sleeping pads they have in the camping section. They are not expensive and it will help keep you warm, and comfortable.
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Have fun and enjoy the ride
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Originally Posted by superdex
(Post 22657369)
I do have a pad -- this one https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01M9I8RAN/ --R value of 2.2. Probably a little low for upper 30s, but I think I'll make it work....
You won't be gone long, so it won't be bad, and you will get a good idea of how your equipment works in those conditions. Simply ride, and enjoy. Have a great time. |
Oh yeah, I forgot to say, have fun. That is the whole point, after all. 😁😉
I'll add another yip, for a 100% Merino wool beanie hat. The Merino ones are softer than most, and plenty warm. 👍 I got the one that just about halfways covers your ears, thinking it would work well under my helmet, but it's TOO warm for that. Works great off the bike though. 👍 And don't forget pics, dammit. 😁😉 |
Originally Posted by stardognine
(Post 22656716)
Definitely do as good of a sleeping bag as you can afford
I have since splurged on nicer bags and ultimately a really nice one. My current one was pretty expensive, but may be my favorite piece of gear. It is warm and comfy and packs down to about the size of a liter bottle of sport drink. So yes it was worth it, but then again the $70 bag did serve it's purpose at the time. The expense may be a bit less than it seems though since the $70 bag was kind of shot after a couple long tours and the expensive down bag is like new after years of use. I figure it is probably a lifetime purchase. It certainly will be for me since I was near retirement when I bought it. I have no doubt I will wear out before it does so barring some catastropic damage it will outlast me. So yes if you can afford a really nice bag it is a real joy to own and use. That said I wasn't that unhappy touring with a really cheap bag when I started out. So buy what you can afford and justify. |
Originally Posted by staehpj1
(Post 22657773)
I hesitated to comment on this since I have mixed feelings. I have gone with a wide range on this and can't resist putting in my $0.02 worth. Particularly for summer or three season camping you really can get by with an inexpensive bag. If the budget is tight or you are not sure you will be doing much camping starting out with an inexpensive bag isn't that terrible. I rode the TA with a $70 bag and did years of camping including canoe camping and backpacking mostly with other inexpensive bags.
I have since splurged on nicer bags and ultimately a really nice one. My current one was pretty expensive, but may be my favorite piece of gear. It is warm and comfy and packs down to about the size of a liter bottle of sport drink. So yes it was worth it, but then again the $70 bag did serve it's purpose at the time. The expense may be a bit less than it seems though since the $70 bag was kind of shot after a couple long tours and the expensive down bag is like new after years of use. I figure it is probably a lifetime purchase. It certainly will be for me since I was near retirement when I bought it. I have no doubt I will wear out before it does so barring some catastropic damage it will outlast me. So yes if you can afford a really nice bag it is a real joy to own and use. That said I wasn't that unhappy touring with a really cheap bag when I started out. So buy what you can afford and justify. Last time I was up in Seattle, I scored an old REI down bag, at the Ballard Goodwill, for a great price. Someone cut the tag off, at the bottom, so I dunno what model it is, but it has at least 5 pounds of down filling, maybe more. It would probably cost a few hundred, today. 🙂 BTW, it's a dark red, and supports the urban myth, that vintage red sleeping bags are warmer. 😁😉 |
I have service!
I thought I might, so here’s a little update in bullets:
https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...a412639fa.jpeg https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...c5a0e477c.jpeg https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...135243342.jpeg https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...18e5fbf19.jpeg |
Woohoo, I knew I got online for a reason. Great pics. 👍
I bet you'll sleep good tonight. 😁 |
Thanks for the update.
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Loos even better than it sounded. And now you know the answers to your questions better than any of us could have told you. Every trip is a learning experience. Sounds like you could learn to slow down. Try two gears lower than you would unladen for hills so you are not wiped when you get to camp.
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